indiana amish tour

These 14 Places In Indiana Amish Country Are Unique And Worth Visiting

Meg Archer is an Editor & Newsletter Editor who has called Oregon home for nearly 30 years. She spent her childhood exploring the mountains, forests, and high desert of Central Oregon before relocating to Portland after a brief stint out-of-state for college. She holds an B.A. in English from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and a B.S. in Psychology from Portland State University. Meg has worked in writing, editing, and media-related fields for over 10 years and joined the team at OnlyInYourState in 2015. When she’s not writing or exploring the West Coast, Meg enjoys playing tabletop games, working on visual media projects, and can always be found in the front row at Portland Timbers matches.

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Indiana has famously beautiful Amish communities in the Northeastern part of the state but there are several Indiana Amish towns to explore in the Southern region as well! We’ve gathered together a list of can’t-miss places across the state where you can enjoy the laid-back lifestyle (and delicious baked goods!) of the Indiana Amish Country . Here are some of the gems to visit in the Amish towns in Indiana:

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We love to pop into the Amish stops to poke around, and we’ve brought many treasures home with us on our visits. Whether it’s an Amish restaurant, general shop, or flea market, there is something really cool about taking a step back in history and slowing the pace of life down for an hour or two.

Also, the baked goods. We really, really love the Mennonite baked goods.

Have you been to any of the Amish towns in Indiana or to any of the hidden gems in the Indiana Amish Country? Do you know some places that we should check out? Tell us about it in the comment section!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Can I take a horse and buggy tour in Indiana’s Amish Country?

• Why, yes you can! Head to Shipshewana where you can take a carriage ride with Buggy Lane Tours . You’ll get an inside look at life in Indiana’s Amish Country along the way. There’s truly no other tour quite like it!

Where can I purchase Amish goods in Indiana?

• Knepp’s Amish Kountry Korner is where you’ll find plenty of homemade Amish goods in Indiana. From soaps to furniture and from baked goods to canned goods, this is your one-stop-shop for Amish-made products.

Is there a scenic drive through Indiana’s Amish Country?

• Yes, there is a scenic drive through the state’s Amish Country. Elkhart County’s Heritage Trail leads travelers through the landscape that’s at the heart of Amish Country. It’s a beautiful drive through backroads and you may encounter a horse and buggy along the way!

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Two-Day Itinerary for Indiana's Amish Country

Travel northern Indiana's backroads to discover family-owned shops, colorful quilt gardens and horse-drawn buggies traveling rural landscapes. But this region is more than Amish. Trendy restaurants and shops ensure good times are au courant. Use our itinerary to plan your trip.

Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling.

Soft afternoon sun warms the fields, lifting the scent of damp, furrowed earth and wild lilacs into passing cars. Here in Elkhart and La Grange counties (110 miles east of Chicago), land and customs are nearly inseparable. Even the spirit of quilts that warm beds all winter emerges from the ground in spring when blooms appear in 17 quilt gardens and 21 quilt-theme murals sprinkled throughout the area.

While some avid tourists vow to see all of the region's artwork and planted patchwork, most travelers take a meandering path, stopping at family-owned shops, art galleries, Amish heritage sites, wineries and restaurants. Many visitors make time for a walk or bike ride on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, dubbed the Amish Highway by locals. The paved trail flanks tidy farms and threads through towns with quilt gardens and murals. Families pick wild raspberries along the path's fringes. Men in suspenders lift their bearded chins in greeting as they pedal past visitors in Middlebury's Krider Gardens. The slow pace suits both visitors and locals—relaxation, after all, is what a weekend here is all about. htadventures.com

Midwest Museum of American Art

The Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart showcases 19th- and 20th-century American works, including 45 Norman Rockwell-signed lithographs and Overbeck sisters' pottery.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Paths wind by woods, ponds, waterfalls and themed gardens at Wellfield Botanic Gardens .

Fruit Hills Winery

Ten miles away, in tiny Bristol, wind down over a glass of regional grape or orchard-fruit wines at Fruit Hills Winery .

523 Tap and Grill

Back in Elkhart, a hamburger piled with bacon, mushrooms, cheddar cheese and fried onion strings stars at 523 Tap and Grill .

Lerner Theatre

In all its former Vaudeville glory, the 1924 Lerner Theatre anchors downtown's restored arts-and-entertainment district and shows plays, concerts and movies.

Staybridge Suites Elkhart North

Spacious rooms, an indoor heated pool and a hot breakfast buffet await at Staybridge Suites Elkhart North .

Rise 'N Roll

Start the day with fresh cinnamon-caramel doughnuts at Rise 'N Roll in Middlebury.

Old Bag Factory

In Goshen, the Old Bag Factory houses antiques shops, cafes and studios featuring metalwork, sculptures and furniture.

Kelly Jae's Cafe

Kelly Jae's Cafe blends Asian flavors with the Spanish tapas concept; try crispy chicken wontons with Asian slaw.

Olympia Candy Kitchen

For dessert, nibble hand-dipped chocolates from Olympia Candy Kitchen .

Shipshewana Flea Market

The Shipshewana Flea Market (every Tuesday and Wednesday, May through September) is populated by 700 vendors selling toys, potted plants, home decor, tools and food.

Middelbury's Pumpkinvine Cyclery

Bike rentals at Middlebury's Pumpkinvine Cyclery facilitate exploring the 16-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, linking Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus

In Middlebury, Das Dutchman Essenhaus delivers a carb-reload with beef and noodles over mashed potatoes.

McKenzie House Bed and Breakfast

Guests at McKenzie House Bed and Breakfast enjoy a pool, movie-rec room and garden views.

The Barns at Nappanee

Or head to The Barns at Nappanee for shopping, lodging, dining, theater and guided house and farm tours.

7 Amish Experiences To Have During Your Trip To Indiana Amish Country

Scenic drives through the backroads of the Northern Indiana Amish Country will have you basking in the simple joys of life. Delight in a home-cooked meal, swing on a front porch, and experience the Amish culture in ways you never thought possible

Northern Indiana is home to the third-largest Amish region in the United States. From their famous auction and flea markets to stunning quilt gardens, there are plenty of great things to do during your visit. Here are our Top 7 Amish experiences to consider during your trip to Northern Indiana Amish Country. This site does contain affiliate links.   

Where Is Indiana Amish Country

Indiana Amish Country is in the north-central portion of Indiana. It includes the towns of Elkhart, Shipshewana, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, and Wakarusa. Many of the Amish live in nearby communities and the rural countryside of these cities.

Southern Indiana Amish country is located in Daviess county, south of Bloomington.

Planning Tip: The Amish community does observe Sunday as a religious day and many of the Amish area’s shops and restaurants are closed.

7 Amish Experiences To Have In Indiana Amish Country

Shipshewana flea market.

The Midwest’s Largest Flea Market is a bucket-list item for many bargain hunters and antiquing enthusiasts. The Market takes place every Tuesday and Wednesday from May through September. Keep in mind that the Market is outdoors and is enormous, so come prepared to do a lot of walking. In addition to the sea of vendors at the Market, live auctions take place throughout the day on Wednesdays.

Discover more great things to do while visiting Shipshewana .

Learn About The Amish Culture At The Menno-Hof

The Menno-Hof needs to be your first stop during your visit to Indiana Amish Country. Learn about the Amish faith, culture, and the different religions that are associated with Amish. A tour of this museum will give insight into the Amish way of life and their beliefs. This gives a better understanding of the Amish way of life during your trip.

The tours of the museum are partially guided with interactive videos and displays. There are portions of the museum where guests can enjoy the exhibits unguided at their leisure.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus

This all-in-one Amish destination has everything from a top-notch restaurant and lodging to an Amish Theater! Guests to Das Dutchman Essenhaus can experience a home-cooked Amish meal, and a variety of quality quilts to shop for in one of their many onsite stores and enjoy a show in their theater. 

The Barns At Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres , o ffers a variety of Getaway Packages and day excursions that appeal to everyone. Don’t forget to call to reserve your tickets for the theater as seats tend to fill up quickly.

Enjoy an In-Home Amish Dining Experience

For a truly remarkable experience, enjoy a home-cooked meal with an Amish family in their home. These experiences are available throughout Amish Country, but we highly recommend A Taste Of Shipshewana.

My parents always said the best way to get to know someone is to sit down and have a meal with them. The family was incredibly kind, the food was superb, and I left with a few new Amish friends. From discussing weddings, and grandchildren, to Amish stereotypes, this is one experience that ranks at the top of my travels.

Take A Ride In A Horse & Buggy Ride Through Indiana’s Amish Country

A real sign that you have entered Indiana Amish Country is the abundance of horses & buggies. These black buggies dot the highways and streets along with bicycles. For those curious about what it is like inside one of the buggies, many families operate Buggy Tour Rides for tourists.

A variety of buggy experiences can range from a 15-minute tour to a visit to an Amish Farm and back. The buggy drivers are knowledgeable about the area’s history and are often willing to answer any questions you may have. Be mindful that many Amish do not wish to be in photographs. It is proper etiquette to ask before taking photos.

Planning Tip : A single-family often operates a Buggy Line. If the business is slow or something is happening in the family, they may end up closing early or not opening.

Shop and Eat Local

A highlight of visiting any Amish Country is the charming shops that are full of locally-crafted goods, fresh produce, and Amish crafts. These small shops not only support local families but often offer higher-quality products. They have great gift shops as well, so plan on getting a little shopping done for the holidays.  One of my favorite items is homemade apple butter.

Whether you are looking for furniture, quilts, or tasty Amish treats, there are plenty of great shopping spots you don’t want to miss. The Davis Mercantile and Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes are a must-stop while passing through Shipshewana. The Old Bag Factory, along with the Dutch Village Market, are a few other specialty shops you don’t want to miss. 

Enjoy The Scenic Amish Countryside On The Pumpinvine Nature Trail

Take in the sights and sounds of Amish Country by taking a stroll or bike ride on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Connecting the cities of Shipshewana, Middlebury, and Goshen, it is easy to see why the locals have deemed this “The Amish Highway.” Many families frequent the trail along with avid bicyclists.

The trail takes visitors through the beautiful countryside, lakes, and past historic farms. While the majority of the path offers shade, there are a few areas that are not, so come prepared.

Bikes can be rented at several locations along the trail. Shipshewana Bike Rental offers rentals seven days a week. Biking is an enjoyable activity to do on a Sunday when the majority of the town’s businesses are not open.

Fun Events In Indiana Amish Country

Quilt gardens.

From the end of May to mid-September, intricate gardens resembling giant quilt squares appear throughout Northern Indiana. These gardens are not only spectacular to witness, but they also draw thousands of visitors each year. Quilt Garden tour maps are available each year, highlighting each terrace and the nearby murals.

Nappanee Apple Festival

What better way to ring in fall than with a 7-ft apple pie, apple baking contest, and of course, plenty of apple fritters? The Nappanee Apple Festival is a unique hometown festival that leaves guests making this festival an annual tradition. Celebrate all things apples then stay to experience Amish Country.

Where to Stay In Indiana Amish Country

A stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn should be on your itinerary. This beautiful, spacious, clean hotel is the best in Shipshewana. The hotel offers a variety of hotel rooms that can accommodate large families as well as couples visiting.

Having a more resort feel, the Blue Gate Garden Inn has an inviting patio with fire pits, a large indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast. The Ice Creamery serves up scoops of Hudsonville ice cream while large living room areas offer guests a spot to unwind.

The Blue Gate Restaurant is the hotel’s award-winning restaurant known for its Amish-style cooking and serving up over 25 varieties of pie.

The Blue Gate Theatre

The best place for entertainment in Shipshewana is the Blue Gate Theatre. With over 300 shows yearly, the theater features world-class musicals and concerts by world-famous performers making the theatre a local favorite. Check out the Blue Gate Theatre Schedule to see what performances are coming soon.

Another popular location for guests to overnight in Amish Country Indiana, is the Gasthof Amish Village in Montgomery, Indiana.

Tips For Visiting Indiana Amish Country

• Many Amish do not wish to be photographed. It is proper etiquette and polite to ask before snapping a photograph.

• The Amish are people just like you and me. Be mindful. Trespassing on their property is not acceptable. You wouldn’t want strangers coming onto your property to take photos of your family, and neither do they.
• Bring plenty of cash. Many vendors and stores do not take credit.
• On Sundays, the majority of the town shuts down. Many restaurants, businesses, and attractions are closed.
• A great option for those looking for something to do on Sunday is to go on a scenic drive along the Heritage Trail of Elkhart County.  The Heritage Trail is a free audio-driving tour through 90 miles of Amish County.

We have only cracked the tip of the iceberg on all the great experiences to have during a visit to Indiana Amish Country. I recommend you cherish the slower pace of living found throughout Amish County, it is a welcome respite from the daily grind. 

While you are visiting Northern Indiana, be sure to read all about our Northern Indiana Road Trip .

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The 10 Best Amish Attractions in Indiana: Explore Shipshewana & Northern Indiana

Last Updated on: 14th February 2024, 06:21 pm

In my opinion, Indiana is the best place to visit the Amish in America . This guide to Amish attractions in Indiana from a local writer will lead you to the best of Indiana’s Amish Country whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway , road trip, or family vacation. Shipshewana and Northern Indiana offer incredible food, the best Amish flea market shopping, and setting to learn about the faith-filled lifestyle of the Amish in Indiana. 

If you’re planning a trip that will take you near Northern Indiana – or you can spare even a single day to drive down from Chicago (only 1.5 hours without traffic) – you must  visit the Amish  and  learn about Amish Culture in Indiana . There are so many  Amish attractions in Indiana , from incredible restaurants to interactive history museums (really!). Indiana is one of the best places in the country to visit the Amish, who are very accustomed to living near and around the “English” (non-Amish) and, in my opinion,  the most friendly Amish area in America! 

I lived in Northern Indiana for 5 years and have visited almost  every Amish attraction in Indiana  and even have some Amish friends in Indiana. Here I’ll tell you the best Amish attractions and  Amish things to do in Indiana , when to visit, how to visit each of them, and share all my insider knowledge on visiting the Amish in Indiana! 

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Where are the Amish in Indiana?

The Amish in Indiana are almost exclusively in  Northwest Indiana  – mainly in an area known as  Elkhart County  (not to be mistaken for Elkhart city, which is a part of the county but not an Amish area).  Indiana Amish Country  is not quite as expansive as Lancaster Pennsylvania, but I find that makes it easier to get to the best Amish attractions in Indiana quickly! Amish Country in Indiana is around  30 minutes to an hour out of South Bend  – which has a cute little international airport if you want to fly right in  or  you can take the train directly from Chicago. 

Note:  you will need a car  to visit Indiana Amish country and Indiana Amish attractions. There isn’t public transportation in the area. 

