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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

Purple Martin Nesting Boxes are an Amish Tradition

The beneficial relationship between Purple Martins, a type of sparrow, and humans goes back hundreds of years in North America. Purple Martins are voracious consumers of insects, especially mosquitoes, and early Native Americans figured out that attracting them to their land was beneficial to all the people and animals that lived there. Historically, Purple Martins […]

Purple Martin Nesting Boxes are an Amish Tradition

‘Paddle for Parkview’ Returns for its 14th Year

To participate, register before Aug. 18th.

LAGRANGE — “Paddle for Parkview” is back for its 14th year on Friday, Aug. 25. People who enjoy being out on the water in canoes and kayaks are encouraged to register for the event now. Register before Aug. 18 by visiting Parkview.com/LaGrangePaddle. Paddlers are encouraged to share photos from their experience on the river with […]

‘Paddle for Parkview’ Returns for its 14th Year

LaGrange Habitat Hosting Annual Auction

The 27th annual benefit auction begins on Friday, in Shipshewana, starting at 4 p.m.

The LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity is hosting its 27th annual benefit auction on Friday in Shipshewana, starting at 4 p.m. Funds raised from the auction will go toward funding for the organization’s operation, and will in part go toward putting a family in a new home. While the Habitat for Humanity in LaGrange does […]

LaGrange Habitat Hosting Annual Auction

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

What are ‘Cottage Shops’?

These out-of-the-way shops are an important component of the Amish way of life.

The term ‘Cottage Shop’ in LaGrange County refers to the many Amish-run businesses that you can find scattered throughout the beautiful backroads surrounding Shipshewana, LaGrange, Middlebury and almost any area where the Amish way of life is prevalent. They are typically small stores next to their homes and workshops, and the products they make and […]

What are ‘Cottage Shops’?

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…

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
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
A cart filled with hay, pumpkins, and flowers

Scenic Fall Drive

AROUND LAGRANGE COUNTY, INDIANA

Typically when you roll into Shipshewana, you’re greeted by endless farms and open fields. The natural beauty here in Northern Indiana can often be underappreciated: many people aren’t aware of hidden gems like the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area or our many lakes. Follow this scenic fall drive in Shipshewana & LaGrange County and […]

Scenic Fall Drive
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
Father and child fishing

5 Family-Friendly Activities

BY THE GLEASON FAMILY

“We are an adventurous family! While only 5 of us travel together these days….we have 8 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 3 grandbabies and of course, Matt and I. We try to go adventuring as often as possible and find new things to be doing and learning. Creating meaningful family time and making memories is what […]

5 Family-Friendly Activities
A dog

Pet-Friendly Adventures

IN LAGRANGE COUNTY, INDIANA

There’s always one downside for going on vacation, leaving that furry little friend to wonder why you’re not home at 5:42 like a usual day. So, why not just bring them along for the ride? You’d be surprised (and excited about) how pet friendly LaGrange County businesses are! Shipshewana Flea Market Visit on a Tuesday […]

Pet-Friendly Adventures
Morton House

My Weekend in Shipshewana

BY TRAVELING TONYA

Shipshewana was excited to host Tanya Shelburne, from Traveling Tanya, along with her family for a weekend of activities. Their time was filled with cultural experiences, shopping, wine tasting, and even a concert. She has shared her experience in the blog below so you can what visiting Shipshewana is like first hand! With full days […]

My Weekend in Shipshewana
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
Blue Gate noodles

Amish Noodles

There’s one thing you’ll find in the kitchen of every Amish home, as a matter of fact, most homes in LaGrange County: Amish noodles. They’re a staple around here since they’re easy to add to any dish. But where do you buy them? What can you make with them? Can you make them yourself? The […]

Amish Noodles
Group getting off a bus

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour

WITH GREAT LIFE TOURS

Eager to start our day full of exploring, we stepped outside the hotel and let the fresh Northern Indiana air wake us up for an exciting Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. Our step-on tour guide, Vickie Estep from Great Life Tours, welcomed us aboard the bus, excited about what she had in store for us. With […]

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour
Bus tour

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour

WITH STEP-ON GUIDE SCOTT MILLER

Many people skip right over the motor coach tour option when planning a vacation, and you’re thinking, “so what? Can’t I see the same things on my own?” Which may be partially true, but it’s not nearly the same experience as a Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. For the first time, I was able to join […]

Shipshewana Group Bus Tour
Flowers

Memorial Day Weekend Trip to Amish Country

WELCOME TO LAGRANGE COUNTY, INDIANA

Everyone knows Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summertime, so welcome the season with a bang! Shipshewana and LaGrange County have plenty going on all weekend long to make it a memorable holiday for you and your companions. Start Your Trip With A Haystack If you roll into town Saturday morning, of course […]

Memorial Day Weekend Trip to Amish Country
Antique oil cans

9 Things History Buffs Should Do in Shipshewana

You know you’re a history buff when you love to know the story behind each destination you travel to. Shipshewana, Indiana has a rich Amish and Mennonite heritage that is fun to learn about. History buffs can bring Shipshewana’s past to life by visiting the following events and attractions. Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Museum One of the […]

9 Things History Buffs Should Do in Shipshewana

A Cool History (and The Best Pie!)

SHIPSHEWANA AUCTION RESTAURANT

It’s rare to find a restaurant with such a history (and such amazing pie!) The Shipshewana Auction Restaurant, located at Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, is a charming sit-down eatery that serves the buyers, sellers and visitors to the auction and flea market. Customers love to fill up on Amish & Mennonite favorites including chicken & […]

A Cool History (and The Best Pie!)
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