shipshewana tour

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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]

• Shipshewana Group Bus Tour

Many people skip right over the motor coach tour option when planning a vacation, and you’re thinking, “so what? Can’t I see the same things on my own?” Which may be partially true, but it’s not nearly the same experience as a Shipshewana Group Bus Tour. For the first time, I was able to join a guided bus tour and view the area I thought I was so knowledgeable in, in a completely different view.

The sun made its way over the trees, coffee was in our systems, and we were ready to board the bus eager to see what our step-on-guide, Scott Miller had in store for us. Scott, better known as Scotty, has lived in the Shipshewana area his entire life, which led him to take over the family business, Miller’s Buggy Line. His knowledge on the area certainly shows, and let’s just say you’re never bored when you’re around Scotty.

Countryside Tour

The bus group from Ontario was kind enough to let me join their trip for the day, and everyone welcomed me onto the bus. Departing from their hotel, we took the “long way” to our first stop, giving us a chance to do a countryside drive, which is 10x better when someone else is doing the driving. We turned down a road that only locals really travel, passing through different Amish communities. Scotty directed us past many homes, farms, a school, all highlighting their lifestyle, and explaining the differences between the communities we passed through. It makes you appreciate and envy simple living.

Amish Market

Through a maze of scenic country roads, the Shipshewana Group Bus Tour arrived at an Amish noodle market. After many pictures of the beautiful quilt garden out front, we made our way through the store which is full wall to wall with any kind of goodie you could think of. The owner is blessed to have a wife and daughters that make some of the best Amish noodles around. If there’s one thing you NEED to get there, it’s the noodles, they’re unlike anything at your local grocery. Baskets were filling quickly with not only noodles but homemade honey, Amish peanut butter, candies, jams and jellies, salsa, you name it. Let’s just say the bus was a little heavier than when we arrived.

Woodworking

A wooden basket maker was next on our list. We pulled up to their building and sat in our seats for a minute, giving a chance for the owner to hop on board and tell us about himself, his family and their unique business. We followed him into his shop where his son was cutting some of their one-of-a-kind wooden baskets. They’re made very creatively, and precision is key.

But of course, the work isn’t complete after that. Moving over to the finishing room, his wife was putting on the stain and finishing touches to really make the craftsmanship pop. Afterward, take the time to walk around their shop full of beautiful woodwork from baskets, puzzles, wall decor, and more, so it’s easy to find something to take back home.

Then, by popular demand, we made an unscheduled stop at a local bakery. Those on the bus who had been to the area before couldn’t get the cinnamon caramel donuts out of their head. No problem at all, Scotty called up the bakery for a heads up and to set plenty of samples out for our Shipshewana Group Bus Tour.

Of course, they have their famous donuts but don’t pass up the cashew crunch, fresh pickles, cheeseball, and plenty of other baked goods. The hardest part is getting people to leave the store!

Amish Quilt Shop

Back on our planned route, we headed over to an Amish quilt shop, which you don’t have to be a quilter to appreciate. Walk into the store and you won’t know what to look at first, there’s plenty more than just handmade Amish quilts.

They also make beautiful clocks, birdhouses, barn quilts, rugs, and plenty more. After wandering the store, take a seat on the covered porch and enjoy the simplicity.

Amish In-Home Dining

The Rise ‘N Roll samples were wearing off, which was good timing as we headed to lunch. The host Amish family had prepared a traditional Thrasher’s meal complete with chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, fresh veggies, salad, and of course homemade bread with their apple and peanut butters.

The food kept coming, and don’t worry, there’s enough for seconds. Plus, to top it all off you had your choice of freshly baked pies. Not to mention the great hospitality and fellowship between everyone on the bus, Scotty, and the welcoming host family.

Sad to see our guided tour come to an end, the bus pulled up to downtown Shipshewana for an afternoon of shopping before heading home. After being my first guided bus tour, I can honestly say that’s the way to go. It’s perfect to have someone else do the driving, and when you have a step-on guide as knowledgeable as Scotty, it truly becomes a memorable experience.