You can also get to Amish Country in Indiana by flying into or driving from  Fort Wayne in Wayne county . Amish areas in Indiana are only about an hour from downtown Fort Wayne. 

Best Amish Attractions in Indiana 

1. enjoy amish foods: donuts,  pretzels,  and noodles.

If you read the above headline and thought: wow, that’s a lot of carbs. You are indeed right! The Amish, even in more modernized Amish areas of Indiana, do still engage daily in extensive manual labor – from women washing clothes on a washerboard (which is  hard  by the way!) to Amish men working in the fields or as roofers and electricians (yes – the Amish are the best electricians in Indiana!) – and thus Amish families they eat a lot of carbs because unlike those of us with sedentary lifestyles – the Amish can actually work it off!  

There are three great ways to enjoy Amish meals, Amish cooking, and Amish foods in Indiana: 

a) Visit an Amish or Amish Style restaurant, like Das Dutchman Essenhaus or the Blue Gate Restaurant

Das Dutchman Essenhaus

Address: 240 US-20, Middlebury, IN 46540, United States

There are many great Amish restaurants in Indiana or Amish-style restaurants. Two favorite with huge buffets, friendly service, and a wonderful family atmosphere are  Das Dutchman Essenhaus , in Middlebury Indiana, and  the Blue Gate Restaurant , in Shipshewana Indiana. 

At Das Dutchman Essenhaus is a family-owned restaurant known for it’s hearty, homestyle meals and atmosphere that emulates the simplicity of Amishc tulre. You can choose from eating of the buffet, a regular menu, or choosing family-style dining. They are known for having many varieties of pie (so good!) and do offer vegetarian and vegan options. 

Personally, I had a wonderful friend named Ross who really loved Essenhaus  and  it was  handicap accessible  for him – he used a power wheelchair. We went a number of times when we both lived in Indiana and always have an amazing time,  the staff were  very  helpful and accomodating , and I’ll always treasure these memories. Ross passed away in 2017. 

The Blue Gate Restaurant

Address: 195 N Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565, USA

The Blue Gate Restaurant  is another local and tourist favorite in Indiana Amish country. Blue Gate Restaurant offers traditional  Amish and Mennonite cuisine . Like Essenhaus above they offer amazing homemade pies, the softest Amish breads, and theirsigniture Amish dishes of friend chicken, roast beef, and soups. Blue Gate Restaurant is a little more central to the town of Shipshewana, which has an incredible flea market and Blue Gate also has  a live theatre attached to it.  Blue Gate is perhaps a bit more upscale than Das Dutchman Essenhaus – which is a bit more traditional and simple. Both are great options if you want to try lots of declicious Amish foods!

b) Visit Amish specialty shops like Yoder’s Meat and Cheeses, and JoJo’s Pretzels 

Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Company: 435 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565, USA

There are many incredible specialty food shops in Amish country Indiana. You can find popcorn shops, Amish ice cream (delicious – seriously!), and especially amazing farm-fresh cheeses and meats, like at Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Company. You can find plenty of other Amish-made products there as well! 

JoJo’s Pretzels: 205 N Harrison St, Shipshewana, IN 46565, USA (Inside the Davis Mercantile building).

Although not Amish-owned, I am very partial to a stop at  JoJo’s Pretzels.  It’s still a Christian-owned business and has a lovely family environment and the best hot, soft pretzels in the world! They’ve been in business since 1989 and have  many delicious flavors and sauces  – do not neglect to try  galic parmesan and of course cinnimon sugar ! You can even buy a pretzel-making kit to try your hand at home. 

c) Visit an Amish bulk grocery store!

Best Amish bulk grocery store – E&S Sales, 1265 N SR 5, Shipshewana, IN 46565

This is, without a doubt, my Mom’s  favorite  thing to do. She will spend hours shopping the ailes for the best deals. (Evidence below!) We always have a surprisingly wonderful time at Amish grocery stores – and yes, you will find plenty of processed food, usually at a steep discount! These are the real stores where the Amish community shops. Along with amazing Amish meats and cheeses and homemade product (do  not  neglect buying a big tub of Amish peanut butter – the absolute best!). Some items you have to look for and try: 

– Bulk Candy 

– Amish Peanut Butter

-Amish Popcorn

-Amish breads

-Huge rolls of cheese! 

-Pie filling in tubes

-Discount Produce

2. Stop at Amish homes and farms to shop directly from the Amish

It doesn’t matter where you are going in America to visit the Amish: this is  my #1 tip for visiting Amish Country! 

Keep your eyes peeled for signs at the end of driveways on farms and near Amish homes sharing what the family is selling and go directly up to the home or outbuilding to buy from an Amish family! 

Not only will you get the  best prices  on produce, eggs, meats, flowers and perrenials, or….if you feel like it…bunnies (the live, pet kind!) – but you will get to interact directly with the Amish and experience a tiny bit of Amish life directly. 

When you got to an Amish store near a house or barn, just be mindful of where you park (most have some guidance) and remain aware you are visiting someone’s home. These small business owners rely on tourists like yourself to make ends meat, and often these small shops out of homes are the work of the women and really help support Amish families while men farm or do other work. 

While you’re out shopping, don’t forget that Indiana’s Amish Country is one of the  best places in the United States  to shop for authentic, Amish-made wooden furniture. I find prices for Amish furniture from the Amish in Indiana are better than in larger, more touristic Amish areas like Lancaster County, PA – making Indiana the best place to shop for Amish furniture anywhere.  You can find some funiture right out of homes, and others in larger aggregate stores. 

3. Take a guided tour & visit an Amish home

If you are interested in a buggy ride in one of the horse-drawn buggies you are seeing in Amish country and visiting an Amish home for a truly authentic Amish experience, the best way is to take a tour from an Amish-owned tour country. Through a tour you’ll learn much more local history and, if you choose an option that includes a meal in an Amish home, get to experience local cuisine and Amish cooking, too! 

I recomment  Buggy Lane Tours.  They have a number of options from a simple buggy-ride and local history tour, to a tour of a working Amish farm, and – of course – a meal in an Amish home (great for a larger group or family). Buggy Lane Tours is located at 140 Harrison St in Shipshewana, IN 46565. You can call them at 574-333-9584. Taking a tour is the best way to learn in-depthabout the Amish way of life! 

4. Enjoy a scenic drive on the Amish Country Heritage Trail

The  Amish Country Heritage Trail  is a self-guided driving tour that showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Amish community in Northern Indiana, particularly around Elkhart County (which includes Shipshewana!). The “trail” allows visitors to explore Amish county Indiana at their own pace, offering a deep dive into the Amish way of life, their traditions, crafts, and the gorgeous rural landscapes of the region. Along the route you can visit Amish farms, workshops, bakeries, and quilt shops (see Tip #2 above – shopping directly from Amish homes!) 

To get a map and detailed information about the Amish Country Heritage Trail, you can visit the  Elkhart County Visitor Center  or find tour information online here. The trail has a comprehensive guide, with maps, points of interest, and descriptions of the sites along the trail.

While the trail doesn’t have a single starting point the best place to begin is in Elkhart (the city) itself or any of the surrounding towns like Nappanee, Middlebury, or Shipshewana. From there, you can follow any of the routes which are clearly marked, leading you through scenic countryside, past Amish schools, mills, and plenty of horse-drawn buggies!

5. Learn about Amish religious beliefs at Menno-Hof Museum

The  Menno-Hof Museum in Shipshewana, Indiana , is an interactive museum that delves deep into the history, beliefs, and lifestyle of the  Anabaptists , the religious group that includes the Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites. 

Visiting  Menno-Hof  is an immersive experience that traces the origins and development of Anabaptist groups from their early beginnings in 16th century Europe to their current presence in the Americas. Menno-Hof offers a wide variety of exhibits, videos, and recreated historic settings, all aimed at inviting you to explore the rich tapestry of Anabaptist history and the shared principles that guide these closely-knit communities. Menno-Hof also includes a room focused on modern-day Anabaptists, including the Amish, but also modern-day Mennonites – and it has lots of pictures of friends of mine! 

Some of the main historical events you will learn about at Menno-Hof include the Protestant Reformation, the persecution of Anabaptists, and their subsequent migration to the New World in search of religious freedom. The museum’s exhibits also shed light on the distinct aspects of Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite life, including their  commitment to pacifism, community service, and simple, sustainable living . Furthermore, Menno-Hof also helps you understand the common misconceptions about these groups. One of the reasons I love Menno-Hof is that it provides an invitation to understand and respect a way of life that prioritizes faith, community, and nonconformity to mainstream society.

 Whether you’re a history buff, culturally curious, or even visiting with kids (there is lots of hands-on stuff to do!),  no one visiting the Amish in Northern Indiana should miss a visit to Menno-Hof Anabaptist History Museum! And don’t forget the gift shop – it supports the museum and is a great place to buy books about Amish history! 

7. Visit the Shipshewana Flea Market

Address: 345 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN

If you’re on the hunt for a unique adventure that combines shopping with a deep dive into Amish culture, then the best place to do that in all of Indiana is  the Shipshewana Flea Market  located in the heart of Indiana’s Amish country!  This isn’t just any flea market; it’s an expansive  open-air bazaar that offers a window into the Amish way of life , all while presenting an incredible selection of goods – at amazing prices! – that you won’t find anywhere else. 

The Shipshewana Flea Market is open  May through September, Tuesday and Wednesday  from sunrise to sunset, with special extended markets that include Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Shipshewana Flea Market is sprawling and can be overwhelming – but trust me, you’re in for a treat with everything from fresh  Amish-made foods , handcrafted Amish furniture, to  quirky antiques and hand-sewn quilts  that tell a story with each stitch. But what really makes the Shipshewana Flea Market a must-see is its vibrant atmosphere and  the opportunity to interact with Amish vendors , offering insights into their unique culture and traditions. It’s not just about what you can buy—it’s about the experiences you’ll collect and the stories you’ll have to share. 

8. Tour the Quilt Gardens

One of the most unique and gorgeous things to do in Amish country Indiana is to tour  the Quilt Gardens ! This one-of-a-kind experience blends the  artistry of quilting with the beauty of gardening , creating a living tapestry that stretches across Northern Indiana. Like the Heritage Trail above (and these experiences can be combined) you can start your tour in Shipshewana where you’ll embark on a scenic drive that showcases  over a dozen quilt-inspired gardens and murals from late May through September.

Each garden and mural is a masterpiece, reflecting  themes and patterns from traditional Amish quilts , with the added bonus of changing designs each year. This means every visit offers a fresh and unique experience. While you can’t buy the gardens, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your own quilting or gardening projects, along with the opportunity to  visit local Amish businesses selling handmade crafts , quilts, and delectable treats. 

The best route to take in the full beauty of the Quilt Gardens is to start at the  Shipshewana Visitor Center,  where you can grab a map and expert advice on making the most of your tour. What makes this journey a must-see? It’s the blend of  creativity, culture, and community  you’ll encounter along the way. Each garden tells a story, inviting you to explore at a leisurely pace the rich heritage and tranquil beauty of Amish Country. Now that I recognize Amish quilt patterns it’s so fun to notice them in the gardens and learn their stories over time!

I highly recommend you take time to experience the magic of the Quilt Gardens for yourself and discover why it’s a highlight of Indiana’s cultural landscape.

9. See a show at Amish Acres or the Blue Gate Theatre

Amish Acres, located at  1600 W Market St, Nappanee , and the Blue Gate Theatre, at  175 N Van Buren St, Shipshewana , both offer a unique window into the heart of Amish life through theatre performances that resonate with audiences of all ages. Both of these venues serve up a hearty slice of Amish and rural Americana through a variety of shows ranging from  musicals that celebrate the simple life  (yes! Musicals about the Amish!) to gripping dramas that delve into the complexities of the human spirit.

Amish Acres is renowned for its  Round Barn Theatre , where the historic barn itself sets the stage for a truly rustic theatrical experience, while the Blue Gate Theatre shines with its  modern amenities  and a lineup that includes concerts, musicals, and family-friendly entertainment. 

Depending on the season, you can indulge in classic hits, Broadway-style musicals, or heartwarming Christmas shows, with performances typically running from  Spring through December . What sets these venues apart? Amish Acres offers a  more immersive Amish experience , with the opportunity to explore the historic farmstead, dine in an Amish-style restaurant, and even take a wagon tour, making it ideal for those looking to dive deep into Amish culture. On the other hand, the Blue Gate Theatre complements your show with a chance to explore Shipshewana’s thriving downtown, including  fine dining at the Blue Gate Restaurant  and browsing the adjacent gift shops. Ticket prices at both venues are quite reasonable, often ranging from $20 to $40, with discounts available for seniors, students, and groups.

Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of Amish Acres or the vibrant atmosphere of the Blue Gate Theatre, both are a great choice to wrap up your day exploring Indiana’s Amish Country.

10. Get out into nature 

Northern Indiana has exceptional natural beauty – from the rolling hills of Amish farms, to rivers and creeks, to beautiful old-growth forests. To round out your time visiting the Amish, I highly recommend getting outside into nature! 

Bonnyville Mill County Park , located at 53373 County Road 131, Bristol, Indiana, offers an escape into  223 acres of pristine landscapes  and the historic charm of  Indiana’s oldest continuously operating grist mill.  In the spring, wildflowers carpet the ground, while autumn brings gorgeous reds and oranges throughout the forest. The park is  open year-round , inviting visitors to enjoy activities like hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking against a backdrop of the mill’s serene waterwheel sounds.

Tip:  Head to the Amish grocery stores or get some Amish pretzels and enjoy a picnic by the mill!

Not far from Bonnyville’s woods, the  Pumpkinvine Nature Trail  connects the communities of Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. This rail-trail conversion offers a  paved route through the heart of Amish Country,  showcasing a side of Indiana shaped by both nature and the hands of its people. Cyclists, runners, and walkers can enjoy the trail year-round, with the best times to visit being from spring through fall. I highly recommend renting a bike and taking a family bike ride along the trail. Along the Pumpkinvine, you’re not just passing through nature; you’re weaving through vibrant farmlands, over wooden bridges, and past Amish buggies, offering an up-close glimpse into the Amish communities along the trail.

Some other well-known nature areas near Shipshewana include  Pokagon State Park , which is known for its beautiful lakes and offers water activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. In the winter there’s an amazing tobaggan run!  Chain O’Lakes State Park  in Albion, Indiana has nine connected lakes and is a great park to rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy a morning or afternoon on the water.  The Maple Wood Nature Center and LaGrange County Park  has beautiful woods of maple trees (with beautiful fall color!) and wetland, and also has a nature center that hosts programs and guided walks – a wonderful option for families visiting with children or anyone wanting to learn more about the flora, fauna, or natural resources of Northern Indiana. 

