Shipshewana IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shipshewana, Indiana.
1. Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market
MIDWEST'S LARGEST FLEA MARKET
The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is the Midwest's largest flea market, featuring over 700 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to furniture and antiques. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through September, this shopping extravaganza has been recognized as one of the best flea markets in the country by Leisure and Travel. Visitors can explore endless possibilities including landscaping items, art, home decor, crafts, purses, jewelry, and much more.
2. Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre
AMISH CUISINE AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre offers visitors a chance to enjoy amazing Amish/Mennonite meals and delicious baked goods in downtown Shipshewana. After dining, guests can head upstairs to the Blue Gate Theatre to experience Amish-inspired musicals and performances in a charming setting. Located at the famous four-way stop in the heart of downtown, this venue serves as a cultural landmark in the heart of Amish Country.
3. Amish In-Home Dining
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Amish In-Home Dining provides visitors with an intimate, authentic experience of Amish hospitality and home cooking in Shipshewana. Guests are welcomed into actual Amish homes where they can enjoy traditional, hearty meals prepared from scratch using local ingredients. This unique cultural immersion allows travelers to interact with Amish families while learning about their lifestyle and customs firsthand.
4. Heritage Ridge Creamery
LOCAL CHEESE AND TREATS
Heritage Ridge Creamery invites visitors to discover locally-produced artisan cheeses made in the heart of Amish Country. Guests can watch the cheese-making process through viewing windows and sample a variety of fresh cheese curds and aged specialty cheeses. The on-site store offers not only their signature dairy products but also a selection of local jams, jellies, and other regional food specialties.
5. Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park offers a unique animal experience combining both exotic creatures and familiar farm animals in a setting unlike typical zoos. Visitors can choose between walking through, driving through, or enjoying a guided wagon tour of the family-friendly attraction. This seasonal park provides close encounters with a variety of animals, though travelers should check operating hours before planning their visit.
6. Shipshewana's Lights of Joy
SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY
Shipshewana's Lights of Joy transforms the winter landscape into a magical Christmas light drive-thru park featuring over two million LED lights. Families can tune their radio to Christmas music while cruising along the 1.8-mile track filled with dozens of spectacular holiday light scenes. This seasonal attraction has become a beloved holiday tradition for visitors to Amish Country during the Christmas season.
7. Blue Gate Carriage Rides
HISTORIC HORSE-DRAWN TOURS
Blue Gate Carriage Rides offers visitors an authentic horse and buggy experience through the charming streets of Shipshewana. These guided tours provide fascinating insights into Amish history, culture, and the local community while traveling at a peaceful, traditional pace. Guests can even take special buggy rides out to Amish farms to witness activities like cow milking, providing a window into rural Amish life.
8. Audio Driving Tour
SELF-GUIDED HISTORY EXPLORATION
The Audio Driving Tour of LaGrange County allows visitors to discover off-the-beaten-path attractions while learning fascinating local history across more than 100 miles of scenic countryside. Travelers will hear stories about Chief Shipshewana of the Potawatomi tribe, discover why the Pumpkinvine trail earned its unique name, and encounter colorful local legends like the Skunk Lady of Howe. This self-paced audio experience reveals the kind of insider knowledge typically known only by longtime locals.
9. Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center brings world-class entertainment to the heart of Amish Country with performances ranging from musicals to concerts. This modern venue combines state-of-the-art technology with the warm, welcoming atmosphere Shipshewana is known for. Visitors can enjoy shows year-round with programming that appeals to all ages and interests.
10. Fawn River
SCENIC PADDLING ADVENTURES
The Fawn River offers peaceful paddling adventures through the picturesque countryside surrounding Shipshewana. Kayakers and canoeists can glide through tranquil waters while enjoying unspoiled natural scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The gentle current makes this waterway accessible for paddlers of all skill levels seeking to experience a different perspective of Amish Country.
11. Woodside Diner
AUTHENTIC AMISH HOME DINING
Woodside Diner provides an immersive Amish in-home dining experience just a short drive from Shipshewana in nearby LaGrange. Visitors can book this unique culinary adventure for families or groups, offering a rare opportunity to dine in an authentic Amish home. The traditional multi-course meals showcase farm-to-table Amish cooking in its most genuine setting.
12. Shipshewana Trading Place
SHOPPING AND CULTURAL HUB
Shipshewana Trading Place serves as a central hub for shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences in the heart of Amish Country. This destination encompasses the famous auction and flea market along with year-round shops offering everything from handcrafted furniture to quilts and specialty foods. Visitors can spend days exploring the various attractions, dining options, and events that make this a must-visit location in Northern Indiana.
13. Pigeon River
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
The Pigeon River flows through the countryside near Shipshewana, offering excellent opportunities for paddling, fishing, and nature observation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore this scenic waterway while enjoying the peaceful rural landscapes and diverse wildlife of LaGrange County. Local outfitters provide equipment rentals and guidance for visitors wanting to experience this natural attraction.
14. Tiffany's Restaurant
LOCAL AMISH CUISINE
Tiffany's Restaurant in nearby Topeka offers authentic Amish home-style cooking just a short 10-minute drive from Shipshewana. This local favorite serves hearty, traditional meals prepared with fresh ingredients from surrounding Amish farms. Visitors will experience genuine Amish Country hospitality while enjoying comfort food classics that have made this restaurant a regional destination.
15. Shipshewana Auction Restaurant
FAMOUS HAYSTACK BREAKFASTS
The Shipshewana Auction Restaurant is renowned for its signature Haystack breakfast meals that draw visitors from throughout the region. Located at the bustling auction and flea market complex, this eatery offers hearty, farm-fresh fare that fuels shoppers for a day of treasure hunting. The restaurant's casual atmosphere and generous portions exemplify the welcoming spirit of Amish Country dining.