4 days in Shipshewana Indiana [Full travel guide]
I spent 4 days in Shipshewana Indianana and had an absolute blast.
Shipshewana is at the heart of Amish Country. Its a small, tight knit community that welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors per year.
Everything you need to know about visiting this authentic Amish community is packed into this guide!
Inside this article:
- How to plan your visit to Shipshewana, Indiana
- When to visit Shipshewana
- What to see and do around Shipshewana
- Where to stay around Shipshewana and Lagrange County
- How to fly to Shipshewana
- About Shipshewana
- Etiquette for visiting Amish Country
- Why you should visit Shipshewana
How to plan your visit to Shipshewana
My first tip for visiting Shipshewana is to arrive mid-week. Most businesses are closed on Sundays, so you’ll want time to see the shops and attractions while they’re open.
The Shipshewana Flea Market is a huge attraction that opens May through September. This is the perfect time to visit Northern Indiana because the weather is also great.
I actually visited in late September the weekend after the famous Shipshewana flea market wrapped up. Even so, there’s so much to do outside of Flea Market season.
Shipshewana will make you want to slow down and relax, and I highly recommend you do. With one half day and two full days, you’ll have enough time to experience a lot of what Shipshewana has to offer (but as I’ve learned, there’s always enough for a second, third, or annual visit!)
When to visit Shipshewana
The best time to visit Shipshewana is during the week. I recommend going Wednesday through Saturday if you need to make it more of a weekend trip. That’s because most things close on Sunday, so it is a good day to travel home.
What to see and do around Shipshewana
Shipshewana Visitors Center
Stop here when you first arrive in town to get the lay of the land. Say hi to the awesome team who helps promote Shipshewana businesses and tourism.
Blue Gate Garden Inn / Blue Gate Restaurant
I stayed at the Blue Gate Inn right on the edge of town. I would highly recommend it, because you’re walking distance from the Blue Gate Theatre (and I highly recommend a show there), and a 1 minute drive from downtown shops and restaurants.
Blue Gate Performing Arts Center / Blue Gate Music Hall
Book a show or concert at the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. I saw Shane Profitt and Lauren Alaina (American Idol runner-up) perform and had the best time dancing and singing along with over 1000 show-goers.
Part of the fun is arriving early and walking the halls to see hundreds of signed photos from world famous artists who’ve played at the theatre. Along the halls I found all my favorite country stars like Shanaya Twain and Big and Rich.
Downtown Shipshewana
I hope you fall in love with the heart of downtown Shipshewana the same way I did! Downtown is very walkable, so park your car and stroll through the streets of shops and businesses. If you have time, then plan about a half day to leisurely walk the shops and explore.
Riverwood Pottery
Riverwood Pottery has some of the CUTEST handmade mugs I’ve ever found. You can also find matching pottery sets and beautiful hand sculpted pieces.
I happened to be in town during the Michiana Pottery Tour, so I had the chance to see local potters from across Amish country.
teaberry wood products
Schedule a basket making class at Teaberry on Morton. This is the second location of Teaberry Wood Products, where you can hand make wooden baskets.
The small group class is guided step-by-step with an instructor, and it’s suitable for all skill levels. I love my basket and use it to hold tea!
Pro travel tip: Shop late morning to mid afternoon. Check hours before you plan your day, because shops close before or around dinner time.
Shipshewana buggy rides
Book an authentic Amish carriage ride at Shipshewana Buggy Rides. Our driver Jo introduced us to our sweet carriage horse and took us on a Amish buggy ride around town. You have an option for a 30 or 60 minute ride. 60 minutes takes you out into the countryside.
Shipshewana Flea Market
The Shipshewana Flea Market runs May through September. This is your spot for unique finds from antiques to homemade goods. The market is the size of 30 football fields with hundreds of vendors.
Davis Mercantile
This multi-story mall houses tons of local shops to explore. Visit Jojo’s Pretzels (and get the dipping cheese)! I met co-owner Levi who shared the story of their family business. The pretzels are super fresh, and they offer gluten-free options.
Did I mention everything in Shipshewana is so well made? If you’re looking for hand made goods this is the Davis Merchantile place to visit.
Levi’s family also owns Sarah Davis Ltd. clothing store, and I found so many cute pieces. Make time to stroll the three stories of shops and Dentzel Carousel on the top floor.
ben’s soft Pretzels
I had the pleasure of meeting the team and making pretzels, and I’m not exaggerating these were the best pretzels I’ve ever eaten.
The founder’s story is both impressive and inspiring, they’re amazing business owners. You should also stop at Das Kaffee Haus (another business they own) for lattes with handmade syrups that are just so good.
E&S Sales Bulk Foods
E&S is a Shipshewana staple for groceries, baked goods, and tons of handmade foods. Explore the aisles and picking up a few treats. I also had the chance to meet owner Jay Chupp, who shared the inspiring history of their family’s business.