Other Nearby Attractions

1. Attractions in Goshen, Indiana

Goshen, Indiana has deep roots in the Amish and particularly the Mennonite community – including being home to an important Mennonite college (Goshen College). Goshen has the attraction of a quaint small town with some truly wonderful amenities and restaurants. If you are visiting Indiana’s Amish Country, Goshen is just a short drive to Shipshewana and can be a great “home base” and place to stay. From its historical architecture to a thriving local arts scene, you will be surprised at how many area attractions there are in Goshen and you’ll want to spend more time there then you planned! 

1. The Goshen Farmers Market  – 212 W Washington St, Goshen, IN

Nestled in the heart of downtown, the  Goshen Farmers Market  is a bustling hub of local produce, handmade goods, and vibrant community life (I can’t ever go there without running into at least 10 people I know – and I’ve never even lived in Goshen!). Here, you’ll discover an array of fresh produce that is locally-sourced, and handmade products, each telling the story of the region’s agricultural heritage. The market is unique for its emphasis on  sustainable practices  and its support of local farmers and craftspeople. The market is also known for authentic Amish and Mennonite goods, making it a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture. Open  year-round , with indoor markets during the winter months, it’s a lively spot to experience Goshen’s community spirit.

2. The Goshen Historical Museum  – 124 S Main St, Goshen, IN

Delve into the rich tapestry of Goshen’s past at  The Goshen Historical Museum . Situated in a beautifully preserved historical building, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and stories that chronicle the city’s development and the influential Amish and Mennonite communities. Unique for its detailed exhibitions, the museum offers tourists a window into the area’s cultural and historical significance. Ideal for history buffs like me, the museum is open  Thursday to Saturday.

3. Fidler Pond Park  – 1424 Lincolnway East, Goshen, IN

Fidler Pond Park is Goshen’s serene retreat. With its expansive pond, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and walking along the scenic trails that encircle the water. The park’s unique feature is  its floating fishing pier  and the opportunity to rent kayaks during the warmer months. Open daily, Fidler Pond provides a tranquil escape into nature, reflecting Indiana’s beautiful landscapes.

4. The Electric Brew  – 118 E Washington St, Goshen, IN

For coffee aficionados  The Electric Brew is Goshen’s premier coffeehouse . This cozy spot along Goshen’s Main Street is a local favorite, and not only serves up great coffee but also acts as a gathering place for the community and local Goshen College students. I’ve spent more hours than I care to count here! Its unique charm lies in  the live music performances and art displays,  showcasing local talent. Definitely try their giant cookes as well – I still crave them! Open daily, it’s the perfect spot to start your morning or unwind in the afternoon.

5. Ignition Music Garage  – 120 E Washington St, Goshen, IN

Ignition Music Garage stands out as a testament to  Goshen’s thriving arts scene , offering an intimate venue for live music and entertainment. This unique spot combines a record store with a performance space. With a focus on vinyl and hosting a diverse array of musical acts, Ignition Music Garage offers amazing performances and is a great place to check out new and favorite artists. Open  Wednesday to Saturday , it’s an ideal evening destination for those looking to enjoy live entertainment.

2. Attractions in Elkhart, Indiana

Elkhart, Indiana, nicknamed (rather unfortunately IMO) the “RV Capital of the World,” is a city that offers so much more than recreational vehicles. I lived in Elkhart for almost 5 years while I was in Seminary (Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary) and I absolutely love this city. There’s a surprising amount of attractions and things to do and I feel that Elkhart embodies the essence of the Midwestern spirit.

1. Wellfield Botanic Gardens  – 1011 N Main St, Elkhart, IN

Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a beautiful manicured park spanning 36 acres. The heart of Wellfield is its themed gardens, each offering a unique aesthetic and sensory experience. From the soothing Japanese-style island garden to the interactive children’s garden, Wellfield is known for its diversity and design. Wellfield is built over the wells that serve Elkhart, and is particularly renowned in the garden world for its water features. Open year-round, Wellfield has recipricol membership with most US botanic gardens. I’ve been to hundreds of gardens and Wellfield remains one of my favorites! 

2. Ruthmere Mansion  – 302 E Beardsley Ave, Elkhart, IN

Ruthmere Mansion is a stunning Beaux-Arts style home that offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century. This historic estate is famed for its exquisite architecture, elegant interiors, and an impressive collection of fine art and antiques. Each day at certain times you can take a tour of Ruthmere, which provides insights into the lives of its former inhabitants and the architectural trends of the era. Open from April to December, Ruthmere invites you to explore its lavish rooms and picturesque gardens, a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era.

3. The Midwest Museum of American Art  – 429 S Main St, Elkhart, IN

Celebrate the artistic heritage of the Midwest at  The Museum of Midwestern Art , home to a comprehensive collection that spans over two centuries of American art. With over 6,000 works, including pieces by  Grant Wood and Norman Rockwell,  the museum showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Its unique focus on Midwestern artists and themes offers a deep dive into the artistic movements and stories that have shaped the heartland of the USA. The Midwest Museum of American Art is housed in an old bank in downtown Elkhart – the building itself is fascinating and it’s pretty fun to view incredible art inside old bank vaults! I highly recommend this museum – it offers more than meets the eye and is one I return to often! 

3. Attractions in South Bend, Indiana

Before moving to Elkhart, I lived on the West Side of South Bend for a few summers. This little city in Northern Indiana offers a lot more than you would imagine and feels steeped in the industrial history of the US. If you are flying into Northern Indiana to visit Indiana’s Amish County you will fly into South Bend, and I recommend stopping and exploring the city for at least a few hours! Here are my three favorite things to do in South Bend, Indiana: 

1. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame  – University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is  one of my favorite Basilica’s in the world  – and it’s in Indiana of all places! This huge Basilica stands as a monumental testament to the spiritual heart of the Notre Dame campus. The Basilica’s architecture is Gothic Revival design, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart features intricate stained glass windows, a  44-bell carillon , and one of the largest church organs in the world. The inside of the Basilica is particularly colorful and rich with paintings and mosaics. Visitors are captivated by the serene beauty and spiritual ambiance of this sacred space. Open to the public for tours, prayer, and Roman Catholic services, if you’re interested in churches and religious travel –  do not miss the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame! ​ 

2. South Bend Chocolate Company  – 3300 W Sample St, South Bend, IN

Every summer when I worked at a nearby camp I would take my 2 hour break in the afternoon and head to nearby South Bend Chocolate Company for  the best hot chocolate in the world.  There is a location downtown and also the factory on the West Side. I highly recommend you take a tour of the factory to see the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, and end your visit with a tasting of South Bend Chocolate Company’s incredible chocolates. The company’s unique range of chocolates, including treats inspired by local history and university traditions, makes it a perfect spot for picking up souvenirs from your trip to Indiana’s Amish County. 

My #1 Tip:  Have the hot chocolate!  Both the dark and milk hot chocolate are incredible – they are made with steamed milk and a big dollop of real chocolate tempers! As a second recommendation, they make a honeycomb chocolate that is divine.  If you visit the Factory on W Sample Street, they sell “seconds” of all their chocolates at great prices! 

3. Studebaker National Museum  – 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN

South Bend is one of the best cities to learn about American innovation, and there’s no better place than at the  Studebaker National Museum.  This museum showcases the history of the Studebaker Corporation and its role in shaping the American automobile industry. From classic carriages to vintage automobiles, the exhibits trace the  evolution of transportation and design . The museum is unique for its extensive collection of presidential carriages, including the one used by  President Lincoln . Open to visitors year-round, the Studebaker National Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, or anyone curious about America’s industrial past. School-aged kids love this museum! 

Where to Stay to Visit Indiana’s Amish Country 

There are many amazing places to stay in Amish Country Indiana. If you want to stay closest to the Amish, these three Amish-style hotels and conference centers put you in the heart of Shipshewana, Indiana. 

1. Farmstead Inn & Conference Center  

Located directly across from the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, the Farmstead Inn echoes the simple, peaceful lifestyle of the Amish community. The Farmstead Inn has country-style rooms, an indoor pool, a recreation center, and a complimentary hot breakfast. This is a favorite for regular visitors to Indiana’s Amish County and even locals looking for a staycation! 

2. Blue Gate Garden Inn  

The Blue Gate Garden Inn is one of the bigger properties in Shipshewana so it offers a range of room types to suit various needs, from standard rooms to suites and handicap accessible rooms. This hotel has many amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, and a hot breakfast buffet. Blue Gate Garden Inn is right next to the Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre, making it easy to take in a show and then get right bed!

3. Der Ruhe Blatz Motel  

Translated as “The Rest Place,” Der Ruhe Blatz Motel has cozy and affordable accommodation. All the rooms have Amish-crafted furniture, highlighting the local craftsmanship. It’s in downtown Shipshewana. 

Cate Michelle previously served as pastor to the oldest Mennonite church in the United States (founded in 1683!) and now writes about religious travel and is a prominent researcher in religion and healthcare. She specializes in helping healthcare providers best serve religious minority populations (like the Amish) while respecting their beliefs and values. She finds herself in Amish country in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, or Indiana regularly and loves to share her insider knowledge on how to make the most of your visit with the Amish!

Flights and Trains – I know everyone recommends SkyScanner…but I’ve never loved it. I simply use Google Flights for most of my searches and set alerts for routes I’m interested in to nab cheap flights. Travel Insurance – It’s so important to have peace of mind that you are covered for any health needs, accidents, or even travel delays when you are on a trip. I recommend: – Safety Wing insurance . It’s great for short trips and for digital nomads traveling for months or years at a time. Their rates are seriously affordable. I simply wont leave home these days without a Safety Wing Travel Insurance policy. Credit Cards – I am a big fan of the American Expresss Platinum Card and have used them for over 6 years now. It offers 5x points on all flights (any airline!) and hotels booked through Amex Travel, built-in travel insurance , access to the biggest network of airport lounges – it’s a no-brainer despite the annual fee! Apply for the American Express Platinum Card here and for a limitied time get 80,000 bonus points (that’s easily enough for a round-trip flight to Europe from the USA!) on signup. Language Learning – Want to brush up on your French, Spanish or another language before traveling? I’ve made huge progress (and had a lot of fun) using private tutors through italki . With rates as low as $8 per hour (seriously!) and friendly, highly experienced tutors you can make quick progress and have fun while doing it. Sign up for italki here to check out their teachers.

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All New Heritage Trail Audio Driving Tour

An experience for all seasons.

Let the Heritage Trail audio driving tour be your personal guide to must-see attractions, special finds and behind the scenes glimpses of Amish life. Traveling along lively Main Streets and scenic backroads you’ll find surprises at every turn and soon discover why it was voted the top USA Today Reader’s Choice and editors of LIFE® consider it one of “America’s Most Scenic Drives.” Best yet, the  Heritage Trail audio driving tour  is absolutely free!

Drive the Heritage Trail

Make road-tripping easy. This scenic winding loop takes you through the vibrant communities of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, Wakarusa, and Shipshewana. It’s easy to explore, easy on your budget and you’re sure to discover fun at every turn.

Enhance your Heritage Trail experience

Deals & discounts passport.

Enhance your visit with the Elkhart County Deals & Discounts Pass . Explore local dining, retail shops, fun attractions, and lodging option offers. Find details about each participating business, their location, and special offer. Simply sign up to access all currently available deals & discounts. Then have fun exploring Elkhart County, where the hand crafted welcome mat is always out!

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Explore Indiana Amish Country: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

UPDATED 2020. Spend a weekend walking through beautiful gardens, biking the countryside, perusing artisan shops, visiting a few breweries, and getting acquainted with Indiana Amish Country.

What a surreal experience and only two hours away from Chicago!

Amish Country Indiana Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

We spent the night truck camping , which always seems to provide its own type of entertainment but if you are interested in different lodging see below:

• An Inn “in” one of the most adorable towns on the trail.
• Unique B&B with a great breakfast and outdoor pool.
• Cute hotel with a buffet breakfast and indoor pool.
• Romantic quiet B&B with bikes.
• Riverfront Hotel with an indoor pool.

READ NEXT: THE BEST WEEKEND TRIPS IN INDIANA

Indiana Amish Country Itinerary

I read about driving the Indiana Amish Country Heritage Trail, a 90-mile loop through multiple towns with quilt-designed murals and flower displays. Maybe that doesn’t sound quite that interesting right out the gate, but when I saw the lovely pictures and read about some of the other things to do, I was hooked.

The next step I had to get the husband on board and in comes the biking and breweries! This weekend we decided to go tramping in Amish Country and we were both pleasantly surprised at what Northern Indiana had to offer.

Best Time of Year to Drive the Amish Country Heritage Trail

Although you can plan your trip any time of year, I suggest planning it around the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail. It typically runs from late May to mid-September.

Local communities join forces to make this a one-of-a-kind event with over a million blooming flowers. You’ll see 17 quilt-inspired gardens and 21 hand-painted quilt-themed murals.

2023 Quilt Gardens Dates: May 30th – September 15th

TIP: Please make a special note that some of the area attractions and restaurants are closed on Sundays so plan accordingly.

Friday on the Indiana Amish Country Heritage Trail

Start your weekend in Elkhart, where you can pick up maps of the Heritage Trail and Pumpkinvine Bicycle Trail at the Visitor Center. They also have a free audio driving tour available on CD or you can download it to your phone.

Elkhart Indiana

Next head over to downtown Elkhart, a small town situated on the St. Joseph River. Stroll down Main Street where the sides of the brick buildings are adorned with quirky murals and a few stores and restaurants dot the street.

Pizza and Craft Beer for Dinner

Stop at Iechyd Da Brewery for dinner. Supposedly pronounced Yah-key-Dah, not sure how that works! It means good health in Welsh.

The pizza is good and they have a large selection of beer: the hubby tried the Revolution IPA and American Black Ale (our bartenders favorite) and I had the Tatarosa Razz Berliner Weisse and Summer Wheatley Hoppy Wheat.

They offer half pints which is a great option so you can sample a few different beers on your visit.

TIP: No kids allowed. 21+ only. If you are looking for a family-friendly restaurant, check out Per Bacco Ristorante Italiano or Heinnies.

Saturday on the Indiana Amish Country Heritage Trail

Get an early start this morning because you have a long day ahead of you!

Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Start with Wellfield Botanic Gardens , your first official stop on the Heritage Trail, a unique spot for a garden as it sits on the site of the wells that supply the city with its drinking water. What a great idea to turn a functional space into a beautiful and peaceful walking area!

They definitely have more work to do on the expansion of the garden, but it was a delightful stroll with tons of photo ops. The garden can also be the start of a set-your-own-pace walk or ride on the RiverWalk Culture Trail , a trail that brings you to all the highlights of Elkhart.

Admission: Small fee with discounted rates for children under 12 and free for children under 3.

Ruthmere Mansion

From Wellfield, head over to Ruthmere Mansion to see your first quilt garden. If you would like to tour the interior, check times on their website. Unfortunately, the mansion was closed or we would have loved to take one.

