The Midwest is a perfect region for solo female travelers. Our diverse landscape, cities, towns, and people create a rich cultural experience. And if you’ve ever heard the term “Midwest nice,” you will feel at home in many Midwestern destinations.
I will share what makes Shipshewana, Indiana, tick in this article. We’ll look at the best things to do in Shipshewana, the best restaurants, and small Amish shops offering incredible quality goods.
Thank you to Visit Shipshewana for partnering with me to bring you this post. As always all opinions are my own.
Shipshewana is a small town in the heart of Amish country in LaGrange County in northern Indiana. It was an easy five-hour road trip for me coming from eastern Wisconsin. For this reason, Shipshewana makes for a wonderful Midwest weekend getaway for us solo travelers. While you’re in the vicinity, check out Elkhart, too.
What Else Makes This Indiana Amish Country The Perfect Destination For Solo Travelers?
If you enjoy slow travel, a visit here should be on your list. With its Amish culture, Shipshewana feels gentle. Quiet and unassuming. You are setting your foot into a different time and passing homes with lines of wash flapping in the breeze. The rhythmic sound of horse hooves tapping the pavement in town. Families that come together to support each other. This isn’t a place to pack your itinerary. While there are a multitude of things to do in Shipshewana, make room to savor, to listen, smell, and taste the culture. Visiting solo is a pleasure. I never once felt alone. The people are friendly and willing to share their stories. It’s a chance to recharge. The vibe will rub off on you. I guarantee it.
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Where To Stay In Shipshewana
Blue Gate Garden Inn
I had the privilege of staying here during my stay. The Blue Gate is next to the Blue Gate Performing Arts Theatre on the outskirts of town. Many different types of rooms and suites are available, each with that warm, welcoming decor that fits so well with the area. A pool and hot tub, fitness center, excellent complimentary hot breakfast, made-to-order omelets, and spacious outdoor patio space perfect for warm summer nights.
My favorite hotel amenity is The Ice Creamery. It serves ice cream and pizza, the perfect snack or easy dinner option on site.
A wide variety of other lodging options are also available in the area. The Visit Shipshwana website provides a list.
Essential Things To Do In Shipshewana
Shipshewana Trading Place Auction & Flea Market
Antique enthusiasts and flea market fans MUST visit the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market during the summer between May and September to take full advantage of everything you see here. The Shipshewana flea market is the Midwest’s largest flea market. It is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8-4, but for the whole unique experience, choose Wednesday since that is when the auction takes place (the auction is year-round indoors).
First, I got a glimpse inside the auction building. It was early in the season, so only four live auctioneers were going at the same time after the official bell to start at 9 am. I was told this number doubles during peak season. My only question was, how in the world do you keep up? My head was spinning during the short time I was observing. You can go online and preview auction items before, or just go on Tuesday and Wednesday before the auction begins and scout out your favorite unique items. Trust me, you will see everything here! To participate in the bidding, you must register at the Auction office. Your buyer number is valid for the entire year.
I will say it was so much fun!
My only regret when I stopped by was that I didn’t have a whole day to visit all the stalls in the market ( I had a whirlwind V.I.P. ride with Marketing Director Lora Gates on a golf cart). While you had your typical outdoor flea market items, there was a wide range of items and food for sale, including clothing, antiques, repurposed items, and chocolate. I’m not sure it exists if you can’t find it here.
See A Show At the Blue Gate PAC Or The Blue Gate Theater
Shipshewana has plenty of live entertainment options. Check out the schedule for top performers and tribute shows in every genre at one of the popular attractions, Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. Chances are, there is a live show here when you visit, but be sure to check the schedule far in advance. Tickets for some shows go fast. I saw that my favorite teen dream growing up, Donny Osmond, would be performing, and the tickets were sold out. Boo hoo!
I caught a performance by Josiah for President at the Blue Gate Music Hall inside the building that also houses the Blue Gate Restaurant. Being a big fan of musicals, I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining show. I highly recommend it! It is Amish-themed, bringing a great peek into the area’s culture.
Learn The Amish-Mennonite Story
I always feel I must learn more about a local culture when I travel. No matter where I go, there is an opportunity for education. Learning about a place’s people and history gives you a better understanding of different cultures. Instead of believing in stereotypes and hearsay, you can form your own opinions. Finding the “why” can bridge a gap, creating a kinder, more tolerant world.
One of your first stops in Shipshewana should be the Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite Interpretive Center. Here, you can learn about the Amish culture, different groups, lifestyles, and faith. The Amish way of life sparks curiosity among many.
You are treated to a tour that lasts over an hour through the center. You are taken through various displays, from the beginning in Switzerland to life in America.
Tours occur from 10 am to 3:45 pm Monday through Saturday year-round except Good Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Day. The center is open until 5 pm, but be sure to get there in plenty of time for the last tour.
“Hey, don’t forget to explore all the wonderful things to do in Indiana’s Amish country!”
Shopping In Shipshewana
Shopping in and around Shipshewana is a delight. Most of the local businesses are owned and operated by welcoming Amish families. Many enjoy sharing their stories, including how their business began, other details on their craft, and each family member’s role. Often, these businesses are founded and run by the women in the family. Many of the men in this area typically farm or work in the nearby RV factories.
