10 Tips to Make Visiting the Shipshewana Flea Market a Breeze

Are you planning a trip to Shipshewana? You have to visit the Shipshewana Flea Market while you’re there. It’s the Midwest’s LARGEST flea market!

With so much to see in this iconic spot for bargain hunters and treasure seekers, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed.

But don’t worry—these ten tips will help you make the most of your visit and have a great time! Here’s what you need to know when visiting the Shipshewana Flea Market.

1. Know the Season and Hours

First things first: the flea market isn’t open year-round. You’ll usually find it running from May through September on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Special events sometimes mean extended hours, with a few open weekends per year. Be sure to check the official website before planning your trip.

We’d recommend planning to visit on a Wednesday, but more on that later!

2. Wear comfortable shoes

Trust me on this one—you’ll be walking a lot. The flea market grounds are huge, and you’ll likely be on your feet for a few hours.

While there are benches available to sit and rest, a comfy pair of walking shoes will save your day and keep your feet happy.

Sneakers are your best choice because some of the walking surfaces are finely crushed stone – terribly uncomfortable if you get those in your sandals, even if they are normally good for walking!

An open gravel pathway flanked by wooden vendor stalls at Shipshewana Flea Market, displaying colorful handcrafted decor, outdoor ornaments, and artisan products. A few visitors stroll along the market on a cloudy day.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Flea Market Layout

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the map and layout of the flea market ahead of time. This will make navigation more manageable when you arrive.

Review the vendor list and jot down the booths that pique your interest. Take note of their stall numbers so you’ll easily locate your must-visit spots once you arrive. You don’t want to miss anything!

Then, once you arrive, grab a map at the entrance to reference throughout your day.

4. Check the Weather Forecasts

The market is mostly outdoors, so the weather can make or break your experience if you come unprepared.

Check the forecast, but don’t let a stray shower deter you from visiting. Many of the vendor booths are covered, so you might find the market less crowded with guests on drearier days!

Make sure you pack sunscreen and hats on a sunny day or a rain jacket if the clouds roll in. That way, you’ll be prepared to cover the entirety of the outdoor market.

You’ll thank yourself later.

5. Arrive Early

Want the most unique finds, the best deals, and a calmer shopping experience? Get there right when the market opens.

You’ll get the first look at everything before it’s picked over! Early birds get the most extensive selection of the treasures and avoid the midday crowds.

Early mornings are usually also cooler, so you’ll be more comfortable browsing, especially during the hot summer months.

Plus, you’ll have more time to browse the entire market.

6. Make Note of Where You Park

The market is huge, and so are the parking lots.

Make a note of the gate number you enter through—it’s the best way to remember where you started.

Don’t rely on nearby cars as markers since shoppers come and go at their own pace.

Some people only stay a few hours, while others stay and shop all day.

One of the many entrances to Shipshewana Flea Market, Gate 4 is depicted with a large map displaying vendor locations and attractions. Vibrant stalls selling flowers, balloons, and various goods are visible under tents, with a cloudy sky overhead.

7. Bring a Cart or Basket

You’re going to find some great stuff. Carrying it all can get tiring – and fast.

Bring along a small wheeled cart, wagon, or basket to hold your finds. It’ll make shopping so much easier, and you won’t need to keep running back to the car.

Just note that some of the booths are packed to the brim, so you won’t be able to wheel carts inside every single one.

You can certainly shop this flea market solo (I did!), but it can be extremely helpful to have a companion if you plan to make lots of purchases! That way, you can take turns going into the booths while the other waits just outside with the cart.

8. Use Cash for Your Purchases.

While some vendors accept credit cards, cash is king here. It’s the easiest way to pay, and it keeps things simple for both you and the sellers.

Remember, Shipshewana has an extremely large Amish community with its unique culture and customs, many of which are market vendors.

You don’t want to miss out on a treasure because you don’t have cash! Only about 50% of the vendors accept plastic.

Bring smaller bills, too—they’re handy for quick purchases or haggling.

Bustling walkway at Shipshewana Flea Market, featuring outdoor stalls showcasing clothes, antiques, and crafts. Visitors explore the variety of goods under partly sunny skies.

9. Don’t Wait to Buy Unique Items

See something you love? Don’t wait to make the purchase!

Many of the items sold here are unique and truly one-of-a-kind. Once they’re gone, there’s no guarantee you’ll ever find them again.

Vendors often have a limited stock of handmade or vintage pieces, so if a treasure catches your eye, snag it before someone else does.

Waiting and planning to circle back later to make the purchase might mean missing out on something special that you won’t come across again.

10. Don’t Skip the Wednesday Auctions

The flea market is amazing, but the Wednesday auctions were one of my favorite parts of my visit to the Shipshewana Flea Market.

They’re so unique and full of energy! Whether you’re bidding or just watching, it’s an exciting way to spend part of your day.

Multiple auctioneers work at the same time with their portable microphone setups, weaving through their treasures quickly and efficiently.

You might score a great deal if you’re lucky, but the experience itself is worth it even if you don’t.

11. Bonus – Grab a Delicious Bite to Eat!

Don’t forget to treat yourself to some amazing local food while you’re at the flea market!

One of the highlights is the Amish Fry Pie—flaky, sweet, and absolutely delicious. Think along the lines of a hot pocket or empanada but with a sweet filling! Or, grab a delicious soft pretzel!

There are food courts and Amish food available, so you don’t even have to leave the grounds.

You’ll also find plenty of other great snacks and food options to keep you fueled for a full day of shopping. Even grab some things to take home, like homemade jams, jellies, spices, and sweets!

Close-up of half of an Amish oatmeal sandwich cookie with creamy white frosting filling. The cookie’s soft, textured oatmeal layers are held in hand against a wooden deck background.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set for an unforgettable day full of shopping and treasure hunting at the Shipshewana Flea Market. But the flea market is just the beginning! Shipshewana is full of charm and activities to enjoy.

We loved taking a drive through the picturesque countryside of LaGrange County with the help of the Shipshewana off-the-beaten-path driving audio tour, which gave fascinating insights into the area’s Amish heritage.

When it suggests making a stop at one of the area’s Amish Cottage Shops for unique handcrafted items or gifts, do it! We especially loved Sonshine Baskets and Silverstar Leather. Just note that these small family-run shops do have limited hours.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there are also beautiful local parks to enjoy, perfect for a leisurely walk, short hike, or picnic. Whatever you choose to do, the small Indiana town of Shipshewana is a fantastic destination, full of great small-town charm.