Linton’s Enchanted Gardens

I’m not sure how to describe the next quilt garden stop, Linton’s Enchanted Gardens . It is a home and garden center, but with a strange and genius twist.

Entering the store you are thrown into sensory overload with gifts galore. They have jewelry, wall art, clothes, home decor, and many other items. There’s a small cafe next to a trickling waterfall that serves breakfast, lunch, and an assortment of drinks.

The Enchanted Garden area is enchanted alright and a genius way to get additional income from random attractions; it has a small petting zoo, gemstone mining, a real tree house (top of a 200-year-old hollowed out tree), paddle boat, and train rides all among the huge selection of plants, flowers, and trees.

It’s definitely worth the stop as we have never seen anything quite like it.

Bonneyville Mill County Park

Bonneyville Mill County Park is one of my favorite stops on the Heritage Trail. We had never been inside an 1880’s working flour mill before and we had our first Amish sighting there as well! I hate to say it like that, as if they are an attraction, but their whole lifestyle piques my curiosity.

Sunday on the Indiana Amish Country Heritage Trail

Middlebury amish indiana.

Plan to bike or walk a portion of the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail , Middlebury to Shipshewana is about 10 miles round trip. The paved trail is great!

Some sections were lined with wildflowers and as we passed through the Amish countryside, we saw many working farms and families using the same path as us to bike to town.

If you need to rent bikes, check out Pumpkinvine Cyclery here. Reservations are not required but a good idea.

We parked at Krider Gardens, the grounds of which were originally designed for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. It’s a small garden area but filled with flowers, a fountain, windmill, and sculptures.

Afterwards, we stopped at Rise ‘N Roll , an Amish bakery, for some much-needed sugar. The cinnamon roll was good but the cinnamon caramel donuts and the apple fritters stole the show. SO GOOD!

Don’t forget to pick up a free 8 oz coffee with your snacks. They had many samples so even if you’re not in the mood for a donut, stop by and try all the other goodies.

Shipshewana Amish Indiana – Our Favorite!

Shipshewana was our favorite town we visited in Amish Country. It is quaint and charming with a theater, artisan shops, and restaurants. We stopped in the Davis Mercantile, a four floor shopping complex, for a coffee break, then wandered through the shops.

While driving on the way from Shipshewana to Goshen, we encountered a group of Amish people on bikes to the left of us and two horse buggies to the right. There’s something you don’t see every day!

RELATED: WHY YOU NEED TO SEE THESE 5 AMISH TOWNS IN PA

Goshen was another delightful, small town. The Elkhart County Courthouse, a stately brick building with a large clock tower, sits at the heart of town. We didn’t eat there, but heard Olympia Candy Kitchen was a great place to stop for lunch or ice cream. The Old Bag Factory, built in 1896, is another great stop for specialty shops.

Wakarusa and Nappanee Amish Indiana – Final Towns

We didn’t spend much time in the last two towns on the Heritage Trail, but we did find our favorite quilt garden at the Nappanee Center. It is a recreated Amish garden with stepping stones, a water pump, and bench. Make sure to stop by the Wakarusa Dime Store, it’s every child’s fantasy with countless candy options.

Detour If You Are Coming from the Chicago Area

Notre dame campus and 3 floyds brewery stop.

We ended the weekend with a bike ride through Notre Dame’s beautiful campus in South Bend. Then for dinner we headed over to 3 Floyds Brewery . The food and beer were amazing!

We had a wonderful weekend tramping in Northern Indiana’s Amish Country! We covered a lot of ground in two days, but we could have easily made it a full three day trip.

Want to read more about our adventures, sign up below!

Have you been to indiana’s amish country did we miss anything.

Highlights of the Trip:

Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Biking the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, and the town of Shipshewana.

Other Things To Do Not Listed Above:

Elkhart: Time Was Museum, The Lerner, NYC Railroad Museum, Midwest Museum of American Art, New Paradigm Brewery, & RV Hall of Fame

Bristol: Elhart County Historical Museum

Middlebury: Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Dutch Country Market

Shipshewana: Flea Market & Auction, Yoder’s Meat & Cheese, & Menno-Hof

Other Campgrounds:

Elkhart Campground, Middlebury KOA, Shipshewana Campground South, Pla-Mor Campground

Other Lodging:

Various Hotels & B&B’s throughout the county

Other Indiana Adventures

• Hidden Gem in Brown County
• Best Place to Celebrate Christmas
• Top Things to Do in Indianapolis

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• About Author
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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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14 Responses

This is the sort of travelling i love . Discovering real town America would right up my list if i ever visit the USA. Amazing pictures make it look even better

Dang Travelers

Thanks Mark! It was a real eye-opener to witness such simple living…loved it!

This made me want to go to America! Thank you for sharing us this wonderful place

Then I did my job right Kate! Thanks for commenting.

Marge Gavan

The botanical garden is wow, the landscape is amazing. The other places that you want to are also just as beautiful like the Middlebury.

I have never heard of tramping before but I’d love to give it a try. I am really not that picky about where to sleep so long as it’s safe and clean. Sleeping in a truck can be a unique experience.

Thanks Marge! The pictures at the botanical garden turned out so good, I wanted to publish them all. Oh yea, tramping isn’t so bad. We’ve actually turned a few family members and friends onto it-even though they thought we were nuts at first!

I would love to see this part of America. I got glimpses of it on tv and movies and it would be really interesting to experience it in real life. The gardens look wonderful: the enchanted houses would be my favourite!!

Lovely photos! This looks like such a lovely place. My favorite would have to be the Botanical Gardens! So pretty! My mum would really enjoy this place hehe. I should try “tramping” soon with some of my friends hehe, sounds fun! 😛

Thanks Johna! Yes, the botanical gardens was a highlight for sure. The pictures turned out amazing from that stop!! LOL Tramping is a must-do too!

The towns of Amish Country are really so charming and what beautiful gardens, and top it all, you were tramping which would have added to the excitement. I am sure you enjoyed the trip, would love to do something similar too!

WoW! Amazing pictures! I have heard and seen tramping before from my friend when he and his gf went around Australia and NZ. They even have a kitchen onboard. Haha. I would like to experience that even just once. Although I’m not a big camper myself. Hehe. I’ve also always been interested in the Amish. I used to watch about them in Discovery.

Thanks Darlene! I wouldn’t say I’m an avid camper (I’ve come along way in the last 10 years), but it’s actually better than tent camping. No noise, no hard ground and I feel much safer in the truck. We are heading out on a 3 month camping road trip in a pop up camper so I’ll let you know how it compares 🙂

Vickey McCue

We are headed that way 4th of July. Thanks for the info. We love the Amish area in Berlin Ohio & Lancaster Pa. I wish all children today could witness their lifestyle & how simple they live. No electricity, plowing the gardens using horses, etc.

That will be so much fun! How many days? We could have easily added another day. Great idea, it could be a summer camp! All kids could spend a week with the Amish…no cell phones, games or tv!

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Discover the Fascinating World of the Amish

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Dina Miller

There’s no doubt about it – visitors to Indiana’s Cool North love everything Amish. The scrumptious food, intricate hand-stitched quilts, finely crafted furniture, the ever-present horse-drawn buggies, and the quiet farmsteads are truly captivating.  There are many ways to get to know the Amish people, who live a lifestyle of simplicity, foregoing modern amenities such as electricity, cars and telephones. Here’s a guide for immersing yourself in all things Amish in Northern Indiana’s Elkhart and LaGrange  counties – home to some 23,000 Amish residents, one of the largest Amish population in the nation.

Enter Courteously

As you travel the friendly communities and quiet back roads, you’ll get plenty of chances to meet Amish people. Respect private property, but definitely take the opportunity to chat with Amish shop and business owners and artisans who welcome guests. Here are some driving courtesies to keep in mind along with some shopping information.

• Slow down for the horse-drawn buggies. They travel well under the speed limit, so watch especially as you crest hills and round corners. Respect the horses too – flashing headlights and car horns can startle them.
• Don’t ask to photograph or film the Amish because it’s against their religious beliefs.
• Amish businesses are closed on Sundays. Some Amish businesses do not accept credit cards but prefer doing business in cash.

Exploring a Rich History

Menno-hof, shipshewana.

The fascinating Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite Information Center is a great place to learn all about the Amish and closely related Mennonites, from their escape from religious persecution in Europe through their lives in modern America. Travel through five centuries as you explore a 17 th century shop, replicas of an old-time sailing ship, meeting house and an Amish home.  Experience the simulation of a tornado as the wind blows and the theater shakes. There are plenty of hands-on activities for the kids.

Buggy Tours

You see horse-drawn buggies everywhere, so why not enjoy a ride yourself? A variety of tours are available from Blue Gate Carriage Tours and Buggy Lane Tours in Shipshewana or Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury.   Amish drivers will fill you in on the area and their experiences growing up here as you clip-clop through town or the countryside. You’ll see pristine white farmsteads where laundry flaps in the breeze and colorful gardens abound. Some tours stop at shops on homesteads, Amish dairy farms and include dinner at an Amish home.

The Barns at Nappanee

A visit to The Barns at Nappanee, home of Amish Acres, the only Olde Order Amish Farmstead listed in The National Register of Historic Places, will give you a deeper understanding of the Amish culture. Take a guided tour through the homestead and farm and a wagon ride around the 80-acre grounds. The Barns also features a theater and  restaurant.

Amish Stories on Stage

History comes alive in top-notch theatrical performances that explore Amish life through stirring musicals. Check the schedules at both  Blue Gate Theatre in Shipshewana , and The Round Barn Theatre in The Barns at Nappanee; both frequently have shows based on Amish life.

Shopping for Amish Treasures

Shipshewana.

Just about everything about this busy town says “Amish,” from the horse-drawn buggies of the Amish who shop and work here to more than 100 stores , many featuring Amish-made goods. Several furniture stores sell beautiful Amish creations from cabinets to clocks. When you see the name Yoder, you’ll find goods such as meat raised on their nearby farms at their Meat & Cheese store , goods that hearken to a simpler lifestyle at their Hardware and a mix of finds at the stores in their Red Barn Shops , including the unique Amish-owned Red Bud tea store. E&S Sales is an experience in itself with hundreds of varieties of bulk foods plus a bountiful deli. Lolly’s is filled with Amish-made quilts and supplies.

Just down the road a few miles from Shipshewana, the tiny town of Middlebury is home to the Essenhaus Village Shops , five specialty shops in original homestead buildings that have been refurbished. They’re filled with finds that include Amish-made quilts and furniture, inspirational books, and artworks. The shops are part of the Das  Dutchman Essenhaus campus, which includes an inn, buggy rides and a restaurant (see “Dining” below).

Shingle Shops

Roaming the back roads pays off in so many ways, especially if you want to get to know Amish merchants and browse among their unique creations. Shingle shops , the small stores on Amish farmsteads denoted by a sign or “shingle,” seem to emerge around every bend.  On the roads outside of Shipshewana, you can make a bird house with a little help from crafters or buy one at B & L Woodcrafts. You’ll find many more shops as you journey.

Countryside Shops

Countryside Shoppes   at Coppes Commons in Nappanee displays the works of  Amish crafters and other local artisans and provides you with a map that will lead you to their rural shops and other businesses in the countryside. While you’re in town, visit the varied shops within the historic Coppes Commons building many of which are Amish owned and operated .

Delicious Dining – Amish-style

Dinner in an amish home.

Visitors take away a true Amish experience that they’ll talk about for years to come when they take advantage of the bountiful dinners prepared by Amish families in their homes. Not only is the food amazing, but so is the hospitality. The experience gives you a chance to converse directly with Amish people and learn their stories. Visitors rave about the fried chicken, Swiss steak, noodles and fabulous rolls at Mullet’s Dining in Nappanee. Accolades abound for feasts at several other places, including Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking, where one option is to attend a class in Amish cooking before you dine.

Blue Gate Restaurant and Das Dutchman Essenhaus

You might see an Amish family or two dining at either of these popular restaurants. Portions are as generous as the hospitality at The Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana, where standards such as fried chicken and beef and noodles star on the dinner menu and are a delight. And there are more than 25 kinds of pie to choose from! In Middlebury, Das Dutchman Essenhaus claims the title of Indiana’s largest family restaurant, seating more than 1,000. But the food is down-home Amish, featuring chicken, ham, roast beef, and more than 30 fabulous pies. Dine buffet-style, family style, or off the menu.

In Indiana’s Cool North, it would be a rare visitor who could leave this Amish area without delighting in a piece of from-scratch pie, fresh-from-the-oven cookies, yeasty breads, cinnamon rolls dripping with frosting and so much more. Everything is so delicious, it seems almost mandatory to take some treats back home, along with other Amish goodies – locally made jams, jellies, noodles, and Amish peanut butter. You’ll find them in many area restaurants and smaller shops in the area. A true find is Country Lane Bakery , run by an Amish family and tucked along a quiet road outside of Middlebury.  It’s a fitting finale for your Amish adventure.

Are you ready to plan a Weekend Escape in Amish Country?  An Amish Adventure is all planned out for you here.

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The Ultimate Guide to Northern Indiana Amish Country

Affinity Travel , History & Heritage , Indiana Tour Planner

Northern Indiana Amish Country provides a delightful change of pace while giving guests a look at local craftsmanship, cooking and culture

Groups touring the towns of Northern Indiana Amish Country have so much to explore in the way of local culture. The towns dotting the region offer an inside look into customs and traditions that date back centuries and call back to a simpler time. For groups visiting Northern Indiana, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to ensure you make the most of your time in Indiana Amish Country, and be sure to check out the list of annual events at the end of this article to see what’s in store during your visit.

• The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres

Shipshewana Flea Market

Das Dutchman Essenhaus

• Historic downtown Goshen

Bonneyville Mill

Indiana Amish Country Embodied in Nappanee

Start your excursion in Nappanee . “Embrace the Pace” is the motto of this little city with its cozy downtown of 19 th century storefronts. A stop at the Nappanee Center reveals the town’s colorful past and profiles its native sons and daughters from celebrated cartoonists to generations of cabinet makers.

Nappanee’s cabinet making story is told in nearby Coppes Commons. The building once housed Coppes Cabinets, makers of the famous Napanee Dutch Kitchenette or “Hoosier” cabinet. Today this renovated factory is now a marketplace for things hand-crafted and freshly made. Take in the fascinating history of Coppes while sampling the wares of marketplace vendors such as creative ice cream concoctions (flash frozen using liquid nitrogen) at Rocket Science Ice Cream or made-from-scratch whoopee pies from the Nappanee Bakery & Treat Shoppe.

Probably the area’s best-known tourist attraction in Indiana Amish Country, The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres Nappanee serves up a full plate of sightseeing, shopping and dining, with a nighttime theater performance to top it all off. The Amish Inn provides overnight accommodations in 62 guest rooms and also offers three meetings rooms.

