Shipshewana is one of the most popular Group Tour destinations in the U.S.
Visitors choose Group Bus Tours for a number of reasons!
- No driving, and no navigating.
- You can travel with friends.
- No decisions to make: the trip is already fully planned!
- You’ll experience a curated adventure.
- You can meet new people and make new friends.
- You’ll have access to group activities that are unavailable to non-group visitors.
Shipshewana is also a one-of-a-kind destination where the Amish and Mennonite community not only welcomes visitors, but actively participate and benefit from the hospitality and tourism industry. Your tour guide will guide you Off the Beaten Path to discover Amish-owned businesses located in town, or in their own cottage shops scattered throughout LaGrange County. The owners and artisans are happy to welcome all types of travelers to learn about their lives, try their hand at a traditional craft, and shop their wares. 
Bus Tours mean larger groups, so they also have the benefit of being able to make reservations for things like large homecooked Amish meals on their farms, or plan group hands-on experiences like basket-weaving, or pretzel-making. Called Make & Takes, they’ve become a popular benefit to touring Shipshewana in a group. Many local artisans will now teach a group how to make a (usually smaller) version of what they specialize in.
Local Make & Takes include:
- Pretzels
- Barn Quilts
- Baskets
- Amish Dolls
- Quilt Squares
- Wooden Decor
The bus companies also work with a tour specialist from the Shipshewana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) who makes it possible to customize their tours, schedule experiences, plan itineraries, and take home some great keepsakes from their trip.
Benefits of working with the CVB include:
- Free customized itinerary planning and information.
- Frequent new experiences, trails, and tours being developed by the CVB is constantly developing new experiences.
- Updated, real-time information on locations, roads, parking and logistics.
- Free welcome bags, coupon books, info, and keepsakes.
One of the biggest benefits to touring as a Bus Group is the Step-On Guide. A Step-On Guide is a knowledgeable, local tour guide who can literally “step-on” to the bus when it arrives, to narrate the trip and answer questions. All of the Step-On Guides that work with the CVB in Shipshewana know a LOT about the topics and area, and some of them are Amish themselves.
If you are interested in learning more, or in planning a Group Bus Tour, contact Judy McConnell at the Shipshewana CVB or call the CVB weekdays between 9 and 5pm. And hurry! Before you miss your bus!