The weekly farmers market
The weekly farmers market is a handful of booths on the lawn beside Art House on Morton.
You can pick up fresh produce and meet local farmers. And, you don’t have to start too early – the market opened around 10:00 AM when we visited.
Off the Beaten Path Audio Driving Tour
If you’re big into audio tours then download “Off the Beaten Path Audio Driving Tour” and explore Shipshewana by car.
The tour will guide you in and around Shipshewana with local history and stories.
Shipshewana Museum
Take 2ish hours and learn about Mennonite cultures. I thought I knew a bit about Amish culture and Mennonite history, but I realized I was only scratching the surface.
The museum tour kicked off with interactive displays and audio guide walking through the fascinating origins of these communities.
Also, the tour guide volunteers are knowledgable so come with your questions!
bike ride on PumpkinVine Nature Trail
This was my favorite Shipshewana activity! My only wish is that I’d started earlier in the day to hit the full trail which is about 18 miles each way.
I rented my bike at 2 Chicks and a Chair and they were so helpful getting me all set up for the ride.
The start of the Pumpkin Vine Trail is right on the edge of town and it takes you from Shipshewana to Goshen. Middlebury and Krider World’s Fair Garden is along the way, so make it a point to stop at both.
I would recommend arriving at the bike rental shop right when it opens and spending a full day on the trails so you’re not rushed. Pack lunch or plan to stop in Middlebury or Goshen for food.
The route leads you through quiet farmland, through tree tunnels, and across meadows. I felt so much joy just peddling along and hearing the birds singing.
Watch out for squirrels, always adhere to the rules and speed limits of the trail, and keep to your side of the trail. There are very clean portable toilets along the way.
join an amish meal at carriage house
I drove about 10 minutes outside of town to join Elaine and her son Seth at their home for an authentic Amish meal.
Highly recommend booking this as a first-day activity so you can learn about Amish mealtime culture and cuisine.
Dining with small groups of visitors made it easy to strike up conversation at the communal-style tables. Also, the food was DELICIOUS, my favorite was the cinnamon apple spread on the homemade bread.
Breakfast at Corn crib Cafe
Do yourself a favor and order the Haystack meal – a popular meal with the Amish, foods like biscuits, potatoes, bacon, onion, eggs, sausage, gravy, and cheese are stacked on top of one another to form a haystack.
This little cafe makes for a great kick-off to the day, and they serve a strong cup of coffee.
Take a day trip to Lagrange
Lagrange is a cozy little town just 10 miles (15 minutes) from Shipshewana.
When you go, make your first stop Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary. This beautiful restored building is the storefront to Northern Indiana’s only lavender farm, Bloofield Schoolhouse Lavender.
I met founder Marion, who is also restoring a historic schoolhouse to become an event space.
Take a turn through No Place Like Oz (a 6,000+ piece private collection of Wizard of Oz collectibles) and visit Fawn River Coffee Co for a pick-me-up.
Grab lunch at Destination 814, a scratch kitchen with daily specials. Get yourself a burger or one of their main specials. Anytime I hear the bar has 250+ whiskeys, I know the drinks are going to be standout (go for the old fashioned).
Where to stay around Shipsewana and Lagrange County
I stayed right in town at the Blue Gate Garden Inn and Conference Center. The room was large with 2 beds, and minutes from everything I had planned in town.
Another option is booking one of the hotels along S Van Buren Street, where you have a few options.
How to fly to Shipshewana Indiana
You can fly into South Bend Indiana and rent a card to drive to Shipshewana. The total drive time is about 1 to 1.5 hours.
About Shipshewana Indiana
Shipshewana is the third-largest Amish settlement in the country. Its hard to describe the wonderful sense of community that I could feel here even as an outsider. A lot of folks own one or multiple businesses, and you can tell how much they care for their community.
Visiting town gave me a chance to just step out of the rush of the world and see how people live very happily without a lot of the distractions we just assume are normal in American culture.
Etiquette in Amish Country
The wonderful team at Visit Shipshewana shared important Amish culture etiquette to start me off on the right foot.
A couple helpful tips they shared:
- Be careful and watchful for horse-drawn carriages on the roads. Especially at turns and lights. Always keep a safe distance, and be aware that buggies can be on all major roadways.
- Don’t take pictures of buggies, horses, or people without explicit permission. Many Amish would rather not be in photos or videos.
- Respect speed limits on roadways and trails. If using an E-bike, be mindful that many people will be on normal bikes, and watch while passing.
The golden rule I always use for myself while traveling is to observe before acting. As with any place you visit, be respectful of local traditions and ways of life.
Your dream trip to Shipshewana awaits!
Shipshewana Indiana stole my heart, and I hope you’ll give it a chance to steal yours too. Its a community full of wonderful people, locally owned stores, natural beauty, and friendly people willing to stop and share stories.
If you’ve been needing to step away from the rush of the outside world and reconnect with other human beings, Shipshewana is just the place for a getaway.
