Where to Stay in Shipshewana: Our Top Choices

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.

Choosing where to stay in and around Shipshewana isn’t just about finding a comfortable place to sleep. It can shape the kind of getaway you have. We share all the tips you need for planning that getaway in our article Ultimate Things to Do in Shipshewana Guide.

If you stay right in Shipshewana, you’ll be surrounded by the slower pace, Amish countryside, local shops, and small-town charm that make this corner of northern Indiana so memorable. It’s easier to stroll through town, enjoy a relaxing evening after the day visitors leave, and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

On the other hand, staying in a nearby community like Goshen offers familiar hotel brands, additional dining options, and often a little more convenience—especially if you’re exploring several destinations in the area or using points for your stay.

During our visit, we experienced both. We stayed at the Blue Gate Garden Inn in Shipshewana as well as the Fairfield Inn in nearby Goshen, and each offered a very different experience. We also noticed several unique lodging options we’d love to try on a future visit, from charming tiny house rentals to a retro glamping bus tucked away in nearby Mongo.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to stay based on your travel style, budget, and what kind of Shipshewana experience you’re hoping to have.

Staying in Shipshewana

Blue Gate Garden Inn: Our Experience

During our visit to Shipshewana, we stayed at the Blue Gate Garden Inn, and we were impressed by how well this hotel blends modern comfort with the welcoming, homey feel that fits the character of the area.

Our room was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed for travelers who may be staying more than just one night. We appreciated having a larger-size refrigerator and a microwave, which are especially nice touches for anyone who likes to bring snacks, leftovers, or drinks along while traveling. Our room overlooked the front entryway, so we expected there might be some extra noise from this busy location. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was throughout our stay.

One of the things that stood out about the Blue Gate Garden Inn was the number of fun details throughout the property. This isn’t just a place to sleep between sightseeing adventures. There are playful touches that add to the experience, including a cow bench, an ice cream parlor, a booth in the common area built inside an Amish buggy, and even a carousel rooster you can sit on.

Beyond those unique touches, the hotel also offers the amenities many travelers look for, including an indoor pool, a well-equipped gym, and a laundry room. Outside, guests can enjoy a basketball court, tetherball court, and a lovely patio area with fire pits that would be a relaxing place to unwind after a day exploring Shipshewana.

Where the Blue Gate Garden Inn truly shines, though, is breakfast. The staff working the breakfast area were some of the smiliest and friendliest hotel breakfast employees we have encountered. The made-to-order egg and omelet station was a wonderful addition, but the buffet offered plenty of variety as well. Along with expected favorites like make-your-own waffles and cereal, there were generous fresh fruit options and more unique choices like French toast bake, egg bake, and delicious biscuits and gravy.

As we were kindly told during check-in, “If you leave here hungry, that’s your fault!” After experiencing breakfast ourselves, we can understand why.

The location is another major advantage. The Blue Gate Garden Inn is right next door to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center, making it especially convenient if you’re attending a show. It’s also just under a mile from downtown Shipshewana, so while you may want a car for some exploring, staying here puts you close to many of the town’s attractions.

Overall, we were very happy with our stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn and would happily return. For travelers who want to spend more time enjoying Shipshewana itself, staying in town makes it easy to slow down and experience the area at your own pace.

Other Hotel Options We Noticed in Shipshewana

While we’ve personally stayed at the Blue Gate Garden Inn, a few other lodging options caught our attention as we explored town. Although we can’t speak from firsthand experience, these all appeared well-kept and fit the welcoming character that makes Shipshewana such an enjoyable place to visit.

One that especially intrigued us was Der Ruhe Blatz Motel. I (Angie) immediately recognized Der Ruhe Blatz as Pennsylvania Dutch, meaning “the peaceful place.” With my background in German, I was able to understand the phrase. It’s a small detail, but one that reflects the Amish and Mennonite heritage woven throughout the area. If you’re interested in those cultural connections, be sure to read our Unforgettable Amish Country Indiana Experience article, where we share some of the ways you can experience another culture without ever leaving the United States.

