Shipshewana is THE BEST Family-Friendly Destination
Choose Shipshewana for Your Next Family Vacation Destination!
Shipshewana & LaGrange County are well known for Amish culture, delicious home-style cooking, amazing shows and events, and quality artisan craftsmanship. But did you know that this area is also a GREAT DESTINATION for families looking for an adventure on a budget?!
Here are 12 Fun Family Fun Ideas which are low-cost or free activities your family can check out during your low-key getaway to the heart of Amish Country.
CAROUSEL AT DAVIS MERCANTILE (1)
SHIPSHEWANA Enjoy the 1906 Dentzel Carousel featuring hand-carved farm animals. A beautiful attraction for people of all ages!
CANOE & KAYAK (2)
MONGO & SHIPSHEWANA Nothing says ‘family fun’ more than spending a relaxing day paddling down scenic Indiana waterways!
BUGGY & CARRIAGE RIDES (3)
SHIPSHEWANA See our town the way most locals do, from behind a horse! Take a tour or casual ride around town in a carriage or a traditional buggy.
COOK’S BISON RANCH (4)
WOLCOTTVILLE An exciting experience for all ages! Get up close to these amazing animals and create some wholesome family memories you won’t forget.
PUBLIC HIKING TRAILS (5)
LAGRANGE COUNTY PARKS Pack up the family and head out to one of our many beautiful county parks that offer beautiful, natural hiking trails.
DUTCH CREEK ANIMAL PARK (6)
SHIPSHEWANA Tour the farm on a horse-drawn wagon ride (where you can feed the animals) or see them from the comfort of your own car. Visit the walking path area to see the smaller animals and new babies! (Ever held a baby piglet?)
PUBLIC BEACHES (7)
LAGRANGE COUNTY PARKS Visit Cedar Lake, Wall Lake, Dallas Lake, or Shipshewana Lake Parks for beach and/or water access.
SHIPSHE MINI GOLF (8)
SHIPSHEWANA Grab a slice of pizza and a putter and play 18 holes on this fun and challenging mini golf course.
PUMPKINVINE TRAIL (9)
SHIPSHEWANA Rent some bikes and hit this great trail that runs from Shipshewana to Goshen. Stop by the Visitor Center for bike rental & trail info.
KID-FRIENDLY SHOPPING (10)
SHIPSHEWANA Check out some of the local stores that feature kid-friendly products or experiences: Kids Kreations (make your own doll & more); Lotions & Potions (make your own lotion, bath bombs, lip gloss & more); Red Wagon Toy Store in the Davis Mercantile
KID-FRIENDLY DINING & TREATS (11)
LAGRANGE COUNTY Restaurants throughout the county offer lots of kid favorites including chicken, pizza, mac-n-cheese & more. Shipshewana specialty shops offer hot pretzels, vintage candies, homemade ice cream, and other yummy treats.
SHOWS & ANNUAL EVENTS (12)
SHIPSHEWANA From the LaGrange County Fair to the Mayfest Celebration to the Lighting of Shipshewana at the holidays, Shipshewana & LaGrange County offer events YEAR-ROUND that are designed for family fun. The MEC and Blue Gate Theatre offer family-friendly shows throughout the year.
Shipshewana hotels with awesome amenities:
BLUE GATE GARDEN INN
SHIPSHEWANA – The Blue Gate Garden Inn is the newest hotel in Shipshewana and built to resemble the rambling white farmhouses that dot the countryside. The Blue Gate is large enough to provide the amenities to make you feel pampered, but designed so it feels comfortable and casual. Plus the hotel is located to provide you with the beautiful views of the countryside you’d hope to find in Shipshewana.
WHAT’S GREAT AT THE BLUE GATE?
You’ll never run out of things to do! From the indoor pool to the game room to the old-fashioned, in-house pizza and ice cream, shop, it’s a great stay for families looking to get the most out of their vacation.
FARMSTEAD INN
SHIPSHEWANA Shipshewana’s Farmstead Inn & Conference Center is a beautiful country-style hotel featuring a three-story atrium with fireplaces, free hot continental breakfast, indoor pool and recreation center.
WHAT’S GREAT AT THE FARMSTEAD?
There’s SO MUCH ROOM to roam around and explore, both inside and out. And the family will love the breakfasts, pool, hot tub, ping-pong, and basketball court!
VAN BUREN HOTEL
SHIPSHEWANA “Our family serving your family.” Come and experience small town hospitality at its best during your stay here with us! Overlooking the surrounding countryside, our hotel offers a great place to stay while visiting the Shipshewana area. TripAdvisor “Hall of Fame” award winner! Just north on SR5, we’re away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Please come and stay with us! We are proud to offer many fine amenities, such as clean and comfortable Indiana hotel accommodations, complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, free wireless high-speed Internet, plus refrigerators and microwaves in every room.
Other Local Hotels/Motels with Family-Friendly Amenities
- Best Western Plus Howe Inn: indoor pool, adjoining rooms
- Der Ruhe Blatz Motel: adjoining rooms, pet friendly
- Holiday Inn Express Howe/Sturgis: indoor pool; adjoining rooms, pet friendly
- Patriot Inn: pet friendly
- Shipshewana Super 8: laundry facilities, family suites
- Super 8 Howe: jacuzzi/whirlpool/hot tub, laundry facilities, adjoining rooms, family suites, pet friendly
