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.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or passing through northern Indiana on a road trip, Shipshewana is one destination that’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Why Visit Shipshewana?
Located in the heart of Amish Country, the third largest Amish community in the United States, this charming small town offers a wonderful mix of shopping, delicious food, unique attractions, and peaceful countryside experiences.
To help you plan your visit, we’ve also put together a series of guides on everything from where to stay in Shipshewana and where to eat in Shipshewana so you can build the perfect itinerary and also what to do on a Sunday in Amish country and the stories behind many of the places that make Shipshewana special.
While many people know Shipshewana for its famous flea market, that’s only the beginning of what makes this destination special. From Amish experiences and local shops to scenic carriage rides, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions, there’s enough to fill a full weekend—or even longer.
In this complete guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Shipshewana, Indiana, along with practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Experience Amish Country
Visit Shipshewana Visitor Center
Your first stop must be the Shipshewana Visitor Center at 350 S. Van Buren Street. We generally suggest not skipping a Visitor Center, but your stop at the Shipshewana Visitor Center is especially important to learn about the many Amish businesses welcoming your visit that you might not find listed online or on your GPS of choice.
The Visitor Center has all the printed guides and brochures you would expect, clean restrooms because that’s always important to note on a road trip, and most importantly very well-versed local team members to help you plan the details of your visit.
The Shipshewana Visitor Center also offers a comprehensive driving audio guide that we didn’t have time to follow in its entirety but we enjoyed listening to parts of during our visit. We’d have this high on our list for a return visit!
Respecting Amish culture
The Amish community is a key part of what makes a visit to Shipshewana so special. As you’re experiencing this fascinating slice of life, it’s important to remember that these are real people living and working in and around Shipshewana. It’s not a theme park or attraction with actors who are playing a role.
Some important guidelines to follow during your visit to ensure a positive experience for all include:
Ask before taking any photos. Generally, we found residents were comfortable with photos that didn’t include their face, but perhaps showed them from behind or their hands as they completed a craft. This varied though as we made connections with folks who were OK with any photography at all during some of our activities-but we always asked. If in doubt, don’t take the photo.
Be respectful of private property and people’s privacy. We did stop along the road side to admire some baby farm animals during our visit, but were careful to be on the shoulder of the road and not on private property. If something isn’t open to the public, admire it from a distance only.
Drive carefully, and slowly, on the local rural roads. You may find yourself behind an Amish buggy or bike rider on a narrow road awaiting clear traffic in the other direction to be able to pass. Give the buggies and bikers lots of extra room and be patient.
Respect “on your honor” businesses. You’ll run across roadside stands and other businesses that post prices and provide a money box. We found this trust a key part of the hospitality we felt during our visit and wouldn’t want to see it spoiled. A related tip is that it’s good to have cash on hand for the small local Amish businesses.
Discover Amish Cottage Industries
Discovering Amish cottage industries was a highlight of our visit and one of the best ways to experience the surrounding countryside. These small, often family-run businesses range from bakeries and leather shops to working farms and roadside stands—many of which operate on an honor system.
As we said previously, we recommend starting at the Shipshewana Visitor Center, where you can make a plan for your visits to local cottage industries.
During our visit, we experienced everything from fried pies and whoopie pies to hands-on farm stops and skilled craftsmanship demonstrations. Each stop offered a completely different window into everyday life in Amish Country.
A few memorable examples from our trip included:
Stutzman Dairy Farm-where we learned about milking cows, met calves and goats, and purchased farm-fresh products through an honor-system store.
Silver Star Leather-where we watched traditional craftsmanship in action and saw how custom pieces are made to last for years.
These experiences are a reminder that Amish cottage industries are not “attractions” in the traditional sense—they are working businesses rooted in skill, tradition, and family trade.
Some of the most memorable parts of Shipshewana come from the people we met along the way, which we’ve highlighted in more detail in our Unique Businesses in Shipshewana Indiana: Passionate Owners feature.
Amish Buggy Ride Tour
One of our absolute favorite experiences during our visit to Shipshewana was our Amish buggy tour with gregarious driver Glen, booked through Shipshewana Buggy Rides. We enjoyed what they call their Three Star Tour which was a 30 minute ride around downtown Shipshewana and some area backroads. We would happily return to enjoy this same tour or other tours they offer on a return visit.
Enjoy the Scenic Backroads
If you peruse information on visiting Shipshewana, it won’t be long before you see statements encouraging you to slow down and enjoy. This doesn’t mean you’ll be bored by any means, but it can be taken as literal advice for driving in the area!
