Must-try things to do in Shipshewana Besides the Flea Market

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.

When most people hear “Shipshewana,” their first thought is the famous flea market, which is the largest flea market in the Midwest. And while the Shipshewana Flea Market is absolutely worth experiencing, we think it would be a mistake to assume that is the only reason to visit.

What we found during our time in Shipshewana was that the flea market is just one small piece of a much bigger experience. The moments we enjoyed most came from conversations with local people, learning about Amish culture, exploring the countryside, trying unforgettable food, and discovering experiences we never expected to find in this small Indiana town.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Shipshewana besides the flea market, this list is where we would start. This isn’t meant to be a complete list of everything available. For that, check out our Ultimate Things to Do in Shipshewana Guide. Instead, these are the experiences that stood out most to us and the ones we would prioritize on a return visit.

Ride in an Amish Buggy

One of our absolute favorite experiences during our visit to Shipshewana was our Amish buggy ride with Glen from Shipshewana Buggy Rides.

We were excited to experience what it would feel like to ride in one of the horse-drawn buggies we had seen throughout the area, but what surprised us most was how much we learned during the ride.

Glen was a fantastic guide who shared stories about the area, Amish culture, horse training, buggy maintenance, and everyday life. The ride itself was enjoyable, but the conversation and opportunity to ask questions made it something we’ll remember long after our visit.

For us, this experience captured exactly what makes Shipshewana special. It wasn’t about simply seeing something different. It was about slowing down, learning, and connecting with the place we were visiting.

Experience Amish Country Beyond the Attractions

One of the biggest takeaways from our visit was realizing that Amish Country Indiana is not something you simply visit. It is something you experience as you move through the area.

Some of our favorite moments happened while exploring the countryside, from seeing horse-drawn buggies sharing the roads to spotting farm animals along rural routes. We quickly learned that the journey between destinations was part of the experience.

The slower pace is intentional. This is a place where you may find yourself behind a buggy or stopping to admire a farm scene, and that is part of the charm.

We also loved discovering Amish cottage industries throughout the area. These small, often family-run businesses offer a glimpse into traditions, craftsmanship, and skills passed down through generations.

During our visit, we experienced everything from fried pies and whoopie pies to farm stops and leather craftsmanship. Each stop offered something different and helped us better understand the community we were visiting.

Feed Bison at Cook’s Bison Ranch

If you are looking for an experience you probably won’t find in many destinations, add Cook’s Bison Ranch to your Shipshewana itinerary.

Visiting a working bison ranch was one of the most unique experiences we had during our time in the area. Feeding bison from a covered wagon was both memorable and educational, giving us a chance to learn about these impressive animals while experiencing a working ranch.

It was a great reminder that some of the best travel experiences happen when you step away from traditional attractions and try something completely different.

Enjoy a Show at Blue Gate Theatre

Shipshewana surprised us with the quality of its entertainment options, and the Blue Gate Theatre was one of the highlights.

We attended a live performance during our visit, and while that specific show is no longer running, the experience gave us a great impression of what this venue offers. The production quality felt similar to a touring regional production, with impressive talent and a comfortable, accessible facility.

Whether you enjoy musicals, comedy, concerts, or other live performances, the Blue Gate Theatre adds a great evening activity to a Shipshewana getaway.

The separate Blue Gate Performing Arts Center also caught our attention with its lineup of nationally known performers, and catching a show there is already on our list for a future visit.

Eat Your Way Through Shipshewana

We quickly learned that food is one of the reasons people tell you to bring your stretchy pants to Shipshewana.

From Amish specialties and comfort food to fried pies, pretzels, and desserts, the food scene here is worth making time for.

The Blue Gate Restaurant is a classic Shipshewana experience, offering the kind of hearty Amish-style home cooking many visitors hope to find. The buffet and famous pies make it a popular stop for good reason.

Another must-try stop is Amish Kuntry Fried Pies. These are not just a quick treat. They are part of the local food culture and we have been craving them since we left!

We also loved discovering smaller food stops throughout the area, including JoJo’s Pretzels and the expansive options and unforgettable caramels we found at E & S Bulk Foods.

Don’t miss our full guide Where to Eat in Shipshewana for all the food details!

Browse Davis Mercantile

Even if shopping is not usually the focus of your travels, like us, Davis Mercantile is worth experiencing.

This four-story building is more than just a collection of stores. It is an attraction in itself, thanks in part to the massive tree stretching through the center of the building. Known as “The Big Tree,” this hand-selected tree weighs more than 18,000 pounds and stretches 56 feet from the top floor to the bottom level.

Inside, you’ll find shops featuring gifts, puzzles, specialty foods, handcrafted items, and more. Don’t miss the hand-carved carousel on the top floor, either. The $2 to ride is the lowest price we have ever seen for pure joy!

It’s the kind of place where browsing becomes part of the experience rather than just shopping.

Explore Indiana Communities

One of the reasons we think Shipshewana makes such a great getaway is that the experiences don’t stop at the town limits.

Nearby communities add even more variety to your trip. LaGrange offers a historic downtown, colorful murals, unique museums, local shops, and excellent restaurants.

You can also explore attractions like Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary, paddle the Pigeon River with Trading Post Outfitters, or visit Acres Away Winery for exceptional wine and a pretzel bigger than your head.

If you have an extra day, these nearby experiences can turn a good Shipshewana trip into a great one with our guide Best Day Trips from Shipshewana.

Why These Experiences Make Shipshewana Worth Visiting

What makes Shipshewana memorable isn’t one single attraction. It’s the way all of these experiences come together to create this feeling of hospitality in everything.

You can spend the morning learning about Amish craftsmanship, the afternoon exploring the countryside, the evening enjoying live entertainment, and fill the spaces in between with incredible food and conversations with local people.

The flea market may be what first puts this town on many travelers’ radar, but the experiences beyond it are what made us want to return.

Because in our experience, the best parts of Shipshewana are the ones you cannot find at a flea market.