A well-preserved, 140-year-old farm started by the first Amish family to settle in Indiana is the centerpiece of The Barns at Nappanee. In addition to original buildings, 18 relocated and restored structures surround the farm’s pond, such as a blacksmith shop, ice shop and mint mill (for pressing leaves into mint oil). Guided tours of the 80-acre working farm include walking across the oak floorboards of the main house. Buggy and wagon rides are available, too. Guests will see antique farm equipment, an apple orchard, horses in paddocks, barnyard chickens and geese, even a llama. Craft demonstrations include lye soap and broom making, rug weaving and quilting, plus seasonal activities like maple syrup, cider, apple butter and sorghum molasses making. Documentary films discuss Amish history and customs.

Amish Acres

Plain and Fancy , the 1955 Broadway musical comedy about Amish life and love, is a permanent fixture in the 400-seat Round Barn Theatre. The resident repertory theater company has also produced such recent works as Hello Dolly! and Ring of Fire (the songs of Johnny Cash), among other shows. The performance space is a 1911 barn that was moved from a nearby farm.

A highlight for many at The Barns at Nappanee is an all-you-can-eat meal under the hand-hewn timbers of a cavernous, century-old barn. The family-style Threshers Dinner features fried chicken, ham and roast beef, plus thick ham and bean soup, hearth-baked bread with apple butter, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, sage dressing, beef and noodles, and sweet and sour cabbage salad. Save room for shoofly pie. Other tempting pie choices: chocolate, pecan, blueberry, peanut butter and coconut cream. And bring something home from the restaurant’s bakery, like cinnamon rolls or whoopie pies. (800-800-4942,  thebarnsatnappanee.com )

Crafts and Dining in Indiana Amish Country

Bargain hungry shoppers head northeast of Nappanee to Shipshewana for the Shipshewana Flea Market . Tuesdays and Wednesdays, May through September, avid deal seekers cruise row after row of vendors offering a variety of goods ranging from purses and wallets to tools and housewares. Fall is the perfect time to browse the flea market; the crowds have diminished and there are bargains aplenty. An added bonus, motorcoach drop off is at the front gate and parking is ample. For antique lovers or just the curious, the antique auction held each Wednesday on the flea market grounds offers plenty of action and lively bidding.

Just a few miles west of Shipshewana, Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury is the place to go in Indiana Amish Country when it’s time to relax and chat over a good meal. This friendly, family-owned restaurant is renowned for its family-style dining featuring platters piled high with chicken and roast beef, bowls of noodles, mashed potatoes and vegetables, fresh-from-the-oven rolls, and flaky-crusted pie in more than 30 varieties. It’s all welcome fare on a brisk fall day.

After dinner, the Essenhaus Village Shops invite browsing a gamut of goods from quilts to fashionable clothing and home décor. And each Thursday night, May through September, their Classic Car Cruise-In with live entertainment and door prizes offers nostalgic fun. Spend the night at the welcoming Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center with its tasteful country décor, generously sized rooms, indoor pool and lovely views.

A barn-shaped museum in Shipshewana, Menno-Hof brings to life the story of the Amish and Mennonite people of Northern Indiana, starting with Anabaptist movements in 16th century Switzerland. The Anabaptists were persecuted by Catholic and Protestant authorities for their belief in voluntary adult baptisms at a time when the state allowed only infant baptism.

Exhibits on the guided tour include a dungeon where Anabaptists were tortured and a 17th century ship they took on their journey to America and freedom. Visitors learn the differences between Mennonites and Amish, and also about the Hutterites, a communal Anabaptist group that survives today in Canada, the United States and Japan. You learn that today’s Mennonites drive cars and dress and live much like their neighbors. The Amish, meanwhile, have resisted most modern conveniences.

The Tornado Theatre at Menno-Hof replicates the power of a tornado and explains how Amish and Mennonite crews respond to cleanup efforts following disasters. The Mennonite Church, with more than a million members in 66 countries, is known for its relief projects, commitment to world peace and the principle of non-resistance. More than half of its members are non-white. The name Mennonite comes from Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who joined the Anabaptist movement in 1536 and became its most influential leader. (260-768-4117, mennohof.org )

The Center of Amish Country

Of course, any trip to Indiana Amish Country calls for a stroll down a city Main Street. Historic downtown Goshen , positioned at the center of Amish Country, is laced with eclectic shops, specialty boutiques, galleries and eateries. Drop into the early 1900s-era Olympia Candy Kitchen for hand-dipped chocolates, which have been served at presidential inaugurals. Get a true taste of fall at Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard, located a few miles south of downtown Goshen, which is the largest apple orchard in the state of Indiana. Board a hay wagon and ride into the orchard with an expert guide who tells all about different types of apples and what it takes to plant and grow the trees. Sunrise Orchard also produces some of Indiana’s best apple cider, and it’s interesting to watch the process. Sampling is encouraged!

Bristol Harnesses Tools of the Past

Perhaps the most photographed building in Elkhart County, the red-painted Bonneyville Mill is Indiana’s oldest continuously operating grist mill. Dating back to the 1830s, it still grinds flour the old-fashioned way by harnessing the power of water.

Located on the Little Elkhart River in Bonneyville Mill County Park in Bristol, the mill sells bags of stone-ground corn, wheat, rye and buckwheat flour. Tours explain the milling process. The mill is open from mid-April through mid-November. Nearby is the Bonneyville Mill Dahlia Garden, another photo-worthy subject. The best viewing time is mid-August to mid-September.

The county park has miles of woodland trails and picnic areas, including five reservable shelters. (574-535-6458, elkhartcountyparks.org )

Historic Home Tour

Overlooking the St. Joseph River in Elkhart, Ruthmere is a 1908 Beaux-Arts-style mansion provides a peek into the Gilded Age. The elegant home of Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, once the centerpiece of Elkhart society, was named after their only child, who died in infancy. Albert Beardsley made his fortune as general manager of the company that became Miles Laboratories, known for over-the-counter products like Alka-Seltzer, One-A-Day Vitamins and Bactine.

Cuban mahogany paneling, Italian marble fireplaces, wall and ceiling murals, gilded woodwork and exquisite plasterwork reflect the home’s sumptuousness. Music from the Choralcelo, a combination player piano/organ in the front parlor, is piped into the library. Also a museum of antiques, decorative art and fine art, Ruthmere counts a Rodin sculpture and Tiffany lamps among its prized possessions. The grand piano in the game room is a 1951 Steinway that was a practice piano for Arthur Rubinstein (not owned by the Beardsley family).

The garage in back, built with a turntable, houses vintage automobiles—a 1912 Pratt, 1917 Cadillac and 1916 Milburn Electric Car. On the grounds is one of the 18 gardens featured on the area’s Quilt Garden Tour .

For groups, Ruthmere can arrange a lunch or coffee on the terrace, or piazza. The plush game room, decorated with leather and red velvet, can also accommodate group meals. (888-287-7696, ruthmere.org )

Check out these Northern Indiana Amish Country annual events:

Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail – May 30 thru September 15

Elkhart, Bristol, Middlebury, Shipshewana, Goshen, Nappanee & Wakarusa, IN

Voted tops by ABA for a fifth consecutive year, this event delivers eye-popping views of 19 quilt patterned gardens loaded with nearly 1,000,000 blooms and 20 artist-painted outdoor quilt murals. Quilt gardens and murals blanket seven communities along Indiana Amish Country’s Heritage Trail, and all are viewable free of charge.

Annual Elkhart Jazz Festival – June

Downtown Elkhart, IN

Jazz lovers converge in downtown Elkhart’s A&E District to celebrate 26 years of musical entertainment and enjoy the sounds of top-name jazz artists. Concurrent performances take place in a variety of downtown venues including the magnificently restored Lerner Theatre, and folks relax at fun indoor and outdoor dining spots. Ticket prices vary. Free outdoor Main Street stage.

Shipshewana Quilt Festival – June

Shipshewana, IN

200 juried quilts from around the nation are showcased along with vendor displays; workshops to learn the latest quilting techniques; a Shop Hop to the area’s best quilt and fabric stores; and noted featured speakers share their quilting knowledge.

Annual Arts, Crafts & Music Festival – early August

The Barns at Nappanee, Nappanee, IN

300 juried artists and crafters from across the country display and sell their wares around the pond on The Barns at Nappanee’s historic farmstead listed on the National Register. Wagon and swan boat rides, four stages of continuous entertainment, and festival foods like the famous breaded Hoosier tenderloins round out the fun at this five-time ABA Top 100 rated event.

For all the latest events, visit https://www.visitelkhartcounty.com/events/

If you’d like more great group travel ideas in Indiana, check out the Indiana Group Tour Planner  and be sure to  Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel  to stay up to date with our latest travel news.

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Amish Acres

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Amish Acres - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Mon 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Tue - Sat 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• (0.20 mi) Amish Inn
• (0.61 mi) Countryside Inn
• (1.10 mi) Victorian Guest House
• (1.07 mi) Market Street Guest House
• (1.83 mi) Shamrock Inn
• (0.05 mi) Amish Acres Restaurant Barn
• (0.21 mi) Eagle River Whisky
• (0.32 mi) Nang's Chinese Restaurant
• (0.91 mi) Ruhe152
• (1.22 mi) Rocket Science Ice Cream in Nappanee
• (0.00 mi) The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres
• (1.19 mi) Coppes Commons
• (0.81 mi) The Nappanee Center
• (0.78 mi) Dutch Village Market
• (0.93 mi) Antiques on the Square

We look forward to hearing from you in the future. We wish you and your business or group a Safe and Happy Touring Season!

Where you're family, located in the heart of amish county, buggy lane tours is the original sight-seeing and buggy ride tour service of shipshewana., dinner & a buggy ride looking for a buggy ride and a home cooked amish dinner only $56.00/person. just let us know 30 hours in advance..

FOUR STAR TOUR Experience this “hands on” tour, a 20 minute trip by horse and carriage to our 70 acre working Horse & dairy farm located just outside of the town of Shipshewana where you will see Holstein cows be milked! We have farm tours daily at 4:00pm (closed Sunday). Our family operates a Grade “A" Amish farm where we milk Holstein cows twice daily at 5:00am and 5:00pm. We give you the opportunity to milk a cow by hand, taste fresh milk, help feed the calves, and take pictures of Belgian work horses. English and Pennsylvania Dutch are the two languages spoken on the farm. There are no house tours because this is an Amish working farm. This is a 1-1/2 to 2-Hour tour, $35.00/person; Children 6 years to 12 years $18.00/child. Group rates available! *In accordance to Indiana State Health laws, electricity must be used in the process to sell Grade “A” milk for human consumption.*

OPTIONAL: Dinner only, Group, $35.00 per person.

Contact us today for rates and availability!

For reservations call 574-333-9584 or email us at [email protected]

Tour Itinerary

Please select a preferred pickup point to see the tour itinerary.

1 NORTHWEST BOUND / COLUMBUS

Today we begin our journey heading Northwest traveling through West Virginia and into Columbus, OH for the night. Once in Columbus we will treat you to a German Meal at Schmidt’s German Restaurant.

2 SHIPSHEWANA

This morning we depart our hotel heading for Shipshewana, IN. Upon arrival we will stop at the MennoHof Interpretive Center and learn about the Amish and Mennonite culture. After checking into our hotel we will enjoy Dinner and a Show at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre. We will spend the next three nights in Shipshewana.

3 GUIDED TOUR / FALL CRAFTERS FAIR

This morning we will have a Step on Guide join us for a tour of the Amish Countryside ending with a meal at an Amish Home. Tonight we will treat you to another show at the Blue Gate Theatre.

4 BUGGY RIDE/COLUMBUS

This morning We will enjoy a buggy ride through the country side before making our way back to the Columbus area for the night

5 HOMEWARD BOUND

We depart Indiana this morning traveling through Ohio and West Virginia with all our memories of the Indiana Amish Country and the peaceful countryside.

Lodging & Tour

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$75 Per Person

$70 Per Person (Area 6)

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No area 6 information available for this tour. Change your preferred pick up area or search the catalog for an area 6 version of this tour.

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Indiana Amish

Your guide to the amish in indiana.

“Swiss”, Swartzentruber, and Lancaster, PA-transplant Amish are among the diverse groups of Amish Country Indiana. Today the Hoosier State has an Amish population of over 62,000 people. Read on to learn more about Amish communities in Indiana. Updated June 2023

Amish Communities in Indiana

From the youngest Amish settlements in the southern end of the state to the oldest and largest at Elkhart-Lagrange Counties (over 28,000 Amish) in the north, Indiana is home to a wide diversity of Amish groups.

• Lagrange-Elkhart Counties – the northern Indiana community is easily the largest settlement in the state. The town of Shipshewana draws many visitors to this Amish Country destination
• Nappanee – a stone’s throw from the Lagrange-Elkhart settlement and third-largest in Indiana
• Adams County (Berne) – the Hoosier State’s second-largest community and an example of a Swiss Amish group
• Allen County – another Swiss Amish settlement a short distance from the Adams County community
• Daviess County – the sizeable southern Indiana group features Dinky’s auction house and a wide range of small businesses
• Pennsylvania Amish in Indiana – In the 1990s two groups of Amish left crowded Lancaster County, PA for the Hoosier State
• Other Indiana Amish communities – Indiana has around a dozen more settlements of a few church districts or less in size

Lagrange – Elkhart Counties

The settlement at Elkhart and Lagrange Counties is the largest, oldest (founded 1841), and best-known community of Indiana’s Amish Country. Amish occupy the eastern portion of Elkhart County and the western half of adjacent Lagrange County (where they constitute over a third of the highly rural county’s population). Roughly centered around the popular tourist center of Shipshewana , the total Amish population in this community is approximately 28,000 , spread over roughly 210 separate congregations.

Elkhart-LaGrange differs from Holmes County, Ohio, in that it is home to a single affiliation of Amish (an affiliation is a loose collection of Amish churches who worship together and interact in other ways). While generally considered a progressive community, it does have a number of quite conservative Amish churches as well.

The more conservative groups are generally found on the eastern side of the settlement.  This creates some distinct differences; for instance the gasoline-engine lawnmowers commonly seen in the western half of the settlement give way to rotating reel push-mowers in the east.

Full-time farming is not common in this settlement. Rather, Elkhart-LaGrange is highly oriented towards factory work. The majority of Amish household heads here find employment in the local recreational vehicle industry.

Many RV companies are headquartered in the area, and employ heavily-Amish workforces.  In recent years, due to economic difficulty and high fuel prices, the RV industry has struggled.  The many layoffs occurring in the industry have forced some Amish to shift into small business.

