Shipshewana, Indiana, promises a delightful experience if you seek new and fun adventures. Nestled in the heart of Indiana’s Amish country, Shipshewana offers a blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and family-friendly activities. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the best things to do in Shipshewana and tips on respecting and enjoying the Amish culture.
If you’ve never experienced the traveling adventures in an Amish community, you are in for a real treat, a feast for your senses. From unimaginably delicious food to delightful shopping and unique cultures, the best things to do in Shipshewana, Indiana, often spur from the creative minds of the elusive Amish community.
Shipshewana and LaGrange County are where you can explore this lesser-known way of life and form of simplicity, where a slower pace and family core values are vital.
Here is how my trip unfolded.
Vist Menno-Hof
Start your trip to Shipshewana at Menno-Hof, a fascinating museum offering an interactive look into the Mennonite and Amish communities’ history, culture, and faith. The exhibits are well-curated and provide a wealth of information that will give you a deeper understanding of these unique ways of life.
From the intricate dioramas to the multimedia presentations, Menno-Hof is educational and engaging.
Menno-Hof’s emphasis on storytelling allows visitors to step into the lives of the Amish and Mennonite people. You’ll learn about their origins, their reasons for emigrating to America, and their enduring commitment to simplicity and faith. This museum is perfect for families, as its hands-on exhibits cater to all ages.
It’s essential to approach Menno-Hof with an open mind and respect for the portrayed cultures. The museum staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, ready to answer any questions. Your visit here sets a respectful tone for your entire trip to Shipshewana.
Extend your trip a bit and explore Fort Wayne, only 75 minutes away.
Immerse Yourself in Amish Culture
One of the most enriching aspects of visiting Shipshewana is immersing yourself in Amish culture. The Amish community in this region is known for its hospitality and openness to visitors who show genuine interest and respect.
You can start by taking a guided tour, which often includes visiting an Amish farm, eating a traditional meal, and getting insights into daily Amish life.
Engaging with the Amish community provides a unique perspective on a lifestyle that prioritizes simplicity, family, and faith. You’ll observe firsthand how they live without modern conveniences like electricity and automobiles yet maintain a fulfilling and productive way of life.
This experience is not only eye-opening but also humbling.
When visiting Amish areas, it’s important to remember certain dos and don’ts. Always ask for permission before taking photographs, as many Amish people prefer not to be photographed due to religious beliefs. Show respect by dressing modestly and speaking softly.
These small gestures go a long way in fostering positive interactions and mutual respect.
Eat All the Amish Food
One of the highlights of visiting Shipshewana is indulging in authentic Amish cuisine. The town has several restaurants and bakeries serving hearty, homemade dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Rise ‘n Roll Bakery is my favorite. It has delectable donuts and a sausage roll with gravy that is perfect for breakfast. Amish food is a culinary delight, from savory meats and fresh-baked breads to delicious pies and pastries.
Start your foodie adventure at a world-famous local restaurant like the Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery, serving locally sourced foods. Here, you can savor traditional Amish dishes such as homemade noodles, slow-cooked roast beef, and fried chicken.
The generous portions and comforting flavors create a satisfying meal that will leave you perfectly content.
The Saturday breakfast buffet costs $13.49 for adults and $6.99 for kids 4-11. Signature Blue Gate Dinner Buffets cost $22.99 for adults and include a soup and salad bar and a fantastic dessert bar.
You can skip the buffet altogether and order from a standard menu in the dining area on the first floor.
A Private Amish Dining Experience
A group of friends and I had a traditional Amish meal in an Amish home, a special group offering you can book online. What a fantastic experience. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with all the fixings: fried chicken, baked steak, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, broccoli salad, fresh-baked bread, Amish peanut butter, fruit pies, and a surprisingly delicious zucchini jam (pictured in orange).
The Amish noodles make me weak in the knees; you’ll definitely want to try them. And whatever you do, take home a jar of the Amish peanut butter.
Another great place to indulge in delicious food and a luxury stay is at Indiana’s French Lick Resort. Learn more in this post.
Blue Gate Performing Arts Theater
The Blue Gate Performing Arts Theater is a must-visit for entertainment that captures the essence of Shipshewana. This venue hosts a variety of shows, from musicals and concerts to comedy acts and theatrical performances.
It’s worth noting that the Blue Gate Performing Arts Theater offers two convenient performance venues. The Music Hall, located in the heart of town within the same building as the Blue Gate Restaurant, is perfect for intimate shows.
For larger performances, the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, a distinctive red barn building next to the Blue Gate Garden Inn, provides a unique setting.
The quality of the productions at these venues is impressive, and the musicians are incredibly talented. Blue Gate Performing Arts Theater provides a cozy, intimate atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
I enjoyed seeing the Shipshe Gospel Jubilee at the Music Hall, which had audience participation the entire time; they even took requests. After the show, I met the artists and bought their music in the lobby.
I ventured over to the PAC (Performing Arts Center) to see the Bee Gees Gold Tribute band, which was 10/10.
Families visiting Shipshewana will find the Blue Gate Theater particularly appealing. The family-friendly programming ensures everyone can enjoy a night out together, from young children to grandparents.
It’s crucial to check the Blue Gate Theater’s schedule online before your visit. With tickets often selling out quickly, especially for popular shows, booking in advance is a smart move. This ensures you’re well-prepared and won’t miss out on the fantastic performances that contribute to Shipshewana’s vibrant cultural scene, with around 450 shows per year.
