10 Tips for Visiting the Shipshewana Amish Community

Nestled in the heart of northern Indiana, Shipshewana is a charming rural town known for its large Amish community. 

We were lucky enough to spend some time in Shipshewana and learn about the lifestyle. Checking out the Cottage Shops, enjoying so many delicious foods, and unplugging were some of our favorite experiences. 

But there are some things that you should know about the area that will help you better plan for your visit, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

We’ve compiled this list based on our experience and things we learned on our visit. We hope to help you have the best visit to Shipshewana’s Amish country!

From understanding the customs of the Amish community to navigating the local roads and savoring the delicious cuisine, these tips will help you enjoy a respectful trip and create lasting memories. These are ten essential things to know before visiting the Shipshewana Amish Community.

1. Respect privacy and ask permission before photographing.

During your visit to the charming community of Shipshewana, you’ll likely come across the Amish, a religious group known for their traditional way of life. Unless you plan to live under a rock while you’re there, you’ll visit their shops and pass their buggies on the roadways.

Most Amish individuals do not wish to have their photo taken due to their beliefs regarding vanity, humility, and simplicity. You’ll even notice that Amish dolls and artwork typically do not have facial features. Often, the faces are left blank!

So, before you whip out your camera and start clicking away, show some respect and ask for permission!

Asking an Amish person for photo permission may feel a little awkward at first, especially if you come from a larger city where tourists and travelers just snap away. But never fear! Asking permission is a simple act of politeness and goes a long way in establishing mutual understanding and respect.

In our experience, most Amish individuals were comfortable having only their hands photographed or were happy to step aside to allow us photos of their work. So, if you’re desperately seeking a shot to prove your close encounter with the Amish culture, focus on capturing their skilled craftwork. Trust us, those intricate quilts, durable leather goods, and handcrafted wooden furniture will make for stunning visual souvenirs.

If you’re lucky, some Amish individuals may even grant permission for a photo with their whole self included. But please respect their wishes if they decline. It’s not personal; it’s simply a matter of deeply held beliefs.

Now, if you’re more interested in capturing the beauty of Shipshewana as a whole, there are plenty of photo opportunities that don’t involve people at all. The country landscapes and handmade goods are beautiful! Just be mindful of your surroundings.

2. Drive cautiously.

When it comes to navigating the roads of Shipshewana, a little caution goes a long way. Horses and buggies coexist with cars and trucks, using the same roadways. Leave your lead foot and speedy tendencies at the interstate, and take a leisurely cruise through the Indiana countryside.

Many of the main roads around Shipshewana have wide berms specifically designed for horses, buggies, bikes, and any other slow-moving transportation.

However, if you decide to venture onto the off-the-beaten-path routes, be warned. They’re narrow. Keep those eyes peeled for buggies and remember to pass slowly.

We’re not saying that those horse-drawn modes of transportation are unpredictable, but even the most well-trained horses can be spooked. Just pay attention and be ready for the unexpected.

It’s all part of the Shipshewana charm! Embrace it. Slow and steady wins the race.

4. Amish culture is quite modest.

If you’re used to the flashy fashion trends of the big city, prepare yourself for a change of pace when you enter Shipshewana. The Amish people, who make up a significant part of the community and its population, have a deeply rooted belief in modesty that is reflected in their clothing choices.

The men of the Amish community mostly opt for simple button shirts and pants. Their clothing is functional, not flashy. The emphasis is on quality craftsmanship and practicality rather than following the latest trends.

The women don modest dresses in fabrics of a single color. You won’t spot any miniskirts or plunging necklines here. Their handmade dresses are meticulously crafted, with each stitch carefully executed. If you were planning on stepping out in an extremely revealing outfit or rocking some truly loud patterns, you might want to rethink your choices.

Of course, I’m not here to tell you what to wear or how to express yourself. You do you! Just be aware that your couture-loving sensibilities might be met with a few raised eyebrows in this modest community.

5. Plan out your trip ahead of time.

Don’t get me wrong, we love to be spontaneous and go with the flow. To get the most out of your visit to Shipshewana, though, you’ll want to have a rough plan ahead of time. This charming town operates on a different time schedule, one that prioritizes family time and a good old-fashioned day of rest.

Staying true to modest and conservative beliefs, Sunday is observed as a day of rest. This means that most of the town and its businesses are closed. They seize the opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones and travel to church, leaving you with limited options to shop or indulge in touristy activities. Don’t save all your shopping plans for Sunday, as you might find yourself strolling through silent streets.

Even on regular weekdays, most businesses in Shipshewana close their doors promptly by 5 pm. So, if you’re accustomed to late-night shopping sprees and bar-hopping, Shipshewana might give you a bit of a shock.

To make the most out of your trip, plan your general itinerary by researching the working hours of the attractions and businesses you’d like to visit. Make sure you prioritize the must-see places and allocate enough time for each activity.

By planning ahead, you’ll avoid the disappointment of arriving to see a closed sign or missing out on a shop’s unique charm simply because you slept in or lingered too long over your morning coffee.