Farming has also declined to low levels, as in other Amish settlements.  However the occasional Amish-owned dairy can still be found.  In addition to milk production, there are a number of hog and poultry producers raising chickens, turkeys, and ducks in this community.  Produce farming has also become popular for some Amish, particularly in the eastern end of the community, with a local auction offering an outlet for Amish fruits and vegetables.

The Elkhart-LaGrange community was featured prominently in the 2002 Rumspringa documentary ‘Devil’s Playground’.  It is also home to the Shipshewana Flea Market , an event which draws thousands weekly to the tiny 500-person hamlet.  The flea market is held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 4pm (May thru September).

The main towns in this settlement include Shipshewana, Middlebury, Topeka, and Millersburg.

Nappanee Amish Community

Also found in northern Indiana, the well-known community at Nappanee is located a few miles to the southwest of the Elkhart-LaGrange settlement.  The Amish at Nappanee are similar in lifestyle and church rules to those in the LaGrange settlement. Though it was founded at around the same time, Nappanee is much smaller, with an Amish population of about 6,500 as of 2023.

With the continuous outward spread of this settlement and the Elkhart-LaGrange community, the two communities have in a sense “met” forming one contiguous settlement rivaling Lancaster County in size. Even in 2006, Amish settling in the region between the two communities were faced with the choice of which settlement to attend church in. Despite their geographical merging, the two settlements remain distinct from one another.

Nappanee is another tourist favorite, with the attraction The Barns of Nappanee (formerly Amish Acres) off the main drag west of town. Not far to the north of Nappanee, at Wakarusa is also found a small horse-and-buggy Old Order Mennonite community. Old Order Mennonites are similar to Amish in some beliefs and practices but outwardly-differentiated by their plain but patterned clothing, lack of beards, and (in some cases) use of public electricity.

Adams County

Straddling Fort Wayne in the northeastern part of Indiana are two ‘Swiss Amish’ settlements, located at Allen and Adams Counties. The Adams County settlement is slightly older (1850) and the larger of the two, with 66 church districts as of 2023.

The Adams County group, which also takes in parts of neighboring Jay County, is centered around the town of Berne , a community founded by Swiss settlers in the mid-1800s. The area also features a tourist attraction known as Amishville , a camping resort featuring a number of tourist-oriented events such as hayrides and gospel concerts.

The Amish in Adams County are generally more conservative than those in the Elkhart-LaGrange or Nappanee communities, and are visibly plainer in practice and dress.  Amish in this community have maintained a farming tradition to a significantly greater degree than those in the more progressive communities. The Swiss Amish of Adams and Allen Counties also have a specific history and set of customs rooted in their distinct heritage.

The Swiss Amish

The Swiss Amish of Adams County, like their counterparts in Allen County, have different origins than the majority of North America’s Amish.  The ancestors of Amish in these and other Swiss communities arrived in America in the mid-1800s from Switzerland and surrounding areas.

Swiss Amish have maintained distinct customs and generally more conservative practices than the Pennsylvania German-ethnicity Amish today found predominantly in Pennsylvania, Ohio and other states.

Swiss Amish only travel by open buggy.  Swiss Amish in the Adams or Allen County communities speak different dialects of German from their cousins in Elkhart-Lagrange, Nappanee, and other Pennsylvania German Amish settlements.  The difference between the dialects can be distinct – for example, a Pennsylvania Amishman noted that for better understanding, he actually spoke English with Amish in Allen County.

You may be familiar with ‘Miller’ and ‘Stoltzfus’ being common names among the Amish.  Distinctive Swiss names are found in these settlements.  For instance, ‘Schwartz’ is by far the most common surname in the Adams County community, with hundreds of households bearing the name.  Other typical Swiss names include Graber, Lengacher, and Wickey. Swiss Amish have other distinct cultural markers, including the practice of yodeling as well as atypical burial customs. Read more on Swiss Amish .

Allen County

The Allen County group was founded about the same time as the Adams County community (1852), though is smaller (approximately 3,600 Amish as of 2023). In contrast to the Adams County group, the Allen County Amish have visibly higher standards of living, with fancier homes and carriages.

Many Allen County Amish have prospered in the construction industry, which is key to the Amish economy in this settlement. Full-time farming in this community has almost completely died out, and home shops and businesses are relatively few compared to other Amish settlements. Don’t expect to find very many of the typical Amish Country stores and shops to visit if you come to this community, but you will find some.

Interestingly, unlike most other Amish settlements in Indiana and elsewhere, brick is a popular building material in this community.  Some Amish homes even employ faux-brick siding to achieve the desired visual affect. You tend to see a uniformity of construction styles in Amish settlements and among certain affiliations. This is quite noticeable in Allen County, with the homes reflecting the prosperity of the community. The Adams County Amish, in contrast, maintain a plainer appearance when it comes to their homes.

The Amish of Daviess County

Another Amish group with Swiss ties is located in the southern part of Indiana, in Daviess County (founded 1868; 5,800 Amish). The Daviess County group is not a fully “Swiss” group however; it’s made up of a mix of Swiss and Pennsylvania German-heritage Amish. Unlike the Adams or Allen County groups, Amish here use closed-top buggies a change they adopted in the early 1990s..

Daviess County Amish speak with a distinct southern twang that is instantly noticeable when members move to other communities. Daviess County Amish also have a reputation for friendliness. Even Amish in other communities in Indiana and elsewhere comment on the congenial nature of Daviess County Amish, which you might experience as well when meeting the locals.

Daviess County is located in a decidedly rural part of the state, full of dusty roads. Some of them turn to mud during downpours, so be aware. Small businesses such as furniture shops and construction crews are common in Daviess County. Dinky’s Auction Center is a local institution located in the middle of the community. Weekend auctions at Dinky’s are a popular draw for Amish and non-Amish alike.

Lancaster County Amish in Indiana

In 1991, gray buggies first found their way to Indiana when Amish from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania relocated on the western edge of the state, forming a new community at Rockville in Parke County ( 1,700 Amish as of 2023).  A few years later, a second Lancaster group set up shop on the opposite side of the state in Wayne County (1994; 1,550 Amish ).

Amish in America’s best-known settlement have long faced population and other pressures, and migration is one way Lancaster Amish have maintained traditional lifestyles. Cheaper land and less-crowded roads have been strong draws for Lancaster County migrants to Indiana.

Notably, the Pennsylvania Amish migrants to Indiana decided on slightly different church rules that, for example, prohibited the growing of tobacco, commonly raised as a cash crop in the home settlement at Lancaster. Amish here maintain close ties with the Lancaster community, and are frequently “back-and-forth” with their mother settlement.

Indiana Amish Country: Other Communities

Though Indiana has close to three-quarters the Amish population of Pennsylvania, it has less than half as many communities (27 for Indiana vs. 60 for Pennsylvania). This reflects the fact that Amish in Indiana reside in more concentrated areas making for larger-sized settlements on average.

Indiana does have a fair share of smaller communities, however, with well over a dozen comprised of just three congregations (church districts) or less. In fact, he third-oldest community in the state is actually one of Indiana’s smallest. The settlement at Kokomo in Howard and Miami Counties was started in 1848, experiencing periods of growth and decline over its long history. Today the community is only two church districts in size. For different reasons, some Amish communities grow and flourish, while others do not.

Indiana also exhibits a diverse Amish population.  The state is home to conservative Swartzentruber Amish in Orange County (1994, four districts), as well as another conservative but unrelated group in the same county at Paoli (1957, three districts).

Other small Indiana communities include Milroy in Rush County (1969, four districts) and Swiss daughter settlements at South Whitley in Whitley County (1974, two districts), Salem in Washington County (1981, one district) and Vevay in Switzerland County (1986, three districts).

Amish Indiana: At Home in The Hoosier State

Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania together make up America’s “Amish Heartland”. These are by far the three most important states when it comes to the Amish. Roughly 65% of the total Amish population live in these three.

And despite recent migration by Amish in recent  years to less-populous areas of the country – such as the western and northern states, Indiana keeps its position as a leading state for Amish settlement. With its abundant farmland and relatively low population density, Indiana remains an attractive place for Amish to live, with a steady rate of growth over the past decade.

For further information, see:

• Plain Diversity: Amish Cultures and Identities , Steven M. Nolt and Thomas J. Meyers
• An Amish Patchwork: Indiana’s Old Orders in the Modern World , Thomas J. Meyers and Steven M. Nolt
• “Amish Population 2022” Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College https://groups.etown.edu/amishstudies/statistics/population-2022/
• “ Amish Population in the United States by State, County, and Settlement, 2022 ” – Annual population figures compiled by Edsel Burdge, Jr., Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College, in cooperation with Joseph F. Donnermeyer, School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, and with assistance from David Luthy, Heritage Historical Library, Aylmer, Ontario.

Photo credits: Shipshewana buggy-Anita Ritenour; Elkhart-Lagrange Amish buggy; Amish team in field-Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership; Nappanee buggy-ChicagoGeek; Berne Amish-Manuel Reinhard; Swiss Amish women; Grabill Indiana carriages-Renee Johnson; Southern Indiana Amish store-Cindy Seigle; Vevay Amish buggy-Kendal Miller, Switzerland County (IN) Tourism

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179 Comments

Parke County Amish Variety Store

Thank you Don. It has grown by 2 or 3 districts since I was there 10 years ago.

Parke County is famed for its covered bridges, which is evident by the domain name for the county visitors’ commission website: coveredbridges.com.

I was only there briefly so didn’t see many of them, but it apparently has 31 of an original 53 bridges remaining, supposedly the most of any county.

I’ll go ahead and put the info for the business you stopped at, for anyone who might want it.

Swarey’s Variety Store 3767 N 100 E Marshall, IN 47859 Phone: (812) 653-9490

I live on a road in Paoli, Indiana and see a lot of nice Amish pass by house. We were told there was an Amish store with as lot of great food etc passed our house but have yet to find it. Do you know any Amish food stores in Paoli? Please help

Anita — In the Paoli area, there are two groups of Amish — the Swartzentruber Amish and the “Paoli Amish”. The Swartzentruber group is north and mostly west of Paoli, concentrated around CR 500 N and CR 200 W. To get to Petershiems Variety, turn west on 500 N. and go about three miles. There used to be a sign stating “Variety and Harness Shop Stores” on the corner where you turned south, but I’m not sure the sign is still up. On 500 N. you will see signs on several Amish farms listing things for sale — like felt hats, eggs, firewood, etc. Stop at one of those and ask how to get to Petershiems. It’s not far from those other farms.

In the Paoli Amish settlement, I don’t know of any Amish store as such, but if you go up Lynd School Road off Hwy 56, there are a couple of farms that sell produce/syrup/honey,etc.

If you’re ever over Daviess County way, there are several good Amish stores there. Also in Washington County at Rosebud is an Amish Salvage Food/Bulk Food/Variety Items store. Friendly people, easy to talk with.

Hope this helps! You don’t live far from several good Amish stores.

Free ride between Amish communities along a Kansas to Maine (and return) route

I am driving from Lawrence, Kansas to Holmes County, Ohio stopping there to visit my brother in Millersburg before driving on to Freedom, Maine, which is beside the new Amish communities in Thorndike and Unity. I am not asking any monetary compensation, and would be willing to drive a bit out of my way to pick up as many as three passengers for any leg of the trip or return. My departure date from Kansas is Wednesday January 28th and I will be leaving Maine on February 9th. Of course severe weather could slightly delay or modify those plans. Anyone in a position to pass on this invitation to Amish communities generally along this route or who have suggestions about how I might make this offer available to interested Amish who would like to travel to any of the communities generally between these destinations please respond and I will share contact information and character reference if desired. This is being posted in several state listings between Maine and Kansas.

Hi Erik, wonderful post about the home community of my mother in Daviess County and a great website.

Thank you so much for your committment to accuracy in writing about the Amish. That being said, this historian has a very small quibble about the difference between Swiss Amish and Pennyslvania Dutch Amish. You are correct that Swiss Amish are distinct because they immigrated directly from Switzerland. The Pennsylvania Dutch Amish are not originally from France and Germany however! They also all originited in the Swiss Cantons of Zurich or Bern, but had moved to Germany or the then German regions of today’s France as refugees. Apparently intermarriage or conversion in these temporary homes was negligible.

This intermediate stop in southern Rhine area of Germany and Alsace is partly responsible for the southeast German influence on the Pennsylvania Dutch language. The other element is of course the “Fancy Dutch”, or the Protestant and Catholic German settlers in Pennsylvania. The Amish used to be a small minority of Pennsylvania Dutch speakers.

Thanks Jadon, I appreciate the kind words. And thanks for raising this point.

In the text above, I don’t think I explicitly say they were originally from France/Germany, though I don’t think I used the best wording.

I do use the term “ancestry” though to reference those countries, (“with ancestry in France, Germany and elsewhere”) which is more vague. I believe that when I wrote this article I did that to reflect where their ancestors lived before emigrating to North America, and not necessarily their ethnicity, even though as you note their origins go back further.

Since the focus of this page is Indiana Amish and this is just a brief side note and not meant to explain PA German Amish from a historical standpoint I just cut it to prevent confusion. There are certainly other sources and articles available elsewhere that will explain that history much better. Thanks for the quibble.

This is true!

From the article above: “Daviess County Amish speak with a distinct southern twang that is instantly noticeable when members move to other communities. Daviess County Amish also have a reputation for friendliness. Even Amish in other communities in Indiana and elsewhere comment on the congenial nature of Daviess County Amish, a fact which holds true on meeting the locals”.

I have had the opportunity to speak to two Amish business owners from Daviess County, IN within the past couple of weeks. The first thing that I noticed was that their accents were very flat to southern. Nothing like I have ever heard from any Amish person that I have spoken with before.

The next thing that I noticed was how congenial they both were. I’d say that not only are they the friendliest Amish that I have ever encountered; they very well may be the friendliest two people that I have ever had the pleasure of speaking with. I had told my wife that I was going to be on the phone with one of them for “just a couple of minutes”. When I got off the phone I looked at my cellphone and I had talked with him just a few seconds short of 50 minutes! I almost NEVER stay on the phone for that long.

Time flies when you are having a conversation with someone that you can really relate to I guess. (We even found out that we have relatives with the same last name in our respective maternal family tree & they were even from the same part of Europe … The Alsace)

We will be in Daviess County for several days this summer for Horse Progress Days in early July. I am really looking forward to meeting these two gentlemen in person.

Great story Oldkat. I found the people there especially friendly too, glad to hear from others that I wasn’t off here 🙂 https://amishamerica.com/5-friendliest-amish-communities/

A little late, but finally got there.

In the above post from 2015 I thought that we would be going to Daviess County for Horse Progress Days in July of that year. It turned out that heavy rain at home as well as in Daviess County Indiana made that a bad idea. So, it didn’t happen.

