Shipshewana

By Tim Trudell

The clip-clop of horse hooves along the paved streets offers a relaxing vibe when you visit Shipshewana, Indiana. In the heart of the state’s Amish Country – third largest Amish community in the United States – the town of just over 850 people has plenty to offer for a long weekend getaway or weeklong vacation.

Named for Potawatomi Chief Shipshewana, whose tribe was forcibly removed from the area in 1865, the city honors him with a historical marker near his burial site at an area lake.

ATTRACTIONS

Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite Story

Start your visit with a history lesson about the Amish and Mennonite communities in LaGrange County at Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite visitors center. Three groups make up the Ana-Baptists – Amish, Mennonite and Hutterites – who believe in baptism as adults.

Settled by Pennsylvania Dutch Amish in the late 1860s, LaGrange County became a popular area to live with Ana-Baptists. While the Amish are the largest group, Mennonites make up about a fourth of the population. Amish tend to follow traditional beliefs and practices; Mennonites dress in western-style clothing and work in the community.

The museum presents an interesting look at the history of Ana-Baptists and their growth in the area. From farming and education to printing press, there’s plenty to absorb during a tour, setting the foundation for your visit.

Cook’s Bison Ranch

Climb aboard a tractor-led covered wagon for a ride into tall prairie grass, where you’re met by a herd of 30-40 bison. They’ll likely troll alongside the wagon, eager for a midday treat. With burlap bag full of feed, reach out for a once-in-a-lifetime bison feeding experience. Bulls and cows will approach, sticking out tongues to wrap around the treats (and your fingers, but don’t worry they won’t bite). Calves walk nearby, clinging to their mothers’ side.

Cook’s Bison Ranch started as a working farm about 50 years ago. In the late 1980s, the Cook family added bison as a new product. But, bison viewing experiences became popular with locals and grew to become popular with tourists.

Tours are available Tuesday-Saturday.

Stutzman Dairy

While agriculture makes up a significantly smaller slice of Amish life today – most men work at nearby recreational vehicle manufacturing plants – Stutzman Dairy produces fresh milk and cream on a 150-cow operation.

A visit to the dairy farm includes a look at the history of farming in the community before heading to the milking barn. Using contemporary milking tools, which are allowed under Amish beliefs, Stutzman Dairy milks its cows three times daily. The fresh milk and cream are bottled on site for delivery to nearby markets. Featuring white, chocolate and strawberry flavors, the non-pasteurized milk is popular with customers.

Winning international awards for its products, Stutzman Dairy offers tours twice a day May-October and once a day October-May. Reservations are required.

Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park

Camels, wildebeest and longhorns are among the dozens of animals you’ll find at the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. Have you ever seen a Zorse or Zonkey – crosses between a zebra and horse and donkey?

While you can drive your vehicle through the park, taking a wagon ride tour is the best way to experience the farm. Purchase a bowl of feed and enjoy hand-feeding the animals. All kinds of animals will happily take treats from you. Watching them following the wagon en masse is quite a view.

Blue Gate concerts

The shows at Blue Gate Performing Arts Center are Boomer-centric. From tribute bands taking you back to the days of the Bee Gees, Elvis and The Beatles to classic performers like Badfinger, Christopher Cross and Foghat, sit back and enjoy a trip down memory lane to high school and cruising while listening to your favorite tunes.

If musicals are your preference, the Blue Gate Theatre offers unique shows, such as the stage interpretation of “When Calls the Heart,” a popular series on Hallmark Channel.

SHOPPING

Shipshewana Flea Market and Auction

Shipshewana Flea Market resembles a flea market on steroids. With about 700 vendors, you’re sure to come home with a carload of goods.

Whether you’re looking for furniture, home decor, antiques or clothes, there’s something for everyone at the flea market. Consider purchasing a handmade basket, woven by a local Amish merchant. Perhaps locally prepared jams and salsa.

Soak in the view with a stroll down the massive rows of merchants. Grab a bite to eat or get a drink from vendors centrally located.

The market is open Tuesday-Wednesday and weekends. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

NOTE: Wear comfortable walking shoes. For people who may want to ride a scooter, they can be rented near the front gate. Consider renting a shopping cart to carry your treasures.

Davis Mercantile

With four floors and 21 stores, a visit to Davis Mercantile combines local Amish history with contemporary shopping. A quilter’s dream, two stores carry so much fiber and yarn, you may need to rent a semi to take everything home.

Candy, games, puzzles and home decor are among stores at the downtown center. Hop aboard the indoor carousel and relive your youth with a ride on a pony or a wagon.

Jojo’s Pretzels features handmade pretzels that dwarf your hand. Add a side of sweet mustard or marinara for dipping. Next door, Kitchen Cupboard serves in-house roasted coffee, including lattes and espressos.

Rebecca Haarer Arts and Antiques

A visit to Rebecca’s  shop often ends in a history lesson about quilting. With a collection of vintage quilts dating back to the early 1800s, Haarer shares stories of Amish quilting styles.

Explore the store for handmade quilts and supplies, as well as accessories and vintage collectibles.

Shipshewana Furniture Company

Using Iocal crafters, family-owned Shipshewana Furniture Company offers a variety of Amish-style items, including living room, dining room and bedroom furniture, as well as patio tables and chairs and Adirondack chairs.

DINING

Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery

While you can order off a menu, the best way to experience Shipshewana is the buffet at Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery. Featuring Amish-style cooking, diners can sample a variety of foods, including fried chicken and ham and vegetables. Add mashed potatoes, stuffing or noodles with gravy as a side. Good luck on not wanting seconds. Leave room for freshly baked dessert items such as apple and cherry pie.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Ben’s Soft Pretzels takes the treat to a new level, creating sandwiches that will tease your taste buds. While you can enjoy an old-fashioned pretzel dog, you’ll be tempted by choices ranging from a jalapeño pretzel to a meatball pretzel, Hawaiian (with ham, cheese and pineapple) or a Philly cheesecake pretzel.

Fireside Craft Burgers and Brews

You can always order a regular hamburger at Fireside Craft Burgers and Brews, but after browsing the menu you may wonder why. With everything from mac and cheese, bacon and bacon jam to piles of pork and fried pickles and even more pickles, handcrafted burgers are the stars.

The downtown LaGrange eatery also serves sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Destination 814

With years of experience running bars, the owners of Destination 814 opened the restaurant and bar in 2020. With a menu featuring unique dishes and drinks, the LaGrange establishment is an excellent choice to relax and enjoy a good meal or drink.

While the restaurant features a regular menu, the chef enjoys creating special dishes, from salads to burgers. Consider a shareable to begin your dining experience. I recommend the pork and pickles, with fried pork tenderloin bites and fried pickles, paired with a side of horsey sauce.

Note: Most restaurants in Shipshewana and LaGrange are closed or close early on Sunday. Consider a trip to nearby Elkhart or South Bend for Sunday dinner.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Blue Gate Garden Inn

The Blue Gate Garden Inn is the standard for hotels in Shipshewana. The hotel features patios for first floor rooms and suites.

Your hotel stay includes a daily breakfast buffet, featuring a made-to-order omelet station.

Farmstead Inn

With a red barn attached, you may feel like you’re in a farm during your stay at the Farmstead Inn. Don’t worry, though, you won’t be sleeping on a bed of straw. The hotel, located across the street from the flea market, offers a continental breakfast.

Other accommodations in the area include a Super 8 hotel and campgrounds.

While you can do lots of shopping and enjoy delicious meals there, Shipshewana offers a laid back atmosphere with plenty of cultural and historical opportunities.