Create Your Own Antiques Roadshow in Indiana’s Cool North

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Indiana's Cool North

Antiquing isn’t a hobby, it’s an art form. Part shopping trip, part history lesson, part treasure hunt, every item you find along the way has its own quirks and story to tell. From family heirlooms to flea market finds, Northern Indiana is a treasure trove of some of the most unique antiques around. The best way find them? Hit the road, of course! We’ve created a little road trip with noteworthy shops in Northern Indiana’s Amish Country (and beyond) so you can create your own “Antiques Roadshow” in Indiana’s Cool North.

Start Your Search in Shipshewana

If you’re looking for antiques, you’ll wanna stop in Shipshewana. This town’s rich Amish culture makes it an antiquer’s dream. Home to one of the Midwest’s largest flea markets, exciting auctions, and over one hundred unique shops, there’s no shortage of treasure to be found in this charming town.

Notable Stops & Shops

• Shipshewana Trading Place: Since its first livestock auction in 1922, the Shipshewana Trading Place has become one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations. There’s always something on the go at the Midwest’s largest flea market, but here are a handful of events antique enthusiasts will especially want to mark on their calendars:
  • Weekly Antique Auction: Every Wednesday, year-round, the auction bell rings at 9:00am and as many as ten auctioneers simultaneously sell antiques and collectibles.
  • Shipshewana Antique Market : Antique vendors from furniture to toys to glassware flock to showcase and sell their heirlooms and hidden gems.
  • Shipshewana Antique Festival: In addition to top-tier vendors, this festival is home to an antique telephone show, a classic car cruise-in, and an antique queen and king contest!
• Shipshewana Antique Shops: The fun doesn’t stop at the Trading Place. Specialty shops are sprinkled throughout downtown Shipshewana and you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

Go for Goshen

Nestled in the heart of Amish Country, Goshen is a magnet for creative types, and filled with eclectic shops and specialty boutiques. The town’s rich history and Amish flair are so pronounced, we’ve come to describe it as “Americana, with a twist”. That essence extends to its shops, which you won’t want to miss.

Notable Stops & Shops

• Found: The shop’s owners travel across Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa in search of hand-crafted antiques and vintage items. You can bet whatever item you’ve got your eye on has its fair share of mileage.
• Goshen Antique Mall: Antiquers rejoice, and feast your eyes on 25,000 square feet of nothing but ol’ fashioned antique goodness.

Linger in LaPorte and Mosey around Michigan City

This community is known for their classy antiques.  If you are hunting for vintage treasures, make this your stop; several large markets give you an abundance of space and vendors to explore, and you will certainly find something you want to take home!

Notable Stops & Shops

• Antique Market, Michigan City – Voted the No. 1 Antique Shop in two area newspapers, this extravaganza of vintage finds features more than 140 vendors in a mall setting. Furniture, clothing, glassware, china and so much more fill the store.
• Coachman Antique Mall, LaPorte –  This 23,000-square-foot store is known as one of Indiana’s oldest and largest antique malls. You’ll find a bit of everything, with an exceptionally outstanding furniture selection featuring everything from Victorian to mid-century to a bit of modern.

Study the Schoolhouse Shop in Chesterton

This former 1886 Porter County Schoolhouse, the Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques, offers an eclectic array of antiques and gifts near the Indiana Dunes, along with artisan food products, toys, and clothes. It’s a Dunes shopping destination.

Make a Pit Stop in Pierceton

No antique roadshow in Northern Indiana is complete without a stop in “The Antique Town” itself—Pierceton.. Ever since its first antique shop opened in 1940, Pierceton’s been a veritable haven for antiquers everywhere. With more than ten antique shops within blocks of each other, there’s no better place to take a step back in time.

Notable Stops & Shops

• The Blue Pearl: This store specializes in Indiana/Hoosier salon artwork, 18^th century furnishings, and vintage jewelry. New in town? The Blue Pearl’s owner, David Taylor, is the town’s “unofficial concierge” and has lots of insider info about Pierceton.
• The Old Train Depot: Has all this shopping talk made you hungry? There’s no better place to eat in an antique town than an antique restaurant! Dine in this historic 1867 train to savor hearty soups and sandwiches served with, or on, artisanal bread.

Watch for Stops on Route

When it comes to antiquing in Northern Indiana, we’ve barely scratched the surface on all there is to explore. After all, antiquing is all about finding hidden gems with hidden stories. While you’re on your roadshow, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for surprise stops. From LaPorte County’s Old Car Show to fine Amish craftsmanship, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for (and tons of things you didn’t know you needed) on an antique roadshow in Northern Indiana.

Whew! If all that shopping hasn’t tuckered you out, there’s so much more to explore in Indiana’s Cool North. Check out our Thing to Do page for more vacation inspiration.