However, Horse Progress Days made its cyclical return to Daviess County this year and I was able to fly to Indianapolis & drive down to Dinky’s Auction Center, site of the event. Spent three days there and had a wonderful time.

Met some fantastic people, Plain & “English”. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that we are kicking around the idea of driving to Indiana in October to visit the Auburn-Cord-Deusenberg Museum in Auburn, Indiana and then dropping in on Daviess County to pick up some items that I purchase while I was there.

And, yes, even to Texas ears those accents have a pronounced Southern twang to them.

Hi Eric,do you have any information on William Arthur Amos? He was a blacksmith in Topeka, until he retired in 1958. He was my Great Grandfather. Any information would be greatly appreciated

I don’t have any info, sorry there. The only thing I can say is that I’ve never heard Amos as an Amish surname.

Which communities specifically came from Ohio? My ancestors moved from Holmes County to Indiana. My gr gr grandfather left the order before moving on to Missouri. I’d love to connect with anyone that shares our family tree.

Do any of the Amish Farms in Adams or Allen County open their homes/farms for tours?

Not in Adams county and it’s even less likely in Allen county. Allen county tends to be more suspicious of outsiders than Adams county. If you want to learn more about the Adams county Amish and perhaps build a relationship that would end in a home tour, I’d recommend you visit Schwartz’s shoe store. The owner is a 74 year old deacon named John Schwartz. John is a wonderful person, very friendly, open to outsiders and I’d have no problems showing up at his little store and telling him you want to learn more about the Amish there on berne. Within The Adams County community there are two primary divisions, one being more conservative than the other. I usually just look to see if there are kitchen cabients, and that tells me what division they are in. There are several subgroups there, so I am over simplifying it. I find Adams county much more interseting the Allen county. Allen county tends to be much more affluent with a level of technology that in some ways eclipses the large settlement of Elkhart-lagrange. For example it’s not unusual to be visiting in Allen county and have an Amish person pull a cell phone out of their pocket to take a call. While Adams county is far more conservative, they don’t even have phones and correspondence is done by mail. Adams county uses oil lamps, outhouses, no freezers, no running water in the house sans a hand pump, dry sinks, etc. we also find the people of Adams county to be much more inviting. I hope you have an opportunity to them. The Clocktower Inn has an Amish business listing on their website where you can find the address for Schwartzs Show store. Siting

Nolt Family Dinner Haus

Pat, the closest thing I know is

Nolt Family Dinner Haus 12530 Cuba Road Grabill, IN 46741 Phone: (260) 466-4224 Open Friday and Saturday for dinner (evening). Nolt’s is a working farm with many buildings. They serve people in a converted buggy shed next to their home. Owner David Nolt is Amish, formerly a plain Mennonite. Maybe you could call ahead to see if they still offer buggy rides.

In Dec. 2013, a reviewer said: “David and Barb Nolt, along with other family members and Amish community members strive to provide a genuine atmosphere and delicious home cooked meals on their family farm at Cuba and Trammel road. While Barb manages the guests and workers inside, David will gladly give a buggy ride for a nominal fee or show you his horses in the barns. Their daughter Mary May has made the many pies and deserts fresh the same day they are served from scratch using family recipes. For many years the family and workers would stop at 8:00 PM and gather in the back room to sing favorite songs A Capella with their beautiful voices for those who are still eating the meal. It was a time to rest and share in the love of Jesus through song. Whether you want to serve yourself with the Buffet or order something off the menu, they have plenty of meat and garden fresh entrees available to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. ” http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/148/1442459/restaurant/Fort-Wayne/Nolt-Family-Dinner-Haus-Grabill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyJg3ROfAlQ (Nolt Family Dinner Haus yodeling :29)

Thanks for sharing the information. I’m curious about David Nolt. Do you know if he had been a member of the Wenger Mennonites from the a goshen area? I know there are some Nolts among the Wengers. I’d be interested to hear how he ended up as an OOA in Allen County. Do you know any more about his story?

Shipshewana, yes, at one time David was with the Mennonites from the Goshen area. Then he drove taxi for the Amish, and that is how he met his wife.

I am looking for information regarding how to research Amish ancestors in Daviess County and Allen County, specifically Amish immigrants from France (Allen County). Thanks.

Amish groceries near Chicagoland

I enjoyed getting my groceries from Amish stores, but I live now in Chicago. Does anyone know of areas near the northern IL-IN border that sells Amish food products, produce, etc.? Thank you.

Amish products near Chicago

Nathanel Stutzman from Arthur takes a load of locally produced farm products to the Chicago area on a regular basis. I believe customers can place their order ahead of time and meet him at the drop off location. His number is 217-254-0042. He may have access to email at [email protected]. Nathanel is a great guy.

Amish groceries near Chicagoland (July 30th, 2015 at 13:06)

Thank you Mike.

I will follow-up on your lead.

Best, Martina

Amish at Chicago markets

Martina, you are within about 2 hours of Shipshewana in Northern Indiana.

Rise ‘N Roll Bakery from Middlebury, IN, goes to some Chicago Farmer’s Markets: http://risenroll.com/chicago-markets/

Amish Markets in Illinois: https://amishamerica.com/amish-markets-illinois/

Amish people from Indiana take their baked goods to three Wednesday farmers markets in the Chicago suburbs:

(Palos Heights Farmer’s Market, Yoder Bakery) http://www.palosheights.org/government/brads/testdept/FarmersMarket.asp

(Oak Lawn) http://www.oaklawn-il.gov/residents/farmer-s-market

(Riverside Farmers Market, Yoder’s Bakery) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=796396820393202&set=pb.144040902295467.-2207520000.1405221238.&type=3&theater

Granola picture: https://www.facebook.com/Riverside.Farmers.Mkt/photos/pb.144040902295467.-2207520000.1439642305./1018732531492962/?type=3&theater

Apple Pie: https://www.facebook.com/Riverside.Farmers.Mkt/photos/pb.144040902295467.-2207520000.1439642140./1022513624448186/?type=3&theater

john y. miller.

looking for descendants of him. died in 1924 maybe middlebury. I have a book that was his about Jacob denner. printed in 1751. any interest or ideas what todo with it. any amish from his line yet?

Amish History Library / Historian

Yes! Call Floyd Miller 260-463-2401 ext 1. Floyd is the local Amish historian and is the curator of the Amish historical Library of northern indiana.

john y miller

so he may be interested in the book or other books I may have. Jacob gashos song book from west branch mi.?

Quite possibly. The Amish historical Library here maintains a collection of Amish Geneology books and historical artifacts (song books, bibles, letters, clothes, personal items) that have been donated to the library. There are many local Amish historians/collectors, but the library exists for the benefit of the community and those wanting to research their Amish Geneology. Floyd is very knowledgeable and would be happy to help you to research john y. Miller. I’m sure he can point you in the right direction.

ephraim j. s. miller

I guess the man could also give info on Ephraim miller and maybe there is a book out there of his offspring. I guess next time I go through shipshe I need to find him. thanks.

Take SR5 south of shipshewana and turn left (east) on 100S, that’s the road with the New Eden Care Center on the corner. Continue several miles east, perhaps 4-5 miles and you will see a set of buildings on the north side of the road and signs saying CreekSide wheel shop and another that says quality metal. Ask for Floyd. If you get lost just ask for Curve Roy’s Floyd. Anyone in the area will know who you are looking for.

Amish in Crawford County

There are quite a few Amish in one community in Crawford County, east of Grantsburg. I have done business with one family there, purchased wood and had furniture made. I believe they had originally split off from a group (either Wisconson or Iowa, can’t remember which) and were living on an old chicken farm while building several houses, one at a time. There is a harness and leather maker, furniture maker, felt hat maker and more, and of course, produce and the like. Good people, very honest to deal with.

I also have done business with Mr. Mose Yoder northwest of Paoli, he makes flooring from many types of wood. Good guy, very honest with great prices on raw wood flooring and trim. It’s not perfect stuff, but for the price you can’t beat it and there is always extra thrown in. He used to have a sign out on 37, but when they did construction to widen it, they took it down and it has not been up since. His “flooring” sign is still on 500 N. however. One of that same community, Sammie Miller, made all the doors for my new house. He is right on 500 N. and makes outdoor furniture from cedar, cutting boards and baskets, also a good person.

I would rather do business with the Amish. Trustworthy and good prices.

For older ladies.

My friend and I need to know about Amish near Richmond In. We are in our 70s and need somewhere that is easy to get to closest to Indianapolis and able to get back home without spending the night . Also my daughter is 50 but had heart surgery 6 years ago ( Aorta Valve replaced and had a stroke at the same time) We all use a cane or walker but would love to shop where things are made with Love. Hope you can help. We would be using I-70 east.

Wayne County Amish

Take 70 towards Richmond, then turn north on highway 27 towards fountain city. On the south side of fountain city is an Amish bulk foods store called Fountain City Acres. Great place to buy a deli sandwich and the Amish workers could post you to other Amish run businesses in the area. Hope you enjoy your visit!

Newburgh, IN

Are there any Amish Communitys near Newburgh, IN? I have seen some Amish gentleman stopping by for food at McDonalds but I haven’t been there for awhile. I am interested in finding about about their communities

Newburgh IN

Hi Jennifer, I also live in Newburgh and I have Amish heritage. There are no Amish communities in Warrick County. However, you may have seen some around Newburgh, because the Stolls and Grabers have booths at the Farmers Markets from May through September in Newburgh and Evansville.You also may have seen workers from Graber Post or cabinet makers. All would be from Daviess County Indiana.

Becoming a shed dealer

Hello Mike,

I would like to become an Amish Shed dealer in northern Indiana, who might I contact?

In the Oct. 31, 2018, edition of The Budget newspaper it was reported that the last Amish family has moved from Gosport, Indiana,(near Spencer in southwestern Ind.) so there is no longer an Amish community there. I don’t think the community ever got very large.

In adams county they do not bury amish men with their beards………………………………….they use shovels.

What do you know about the Amish People in Rush Co. near Rushville? I’m inquiring, because, my friends Dad was a Baker & Mortgage their farm.

Milroy IN Amish (Rush County)

I’ve visited there once, it was 4 church districts at the time (2004 I believe) but I see it had dropped to 3 in the 2013 listing (haven’t checked a current year Almanac yet). Don’t know the reason for the decline. I think it was founded by a mix of people from more than one Amish group if I’m remembering the history right. It is also referred to as the Milroy community for the nearby town. Does your family have dealings with them now?

My Friends Dad Mortgage their Farms, now it’s been a min of 46 years ago, in 1973. It was before his death in 1974. And before, the original Rushville went through Hsrd Times & was brought out. The Amish, obviously haven’t change, however, tgey must go into Rushville by their English Neighbors Car, for Banking Business & to shop @ Walmart. A footnote.the Amish backwards Thinking is; no updated Technology. Yet, they won’t support, Ma & Pa Stores, if any our still in Business. Therefore, Eric, Walmart, Deliverly put the Ma & Pa out of Business. No more 1800s early 1900s dated Cash Resisters. How goes the Amish Peopke pay their bills. Checks have become a by gone ara. Perhaps they are allowed to have Debit Cards however, unlike Credit Cards, if they lose their Debit Cards, they must proved. With outbout a Flip a cell phone, they can’t call their Bank Immediately. And Eric, what’s goung to happen, when their Dated Phone Booth, goes dead permitted. Ok, that’s their believe, so be it. Their making it too difficult to communicate.

Amish on Route 3 in indiana

Back in the spring we went to Muncie Indiana and traveled up Route 3. There was an amish store on Route 3 but I can’t remember the name of the town so we can plan a trip to go back and visit it.

Amish store , highway 35 in Indiana

The little town there is called Losantsville and the place you want to go to years ago was a carpet outlet

Looking for information on how to start driving Amish around? Can you even make a living off of it around Hagerstown indiana?

Amish Mortgage their Farms in Rush Co. Now 50 yrs ago.

Please do some research re; The President @ the Ex Rushville National Bank in Rushville Indiana. Mortgage Amish Farms. He’s been deceased for 45.5 yrs. & Anonymous. It must had been extremely rare & unheard of, then and even these Internet days.

Obviously. The Amish People dated old fashion ways of thinking, the, obviously don’t believe in Electricity, yet, they’ll Except Personal Checks, having no clue. If the Persons account is for real or Fraudulent. My point is; how do they keep track of their bills? Surly, there allowed to have a Debut Card. Which is Obviously a Risk. Furthermore. Like Debut Card. Their Mortgage bill is Automatic taken out of their account(s) Please Explain.

Worship Services?

Are any of the Amish or Mennonite communities here open to the attendance of their worship services? We love to learn about others’ faith and worship practices. It would be amazing to see how they worship.

Also interested in Amish worship services!!!

Thank you so much, Dante, for posting your question about any possibility of being permitted to attend Amish worship services–it’s exactly what I have been yearning for for many years!! I just couldn’t find the words to say it, but you said it so well. If anyone knows if this would be possible for a non-Amish girl, please let me know. May God bless you all!!

Any Amish community in southern or middle of Indiana

I am currently in the process of moving to Mooresville, In and would like to purchase furniture, I would like it to be made by local economy and the Amish so I at least I know my money is going to support some one’s family, if any one knows of a local community could you please email me [email protected]

Amish Newspaper in Nothern Indiana?

Hello, I am looking to make contact with an Amish news publication or something along those lines in Shipshewana, Indiana. I am with the Indiana Sheep Association, and we are having an event there that we are told the Amish would be interested in. It involves raising sheep on a small scale. A while back we had an event that many Amish in theat area came to and seemed to enjoy. How might i get a notice in their newsletter or publication to let them know about it?

Amish in South Eastern Indiana

Hello, I live just outside of Cincinnati. I’m looking for an Amish community, hopefully nearby, where I can buy food, leather, wool and/ or lumber. Potentially other provisions as well. Thank you for any recommendations and God bless.

Looking for a builder

Hi, We live in Brooklyn Michigan, we are ready to build and are looking for a reliable Amish C. to build our house. Can someone give me a name or two who maybe interested in building our house in Brooklyn Michigan. Please email me names and numbers. I would greatly appreciate it.

Open top buggies

I was born in Washington Indiana which is in Davies County to couple whose parents were Amish. I had many rides in their buggy which had no roofs. We had to use tarpaulins to cover us during inclement weather. Are there still many of those around.

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Shipshewana & LaGrange County are known as a one-of-a-kind destination for visitors to experience the simplicity of Amish culture as well as the delicious foods and quality products they produce. But there’s so much more to explore around town and in the area including a wide variety of shopping opportunities from quaint downtown shops to locally produced meat and cheese, exciting outdoor recreation, world-class entertainment and the Midwest’s largest flea market.

What Makes Shipshewana Special

WHAT MAKES SHIPSHEWANA THE HEART OF AMISH COUNTRY, INDIANA?

