As you pull into Shipshewana, Indiana, the gentle clip-clop of horse hooves on pavement immediately transports you to a simpler time. This quaint town, nestled in LaGrange County just three hours northeast of Indianapolis, is the third-largest Amish community in the country and was recently named the Midwest Travel Network’s destination of the year.
The moment you step out of your car, you’re struck by the picturesque scenery. Horse-drawn buggies share the back country roads with modern vehicles, creating a unique blend of past and present. You feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem, frozen in time yet vibrant with activity.
While Shipshewana’s official population is a mere 850, don’t let that fool you. This small town attracts an impressive 2 million visitors annually, drawn by the large Amish community surrounding it. As you explore, you’ll discover that the Amish influence permeates every aspect of life here, from the local economy to the town’s decision-making processes.
Your first stop should be the Davis Mercantile, a must-visit destination housing a meticulously restored 120-year-old carousel. As you wander through the building, you’ll find yourself captivated by the dozens of shops and vendors, each offering unique crafts and goods.
To immerse yourself in Amish culture during your visit, you can try the following activities:
- Take a guided tour: Join a guided bus or buggy tour that will take you deep into Amish farmlands and provide insights into their way of life[1][4]. These tours offer a deeper understanding of Amish culture and history.
- Stay at a local Bed & Breakfast: Choose accommodation that allows you to experience the local atmosphere rather than staying at a chain hotel. B&B hosts can offer unique perspectives on living in Amish Country[1].
- Visit local markets and roadside stands: Explore farmer’s markets or Amish-run roadside stands to sample fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. This is a great way to interact with Amish vendors and taste authentic local foods[1][2].
- Dine at Amish-run restaurants: Skip chain restaurants and opt for local Amish-run or Pennsylvania Dutch style eateries to experience traditional cuisine[1].
- Take a buggy ride: While it might seem cliché, a horse-drawn buggy ride offers a unique perspective on Amish transportation and lifestyle[1][2].
- Attend craft demonstrations or workshops: Many Amish communities offer opportunities to learn traditional crafts like quilting, woodworking, or pottery[3][4].
- Explore Amish-owned shops: Visit cottage shops on Amish farms or local stores selling handcrafted goods to appreciate their artisanship[2][3].
- Listen to an audio tour: Some areas offer audio tours that provide detailed information about Amish history and culture as you drive through the countryside[5].
- Visit historical centers: Places like the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center can provide in-depth information about Anabaptist history and culture[4].
- Respect local customs: Remember to be respectful of Amish beliefs and practices, such as their preference not to be photographed[5].
By engaging in these activities, you can gain a more authentic and immersive experience of Amish culture during your visit.
Feeling peckish? Make your way to the Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery. The aroma of freshly baked goods and hearty, home-style Amish cooking is irresistible. As you savor each bite, you can’t help but appreciate the authenticity of the experience.
Here are some of the best restaurants to try in Shipshewana, Indiana:
- Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery: Known for its home-style Amish cooking, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular dishes include meatloaf, fried chicken, roast beef, and chicken and noodles. They also have a bakery with fresh Amish baked goods.
- Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking: Highly rated for its authentic Amish cuisine, especially the poppyseed chicken. They serve family-style meals overlooking Cass Lake.
- Corn Crib Cafe: Offers fresh, homemade breakfast and lunch using locally sourced ingredients. Known for daily specials like goulash, meatloaf, and Swiss steak.
- Country Corral Restaurant: A local favorite mentioned in multiple sources.
- Shipshewana Auction Restaurant: Highly recommended for their mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as homemade pies.
- Wana-Cup: Part coffee shop, part café, known for their delicious smashed burgers and daily specials.
- Shawna Rae’s Bakery & Café: Mentioned as one of the best foodie experiences in Shipshewana.
- Red Bud Gourmet Coffee & Tea: While primarily a coffee shop, it’s known for having “the best pretzel ever”.
These restaurants offer a mix of traditional Amish cuisine, home-style cooking, and local specialties. Many of them focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing an authentic taste of Shipshewana’s culinary culture.
One of the highlights of your visit will likely be the summer flea market. The sheer size and variety of items for sale are overwhelming in the best possible way. You might find yourself wishing you had brought a bigger car to accommodate all the treasures you want to take home.
As you chat with locals, you’ll learn about the extensive trail and park system in the area. Miranda Beverly, a spokesperson for Visit Shipshewana, can share how the community has been making a concerted effort to increase tourism over the past few years. Their dedication is evident in every interaction you’ll have.
Your trip to Shipshewana will be more than just a vacation; it’s a journey back in time, an immersion into a unique culture, and a reminder of the simple joys in life. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted goods, delicious food, or simply a peaceful getaway, Shipshewana offers an experience unlike any other. As you reluctantly pack your car to leave, you’ll know you’ll be back soon to explore more of this charming Amish country gem.
Citations:
[1] https://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/blog/how-to-have-an-amazing-weekend-in-amish-country/
[2] https://visitshipshewana.org/top-5-ways-to-immerse-yourself-in-amish-culture/
[3] https://www.aftereightbnb.com/blog/experience-amish-way-life
[4] https://www.visitamishcountry.com/blog/learn-amish-history-culture-and-crafts
[5] https://www.aarp.org/travel/vacation-ideas/road-trips/info-2022/northwest-indiana-amish-heritage-trail.html