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If you’re looking for authentic things to do in Shipshewana, Indiana, you’ll quickly discover that the best experiences aren’t just about shopping or sightseeing. They’re about listening to stories and connecting with people.
Travel often feels like a race. We load up our schedules with every attraction, every meal stop, every “must-do activity.” Then we sprint from one to the next, barely taking a breath. What if we slowed down and actually took in the stories of the people who make our travel experiences?
Slowing down is the best way to experience Shipshewana, a small Midwestern town in the heart of Amish Country. In fact, I’ve written even more about it in Discover the Best Amish Attractions in Indiana’s Amish Country.
I live just two hours north in Holland, Michigan. Each time I drive into LaGrange County, I leave a little more in love with this charming town. This visit brought me home with stories, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for the local community.
If you love taking notes about the little details of your adventures, grab my free printable Travel Journal. It’s the perfect spot to jot down memories from places like Shipshewana. And don’t forget to read up on all the amazing stops in this part of the country in Things to Do in Northern Indiana: A Hip Grandma Travel Guide.
Table of Contents
Crooked Gate Farm and the Curveballs of Motherhood
One of the most unique experiences in the Shipshewana area is visiting an Amish farm (just ask my friend Theresa, author of Show Me Shipshewana). So when an opportunity arose to visit Crooked Gate, a working Amish farm, I certainly couldn’t say no. I expected an in-and-out visit with a tour of the barn and a few pictures of the bunny babies for which they are known. Instead, I found Elizabeth, a mother of six, and a kindred spirit.
Her dress and bonnet may have looked nothing like my jeans and pink hair, but as moms, we carry the same hearts: joy, pride, and a good dose of worry for our kids.
As we chatted, a handsome set of 14-year-old twins slid quietly into the bunny barn to sneak a look at the “pink-haired English visitor.” That small moment opened the door to conversation.
We laughed about motherhood, traded stories of our kids, and nodded knowingly about the heartache of letting them grow up and fly free. In Amish families, that step can be even harder if children choose a path outside the church. But at our core, we wanted the same thing: our children to become good people.
While we explored the barns, Elizabeth’s barefoot third-grader ran straight through the barnyard muck while I carefully picked my way in open-toed shoes. Maybe the best things in life don’t come with modern conveniences. Maybe our kids could use more running barefoot in fields and fewer hours glued to screens.
Sitting Still at the Blue Gate Theatre
That evening, I headed to the Blue Gate Theatre for a musical theater performance unique to Shipshewana. Stories told here usually include the portrayal of Amish characters mixing with English, and often include a cozy mystery or a light romance. Don’t confuse the Blue Gate Theatre with the Blue Gate Performing Arts Center. This must-visit destination brings in the biggest names in gospel, country, and family-friendly productions. Both are wonderful, but offer different experiences.
I slid into my seat beside a couple who had won tickets earlier in the week. We quickly became friends, sharing stories about travel, health challenges, and family. That’s the beauty of the heart of Shipshewana. Strangers become neighbors in just a few minutes.
The show, The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits, was as warm as the homemade noodles served at the Blue Gate Restaurant next door. And sitting still for a couple of hours with no phones, no buzzing, no scrolling, reminded me of the amazing thing that happens when you just let a story unfold.
A Night at Highfield Manor and B&B Friendships
I spent the night at Highfield Manor, a bed-and-breakfast surrounded by Amish family farms. Christina, the owner, welcomed me like I was her favorite niece. Over great food the next morning, French toast with berry compote, a generously plump sausage patty, and the Amish frozen fruit slush (find recipe here), this region is known for, I shared laughs and life stories with fellow guests that I can now call friends. This couple has returned to Highfield Manor for several years annually and swears by the quiet ambiance and comfortable accommodations.
It felt less like a hotel and more like the perfect place to reconnect with what matters. No fitness center, no indoor swimming pool, just porches, fields, and honest conversations. And maybe even a midnight trip to the kitchen for those leftovers from last night’s dinner.
The Heart of Amish Country: Slowing Down in LaGrange County’s Unique Shops
No visit is complete without a bit of whimsy, and LaGrange delivers it in spades. Downtown LaGrange is only about ten miles from downtown Shipshewana, an easy 12- to 14-minute drive along U.S.-20. This quick detour makes for a fun side trip and is well worth your time.
Polish Girl Collectibles
I began the day at Polish Girl Collectibles, a darling little antique shop tucked inside a tiny brick church no longer used by its congregation. The shop is filled with treasures the owner handpicks, from glassware and china to quirky collectibles that make you smile. If you love quirky stops like this one, pop on over to my Quirky Roadside USA FB group, filled with travelers like you! And take a look at a whole list of quirky stops in Quirky Attractions in Northern Indiana: Stops Worth the Detour.
