Shipshewana and LaGrange County boast a long, proud connection with agriculture. It brought the first settlers to the region and defines the region today. In fact, LaGrange County boasts more farms than any other county in Indiana (2,144) with 79% of the county’s land devoted to agriculture. And in many cases, visitors can reap the rewards of our local growers and producers. Learn more about agritourism and farming destinations around Shipshewana and immerse yourself in our culture.
Agritourism Attractions
In Shipshewana, Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park features an incredible collection of more than 73 species of animals — such as American bison, water buffalo, elk, camels, giraffes, zebras, and red kangaroos. But this isn’t just a place to see exotic critters. Take the wagon ride to get up close with these animals and feed them too! Also in Shipshewana, the Amish-owned Stutzman Dairy Farm offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work that goes into producing milk and other dairy products every day. Open by appointment, watch daily milkings or get up close and feed some of the farm’s animals, some young enough to be bottle fed!
Family owned since 1879, Country Meadows Farm prides itself on sustainable and regenerative farming practices that create more robust soil for healthier animals. Pick up some nutritious, pasture-raised beef, poultry, lamb, and pork — as well as 100% raw honey — from numerous locations across LaGrange County, including the farm itself from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Based in a historic LaGrange schoolhouse, Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary features a variety of bath, body, and home products sourced from locally grown lavender. Nearby, Springfield Acres specializes in summer and fall experiences.
Pick your own sunflowers or give your home a splash of autumn color from their pumpkin patch!
Are you looking for the freshest eggs, meat, dairy, and some one-of-a-kind artisanal goods? Wolcottville-based Circle Q Acres Farm Market promises outstanding customer service and a fantastic selection of locally made products. Also in Wolcottville, the family-owned Cook’s Bison Ranch produces high-quality bison meat raised on the 700-acre farm. Don’t miss the one-hour tour that gets visitors up close with these incredible animals — call for an appointment! Happy animals equal higher-quality meat. At Grateful Grazers Farm, cows and chickens are free to move across the pasture as they please without a cage in sight. Schedule an appointment to tour the farm and bring home 100% grass-raised beef! And while you’re in Wolcottville, pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables from the Soil Shepherd Farm Farmstand, open seven days a week with eggs, seasonal produce, flowers, and whole frozen chickens — cash, check, Venmo, and PayPal accepted.
A Hand-stitched Barn Tour
The heritage and culture of Northern Indiana are reflected in the colorful, wooden quilt patterns adorning barns in the countryside. Combining traditional art, history, and ancestry, these patterns add a splash of color to your scenic drive. Stop by LaGrange County farms like F.B.I. Farms in Howe and McKibben Family Farms in LaGrange to snap a photo of these gorgeous decorations!
Hoosier Homesteads
Created in 1976 to honor Indiana’s agricultural heritage, the Hoosier Homestead Award program honors family farms that have remained with the same family for 100 years or more. More than 6,000 farms around Indiana have been bestowed with this honor, including 31 in LaGrange County. A few Hoosier Homesteads in LaGrange County include:
- Country Meadows Farm (Hudson): Open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday; closed on Sunday
- Grateful Grazers Farm (Stroh): Open to the public by appointment 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday
- Mark & Sharla Thompson Farm (Topeka)
- Perkins Twin Creek Farms (Wolcottville)
- Swihart Pleasant Vale Farm (Howe)
- Swihart Light Farm (Howe)
- Talmage Hoosier Homestead Farm (LaGrange)
- Teeters-Notestine Farm (LaGrange)