We also noticed Farmstead Inn & Conference Center and the Van Buren Hotel, both of which appeared inviting and conveniently located for exploring Shipshewana and the surrounding countryside.

If you prefer staying with a familiar chain brand while remaining in Shipshewana, Super 8 by Wyndham is another option. We noticed it during our visit, though we also found that guest reviews are more mixed than some of the locally owned properties. If you’re considering staying there—especially to earn or redeem hotel rewards points—we’d recommend reading recent reviews to see whether it’s the right fit for your trip.

Staying Nearby: Goshen and Nearby Towns

Fairfield Inn Goshen: Our Experience

For travelers who prefer the consistency of a familiar hotel brand, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Goshen is a good option to consider. During our stay, we found the hotel to be modern, clean, and quiet, and we were very happy with our experience.

One advantage of choosing a Marriott property is the ability to earn and use Marriott Bonvoy points, which can be a deciding factor for travelers who regularly stay with the brand or are working toward rewards. We used a travel credit card benefit for our two-night stay here, personally. The hotel also offers the modern amenities many guests appreciate, along with the reliable experience you expect from a well-known chain.

Breakfast at the Fairfield Inn was good by typical hotel standards, with the usual options you’d expect from a complimentary hotel breakfast. However, we have to admit that comparing it to the Blue Gate Garden Inn is a little unfair because few hotel breakfasts we have experienced can compete with that one.

The trade-off with staying in Goshen is that you’ll spend a little more time driving each day compared to staying right in Shipshewana. However, you gain the consistency, convenience, and potential rewards benefits that some travelers prefer.

For visitors who enjoy hotel loyalty programs, want a predictable chain experience, or are exploring more of northern Indiana beyond Shipshewana, the Fairfield Inn Goshen is a comfortable and practical choice.

Our Favorite Finds for a Future Trip

While we were visiting Shipshewana, several other lodging options caught our attention and are on our list for a future trip to check out.

Retro Glamping Bus at Trading Post Outfitters, Mongo, IN

On our visit, we enjoyed a lovely Sip and Float Adventure with Trading Post Outfitters in Mongo, Indiana. You can read more about that in our posts The Best Day Trips from Shipshewana and Unexpected Things to Do Near Shipshewana on Sunday.

During our visit to the Trading Post Outfitters, we spotted their retro bus that they have renovated into one of the coolest glamping options we have seen. We immediately made note of the bus as a place we hope to stay on a future visit!

Tiny Houses & Other Rentals

We also drove past the SheWana Tiny Homes several times during our visit in Shipshewana. We have stayed in tiny homes on our travels before and enjoyed the experience. These cute cabins are also high on our list for a return visit.

They can be found on Airbnb along with other local rental options. During our visit, our friend Lisa from Reasons to Go Back was also staying in Shipshewana. She stayed in a rental right in downtown Shipshewana that she found on Airbnb and was happy with that stay. So, there are interesting options on home rental sites to explore, too.

How Many Nights Should You Stay?

Shipshewana is a destination that makes a lovely weekend getaway or could be a full weeklong visit, too.

If you’re looking for a taste of Shipshewana, a two-night stay is a nice introduction. As you plan your visit, be sure to check out our Ultimate Things to Do in Shipshewana Guide and our Unexpected Things to Do Near Shipshewana on a Sunday if you’re planning a weekend visit.

We stayed a total of four-nights in the area and explored four days and still want to go back because we didn’t get to everything we wanted to do.

Our Take

There’s no wrong place to stay between in or around Shipshewana—it simply depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. We enjoyed experiencing both.

Staying in Shipshewana made it easy to enjoy the town from morning to evening, while our stay in Goshen offered the convenience and familiarity of a trusted hotel brand.

If it’s your first visit and your plans center on Shipshewana, we’d lean toward staying in town. If you’re exploring more of northern Indiana or using hotel points, Goshen is an excellent option.