A special thanks to Scott from Miller’s Buggy Line Tours for allowing me to join the fun. Bringing a group to Shipshewana? Click here for more information on how the Visitors Center can help.

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• Menno-Hof Mennonite - Amish Visitor Center
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My 9 Favorite Experiences Exploring Historic Shipshewana, Indiana

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I have been drawn to northern Indiana several times to immerse myself in the wonderful Indiana Amish and Mennonite culture, as well as everything that Shipshewana has to offer. Located south of Sturgis, Michigan, 135 miles east of Chicago, Shipshewana is a small Midwestern town filled with history, culture, and fun. This area has a lot of natural beauty.

Below are some of the amazing things we did during our visits.

My Shipshewana visits included a hosted trip along with a few family visits. All opinions are my own.

1. Shipshewana Memorial

The town of Shipshewana is named after Chief Shipshewana. His memorial is located near Lake Shipshewana close to the site where he died in 1841. Chief Shipshewana was chief of the Pottawattamie Indians. He was forced from the land on September 4, 1838, and removed to Kansas. The chief was then allowed to return a year later, but sadly passed not long after his return. His name is pronounced Shup-She-Wah-No, which means “vision of a lion.”

2. Blue Gate

One of the premier things to do in Shipshewana is visit the Blue Gate Theatre, Blue Gate Restaurant, and gift shop. We saw the wonderful play Our Christmas Dinner . This fun play was comedic, musical, and filled with faith. At the Blue Gate, they offer over 300 shows with 100 artists, along with outstanding Amish musicals.

Pro Tip: We loved the down-home country food at the Blue Gate Restaurant. Come during the holidays. If you are not already in the Christmas spirit, you will be before you leave because of the wonderful decorations and holiday lights. The only thing we didn’t do, that I wish we would have, is take advantage of one of the buggy rides. We also would have liked to visit Shipshewana’s Light of Joy .

3. Menno-Hof

One stop I want to come back to see is the fascinating Menno-Hof, a nonprofit information center in Shipshewana that teaches visitors about the faith and life of both the Amish and the Mennonites. This fascinating story began in 1986 with a massive barn-raising to build a structure to share the Amish-Mennonite story. The new facility opened in May of 1988. The history of the Anabaptist movement began in Zurich, Switzerland, and dates back to January 21, 1525. The name means “to rebaptize” because 16th-century Anabaptists rebaptized adults who had received the sacrament of Baptism at infancy.

4. Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking

Carolyn Yoder’s country home is where she offers her amazing Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking . Situated on a lake, the scenery is as lovely as her Amish food offerings.

During my trip, she showed our group how to make mouthwatering cinnamon rolls in large batches. Carolyn also provided a home-cooked Amish breakfast that included a haystack meal (eggs, veggies, and cheese piled on a biscuit then covered with gravy). We enjoyed meeting Carolyn and her husband as well as her father Orley Miller.

Orley is an Amish tour guide that provides tours of the Amish countryside, offering insight into the Amish lifestyle.

5. Amish Tour Of Shipshewana

If interested in hiring Mr. Miller to serve as an Amish guide, the best way to do this is to contact the Shipshewana LaGrange County Visitors Bureau and they can help set you up with a tour. After meeting Orley Miller at breakfast, I set up a tour for my husband Keith as a Christmas present.

What made the tour so special is that our guide, and other guides, patterned the visit to the interests of those in the group, whether it be a bus, van, or in our instance, just the two of us. 

We picked up Mr. Miller at his home outside of Shipshewana where we met his wife Mary. He then shared information about the Amish way of life and we headed out to see various stops that he tailored to our particular tour. 

Stops With Our Amish Guide

Orley Miller will determine what stops to make depending on the people in his tour group. Keith is a farmer that loves farm stores and his favorite stop during our tour was the Shipshe Farm Supply. He was amazed to see that they sell horse-drawn equipment. Keith was especially taken back by the new one-bottom, horse-drawn plows for sale. Orley Miller also took us to a horse auction barn.

