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The Lighting of Shipshewana & Light Parade

Sat. Nov. 11th, kick-off your holiday season with us!

DAYTIME EVENT STARTS 10:00 am & food trucks start opening at 11 am. Tips for enjoying the day’s events: Use the map to find all the available parking options. If you can, park further away and walk to the center of town to avoid traffic. Don’t worry about meals! Food trucks will be open from […]

The Lighting of Shipshewana & Light Parade
winter scene neighborhood night

Shipshewana is Magical at Christmas

Plan your holiday visit today!

Shipshewana is magical at Christmas… The entire small town of Shipshewana is lit up with beautiful Christmas lights during the holidays and looks like something straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie! The Christmas celebrations here truly showcase the towns small-town charm and kind-hearted people, as well as its bright and sparkling Yuletide joy. We’d […]

Shipshewana is Magical at Christmas

Ice Festival Pin Design Winner Chosen

Westview 8th Grader Payton Hargrove has a winning design

Every year the Intro to 2D Art class taught by Jesse Martin at Westview High School is invited to submit designs for that year’s Ice Festival Pin. The students begin designing in early October and 26 designs were submitted in total. The Ice Festival Committee chose the design of Peyton Hargrove, an 8th grader from […]

Ice Festival Pin Design Winner Chosen

MEET CHELSI WARREN

One of the Creators and Stars of Noel!

Chelsi Warren is General Manager and Show Producer of her company Mountain of Entertainment Theater, as well as a talented performer in the shows they produce. Based in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, every December they travel to bring their show Noel to the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana, Indiana. Noel is a beloved annual tradition: this […]

MEET CHELSI WARREN

New Shipshe Sculpture Puts You In the Picture

This 3D Metal Sculpture is interactive!

Smile! The newest art piece in Shipshewana is a special one. The astounding 3D metal sculpture constructed by local artisan and metalsmith Christy Miller, of Countryside Creations, was made possible by a grant from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and is the third public art project to result from it. The first two are […]

New Shipshe Sculpture Puts You In the Picture

Top 15 Fall Selfie Spots in Shipshewana, Indiana

Can you find them all?

Every fall the town of Shipshewana decorates for the season, and no two years are ever exactly the same. If you’re looking for a fun fall activity for you and your friends, or the family, try to find all of the Top 15 Fall Selfie Spots in Shipshewana! The following are photos from every spot […]

Top 15 Fall Selfie Spots in Shipshewana, Indiana

A Day at Davis Mercantile

Explore the four-story Shipshewana landmark that has a little something for everyone.

The origins of the Davis Mercantile building can be traced back to 1891, when original owner Hezekiah Davis built a hotel near the train station to house travelers. What followed was more than 130 years of prosperity, growth, new ownership, relocation, the addition of retail enterprises, a devastating fire, uncertainty, rebuilding, ingenuity, new growth, and […]

A Day at Davis Mercantile

Time for the Annual Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair

Don't miss one of the greatest craft-shopping events of the year!

The Fall Crafters Fair, located inside the Michiana Event Center, is an exhibition and celebration of our talented local artists and craftspeople, as well as the slower-paced culture of Shipshewana and the surrounding countryside. You’ll find artisans, vintage sellers, hand-made items, personalized gifts, and much more! Vendors surround talented musicians and entertainers, while on the […]

Time for the Annual Shipshewana Fall Crafter’s Fair

Shipshewana to Host New #INindiana Selfie Sign

Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB and the IDDC are partnering to promote both state and local tourism.

The Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB (LCCVB) is proud to partner with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) to bring one of our state’s brand-new “IN INDIANA” selfie signs to our beloved travel destination for an entire year. The IDDC unveiled their “IN INDIANA” tourism campaign in 2022, using downloadable templates, the #INindiana hashtag, new highway signs, […]

Shipshewana to Host New #INindiana Selfie Sign

Indiana Hannah Visits Shipshewana and Mongo

Check out her cool videos.

There’s one from Dutch Creek Animal Farm.   And there’s one from Trading Post outfitters in Mongo.  

Indiana Hannah Visits Shipshewana and Mongo

The MEC

The Michiana Event Center is Built For Big.

When the MEC (Michiana Event Center) built it’s new facility in Shipshewana, the motto was Bringing BIG to Michiana, and boy, they weren’t kidding. The multi-purpose venue hosts everything from the concerts of world-class musicians to rodeos, and from enormous craft fairs to holiday spectaculars, it’s become a true destination for big events and entertainment. […]

The MEC

The Moonlight Ride, Rides Again

2023 is the fundraiser's 12th successful year.

A treasured Shipshewana tradition hit the road again for its twelfth year on Friday, July 23rd, 2023. The Moonlight Ride is a yearly fundraiser to benefit local families, and is always well attended, and full of riders of all types. And it’s not just a ride, the entire event encompasses entertainment, meals, games, and demonstrations. […]

The Moonlight Ride, Rides Again

Mel Riegsecker and His Miniatures were the Beginning of Something Big

A brief history of the Blue Gate Hospitality Co.

