Shipshewana’s population may be less than 1,000 people, but don’t let its size deter you from visiting. This charming Amish community sees more than 2 millions visitors annually, and after visiting, you’ll know why.
It was late as my husband and I drove into Shipshewana, and even at 10pm, the community was so welcoming. We drove past a horse-and-buggy driving on the side of the road and they waved as we slowly passed by. When we walked into the hotel, the staff was as friendly as if it were 10am.
Although I had never heard of Shipshewana before the Midwest Travel Network announced it as its 2024 Conference Destination, I knew right away that I would love the area.
This post provides the ultimate guide to Shipshewana, including where to stay and what to do during your visit to this charming Amish community.
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Where is Shipshewana, Indiana?
Shipshewana is located about 11 miles south of the Michigan state line and is an easy road trip from Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis – all about 3 hours. I drove from Madison, WI and it took about 4.5 hours.
How to Get to Shipshewana
South Bend International Airport is the closest option if you’re flying, and will leave you with about an hour drive to Shipshewana.
Where to Stay in Shipshewana
Within a 4-mile radius, you’ll find hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts to suit your lodging needs. Perhaps the most popular spot to stay is the Blue Gate Garden Inn, home of the famous theater.
Top Things to Do in Shipshewana
For such a small community, Shipshewana has SO much to do! And not only are there tons of activities, there are such a variety of options.
Shop Downtown
Amish communities are known for their incredible shopping opportunities, complete with handcrafted goods, and Shipshewana is no different.
Shipshewana is home to the Midwest’s LARGEST flea market – Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market. It’s open Tuesdays and Wednesdays, May through September, and showcases more than 700 vendors. It’s a must-visit on any trip to Shipshewana.
The Davis Mercantile (more below) offers 21 shops over four floors, with items such as furniture, clothing, and even puzzles available for sale. Yoder’s Shopping Center is another excellent option, featuring a specialty quilt shop and general store.
I found the stores I visited all accepted credit cards, but be prepared with cash just in case.
Visit Dutch Creek Animal Farm
6255 N 1000 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Open seasonally May 1st through mid-October, Dutch Creek Animal Farm is a popular family favorite. The farm has a wide variety of animals from goats, alpaca, and cows, to unique finds like camels, monkeys, and antelopes.
The farm offers a few different options to visit with the animals:
- Drive through in your own car
- Walk through the farm
- Take a guided wagon tour (I recommend this option as you can also walk through the petting farm portion and you get to feed the animals)
- Prices:
- Adults: $16
- Children (3-12): $11
- Seniors (65+): $15
- Prices:
Dutch Creek Animal Farm is owned and operated by an Amish Family, and as such is closed on Sundays and Ascension Day (40 days after Easter).
Enjoy Pumpkinvine Trail
A fantastic trail option that begins in Shipshewana is the Pumpkinvine Trail. The entire trail is 16 miles and runs from Shipshewana to Goshen. The trail is made of asphalt and packed limestone, making it perfect for road bikes, running, and walking.
Bike rentals and supplies are available from Pumpkinvine Cyclerly near the trailhead. Leashed pets are also allowed to join you on the trail.
Shop at Davis Mercantile
225 N Harrison St, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Any trip to Shipshewana should include a visit to Davis Mercantile, a 4-story mall complete with 21 stores. I grabbed a smoothie from Kitchen Cupboard before exploring the variety of stores.
While I love browsing stores for home decor and furniture, I was amazed by the specialty store FULL of puzzles. I fell in love with puzzles as a kid, and that love was rekindled during the pandemic when I’d spend my work breaks and evenings putting together puzzles in my living room.
The top floor of Davis Mercantile is where the famous carousel is located.
The entire mall is closed on Sundays for the Sabbath.
Tour Stutzman Dairy Farm
1360 N 850 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Learn the inner workings of a 6th generation family-owned farm just minutes from downtown Shipshewana. At Stutzman Dairy Farm, you can take a public tour of the working dairy farm where you can see cows being milked from an upstairs viewing room, watch cute farm animals roam around, and maybe even get a soft kiss from a pig.
Reservations are required for guided tours and cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. I was really impressed with my tour of the farm and highly recommend it.
Not only will you see the farm animals up close and learn about the tough operations of a dairy farm, but you’ll learn how an Amish family works to scale their business in order to stay competitive.
Ride the Carousel
225 N Harrison St, Shipshewana, IN 46565
No trip to Shipshewana is complete without taking a ride on the antique carousel located on the top floor of the Davis Mercantile. Its a 1906 Dentzel Carousel that features beautiful hand-carved animals such as horses, dogs, and farm animals. All of the animals represented are local to Shipshewana.
I loved my ride on the carousel as it brought me back to my childhood, and I was thrilled to ride on the rooster.
Even if you opt not to take a ride, it’s still worth the journey to the fourth floor to view the incredible workmanship.
Feed the Bison at Cook’s Bison Ranch
5645 E 600 S, Wolcottville, IN 46795
A unique experience that those of all ages will love is visiting with the bison herd at Cook’s Bison Ranch. Located just outside of Shipshewana in Wolcottville, the family-owned farm offers pre-scheduled tours of the ranch, including a meet-and-greet with the bison.
Groups of 20 or more can head on over to the ranch and hop on the wagon where your guide will drive you to the bison herd. You can let the bison come up to you by offering them pellets, but be prepared for bison slobber in return.
If you visit in June, you may even get to see nursing babies in the field. While they won’t come up for pellets, they are just as adorable to watch.
After visiting with the bison, you’ll head back to the barn where you can enjoy a bison meal (think burger or shredded meat). And you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir and meat to take home with you.
Conclusion
Shipshewana is one of those places where one visit just isn’t enough! For a town of its size, the people of Shipshewana know how to make you feel welcomed, keep you entertained, and ensure you are well fed.
