12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Shipshewana, Indiana for First Time Visitors

Shipshewana, Indiana — a place I’d hardly heard of before attending a conference there — turned out to be one of the most charming and welcoming small towns I’ve ever visited.

In the heart of northern Indiana’s Amish country, Shipshewana surprised me with its variety of activities, local flavors, and friendly people. With plenty of shopping, delicious food, and peaceful nature trails, this town and surrounding areas offer a great change of pace for a perfect weekend getaway.

If you’re planning a visit or just looking for a unique getaway, here are some highlights to add to your itinerary. These are our favorite things to do in Shipshewana!

1. Browse the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market

One of Shipshewana’s claims to fame is its massive auction and flea market, the largest flea market in the Midwest.

Whether you’re hunting for antiques, handmade crafts, or fresh produce, you’ll find it here.

If you visit on a Wednesday, pop into the auction barn. You’ll see lively auctioneers selling their antiques and treasures. The auction barn’s energy is absolutely infectious, and it was one of our favorite parts of the flea.

It’s easy to spend hours browsing rows upon rows of stalls, so don’t forget to bring cash and wear comfortable shoes — you’ll need both!

➡️ Read More: Tips for Visiting the Shipshewana Flea Market

2. Take a Driving Tour of LaGrange County

To truly appreciate the beauty of this small-town destination, hop in the car and take a driving tour through LaGrange County.

Rolling fields, picturesque farms, and horse-drawn buggies dot the landscape, giving you a glimpse into the simpler way of life practiced by the local Amish community.

We loved the off-the-beaten-path tour we took with Visit Shipshewana. You can access the tour for free on Spotify or stop by the visitor center for other options. It gives you turn-by-turn directions, recommends stops to make along the way, and teaches you about the local landmarks, history, and culture.

➡️ Follow Along to the Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour on Spotify

Keep an eye out for roadside stands selling fresh baked goods, produce, and handmade products.

3. Check out a Cottage Shop or Two (…or More!)

The Shipshewana area is known for its unique cottage shops, which are small, family-owned businesses often located right on the owners’ properties.

These shops offer one-of-a-kind handmade finds, from furniture and home décor to handcrafted gifts.

We visited a handful of cottage shops during our visit, and we especially loved Silversmith Leather and Sonshine Baskets. We learned all about the process each used to make their products from the owners themselves.

This activity will require a little advanced planning because shop hours are somewhat limited, and each shop is independent. Your best opportunities to plan visits are on weekdays or Saturday mornings, with many shops closing in the early afternoons.

Definitely make sure to check each shop’s hours individually!

4. Discover Local Murals

Some of the most surprising finds in Shipshewana were the vibrant local murals scattered throughout the town and in other nearby small towns.

These works of art beautifully capture the area’s history, Amish culture, and connection to the land.

Each mural tells a story, whether about the area’s farming traditions, community values, or local life.

My personal favorite was the vibrant, colorful mural tucked down a quiet alley near the Davis Mercantile—happening upon it felt like discovering a secret piece of Shipshewana.

Strolling through the town and exploring the nearby towns like LaGrange in search of these murals is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

5. Hike in a County Park

For outdoor lovers, Shipshewana and the surrounding LaGrange County are home to several parks perfect for stretching your legs and enjoying.

Dallas Lake Park and Maple Wood Nature Center are great starting points, but we also really loved the trail at Pine Knob County Park. These parks all feature well-maintained trails traveling through a variety of landscapes.

During our visit, we found the quiet of these trails to be a perfect evening escape to get some fresh air after busy days spent exploring and attending conference sessions. They’re also pup-friendly!

Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a camera—you’ll likely come across some great photo opportunities if you’re a general wildlife, bird, or nature photographer.

6. Bike the Pumpkinville Nature Trail

Cycling the Pumpkinville Nature Trail is a must if you enjoy a mix of fresh air and scenic views.

This well-maintained and mostly paved bike trail runs through farmland, wetlands, and shaded woodlands. It also connects Shipshewana to the towns of Middlebury and Goshen.

If you’re visiting in the fall, the trail is dotted with gorgeous autumn colors.

I didn’t have my bike with me during my visit, but I made a mental note to return and explore the entire length of the trail. Bike rentals are available in the towns, but we ran out of time!

7. Enjoy a Show at the Blue Gate

The Blue Gate Theatre is a Shipshewana staple. The facility hosts a range of entertainment options that draw visitors from across the region.

There’s always something happening, from uplifting musicals inspired by Amish life to big-name concerts and comedy acts. Whether you want to see an old-school tribute band, an up-and-coming thespian, or a well-known artist, they all perform at the Blue Gate.