When people hear the name Shipshewana, they associate it with Amish craftsmanship, buggies, good food, beautiful quilts, amazing shopping, and most likely at least one of the properties run by the Blue Gate Hospitality Company. Currently that list includes a bakery, a restaurant, a theater, a large Performing Arts Center, carriages, a resort-type hotel, and […]

Mel Riegsecker and His Miniatures were the Beginning of Something Big

A Recent Visit to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park

A fantastic photo-taking opportunity.

If either photography or painting is a favorite pastime, LaGrange County needs to be the destination for your next trip. Whether you prefer landscapes, classic architecture, gorgeous farm sunrises, interesting portrait opportunities, or amazingly photogenic animals, there are subjects to be had everywhere you turn. A recent quick stop at Dutch Creek in Shipshewana inspired […]

A Recent Visit to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park

Shipshewana is Alive with the Sound of Bluegrass…

... and gospel, and country, and outdoor jam sessions...

Visiting Shipshewana soon? In September, you’re liable to hear the kind of catchy music that makes you want to get up and dance. For those who love to get out there and play music with others, we’ve got The MEC’s Weekly Food Truck Rally and Jam Session. Every Wednesday until September 15th, you can bring […]

Shipshewana is Alive with the Sound of Bluegrass…

MEET LORA GATES

Lora is the Director of Marketing & Customer Experience for the Shipshewana Trading Place

If you’ve met Lora, than you know that she is hardworking, kind, and fun. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure, you can learn more from our quick interview below. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your life here in Shipshewana? A: I relocated from my hometown 9 years ago to join […]

MEET LORA GATES

Canoeing the Scenic Fawn River

Paddling your troubles away with the help of T & L Country Canoes

One of the most attractive things about visiting LaGrange County is its wide-open spaces. The gorgeous landscapes, beautiful scenery, and large populations of both domestic and wild animals mean there’s always something new to hold your attention. And there are so many ways to experience your surroundings here: buggy, bike, walking paths, trails, but one […]

Canoeing the Scenic Fawn River

Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas

At the Heart of Amish Country

Need a great story idea? We’re here to help! Choose from the categories and suggestions below and contact us for the info and illustrative pieces you need. Need info on a topic that you don’t see here? Contact us and we’ll assist with whatever you need!   Historical: The History of Shipshewana The Story of Davis […]

Shipshewana Featured Story Ideas
Storefronts

10 Reasons to Visit Shipshewana, Indiana

Whether you like soaking up the summer heat or playing in the snow, there’s something to enjoy every season in Shipshewana & LaGrange County. While events, attractions, and activities dot the calendar year-round, we summed it up with 10 reasons why you should visit us! Live Entertainment Every year the level of entertainment we host […]

10 Reasons to Visit Shipshewana, Indiana
Dirt road with snowy trees

5 Do-Not-Miss Winter Activities

IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA

Shipshewana has gotten a bit of a misperception that it is only open during the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market season from May – September. And while the Flea Market is a huge claim to fame for this 3rd largest Amish community in the US, that simply couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are many […]

5 Do-Not-Miss Winter Activities
Christmas lights parade

Kick Off The Holiday Season

IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA

The holidays come early in Shipshewana, and we LOVE it!! At the end of October, the elves are out hanging lights and decorating all over town. It’s a nice mix of fall and Christmas décor for a period of time, but once November arrives it’s an all-out Christmas extravaganza here in Shipshe! Just in time […]

Kick Off The Holiday Season
Blue Gate restaurant

15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana

YOU'LL WANT TO DO THEM ALL

Shipshewana brings simple living, Amish hospitality, amazing shopping, and fun activities to Northern Indiana. Take in the area’s best attractions including shopping the Midwest’s Largest Flea Market, catching a musical at the Blue Gate Music Hall, or eating a home-cooked Amish meal (all group-friendly!). You’ll want to spend more than a day exploring this town, […]

15 Best Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana
Family hiking

10 Ways to Unplug

IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA

Many vacation destinations have added technology services to make the trip more convenient and efficient – at the cost of making the experiences less personable and tying you to your phone. Shipshewana is one of the few places that is the exception to that trend, and our way of simple living makes us the perfect […]

10 Ways to Unplug
Girl feeding an animal

Family “Staycation” Ideas

IN SHIPSHEWANA, INDIANA

Spring break doesn’t always mean you have to jump on a plane and travel to somewhere tropical. There’s plenty to do within driving distance around the Midwest, like a visit to Shipshewana. With activities both parents and kids can enjoy, these top family vacation / staycation ideas are sure to make everyone happy. Enjoy Hotel […]

Family “Staycation” Ideas
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