We did notice that locals in cars drove faster than we expected, but we felt safest to take a leisurely pace as we ventured from experience to experience. This is definitely a place where the journey is part of the destination. Why would you want to race past that house on Route 20 with most chickens we have even seen in one place running around the yard or zip past the countless baby horses frolicking in the fields?
Explore the Best Attractions Around Shipshewana
Explore Downtown Shipshewana
Downtown Shipshewana offers a relaxed, easygoing vibe that makes it simple to explore. As you stroll, you’ll notice colorful murals that add character and reflect the town’s Amish Country heritage and local creativity.
The area is compact and highly walkable, with shops, attractions, and dining spots located within a few blocks of each other. We also noted that the downtown infrastructure paid close attention to accessibility. We saw people enjoying Shipshewana while using wheelchairs and walkers with ease.
Parking is convenient and plentiful, with several free lots located near the main downtown area, making it easy to leave your car and explore on foot. It’s a popular destination, so you will encounter traffic in the small town but we never struggled to find parking when and where we needed it.
Blue Gate Theatre & Performing Arts Center
One of the standout entertainment experiences in Shipshewana is the Blue Gate Theatre, where we saw a live performance during our visit. While the specific show we attended is no longer running, it gave us a strong sense of the overall production quality. The experience felt polished and professional—similar to a touring regional production in quality, with impressive talent. The theatre facility was also very comfortable and accessible with ramps to each row.
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.
Take a Day Trip Beyond Shipshewana
One of the best things about visiting Shipshewana is that you’re never far from another memorable experience. If you have an extra day—or even just an afternoon—consider exploring some of the nearby communities and attractions that make this area so special.
A few of our favorites include:
LaGrange – historic downtown, colorful murals, unique museums, local shops, and excellent restaurants.
Cook’s Bison Ranch – one of the most unique experiences we’ve had anywhere, feeding bison from a covered wagon.
Trading Post Outfitters – kayak and canoe trips on the Pigeon River plus one of the coolest glamping buses we’ve seen.
Acres Away Winery – excellent wines, wood-fired pizza, wine slushies, and special events throughout the year.
Read our complete guide to the best day trips from Shipshewana here.
Enjoy the Local Food
From scratch-made comfort food and Amish specialties to oversized pretzels, flaky fried pies, and unforgettable desserts, Shipshewana is a destination worth visiting for the food alone. We discovered far more great restaurants, bakeries, and local treats than we could fit into this guide, so we created a separate roundup of our favorite places to eat in and around Shipshewana.
Some of our can’t-miss favorites include Shawna Rae’s Black Sheep from Scratch Kitchen, Blue Gate Restaurant, Amish Kuntry Fried Pies, Ben’s Soft Pretzels, JoJo’s Pretzels, and plenty more. Read our complete guide to the best places to eat in Shipshewana here!
Shop for Local Finds in Shipshewana
If you follow Thrifty Living Travel Freedom, you know shopping isn’t usually at the top of our travel itinerary. We’d much rather spend our money on experiences that become lifelong memories than fill our closets with more stuff.
Shipshewana is one of the few places where shopping is part of the experience. Whether you’re browsing handcrafted Amish goods, discovering local artisans, or stumbling across an unexpected treat to take home, shopping here feels like another way to experience the community.
The Shipshewana Flea Market is the town’s best-known shopping destination, and it’s worth experiencing at least once if you’re visiting during flea market season. With hundreds of vendors selling everything from antiques and handcrafted goods to home décor, clothing, and specialty foods, it’s easy to spend several hours exploring. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the atmosphere and variety make it an attraction in its own right. But, don’t skip the visit to Shipshewana just because your dates don’t overlap the Shipshewana Flea Market. There’s so much to do beyond it as you can read all about in our post, Must-try Things to Do in Shipshewana Besides the Flea Market.
No visit to downtown Shipshewana is complete without stopping at Davis Mercantile. Often called the “Amish mall,” this four-story landmark is home to unique shops, restaurants, and one of the building’s most recognizable features—a massive tree stretching from the top floor to the bottom level. “The Big Tree” as it is known weighs over 18,000 pounds and is 56 feet long!
While you’re there, browse everything from quilting fabrics and handcrafted gifts to puzzles and games, grab a bite at JoJo’s Pretzels or Millie’s Market Café, and don’t miss the beautifully hand-carved carousel on the top floor.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Shipshewana, where locally owned shops line Morton Street and nearby blocks. You’ll find Amish-made furniture, handcrafted gifts, quilts, specialty foods, and locally produced jams and jellies, making it easy to bring home a small reminder of your visit while supporting local businesses.