As I stepped inside, a feisty older gentleman greeted me with a grin. He proudly explained that he “works” for his daughter. Though she doesn’t pay him, she makes sure he gets plenty of “overtime.” His eyes sparkled as he talked about her entrepreneurial spirit, and it was clear how proud he was.
Within minutes, we were fast friends, swapping stories about his time with the Boy Scouts of America and my own memories of Cub Scouts with my sons. In the way conversations sometimes meander, we even brushed against heavier topics such as the Vietnam War and today’s politics, but we danced around them with care. What mattered wasn’t our differences; it was his kindness, his pride as a father, and the joy of sharing a few minutes together.
Just then, the very daughter we had been talking about popped out of her office to see what all the chatter was about. She was lovely, warm, and every bit as kind as her dad had described. We exchanged business cards while he stood behind her, beaming like a man who knew he’d done something right in this world.
Springfield Acres Sunflower Farm
No summer visit to LaGrange, Indiana, is complete without a stop at Springfield Acres Sunflower Farm. That’s where I met Karrah, a bright and bubbly young woman whose love for her fields shines almost as much as the blooms themselves.
The farm began with pumpkins, but after one season, Karrah realized they weren’t the right fit. She pivoted to sunflowers, and today three acres of golden blossoms stretch out for visitors to wander, scissors in hand, cutting stems to create their own bouquets. Grab yourself a little lamp like this one to enjoy your golden blossoms all year long.
She’s also added her “she shed,” a cozy gift shop filled with goods from local artisans, many of them women like her. It feels like one of those unique shops where every item has a story. On the day I visited, a food truck served dirty sodas out front while a group of women crafted at nearby tables. Families strolled the rows of flowers, grandparents helping little ones pick favorites, and Karrah greeted every guest with her cheerful energy.
It’s the kind of place that makes a two-hour drive feel like nothing once you arrive. I had hoped to stop back again before leaving town, but ran out of hours in the day. Next year, though, I’ll make sure I do. Because it’s not just the flowers that make Springfield Acres special, it’s the warm, welcoming atmosphere Karrah has cultivated along with them.
Lunch at Linders Tavern on Main
For lunch, I headed to Linder’s Tavern on Main in downtown LaGrange, just steps from the local shops. Thursdays are “Potato Day,” when you can order a full pound loaded baked potato piled high with all the fixings. Linder’s is also known for its smoked meats, and I couldn’t resist treating myself to a brisket pizza served on a flatbread. Wow, was it good!
I topped off my meal with a slice of key lime pie cheesecake that was as pretty as it was delicious. The service was warm and welcoming, with the relaxed vibe of a neighborhood saloon. The food itself could easily hold its own in any city restaurant. P.S. They serve Coke products, which always scores an extra point for this Diet Coke-loving Hip Grandma!
No Place Like Oz Museum
Just a block or two down from Linder’s sits one of my favorite stops in LaGrange, the No Place Like Oz Museum. The owner, Katie, dreamed of this museum since she was a little girl. Her life has been dedicated to collecting every piece of Wizard of Oz memorabilia she could get her hands on. In the early 2000s, she finally opened the doors to share it with the world.
Her mother, a lovely woman close to my age, sat behind the counter, smiling with pride as Katie told me how her childhood obsession had become a reality.
Hip Grandma Tip: When you visit, be sure to try the scavenger hunt. It’s a fun way to explore the displays and notice the tiny details you might otherwise miss.
And trust me, your mind will be blown by just how much one woman in her twenties was able to collect. From rare figurines to quirky keepsakes, the place is overflowing with treasures. Thanks to Katie’s passion, we all get to enjoy them.
Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender
When you’re in downtown LaGrange visiting the Oz Museum, make time for a stop at Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender. Marion, the owner, greeted me with two of her three children in tow. Her fiery redheaded son kept her plenty busy, which meant our visit was short but memorable.
That little guy gave me a good laugh and reminded me of my own granddaughter at the same age. They say “terrible twos,” but in my house, the threes were always the real challenge. Marion agreed wholeheartedly. Some things truly transcend generations and lifestyles.
The shop itself is a delight. The scent of lavender greets you the moment you step inside, soothing your senses even as Marion’s little one bounced happily around. I left with lavender tucked under my arm, certain it would help me drift into a peaceful night’s sleep long after my trip, especially now that I’ve embraced my C-Pap (read about it in Sleep Apnea Diagnosis).
Watching Marion juggle her business and her children reminded me how fortunate today’s entrepreneurs are to be able to blend motherhood with work in ways past generations couldn’t. Her balancing act of running a business while raising her family is proof that the heart of travel isn’t just about places. It’s about the people whose stories we carry home with us.
Small-Town Flavor Meets Amish Craftsmanship in Shipshewana
Scherger’s Kettle
I popped into the unassuming storefront of Scherger’s Kettle, not quite sure what I’d find. One look around, and I knew: shelves lined floor to ceiling with glass jars of jams, jellies, salsas, spreads, and pie fillings. The place buzzed with creativity.