6. Take advantage of the tours and educational experiences.

When planning a visit to Shipshewana, make sure to take advantage of the tours and educational experiences offered in this small community. These opportunities are not only informative, but many also provide a first-hand insight into the unique way of life in Shipshewana.

Begin your visit by heading to the Menno-Hof Education Center, which is right across the road from the Flea Market. Here you can learn about the Amish lifestyle from informational displays.

One of the best ways to learn about the local businesses and their practices is by participating in a local tour. Whether it’s a tour of an Amish farm, a woodworking shop, or the bustling flea market, these experiences take a deep dive into the traditional businesses that define Shipshewana.

We learned so much on these tours and gained a deeper appreciation for the skills of the local artisans.

7. Come hungry.

If you’re planning a trip to Shipshewana, make sure you pack your appetite, because this small community knows how to feed you! Trust me, when it comes to food, Shipshewana does not disappoint.

The food here is simply to die for! From traditional Amish fare to delicious comfort food, we didn’t have a bad meal while exploring around town.

You’ll also want to bring your biggest sweet tooth. Shipshewana is a haven for all dessert lovers.  The Blue Gate is known for its pies, and don’t even get me started on the cookies and other baked goods. They’re fantastic!

A unique Amish delight, you have to try a fry pie. It’s a handheld pie coated with a glaze on the outside and a filling bursting with just about any sweet flavor you can imagine. You’ll get all the delicious pie taste, and you don’t need a fork to eat it.

The homemade egg noodles are another one of my favorites!  We got to see how they’re made at E&S Sales, and it brought back memories of making them with my grandma, although on a much larger scale. Pick up a bag or two of these heavenly creations made on-site, and you’ll never look at pasta the same way again.

Before you leave town, indulge in soft pretzels to your heart’s content! Grab one (or two) from the local bakery, and you’ll be walking the streets of Shipshewana with a smile and a full belly. We got to learn how to make a soft pretzel from Ben himself, the owner of Ben’s Soft Pretzels and also tried Jojo’s in the Davis Mercantile. Do the same and choose your own favorite!

8. If you’re driving, bring a cooler.

If you plan on road-tripping to Shipshewana, make sure to pack a cooler in your trunk alongside your other necessities. Why? You’re going to want to take all this great stuff home with you!

Shipshewana is bursting at the seams with fresh, delectable foods, cheeses, meats, and sweets that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.

We snagged some great cheeses, including an Amish butter cheese and a hot pepper Colby jack, and some desserts to go. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the chance to take a piece of Shipshewana’s food paradise back home with you.

If you aren’t able to fit a cooler, you can always choose to take home some of the homemade jams, Amish peanut butter, or popcorn varieties instead.

9. Get off the beaten path.

If you’re tired of the same old tourist traps, then getting off the beaten path in Shipshewana is just what you need.

Visit Shipshewana, the mastermind behind the off-the-beaten-path driving tour, has carefully curated a route that will take you across some of the most beautiful country roads, past countless barn quilts, and lead you to discover beautiful cottage shops.

As you cruise through the picturesque countryside, keep an eye out for the Amish Cottage Shops. These quaint little gems showcase the beautiful handcrafted goods from Amish family businesses. Be sure to pay a visit to Silverstar Leather, where you’ll find beautifully crafted bags and wallets. Need a belt to complete your ensemble or stand up to the workday? They’ll custom-fit the length for you right on the spot.

Another must-stop on your off-the-beaten-path itinerary is Sonshine Baskets. This hidden gem is the go-to destination for handwoven baskets of all shapes and sizes. Whether you need a sturdy picnic basket or a dainty decorative piece, they’ve got a wide range of shapes, sizes, and combinations. Owl Toy Craft is another must-visit, with shelves full of handcrafted wooden toys that are sure to delight kids of all ages (and yes, adults too).

So, forget the same old tourist traps. The off-the-beaten-path driving tour provides a unique experience, getting out of the few busy downtown streets to explore much more of Lagrange County. You can access it online, through Spotify, or stop at the Visitor Center in town for more information.

10. Shipshewana is a dry town.

When visiting the Shipshewana Amish Community, take note that Shipshewana is a dry town, meaning that alcohol is not sold in stores or restaurants within the town.

While this isn’t an important fact or dealbreaker for many, it is something we wanted to note. 

If you’re looking to enjoy a drink with your meal, it’s best to head to the neighboring towns of Lagrange or Middlebury, located either east or west of Shipshewana.

Lagrange has a handful of options for dining that also serve adult beverages right on the main drag through town. You can also head over the Middlebury, home to Wedgewood Brewing Company.

We hope you have a great time exploring this part of rural northern Indiana.

Visiting the Shipshewana Amish Community is a unique experience with a glimpse into a way of life that values simplicity, community, and tradition. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit. 

We hope these insights help you make the most of your visit to Shipshewana and create lasting memories of this charming community. Enjoy your adventure into the heart of Indiana Amish country!