One of our favorite discoveries? The homemade caramels we grabbed on a whim while checking out at E & S Bulk Foods. They were so buttery and delicious that we’re still talking about them—and wishing we’d bought more!
Reasons We’ll Visit Shipshewana Again
Our time in Shipshewana was so fun that we had to write 9 different articles to encompass it all and we still haven’t experienced everything! Here’s what’s still on our list.
We caught a brief glimpse of Shipshewana last fall, and we can tell you the fall decorations here are truly next level. If you’re anywhere near the area in autumn, it’s worth even a quick stop, though you could easily fill multiple days there, as we did.
If the fall decorations and the charm of spring and early summer are any indication, the Christmas season in Shipshewana is likely just as magical. Topping our list for a return trip is a tour of the town’s Christmas lights via Amish buggy. We can only imagine how beautiful that would be!
A few other experiences we haven’t gotten to yet but are already planning around:
Menno-Hof — for a deeper dive into the history and culture of the Amish and Mennonite communities
Blue Gate Performing Arts Center — catching a well-known artist in concert here is high on our list
An Amish family dinner — these can be arranged for a true, authentic taste of Amish hospitality
Unique lodging — from tiny houses to the bus glamping option at Trading Post Outfitters, Shipshewana has some seriously cute places to stay that we missed. Check out our full guide to where to stay in Shipshewana for more.
Our Final Thoughts on Shipshewana
From the moment we pulled into town, Shipshewana surprised us in ways we didn’t expect. What we found was so much more than we anticipated: time spent learning from Amish craftsmen and farmers, an unforgettable Amish buggy ride with Glen, more fried pies and pretzels than we’ll admit to, and countless conversations that reminded us why we love travel in the first place.
What makes Shipshewana special isn’t any single attraction. It’s the way the whole area comes together, the working farms alongside the shops, the murals alongside the countryside, the food alongside the people who make it. We spent four days here and still left with a list of things to do next time, which tells you everything about how much this small town has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or working Shipshewana into a longer Midwest road trip, we hope this guide gives you a solid starting point. And if you fall for the area the way we did, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty more Shipshewana guides to help you plan the rest of your visit, from where to eat and where to stay to what to do on a Sunday and the best nearby day trips.
We can’t wait to go back. We think you’ll feel the same way.
FAQ
What is Shipshewana best known for?
Shipshewana is the 3rd largest Amish community in the United States behind Pennsylvania and Ohio AND hosts the largest outdoor flea market in the Midwest. So, depending on who you talk to, it is likely one or both of these facts that they will best know Shipshewana for.
How many days should you spend in Shipshewana?
This depends on your interests. We spent four days and three nights in the Shipshewana area and still didn’t fit in everything we would have liked to do. It makes a great weekend trip, but plan for longer if your schedule allows.
What is there to do besides the flea market in Shipshewana?
So much that we have a whole article devoted to this question! Check it out here!
What should you not miss in Shipshewana?
This could be a long list, but we’ll give you a top three. Don’t miss dinner at Shawna Rae’s The Black Sheep From Scratch Kitchen. This is also one of few businesses in Shipshewana city limits that is open on Sunday, too. You shouldn’t miss an Amish Buggy Ride Tour. We loved the experience of getting to ride in one of the buggies we have seen everywhere, but even more impactful was our conversation with our driver, Glen. Finally, don’t miss stopping in at the Shipshewana Visitor Center to learn about the Amish cottage industry shops to visit and other authentic experiences to ensure you have the best trip.
If we’d add a couple of bonus suggestions, they would have to include day trips to LaGrange, Indiana for No Place Like Oz and Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary and Mongo, Indiana for a river float with Trading Post Outfitters.
What is there to do on a Sunday in the Shipshewana area?
Folks will tell you not to visit Shipshewana on a Sunday because many of the Amish owned businesses are closed. This isn’t untrue, but there is much fun to be had on a Sunday so we devoted a whole post to that, too! You can check it out here.
When is the best time to visit Shipshewana?
There’s truly not a bad time to visit. Summer is the busiest season thanks to the flea market. We loved seeing baby farm animals throughout the countryside in spring. Fall brings beautiful decorations and autumn scenery. And, we’re told Christmas is one of the area’s most celebrated seasons complete with Christmas lights tours via Amish buggy!
Where should I stay in Shipshewana?
Shipshewana is a small town, but there are several charming options in the area and beyond the city limits. We wrote a post just about where to stay and you can see that here.
Where should I eat in Shipshewana?
Ooh, eat all the things! There’s a reason that packing your stretchy pants is suggested several times in the Visit Shipshewana guidebook. There’s so much great food. We devoted a whole post to the answer to this question, too. You can visit that here.
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