Top 5 Things to Do In Shipshewana/LaGrange County
Posted on May 1, 2019 by Indiana's Cool North
There are fun-filled, family-friendly adventures waiting to be discovered In Shipshewana and across LaGrange County. From opportunities to experience Amish culture up-close to animal encounters, world-class entertainment, and off-the-beaten-path attractions, you’ll find something for everyone here. When you’re planning your Northern Indiana getaway, be sure to make time for our top five favorite things to do in Shipshewana/LaGrange County.
Enjoy food from a local favorite
For over 25 years, JoJo’s has been serving up world-famous soft pretzels in Shipshewana. Conveniently located on the main level of the Davis Mercantile, JoJo’s piping hot, hand-rolled pretzels are a must-have when you visit Shipshewana/LaGrange County. Try yours with JoJo’s homemade mustard and you’ll have a new favorite snack that will keep you coming back again and again.
If your stomach is still rumbling, head to Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery. This award-winning restaurant is renowned for its delicious Amish-style cooking and wonderful family-dining experience. Here, you can try Blue Gate’s Famous Family Style Dinner, which is an authentic Amish meal that includes buffet selections, mouth-watering chicken, tender roast beef, mashed potatoes covered in homemade gravy, fresh veggies, and more! And don’t forget to save room for their more than 25 different types of pie, unforgettable breads, cakes, and brownies.
Take in a show at the Blue Gate Theatre
Broadway meets Indiana’s Cool North when you take in a show at the Blue Gate Theatre. LaGrange County’s top entertainment destination, there’s always something happening here. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, live theater, Broadway-style shows or live musical performances, you’ll find an event taking place at the Blue Gate Theater that’s perfect for every member of your family. The Blue Gate Theater also offers special theater packages that include premier accommodations, meal tickets, and the best seats in the house for your event.
Discover Amish history and traditions
Did you know that Shipshewana/LaGrange County is home to third largest Amish population in the United States? It’s true! And you can learn all about Amish life and culture at Menno-Hof museum. Through a series of presentations, historical environments, and fascinating hands-on displays, you’ll learn how the communities came to settle in Northern Indiana, take a tour through replicas of Amish homes and print shops, and even experience living through a tornado!
After your visit to Menno-Hof, head over to Buggy Lane Tours for a relaxing trot around the region, as well as an insightful look at the Amish experience. For over 30 years, Buggy Lane Tours has been helping visitors to Shipshewana/LaGrange County make memories they’ll never forget. Discover picturesque landscapes, stop to purchase homemade baked goods and farm-fresh vegetables from a roadside stand, and enjoy a home-cooked meal inside an Amish household. Buggy Lane Tours are certain to provide you with a new appreciation of this proud and vibrant culture.
Shop at the Midwest’s largest flea market
If you enjoy shopping, you’ll want to visit the Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market. Not only is this the largest flea market in the Midwest, it’s also been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the best flea markets in the country. And with 900 vendors on-site selling everything from antiques to fresh produce, crafts, fashion accessories, and more, it’s not hard to see why!
While visiting, be sure to check out one of the many auctions that take place at the Shipshewana Trading Place year round. On Wednesday mornings you’ll find a live auction featuring 6-10 auctioneers selling antiques simultaneously, as well a livestock auction where farmers from all around come to bid on hay, pigs, cattle, bulls, and more.
Go a little wild at the Dutch Creek Animal Park
If you love animals, the Dutch Creek Animal Park is a must-visit destination. Located just ten minutes from Downtown Shipshewana, this animal park is home to many domestic and exotic animals, including zebras, camels, antelopes, water buffalos, and more. While visiting, you’ll have the opportunity to pet many of the animals in the park, and even feed them while taking a relaxing wagon ride across the grounds. Before you leave, be sure to have a conversation with the animal park’s resident parrots—they’re always ready to have a chat with visitors!
In Shipshewana/LaGrange County, there’s something new waiting to be discovered around every corner. You can explore even more exciting things to see and do in Shipshewana/LaGrange County and throughout Indiana’s Cool North here.
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