In the back, I found Kelly, the owner, boxing up shipments. She was busy, and I was already running late from lingering too long at other stops, so we agreed on a quick tour. In just a few minutes, she walked me through their process. Fruits arrive from growers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and beyond. From there, two hardworking Amish women turn those fruits into hundreds of jars a day, with Kelly jumping in wherever needed.
What fascinated me most was the story behind the business. Kelly’s father, now nearly 80, was an engineer who designed and built the entire bottling, sealing, and labeling production line. He still pops in to tinker whenever something goes wrong. That struck a chord with me. My own dad spent his career designing food systems, too. He worked for a big corporation; Kelly’s dad built a family business. Different paths, same thread of ingenuity.
Kelly laughed and said, “Dad’s always on call. If something breaks, he’s here fixing it.” I could picture my own father, with his “bionic” heart and endless supply of tools, still inventing contraptions in his garage.
We giggled over our dad stories. Two women in their fifties finding common ground in the fathers who shaped us. How lucky are we to still have such good men in our lives?
Teaberry Wood Products
My next stop was supposed to be Teaberry Wood Products in downtown Shipshewana, but my GPS had other ideas. Six miles later, I pulled up to a small metal outbuilding, practical, not pretty, where two young Amish women were enjoying lunch in the sun.
I introduced myself, and they gave me that polite-but-baffled look that clearly said, “We have no idea who you are or why you’re here.” Moments later, they returned with Isaiah, a handsome 21-year-old who explained that his dad (and business owner), Lavern, wasn’t around, but he’d be happy to show me the place.
Isaiah walked me through their basket-making process, pointing out exotic woods like African black walnut and a deep purple variety from South America. Every step, cutting, clamping, weaving, and sealing, was done by hand in a workshop that was as spotless as it was efficient.
Only at the end did he mention that his dad was actually over at the other Teaberry, the one in Shipshewana, where I was supposed to be. No wonder those young women had looked so puzzled. I laughed, confessed my mix-up, and Isaiah grinned, unfazed. He’d just given a full tour to a stranger who showed up at the wrong place and never once made me feel like a bother.
When I finally arrived at the right shop, Lavern was ready for me. He set me up with a basket kit and patiently walked me through the assembly. The best part is that you can have the very same experience when you bring a few friends! That basket now sits in my home, a sweet reminder that sometimes the best travel stories come from getting a little lost.
Slow Down and Travel Wiser
By this time, my 24-hour tour was wrapping up, and it was time to hit the road for my next stop in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. As I zoomed off in my well-loved red Jeep, I had time to breathe and reflect. Travel reminds me that the world is full of connections waiting to be discovered. That’s why slow travel works so well in the third-largest Amish community in the United States. From buggy rides and quilt gardens to livestock auctions, you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities in LaGrange. But the true heart of Shipshewana is in the stories.
This trip wasn’t just about sunflowers, lavender, jams, or even a basket I almost didn’t mean to make. It was about the people I met along the way: Amish craftsmen, young moms balancing babies and businesses, and second-generation entrepreneurs. On the surface, their lives look very different from mine. But the more I listened, the more I realized how much we shared: family stories, work ethic, pride in our communities, and the joy of creating something meaningful.
That’s the beauty of travel, especially as we get older. We’re not just collecting miles or ticking off sights; we’re gathering the stories that stitch us closer to one another. And if there’s one thing this trip taught me, it’s that the most lasting souvenirs aren’t the things we buy, but the people we meet and the common ground we find when we take time to listen.
Want to capture the stories and reflections from your own travels? Download my free printable travel journal, the perfect companion for slowing down and jotting down the memories that matter most.
Need a Place to Stay in Shipshewana?
I loved my stay at Highfield Manor and will happily stay again. And I recognize that every traveler has different needs, so I’ve included a handy map for you to choose just the right fit for you.
Will I Return? Yes, And Even Slower This Time
If you plan your own trip, don’t rush it. Visit during the summer months when the Midwest’s largest flea market is in full swing. Take a wagon ride, try JoJo’s Pretzels at the Davis Mercantile, or stop at the Farmstead Inn if you want a larger hotel with an indoor pool and basketball courts. Families love the Blue Gate Garden Inn, with its grand staircase, carriage house, and hot tub for relaxing after a day in the heart of Indiana.
Whether you’re enjoying great stops like the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, exploring Bonneyville Mill County Park, or grabbing ice cream at a local candy shop, this small town is a must-visit destination.
Or visit in winter when you can enjoy the Lighting Up Shipshewana Holiday Experience or take a drive through Shipshewana Christmas Lights of Joy – Your Drive-Thru Holiday Spectacular. Winter is a gorgeous time to visit.
And when you visit Shipshewana, remember: the most amazing things you’ll find won’t fit in your suitcase. They’ll fit in your heart.
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