The atmosphere inside is cozy and inviting, and the performances are top-notch. Even just walking in the front doors, you’ll see memorabilia and photos from big-name artists plastered all over the walls.

If you’re planning your trip, I highly recommend checking the schedule before you make your final plans.

8. Restock Your Pantry at E&S Bulk Sales

Foodies and home cooks, this one’s for you! E&S Bulk Sales is a giant supermarket for high-quality ingredients, some of which are sold in bulk.

We were lucky enough to be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour, and this place is huge! Everyone we encountered was wonderful, from the folks in the bakery to the warehouse to the noodle making.

Whether you’re looking to stock up on baking supplies, spices, or specialty items, you’ll likely find it here—and at a great price.

I stocked up on some of those homemade noodles, hard-to-find spices, and snack mixes that I couldn’t resist.

If you plan to shop for groceries and cook some of your own meals during your visit to Shipshewana, E&S Bulk Sales is where you should shop. Just bring cash because they don’t accept cards, but there is an ATM onsite in case you’re short.

9. Fill Your Belly with Local Foods

Shipshewana’s food options are as comforting and hearty as you’d expect from a small town rooted in Amish culture.

I got to indulge in a traditional Amish haystack dinner during my visit, complete with all the fixins’, and pie for dessert—it was the definition of comfort food. You’ll also find some great home-style options at The Blue Gate Restaurant!

The nearby towns of LaGrange and Middlebury are also home to some great restaurants, so don’t limit yourself! One of the highlights of my trip was sampling the variety of homemade baked goods that are a hallmark of the area.

Make sure you grab one of their famous fried pies, a local favorite that’s as satisfying as it sounds. These hand-sized delights come filled with flavors like apple, cherry, and peanut butter cream. Many bakeries also offer homemade cookies, from classic chocolate chip to delicious whoopie pies, each baked to perfection. I couldn’t resist snagging a few extras to enjoy later!

If you’re visiting during the day, make a stop for freshly baked soft pretzels—warm, buttery, and often served with cheese or mustard for dipping. Jojo’s and Ben’s are the two staples in town.

Right on Main Street in LaGrange, Fireside Craft Burgers & Brews, Linder’s Tavern on Main, and Destination 814 are all worth checking out, depending on the type of food you’re looking for!

10. Feed the Bison at Cook’s Bison Ranch

If you’ve never had the chance to get up close to a bison, Cook’s Bison Ranch is a must-visit.

This working ranch offers guided tours where you can learn all about these majestic creatures.

The highlight? Feeding them by hand! You’ll get up close and personal on a tour through the ranch on their covered wagon. Just be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

It’s a fun outing for families or anyone curious about farm life. Don’t forget to visit the ranch store afterward to pick up some bison meat or unique souvenirs.

11. Kayak on the Fawn River or Pigeon Lake

For a peaceful outdoor adventure, head to the Fawn River for some kayaking.

This gentle river is perfect for paddlers of all experience levels, even if it’s your first time out on a kayak. Relax and glide along the water for a few hours, enjoying the sunshine and peaceful surroundings.

Rentals are available nearby if you don’t have your own kayak.

We even enjoyed a fantastic little A-frame home rental right on the river, where we were able to sip our morning coffee on the small wooden dock. It was so peacefully tucked away off of the main drag outside of town!

12. Shop at the Davis Mercantile and other Downtown Shops

Downtown Shipshewana is a shopper’s paradise.

The Davis Mercantile, a multi-level shopping hub, is the heart of the area. Here, you’ll find everything from handcrafted wooden furniture to fabrics, delightful toys, and other unique gifts.

In the center of the mercantile, check out the giant tree trunk, thought to be over 350 years old. The history behind getting it there is impressive and involved helicopters!.

Each floor houses multiple unique shops, so make sure you visit every single one! You’ll want to save some time to check out the unique 1906 Dentzel Carousel on the top floor.

Beyond the Mercantile, downtown Shipshewana boasts dozens of small shops selling locally made products, crafts, and one-of-a-kind items. It’s a fantastic way to take a piece of Shipshewana home with you.

Shipshewana may be a small town, but it’s packed with unique experiences, warm hospitality, and a slower pace of life that makes for the perfect getaway. Whether you’re shopping for handcrafted goods, indulging in hearty Amish cuisine, or exploring the beautiful countryside, this charming town is such a special destination.

My visit started as just a trip for a conference, but it quickly turned into an unexpected adventure filled with delightful surprises. If you’re looking for a destination that blends history, culture, and outdoor fun, Shipshewana should be at the top of your list.