The Best Day Trips from Shipshewana

By Angie & Jeff

August 25, 2026

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Our time in Shipshewana, IN was hosted by Visit Shipshewana. The words in this article and the opinions we share are 100% ours.

One of the best things about visiting Shipshewana is that so many memorable experiences are just a short drive away. If you haven’t seen our Ultimate Things to Do in Shipshewana Guide, you’ll want to check that out for an overview of those memorable experiences.

Whether you’re extending your stay for another day or simply looking to explore beyond town, you’ll find charming communities, scenic countryside, unique attractions, and locally owned businesses that are well worth the drive.

From feeding bison and paddling the Pigeon River to strolling a historic downtown and discovering local businesses, these are our favorite day trips from Shipshewana.

Explore Historic LaGrange

We highly recommend a day trip to LaGrange, Indiana to enjoy the idyllic town square, peruse antiques, enjoy a one of a kind museum, and enjoy some more great food options. You’ll find easy parking around the charming courthouse square with all the sites we’ll mention within easy walking distance, no more than a half mile from the square.

We started by stopping in the lovely park area just outside the LaGrange Courthouse to admire the historic architecture of the building and the peacefulness of the green space. Next we strolled around downtown and took in the colorful bison sculpture and murals that adorn it.

Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary

Right on the downtown square in LaGrange, Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary is a delightful stop for anyone who enjoys locally made products and charming downtown shops. The scent of lavender welcomes you before you even step inside this beautifully restored historic storefront filled with soaps, sprays, culinary treats, and other lavender-inspired creations.

If you’re lucky, you may even meet owner Marion, whose passion for lavender and the LaGrange community shines through every corner of the shop. Don’t miss this relaxing stop while exploring the area beyond Shipshewana.

No Place Like Oz Museum

When we first spotted the No Place Like Oz Museum listed as a thing to do in LaGrange, we couldn’t help but wonder: What does LaGrange, Indiana have to do with The Wizard of Oz?

As it turns out, the connection isn’t to the town. It’s to owner Katie and her incredible passion for all things Oz. That passion has grown into one of the area’s most unexpected and entertaining attractions.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz or simply curious, this quirky museum is worth a stop. Every room is packed with fascinating memorabilia, and interactive scavenger hunts and games encourage you to slow down and notice the countless details throughout the collection. We had a great time exploring the exhibits while chatting with Katie and her mom, who made us feel right at home.

And if your Oz fandom extends beyond the classic 1939 film, you’re in luck. Fans of Wicked will find plenty to enjoy here as well.

No Place Like Oz is one of those attractions that makes a day trip from Shipshewana so much fun—it’s unexpected, memorable, and unlike anything else you’ll find in the region.

Polish Girl Collectibles

Don’t let the name fool you, Polish Girl Collectibles is much more than an antique shop. It’s the kind of place where memories come flooding back around every corner.

As we wandered through the store, we found ourselves spotting pieces from our own childhoods and even items we remembered from our parents’ homes. One minute we were admiring vintage beer steins, the next we were reminiscing over Hallmark Christmas ornaments, classic tools, Indy 500 memorabilia, and Dale Earnhardt collectibles. We even stumbled across a Leinenkugel’s beer glass that gave us a fun reminder of home in Wisconsin.

What makes this stop especially enjoyable is the people behind it. Owner Jennifer Engel has created a welcoming shop that’s just as much about the experience as the collectibles, and during our visit her father, Gary, was staffing the store. His knowledge of antique tools and the stories behind many of the items made browsing even more enjoyable.

Even if you’re not someone who normally enjoys shopping, Polish Girl Collectibles is worth a stop. You never know what forgotten treasure or cherished memory you’ll discover on the shelves.

Where to Eat in LaGrange

LaGrange may be a small town, but we found three local favorites that each offered something different—and all were worth the stop.

If you’re in the mood for pizza, head to Legendary Slices. Owner Lori Mast recently celebrated the restaurant’s first anniversary, and it’s easy to see why it’s become a community favorite. We stopped in for the lunch special, which included a generous slice of pizza and a soda for a great value. It was the perfect meal before spending the afternoon exploring downtown.

After lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth at Foltz Bakery. We couldn’t resist their adorable—and delicious—decorated sugar cookies. The locals told us the donuts are not to be missed, but we quickly learned they disappear early each morning. We’ll just have to plan an earlier start on our next visit. We can vouch for the iced sugar cookies!

For a heartier meal, Linder’s Tavern on Main is an excellent choice. Jeff sampled the smoked pork, corned beef, and brisket and said there isn’t a bad choice among them, with the brisket earning top honors for its fall-apart tenderness. Angie’s burger was equally satisfying, and the welcoming atmosphere made us want to linger a little longer. One fun surprise? The women’s restroom is stocked with Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary soap and lotion—a thoughtful local touch that perfectly reflects the pride LaGrange’s small businesses have in supporting one another.

Great meals, friendly faces, and locally owned businesses made dining in LaGrange every bit as memorable as the attractions we visited.

Looking for even more great places to eat? Check out our complete guide to the best restaurants in Shipshewana and the surrounding area.

Feed Bison at Cook’s Bison Ranch

For one of the most unique day trip experiences from Shipshewana, head to Cook’s Bison Ranch, where visitors can climb aboard a covered wagon and get up close with one of North America’s most iconic animals by feeding bison!