LaGrange County, Indiana has an Amish population of over 15,000, which makes it the 3RD LARGEST in the US after Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (26,270) and Holmes County, Ohio (17,654). Shipshewana itself only has a population of about 650 residents, but it is surrounded by Amish farms, is a local ‘hub’ for Amish businesses and is where many Amish work, socialize and shop.

Downtown Shipshewana is small and charming, with a 4 way stop sign in front of the famous Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery , where you can enjoy an amazing Amish/Mennonite meal, delicious Amish baked goods and even enjoy an Amish inspired musical upstairs at the Blue Gate Theatre . You can even take an Amish buggy ride out to see cows being milked!

Come and stay in the HEART of Amish Country and experience all the great things to do , dining and shopping we have to offer here in Shipshewana!

LaGrange County Towns

Each town in our county has a personality all its own and offers both visitors and residents a variety of options of things to do throughout the year. Shipshewana • Howe LaGrange • Mongo Topeka • Wolcottville

There’s Always More to Explore!

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Experience Amish Country Shipshewana Itinerary

Learn more about the amish on your visit to indiana's amish country. here in shipshewana, simple living is a choice. you'll slow down, and enjoy time learning about the amish lifestyle, taking a buggy ride, and savoring local cuisine..

Good morning from Amish country! Start your Amish experience with a big breakfast at  Das Dutchman Essenhaus  in Middlebury, Indiana. If you're craving donuts, try stopping at  Rise 'N Roll Bakery  for their famous cinnamon-caramel donuts.

Next, visit the  Menno-Hof Amish/Mennonite Information Center  where you'll learn about the history, faith and life of Amish and Mennonites.

Road trip anyone? Go Off the Beaten Path and enjoy taking the backroads of Shipshewana where you will see and discover what makes this community unique and breathtaking. This self-guided driving tour features the Barn Quilt Trail, Amish run businesses, artisans, makers and eateries.

This self-guided driving tour connects six communities through LaGrange County in Northern Indiana. See murals on historic barns, family homesteads and public places, or one of the other trails you can visit while in Shipshewana, IN.

Ready for lunch? Stop at any of our local eateries for delicious lunch options including pretzels, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, wraps and ice cream.

After lunch, take a buggy ride to get an inside glance of Amish life or experience the local culture and see the local sights.

If you're ready to experience an authentic dinner in an Amish home? Grab a group of four or more and make reservations with  Hoosier Banquets . Coffee hour after the meal includes questions and answers about the host's heritage!

After dinner, watch a family-friendly musical at the  Blue Gate Theatre  - typically inspired by an Amish book or theme.

Where to Stay

As the evening fades, consider staying at t the  Farmstead Inn & Conference Center . Modeled after the Amish homes that dot our area, the hotel provides the chance to unwind, unplug and refresh after a day of learning.

Go for a walk around the winding sidewalks and listen as horse and buggies clip clop down the road. Or, take a dip in the indoor pool (located in the connected red barn) and relax in the hot tub silo surrounded by a barn scene mural.

For more trip ideas, download the Shipshewana, Indiana Amish Country Trip Planner! { download here }

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Enjoy Shipshewana's best attractions, including shopping at the Midwest's Largest Flea Market, catching a musical at the Blue Gate Theatre, or eating a home-cooked Amish meal. (All group-friendly!) You'll find enough to fill more than a day exploring Amish Country Indiana when planning your next visit to Shipshewana, IN. ... READ MORE

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6 Secrets of the Shipshewana Antique Auction

The Shipshewana Antique Auction has been a long-running tradition in Shipshewana, IN. Discover the 6 Hidden Secrets of the Shipshewana Antique Auction and why you must make your way to Indiana's Amish Country to bid on treasure soon! ... READ MORE

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Upcoming Events

There’s always something exciting happening at Shipshewana. Browse our upcoming events, and book a room today so that you don’t miss out on your favorite event!

Weekly Horse Auction

April Swap Meet

Flea Market Open

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Vendor Selling Opportunities

Have items to sell? Check out all of the Shipshewana, Indiana selling opportunities for vendors, crafters, pickers, and more.

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4 Days / 3 Nights

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Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.

Amish Country, Indiana

A group bus tour, this package includes:.

• 3 Nights Lodging
• 3 Breakfasts
• Lunch and Cooking Demo, Countryside Kitchen
• 3 Dinners, including: Threshers Dinner and Broadway Production Family-style at Das Dutchman Essenhaus
• Amish Acres Tour and Wagon Ride
• Quilt Gardens Tour
• Day-long Amish Country Tour
• American Countryside Farmer's Market
• "Menno-Hof," the Amish and Mennonite Story
• Elkhart County Historical Museum Behind-the-scenes Tour
• Gift for All
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

Call for available options 800.437.2323

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AMISHLAND & LAKES

Sponsored by Michiana Bicycle Association

2023 pictures are here !

July 27-28, 2024, lakeland high school, 805 e 075 n, lagrange, indiana 46761.

Amishland and Lakes, based at Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Indiana is a two day bike tour of the Amish countryside and lakes of northeast Indiana. Amishland and Lakes is all about enjoying riding, viewing the scenery, and socializing with other riders. We have participants from age 3 to 93, families, women's groups, and regional cycling clubs from throughout the Midwest, and we have been told that the ride is very "tandem friendly."

The Amishland and Lakes bicycle tour visits a world where lifestyles have remained almost unchanged for over a hundred years. The routes range from 22 to 100 miles, offering smooth, quiet roads, where buggies are numerous and cars are few. There are wide open spaces, clean country air, friendly people and lots of great food. There is plenty to explore, experience and eat. Amishland and Lakes is famous for great SAG food (watermelons, peaches, blueberries, bananas and fresh baked cookies), and there are Amish bakeries, restaurants and homemade ice cream parlors along the route for riders who want to sample local “home cooking.” 

We'd love you to view a video taken by members of the  Louisville Bicycle Club —Amishland riders for many years! 

The photos from Amishland and Lakes 2023 are now loaded to SmugMug ...

Please know that every attempt is made to get 100% quality photos, but it's not possible (since I'm not a professional photographer).. and I could not be on every route.

SmugMug has an option to "BUY PHOTO" please don't do this unless you want an article/item that can be purchased from them. Any full-size photo can be downloaded from the page-- simply click on the DOWNLOAD button (down arrow) and save the photo to your preferred location. You also have the option to SHARE a photo to social media, etc. by clicking on the BOX/UP ARROW key.

Photos from previous years can also be found in SmugMug

Years Active

States represented, routes available, route miles.

Email us at [email protected]

Leave us a message at

(574) 387-6449

Amishland & Lakes Home Base

Amishland & Lakes

Granger, Indiana 46530

Lakeland High School

805 E 075 N

LaGrange, Indiana 46761

See and hear the Amish-Mennonite story

Follow the trail of a people searching for peace.

Menno-Hof is a non-profit information center located in Shipshewana, Indiana, that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonites.

Our multi-image presentations, historical environments, and colorful displays, take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Amish and Mennonites.

Ten questions about a lifestyle that fascinates many.

Have you ever wondered Do the Amish pay taxes? Do the Amish vote? Why do Amish children drop out of school after the eighth grade? Why do the Amish not have their photos taken? Loren Beachy, a local member of the Old Order Amish Church, answers these questions and more.

Hutterites in North America

Hutterites, like the Mennonites and Amish, trace their origins to the Swiss Anabaptists in the 1520's. Their history is the story of ups and downs, and they have a strong awareness of their Anabaptist origins. From the early times, as an expression of faithfulness, they practiced community of goods or communal living in production and consumption, and are strongly nonresistant. Today there are over 500 communal Hutterite colonies scattered from Minnesota to the Pacific and in the Prairie Provinces of Canada

“True evangelical faith cannot lie dormant. It clothes the naked, it feeds the hungry, it comforts the sorrowful, it shelters the destitute, it serves those that harm it, it binds up that which is wounded - it has become all things to all creatures.”

— Menno Simons

Links of Interest

LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau Amish Studies: The Young Center

Beachy Amish Mennonite Conservative Mennonite Conference Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Church Canada Mennonite World Conference

• 7 Coolest Towns In Indiana For A Summer Vacation In 2024

Indiana is a midwestern state and is also part of the Great Lakes region, giving it easy access to beautiful bodies of water as well as a captivating natural landscape that many tourists come to explore. Those who venture into the smaller towns in this state will discover the expansive nature and rich history, art, and culture that this region is packed with. Whether you are seeking outdoor escapades such as hiking through lush forests or indulging in leisurely strolls along antique-lined streets, Indiana's small towns provide a tranquil summer vacation destination in 2024.

French Lick

French Lick is a resort town located in Orange County, Indiana, which is a year-round tourist destination, but especially so in the summer months. Reserve a stay in either French Lick or the West Baden Hotel, two grand buildings that are over 100 years old but have all the modern amenities of a resort and offer a blend of history and modernity to visitors. Here, tourists can go on a horseback ride, spend away the night at the casino, take carriage rides, go bowling, or even take a guided tour to learn about the rivalry between the two locations.

Get in touch with nature by heading to the Wilstem Wildlife Park, which is home to grizzlies, kangaroos, elephants, giraffes, and other friendly creatures. Ride a horse, an ATV, or your own car through the safari or soar through the trees for some mesmerizing views on the park zipline. To get an insight into the town’s past while enjoying some beautiful sights of southern Indiana, take a trip on the French Lick Scenic Railway, which offers bourbon or chocolate-tasting excursions and even a dinner train.

Shipshewana

Shipshewana is considered to be the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country and invites tourists to explore its simple living, scenic landscapes, and Hoosier hospitality. At the top of the list, those visiting this town in the summer should be exploring Shipshewana’s Auction & Flea Market, the Midwest’s largest Flea Market, which hosts more than 700 vendors with local arts and crafts, artisan goods, home decor, fresh produce, and much more. Then, discover the simple lifestyle of the locals by heading to the Stutzman Dairy Farm and witnessing daily milking activities or visiting the Dutch Creek Animal Farm to interact with domestic and exotic animals.

Walk through the Art in the Heart trail to discover all the murals in the town, and then bike through the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail to witness the beautiful Northern Indiana countryside. To learn more about Amish living and history, the town also offers buggy rides and tours that take tourists through a guided tour of Amish Country and illustrate what life looks like in the countryside.

Monticello is the county seat of White County, Indiana, and is in close proximity to Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman, making it the ideal summer vacation destination. The town is best known for the Indiana Beach amusement park that it is home to, which attracts hoards of tourists each year. At the park, visitors can enjoy multiple rollercoasters, boat rides, waterpark slides, escape rooms, beachfront views of Lake Shafer, and many more attractions. Once you’ve had your fill of adrenaline, spend the night aboard Madame Carroll to enjoy themed entertainment shows with dinner and other special events throughout the summer.

Learn about the region’s past at the White County Museum or discover some local spirits at the Whyte Horse Winery. Finally, relax and unwind at the two-level City Park, which has a natural area with walking trails, a meandering stream, picturesque bridges, and a gazebo on one level and a playful area with basketball courts, a baseball diamond, fenced-in play area, and swings for children on the other level, to ensure fun for the entire family.

Columbus is Indiana’s 20th largest city, situated east of the White River, and is most famously known for its architectural significance. The town has commissioned numerous works of modern architecture and public art which are celebrated annually at the Exhibit Columbus program that takes place in the summer each year. Take a free self-guided tour to discover the 70 works of public art, such as s Henry Moore's Large Arch, Jean Tingluey’s Chaos I, and more, or take a guided bus or walking tours to dive deeper into the history and making of these beautiful pieces of architecture.

Then, head to the 1950s Miller House and Garden, which is a fusion of house and landscape and draws on historical precedents to create an alluring experience. To gain the full experience of this town, book a stay at The Inn at Irwin Gardens, which is an early-20th-century Italianate-style inn featuring Edwardian furnishings and sunken gardens that resemble the ruins of Pompeii.

Madison is located along the banks of the Ohio River , surrounded by the Clifty Falls State Park, and is the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the country. Summer is the ideal time to explore 133 blocks of Madison’s historic district, where Federal, Italianate, and Greek Revival structures can be found in abundance. Take a guided walking tour to explore the architectural beauties, such as the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, the Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum, the Francis Costigan House, and many more.

Attend some of Madison’s popular events on the riverfront, such as car shows, art festivals, music events, boat races, and more. For a complete outdoor adventure, head to Clifty Falls State Park, home to seven majestic waterfalls, deep gorges, picnic areas, and numerous trails, where visitors can bike, hike, fish, boat, and even bird watch. Don't forget to visit the famous Broadway Fountain, a bronze copy of the original 19th-century iron fountain from Philadelphia’s 1876 Centennial Exposition.

Nashville is a quaint town located in the Washington Township of Brown County, Indiana, and is known to many country music fans as "Little Nashville," as it used to be the home of The Little Nashville Opry before it was destroyed. Revel in the town’s artistic and musical heritage by taking a tour of the local art exhibited in the historic Brown County Art Gallery or catching a live dinner show at The Brown County Playhouse. Try something new by going line dancing at Mike's Music & Dance Barn on Mondays and Saturdays.

Nature lovers can take a trip to the nearby Brown County State Park, which is visited by millions of families each year and gives visitors the opportunity to hike, fish, swim, camp, zipline, take pony rides, and much more, making it an all-encompassing outdoor experience. The wedding chapels and outdoor gazebos in this region are also very popular wedding venues for anyone looking to celebrate their big day in a charming yet beautiful location.

New Harmony

New Harmony is a historic town located along the Wabash River in Indiana’s Poesy County and is the site of two early American utopian communities, making it a gold mine for history enthusiasts. Dive into this rich heritage of the region at the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, which creates experiences for visitors of all ages and interests with its multitude of exhibits. Housing historic mansions, wooded retreats, a working grist mill, Indiana’s first capitol, and architectural artifacts, the museum illustrates the story of multiple regions within Indiana. Take some time to reflect and meditate as you find your way through the two distinct labyrinths in downtown New Harmony: The Harmonist Labyrinth and The New Harmony Cathedral Labyrinth. Book lovers should make a trip to New Harmony’s Working Men’s Institute, Indiana’s oldest continuously operating library, which is also home to an art gallery now. To relax, take a canoe trip down the Wabash River or walk around Carol’s Garden to make a wish at the Fountain of Life.

Indiana offers a diverse array of summer destinations, each with its own charm and attractions. French Lick beckons with its historic grandeur yet modern amenities, while Shipshewana offers a serene escape into a simpler way of life. From Monticello's thrilling amusement park and Columbus’ architectural innovation to Madison’s natural splendor and New Harmony's storied past, there is a unique adventure awaiting at every turn in this region. Whether you seek excitement, tranquility, or cultural enrichment, Indiana's summer destinations offer an unforgettable experience for every explorer.

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