Tour Schedule
*Please Note:
- All tours depart from the Blue Gate Garden Inn hotel lobby and return to the Blue Gate Garden Inn
- All tours require advance reservations with confirmed tickets
- Reserve tours with registration here.
- All tours have a maximum capacity of 23 people per tour.
- Tours include lunch as described.
- All tours include a local expert professional guide.
- Tour reservation deadline is by March 27, 2025
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
OPTIONAL TOUR: Pre-conference Complimentary Admission Tour
Menno-Hof Amish Mennonite Interpretive Center
Tour times are at the top of the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and are available on a first come, first reserved basis. Advance reservations/tickets are required from the Visit Shipshewana table located inside the Blue Gate Garden Inn Lobby
Menno-Hof is an important and delightful first stop before taking in the rich landscape and gentle charm of the Shipshewana area. Menno-Hof offers visitors accurate information through immersive multimedia presentations and hands-on displays about the faith and life of the Amish and Mennonites-part of the 500- year lifestyle and religious tradition. It’s an excellent location to learn more about this culture and lifestyle. The gift shop features handcrafted items made by local crafters.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Tour 1:
Makers & Tasty Treats in Amish Country Tour
Arrive in Blue Gate Garden Inn hotel lobby at 8 a.m. Depart at 8:15 a.m., Complimentary lunch included, Return to hotel lobby at 4 p.m.
Calling all Foodies and Handcrafted Lovers! Put your stretchy pants on, indulge your sweet tooth as you check out some tasty local eats that will melt in your mouth while indulging in the sights, sounds and craftsmanship of the Amish. This tour is designed with you in mind as you sample, shop, learn and enjoy the scrumptious foods and locally made handcrafts of this culture. You will visit an Amish Fried Pie maker, then meet Carolyn in her Amish canning kitchen. You’ll learn about Amish buggy making after driving the scenic countryside. Lunch is at Ben’s Pretzels where you practice “the twist” and enjoy a tasty lunch. You’ll end the day with the local leather goods maker and basket weaver. It’s a day filled with fun, surprises, treats, and compelling information that will last a lifetime.
Tour 2:
Bidding & Bargains Tour
Arrive in Blue Gate Garden Inn hotel lobby at 7:45 a.m. Depart at 8 a.m., Complimentary lunch included, Return to hotel lobby at 3:30 p.m.
Shipshewana is known for great deals, discounts, bargains and fun. This tour starts with an Auction 101 class to teach you insider secrets to bidding direct from the Amish Auctioneer. You will have an opportunity to put your new skills to the test at the 6-9-ring Antique Auction located at Shipshewana Trading Place. Then you’ll get to see the Buggy Boneyard and “shop where the Amish shop” at the famous E&S Bulk Food Store. Some free time for lunch will include options for tasty treats while exploring the popular Davis Mercantile plus dozens of additional small shops in downtown before you learn about repurposing and upcycling from the Cherry Pickers team
Thursday, April 30, 2025
Tour 1:
Farm Animal Fun in Amish Country Tour
Arrive in Blue Gate Garden Inn hotel lobby at 8 a.m. Depart at 8:15 a.m., Return to hotel lobby at Noon for lunch.
Shipshewana and LaGrange County has a rich agriculture heritage with over 2,100 farms making this area the largest number of farms still operating today in the entire state of Indiana. Your journey this morning you will meet with Mervin Yoder a successful Amish businessman, who is proud to show you his fully restored vast collection of antique tractors and other original pieces of farm equipment. Old Teddy, his faithful dog, may meander up to show us how he can churn butter. Then you’ll step inside the famous Polygonal shaped Barn listed on the National Register of Historic Places before taking a tour of a working Amish Dairy Farm which has won international awards for their famous flavored whole milk.
Tour 2:
Rollin’ on the River…an outdoor experience on the Pigeon River
Arrive in the hotel lobby at 8:00 a.m., Departs at 8:15 a.m., Returns to hotel lobby at Noon for lunch
All paddles and equipment are provided.
There will be 3 options to choose from Single kayak (1 person), Double kayak (2 people), and Canoe (2 people).
Welcome to Trading Post Outfitters in Mongo, Indiana where the best of nature and adventure converge. Since 1971, we’ve been facilitating unparalleled outdoor experiences, leaving our guests to explore our diverse river trips and scenic campground while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area. Surrounded by lush landscapes and the calls of native wildlife, you’ll discover why this family-friendly escape is more than just a place to paddle—it’s a wonderful window into Indiana’s great outdoors. Whether you seek a short, tranquil paddle or a long weekend retreat from the city, our idyllic setting invites you to create lasting memories out in the fresh air. A visit to Trading Post Outfitters is the perfect choice for a nature-infused, relaxing, and joy-filled day on the river.
Friday, May 1, 2026
OPTIONAL TOUR: Post-conference Complimentary Admission Tour
Menno-Hof Amish Mennonite Interpretive Center
Two tour times are offered at either 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. EST on this day and are available on a first come, first reserved basis. Advance reservations/tickets are required from the Visit Shipshewana table located inside the Blue Gate Garden Inn Lobby
Menno-Hof is an important and delightful first stop before taking in the rich landscape and gentle charm of the Shipshewana area. Menno-Hof offers visitors accurate information through immersive multimedia presentations and hands-on displays about the faith and life of the Amish and Mennonites-part of the 500- year lifestyle and religious tradition. It’s an excellent location to learn more about this culture and lifestyle. The gift shop features handcrafted items made by local crafters
