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Shipshewana Indiana
is a town in northern Indiana near the Michigan/Indiana border along Highway 5. It’s a community that is small in size but big on attractions. Located in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country, Shipshewana is part of LaGrange County, which is known as the “Home of the Plain People,” - the Mennonite and Amish. The influence of these gentle people has greatly contributed to Shipshewana’s unique atmosphere. The town’s downtown is filled with block after block of stores offering antiques, Amish quilts, gourmet food, collectibles, books, candles, copper goods, Amish crafted furniture, hormone free meats and more. While there is plenty to see right in town, most visitors also love to explore the lovely countryside surrounding Shipshewana. As you drive the winding backroads and rolling hills, you’ll discover other quaint towns, Amish farmlands, general stores, antique stores, crafters, auctions and flea markets and outdoor recreational opportunities. You can visit a restored log house village that hosts a living history celebration, or visit in spring during the maple sugar harvesting days. There are so many unique experiences in Shipshewana that create special memories for visitors and keep them coming back time and again. It’s one of the few places in the country where you can take a buggy ride to explore the countryside and tour an actual Amish farm. Shipshewana is also home to the Menno-Hof Interpretive Center, which is a non-profit information center operated by the Amish and Mennonites. Amish builders erected the barn structure used for the museum that presents colorful displays and multi-media presentations to help visitors explore the fascinating way of life of these people. Shipshewana is probably most well known for their large 1,000-vendor flea market. This is the Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market - open Tuesday and Wednesday, May through October. Several quality, custom-made furniture stores are also situated along the country backroads. The area has many parks for picnicking, hiking, biking and swimming.
Small town festivals are another way of life in Shipshewana. Just a couple of examples include October’s Fall Crafters Fair, a tribute to the crafting and social customs of the past. Visitors come to view quality artisans such as quilters, carvers, painters, cloggers and musicians, along with all types of food and entertainment. Shipshewana also celebrates a “Country Christmas” in November when thousands of tiny lights go up all over town. The downtown becomes a winter wonderland with music, food, demonstrations, decorations, games and prizes. It’s a wonderful way to spend a chilly winter day with the family.
Shipshewana is conveniently located directly off I 80/90, less than 200 miles from Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and Toledo. Whether you come for a weekend retreat, a week-long vacation or more, Shipsheewana’s small town atmosphere, attractions and comforts of home make it an ideal choice for a families who want to escape the big city life.
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