The Best Parks Near Shipshewana- A Nature Lovers’ Guide to LaGrange County, IN

When visiting LaGrange County and the beautiful town of Shipshewana, there are several parks to explore, each offering unique outdoor experiences.

Whether a quiet nature walk to get some exercise with your dogs, a beach day, or a bit of history is on your desired itinerary, we have a park suggestion for you.

If you’ve visited or even planned a trip to Shipshewana, you’ve probably seen or heard about the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. It’s a fantastic paved, all-purpose trail you can access right in the town of Shipshewana.

We’re here to go beyond that popular trail and share some other places to visit, too, a little outside of town. We have been able to visit each of these parks, so we can tell you first-hand what to expect!

After you’ve shopped at the flea market and learned all about the local Amish culture and customs, visiting one of these parks is a great change of pace. Here’s a guide to help you decide which LaGrange County parks near Shipshewana you want to visit based on your interests.

Pine Knob Park

Best for: A walk with your pups, a unique archery experience

A weathered wooden boardwalk leads to a serene lake with calm, blue waters and aquatic plants growing along the shore at Pine Knob County Park. White clouds reflect on the water, creating a picturesque nature scene.

If you enjoy diverse landscapes, Pine Knob Park is a great choice.

The park features a marsh, a small lake, wooded areas, and open field trails, making it ideal for a scenic hike. It’s also dog-friendly, and our pups loved exploring the trails.

For those interested in archery, the park offers a unique archery trail with 3-D targets along the way. We noticed the targets during our late-afternoon hike and had fun looking for each one.

There is also a fishing dock for those looking to cast a line.

Dallas Lake Park

Best for: swimming in the summer, a variety of hiking

Dallas Lake Park is perfect for a summer visit!

It has a beach for swimming (though there are no lifeguards on duty), making it a great spot to cool off on a warm day. The beach is pretty small and can get busy on the weekends, but it works if you’re in the area and looking to get your feet in the sand for a bit!

The park also includes the Pond Lil Nature Preserve, which showcases stunning wildflowers in the summer.

With trails to explore, it’s a great spot for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you hike. We saw some whitetail deer as we explored.

Delt Church Park

Best for: Family outings, disc golf lovers

For those looking for an open space, Delt Church Park offers 2 miles of trails, making it a great option for visitors of all abilities.

The park provides access to the north branch of the Elkhart River and features a large open grass field, perfect for picnicking or recreational activities.

Picnic shelters and a large playground make Delt Church Park great for a day of family fun or a group outing. There are plenty of things to do in Shipshewana during the day, but businesses close down in the evenings. A picnic in the park is a perfect summer late-day activity!

Bring your discs when you visit Delt Church Park and enjoy the great 18-hole disc golf course for a fun afternoon.

David Rodgers Memorial Park

Best for: History lovers

A rustic wooden cabin window frames a scenic view of historic log buildings, a grassy clearing, and a bright blue sky at David Rogers Memorial Park. This park preserves pioneer history while offering beautiful natural surroundings.

History lovers will appreciate David Rodgers Memorial Park, which features old pioneer log cabin structures.

It’s a wonderful place to take a step back in time and learn about the region’s early settlers while enjoying the quiet, rustic setting.

This park is small, so a visit here won’t take all day. The good news is that Delt Church Park and Dallas Lake Park are both less than 10 minutes away, so it’s easy to visit both in one day.

Maple Wood Nature Center

Best for: A quiet walk in the woods

If you’re seeking a peaceful, wooded hike, Maple Wood Nature Center is an excellent destination. The trails here are fairly easy and suitable for all skill levels.

Just make sure you bring insect repellant along. We were swarmed! While we really enjoyed the trails, we would have spent more time if the bugs weren’t attacking us.

A highlight of this park is the annual Maple Syrup Weekend each March, which is a fun and educational event showcasing the maple syrup-making process.

During this event, guests can watch live demonstrations, sample fresh syrup, and even purchase locally made syrup to take home.

Shipshewana Lake Park

Best for: A beautiful sunset view

For a picturesque lakeside experience, Shipshewana Lake Park is a must-visit.

Although small, it offers beautiful lakeside sunsets and is located just 0.5 miles from the Pumpkinvine Trail, making it a great side stop for those exploring the area by bicycle.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a view over the lake while you watch the evening sunset.

A paved walking and biking trail begins under a white wooden archway with a sign reading "Shipshewana Pumpkinvine Nature Trail." To the left, a playground with a gazebo and play structures sits beside a grassy area, while white fences and farm buildings line the background. This scenic trail offers a peaceful outdoor escape near Shipshewana.

No matter which park you choose to visit, LaGrange County offers a variety of outdoor experiences that cater to nature lovers, history buffs, and families.

Is your stop in Shipshewana part of a longer trip? Are you planning a Great Lakes road trip?

Plan to stop at Indiana Dunes National Park along the way. The park is less than 100 miles from Shipshewana, and you’ll find beautiful views of Lake Michigan!