When we first saw this activity on our itinerary, we’ll admit we were a little nervous. After visiting plenty of national parks, we’ve heard the reminders: keep your distance from large animals! But at Cook’s Bison Ranch, the experience is designed with safety in mind. Guests ride out to the pasture in covered wagons pulled by tractors, and the bison quickly recognize that these wagons mean one thing: snacks!

Our spring visit brought an extra bonus: baby bison were roaming alongside the herd, making the experience even more memorable. Jeff was especially hesitant at first, insisting he wasn’t going to feed them because he wasn’t interested in being licked by a bison. That plan lasted about as long as the ride out to the field! Before long, we were both laughing and enjoying the experience and Jeff even had a baby eat right from his hand.

Beyond bison feeding, Cook’s Bison Ranch also offers other experiences, including meals featuring their own bison, making it an easy stop to add to a day exploring the area.

Whether you’re traveling with animal lovers, curious kids, or simply looking for something you won’t find just anywhere, Cook’s Bison Ranch is a stop that will likely become one of the stories you share long after your trip ends.

Paddle the Pigeon River at Trading Post Outfitters

Add a little outdoor adventure to your day trip plans with a visit to Trading Post Outfitters. Located along the scenic Pigeon River, this family-owned outfitter offers a chance to slow down, get outside, and experience the natural beauty of northeast Indiana from the water.

Trading Post Outfitters offers river float trips for all experience levels, from first-time paddlers to more experienced kayakers. As beginners to river kayaking ourselves, we chose one of the shorter routes and found it to be the perfect introduction to river kayaking. The pace was relaxing, the scenery was beautiful, and it was a fun way to spend a few hours outdoors.

Looking to extend your visit? Trading Post Outfitters also offers onsite camping, including one of the most unique glamping options we’ve seen, a converted bus turned into a cozy overnight glamping stay. After enjoying our float, we could easily imagine returning for a longer stay and trying another river adventure.

Before you leave, don’t skip the ice cream stop after your paddle and be sure to say hello to Nettles, the resident cat who has become a favorite around the property (and even has his own Instagram page!). Between the river views, unique lodging options, and laid-back atmosphere, Trading Post Outfitters makes a memorable addition to an Indiana Amish Country getaway.

Just down the road, the separate Blue Gate Performing Arts Center hosts larger touring acts. Although we didn’t attend a show there on this trip, we were surprised by the caliber of performers scheduled and would absolutely plan ahead next time to catch an event. Together, these venues add a strong entertainment layer to a Shipshewana visit, especially for an evening activity after exploring the town and countryside.

Relax at Acres Away Winery

Acres Away Winery is a perfect addition to a day exploring the area beyond Shipshewana, whether you visit on its own or pair it with a fun adventure like a sip-and-float experience through Trading Post Outfitters that we enjoyed.

Owner Shane welcomes visitors with a passion for wine and a willingness to share the story behind each bottle. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, fun seasonal options like wine slushies, and a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the vineyard.

The food alone makes Acres Away worth the stop. The oversized pretzel (seriously, it’s bigger than your head!) is a must-order, and the wood-fired pizza was one of our favorite surprises of the visit.

We’re pretty selective when it comes to wine after enjoying tastings in places like Napa Valley, France, and Italy, but we were genuinely impressed by the wines at Acres Away. Shane’s decades of winemaking experience show through in every pour.

For an especially memorable evening, ask about their “Celestial Sips” events, which combine wine tasting with stargazing. It’s already on our list for a return visit!

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, a unique date idea, or a flavorful stop during your Amish Country road trip, Acres Away Winery is a worthwhile detour near Shipshewana.

Planning Your Day Trips

All of these day trip destinations are east of Shipshewana. LaGrange is an easy drive of about 15 minutes making this a very low time commitment place to add to your plans. We easily spent a half day there and could have spent longer in all the locations!

If timing of the bison feeding tour at Cook’s allows, LaGrange can easily be fit on the way to or from Cook’s Bison Ranch in Wolcottville, Indiana. Cook’s is about 20 miles from Shipshewana and most map sites routing will take you right through LaGrange.

Trading Post Outfitters in Mongo, Indiana is about 20 miles East of Shipshewana. The amount of time you need to allot to visit will depend on the type of river trip you choose to book. We spent the better part of a day on our Float and Sip, which we highly recommend if that event is open during your visit!

Acres Away Winery is the furthest of the day trip destinations from Shipshewana at just under 40 miles southeast. No matter the route you choose, it’s a beautiful scenic drive to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. As you’ll see on some of Acres Away social media posts, you’ll find them in Ashley, Indiana where they boast the bright yellow smile face water tower!

Tips for Exploring Beyond Shipshewana

Many of these day trips take you through the scenic backroads of LaGrange and surrounding counties, where you’ll share the road with horse-drawn buggies, bicycles, and local farm traffic. Slow down, allow plenty of room when passing, and enjoy the slower pace of Amish Country.

As you explore, remember that many attractions and businesses are family-owned and may have seasonal or limited hours, so it’s always a good idea to check before you go. Finally, respect private property and admire farms and roadside scenery from public areas unless you’re visiting a business or attraction that’s open to guests.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Shipshewana Area Getaway?

Want to learn more about the wonderful owners mentioned in this post and some of the entrepreneurs and local makers who make this area special? Read our story about the people behind some of Shipshewana’s most memorable experiences.

While Shipshewana is an outstanding destination on its own, exploring beyond town adds even more variety to your trip. Some of our favorite memories—from feeding bison to paddling the Pigeon River and meeting passionate local business owners—happened just a short drive away in these easy day trips from Shipshewana!