Blue Gate Garden Inn
As if I haven’t confused you enough with all of these Blue Gate properties, this one allows you to rest your head overnight after a long day of exploring. The Blue Gate Garden Inn is within walking distance of downtown Shipshewana and an excellent place to spend evenings.
The rooms at the Blue Gate Garden Inn are comfortable and clean, some with patios and chairs. I stayed in a double queen room, which had a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are complimentary.
Blue Gate’s inviting lobby has a welcoming vibe, and the first floor alone houses an ice cream parlor, a breakfast restaurant, a fitness center, gathering spaces for reading, playing games, or bringing in food, convenience items for sale, and an indoor pool with a hot tub.
The outside property has pristine grounds, inviting fire pits, and the perfect seat for Indiana sunsets. Congrats to Blue Gate Garden Inn for winning TripAdvisor’s 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards.
Visit Dutch Creek Animal Farm
For a family-friendly adventure, head to Dutch Creek Animal Farm. This petting zoo and farm offer a hands-on experience that includes a part of the park to walk through and a part to ride through via horse-drawn wagon.
You’ll have the chance to feed and interact with the animals, including goats, llamas, camels, water buffalo, a zorse, Texas longhorns, and bison.
The farm’s friendly atmosphere makes it a delightful outing for all ages; my friends and I loved it.
The Dutch Creek Animal Farm’s wagon rides take you through the scenic property, allowing you to see the animals in a more natural setting and learn about their habits and behaviors. It’s an educational experience that fosters a deeper connection with nature and wildlife.
Bring extra cash for animal feed and souvenirs, and wear or bring bug spray. This attraction is open from May 1 through mid-October.
Go Shopping
Shopping in Shipshewana offers a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern finds. The town is dotted with quaint shops and boutiques where you can find everything from handmade quilts and furniture to trendy clothing and accessories.
It’s a shopper’s paradise that caters to various tastes and preferences.
Start your shopping spree at Davis Mercantile, a multi-level shopping center with a variety of specialty stores. You can browse unique gifts, home decor, and locally-made products here.
Among my favorites were the Lang Store, Seasons, and Simple Sounds. This is also where you will find the iconic 1906 Dentzel carousel with hand-carved farm animals.
Yoder’s Shopping Center is a must-visit for those interested in Amish craftsmanship. This store offers a wide range of handmade quilts, furniture, and other Amish-made goods, all of which are of exceptional quality and artistry. They are not just souvenirs or gifts, but also a great value for your money.
Make sure to visit Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Co. for the best selection of cheeses, Amish foods, and gourmet food products. You can’t miss the multi-level Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes, with gorgeous shopping options like Eminence Home and Light of Grace Book & Gift Store.
The Fabulous Shipshewana Flea Market
The outdoor Shipshewana Flea Market, running May through September, will nearly blow your mind —it’s the Midwest’s largest flea market. This one-of-a-kind attraction is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only and offers a bounty of cool things to see and buy. Pets are allowed.
Strolling through the myriad of stalls, you’ll encounter friendly vendors eager to share the stories behind their merchandise. I particularly liked the kitchen goods and accessories, while the collector coins and garden art really caught my eye.
In addition to shopping, there are some food courts, including the fabulous Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Kukuis Hawaiian Shave Ice, and Old World Fudge.
The enormous Shipshwana Trading Place Auction & Flea Market property has over 700 vendors across 40 acres. Carry cash, as many vendors may not accept credit cards. To make the most of your visit, arrive early to beat the crowds and bring comfortable walking shoes.
If you have any walking limitations, I recommend renting one of the jazzy electric scooters available at the market entrance for a nominal fee. Click here to see a map.
If you want to sell there, space is $35 for one day or $55 for the week.
A Word About the Amish
Understanding the Amish way of life is vital to appreciating your visit to Shipshewana. The Amish are known for their dedication to community, simplicity, and humility. They live without many of the conveniences we take for granted, such as electricity and cars, and their daily lives revolve around hard work, family, and faith.
Respect their lifestyle. Avoid taking photos of people without permission, as many Amish believe it goes against their religious beliefs. Dress modestly and refrain from using loud or intrusive behavior. By respecting their customs, you’ll ensure a positive experience for yourself and the local community.
The Amish are often willing to share their way of life with respectful visitors. Engage in conversations when appropriate, and you’ll find that many are happy to explain their traditions and answer questions. This level of interaction provides a deeper appreciation for their unique and enduring culture.
Fun Fact: This wholesome town of over 800 brings in nearly two million visitors annually. Wrap your head around that!
Amish and Mennonite cultures are religion-based, and people live their lives aligned with faith-based ideals. They choose to be more off the grid, not using modern conveniences such as electricity, cars, and phones.
The Amish travel using horse and buggy methods and learn trades and skillsets for crafting, cooking, and much more.
Please heed caution when driving by or around horses and buggies. Often, young children are driving, so do not be alarmed; it is perfectly okay in their culture.
Soak Up the Scenery
Shipshewana’s picturesque countryside offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The rolling hills, lush farmlands, and charming country roads make for a perfect backdrop to your visit.
Whether you’re driving through the scenic routes or taking a leisurely bike ride, the natural beauty of Shipshewana is sure to captivate you.
One of the best ways to soak up the scenery is by taking a buggy ride. These horse-drawn carriages provide a slow-paced tour of the area, allowing you to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the landscape fully. It’s a unique experience that connects you with the region’s Amish heritage.
Remember to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo-worthy spots along the way. From rustic barns and grazing livestock to vibrant sunsets, Shipshewana’s scenery offers countless opportunities for capturing beautiful memories.
Again, please be mindful of photographing Amish people and private properties, respecting their desire for privacy.