Davis Mercantile
There is no shortage of places to shop in Shipshewana. My first stop was the Davis Mercantile. I enjoyed the warm atmosphere, which gave me an old-time Main Street feeling. There are over 20 shops inside, which carry everything from fabric to a candy store and clothing. My favorites are Lolly’s Fabrics, a quilter’s dream, Sarah Davis Ltd for women’s apparel, Aunt Millie’s Candy, and Puzzles Plus, which has every puzzle ever made, I swear. While you’re there, check out the famous carousel on the third floor. Stop at Jo Jo’s Pretzels for a soft, buttery, and delicious pretzel if you’re hungry.
Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes
Ten more shops are here, including Victorian Candy Company and The Fancy Farm Girl. Locals call it the ‘big red barn,” and you can’t miss it. If you need to take a moment between shops, there’s plenty of seating in the hallways.
Carolyn’s Kitchen
Carolyn makes all her Amish homemade jams with no sugar, only natural fruit juice, but you’d never be able to tell the difference. They are so yummy! I fell in love with her newest creation, blueberry lavender—so much so that I came home with half a case!
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Topeka
Silver Star Leather
Step inside this handbag wonderland, and the smell of leather is intoxicating. You’ll find handbags, wallets, belts, duffle bags, and more here. These are premium leather goods, handmade, and in every rainbow color. You can even get a glimpse of the workshop. I couldn’t resist buying a little something something.
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Teaberry Wood Products
This family-run business makes lovely baskets, each numbered. Teaberry is also known for its wooden puzzles for fun and display. It’s worth the short drive out of Shipshwana to visit this and all the Amish businesses listed here.
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Sonshine Baskets
If you’re looking for a wide variety of Amish-made wood baskets, visit Sonshine Baskets. They have fabric-lined baskets in many sizes, from small to hamper size. The baskets are premium crafted and stained in several colors.
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E&S Sales
For a unique shopping experience and a local favorite, visit E&S Sales. This bulk Amish foods store offers an array of locally made jams, cheeses, baked goods, and discounted packaged food that reflects the culinary traditions of the Amish community. Hopefully, you brought your own vehicle to Shipshewana cause you’re going to want to load it up with all the great bargains!
Recreation In And Near Shipshewana
If outdoor adventure is your thing, you can do that too.
Kayak The Pigeon River
Trading Post Outfitters offers four river excursions from four to 13 miles long. There’s a paddle for all experience levels. This river excursion is an excellent way to see wildlife. Cranes, fish, turtles, deer, and river otters may appear. After a full day and night shopping and seeing a show, a leisurely paddle on the river may be a great way to end an unforgettable solo getaway.
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Bike The Pumpkinvine Trail
This 17-mile paved trail connects the communities of Shipshewana, Middlebury, Goshen, and Elkhart. Rolling through the beautiful countryside is the perfect way to explore this part of Amish country, Indiana, with plenty of stops. The trailhead is in North Park, off Depot Street. Bike rentals are available at Farmstead Inn and Otto’s Bike Shop in Shipshewana.
Where Can You Get Some Down Home Local Food?
Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery
Let’s talk about the pie because who doesn’t want dessert first? I don’t feel we can be friends if you cannot find a pie that suits your taste out of the 19 year-round choices!
Seriously, the pie is fantastic. I had my nostalgic favorite, coconut cream, in honor of my mom, who used to bake one just for me. It has always been my favorite, and my slice at Blue Gate Restaurant took me back to my mom’s kitchen.
You’ll find classic Amish cuisine, such as meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, fried chicken, and, yes, even liver and onions.
You can choose the daily buffet, with an added breakfast buffet on Saturdays, or off the menu, but for goodness sake, don’t forget the pie!!
So, if you are not a pie (eye roll) fan, stop in the bakery for an Amish-made treat! Yum is all I’ll say.
Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking
Welcome to a proper Amish kitchen! Carolyn, Henry, and their family serve groups inside her Amish home. If you get the chance, take this casual dining experience. I have had the pleasure of dining here twice—once for a haystack breakfast (and cinnamon roll demonstration) and again for a haystack dinner. Haystack is a traditional Amish dish. You are served dishes in order. You just add each ingredient on top of the next. Carolyn has a whiteboard that lists what you’ll be having, with ingredients for a haystack meal listed in order.
And then there’s the pie. When I was there for dinner, I had a slice of rhubarb custard that made my mouth happy. I’m not even a fan of rhubarb, but I love custard.
Unfortunately, the Yoder’s kitchen only serves groups, but if you are solo, you can call and ask if there is a group dinner while you are there, and you may be able to join them. It’s worth it. This is what I did the last time I was there. I even had a table to myself in the front of the dining room. I felt like a queen and enjoyed chatting with Carolyn briefly.
Ph. (260) 768-3078
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Pretzels Anyone?
Two of my favorite places in town serve hot, soft pretzels. I mentioned Shipshewana’s original Jo Jo’s Pretzels earlier in this guide. Another option is the famous Ben’s Soft Pretzels. You can get them at the Ben’s Soft Pretzel shop. Ben’s also has a booth at the flea market. I have had Jo Jo’s and Ben’s and love both. You’ll have to try both and decide which is your favorite.
Shipshewana is not just a place to visit; it’s a place to experience. The sound of horse-drawn buggies, the smell of fresh pastries in the morning, and the sight of sprawling fields and hand-built barns are just a few of the simple pleasures that make this town a fabulous destination for solo female travelers seeking peace, authenticity, and a warm welcome.
Whether you’re meandering through the flea market, indulging in local delicacies, or simply taking in the serene atmosphere, There are plenty of things to do in Shipshewana. A unique blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility, making it a must-visit for any traveler. So pack your bags and prepare to embrace the charm of Shipshewana, where every corner promises a discovery.