Another shop was Riverbend Harness and Horseshoeing shop. Then, it was onto EASH Sales , The Outdoor Store, which had a little bit of everything! It is a huge store with 12,000 square feet of indoor space. What amazed me at this store was that they had appliances that were solar-powered.

6. Davis Mercantile

The Davis Mercantile is a story of history and commerce. Back in 1891, Hezekiah Davis, one of the founding fathers of Shipshewana, built a hotel for travelers near the train depot. In the late 1960s, The Old Davis Hotel was moved to Main Street. Then in the 1980s, the Miller family purchased the hotel and began refurbishing it. The story is that the building has had many uses and was once even a chicken hatchery.

Today, the former hotel is a huge shopping area with four floors and 21 stores. The historic site on the top floor houses a beautiful 1909 Denzel carousel. I rode this wonderful carousel and the operator provided me with a bit of history while I rode. There is also an amazing 300-year-old tree that is in the center of the building and is quite a conversation piece.

7. Cherry Pickers

Antiquing was one of the things we wanted to do in Shipshewana. I had heard all about the wonderful Shipshewana Flea Market , which is one of the Midwest’s largest flea markets. It takes place during the summer. We want to come back again for that!

An earlier stop in Middlebury, at the cool Varns & Hoover Hardware , led us to the antique store Cherry Pickers in Shipshewana. The woman at the counter told us this was the store to go to! Cherry Pickers is so cool!

The owners, Mark and Stephanie Liechty, are reclaiming this and that from furniture to barns, homes, and new and unique creations.

8. Riverwood Pottery

We loved Riverwood Pottery , where they create handcrafted pottery inspired by nature and farm life in northern Indiana. We brought home mugs with pheasants decorating them.

9. You-Nique Boutique

You-nique Boutique is a fun store in Shipshewana offering jewelry and unique fashions. I found my Christmas present here, a colorful top!

Pro Tip: You might also enjoy stopping at the Ace Hardware/Toy Store and a few other antique stores along the way.

Shops And More In Middlebury

The nearby town of Middlebury has fun shops like the Dutch Country Market . I purchased several jars of jam there! Here, you can also observe noodles being made. In rural Middlebury, we visited the wonderful Teaberry Wood Products , where they create custom handcrafted wooden baskets and vertical puzzles. LaVern Miller gave us a tour and showed us how he creates some of his wooden baskets.

Pro Tip: A great lodging option in Middlebury is the Essenhaus campus , which offers an array of things to do, a place to stay, a restaurant to rival all, and shops to visit! During my trip with Keith, we stayed at this wonderful place with the most wonderful Amish-style food around!

Elkhart County

We stayed in the city of Elkhart at the historic Elkhart Hotel . This amazing hotel, originally constructed in 1923, features a coffee shop, restaurant, and various meeting spaces. They have 93 guest rooms, and best of all, the hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of the beautifully restored Lerner Theatre . It is also across the street from the Midwest Museum of American Art .

While in Elkhart, don’t miss the Ruthmere Museum , where there are two mansions, or a stop at the beautiful Wellfield Botanic Gardens .

A final recommendation, while we stayed at the Hotel Elkhart and Essenhaus Inn, we also heard great things about the Van Buren Hotel and Farmstead Inn .

Related Reading:

• 7 Amazing Experiences Along The White River In Central Indiana
• 21 Incredible Indiana Food Trails To Satisfy Your Inner Foodie
• My 7 Favorite Restaurants To Experience In South Bend, Indiana

Cindy Ladage is a freelance writer, blogger, and book author. She is married to a farmer and lives on a farm in central Illinois. Cindy loves to travel to rural areas and places less traveled and share details with her readers through her blog Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl .

Highlights From This Tour!

Tour Itinerary

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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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Shipshewana Backroads Amish Brown Bag Tour

April 13 @ 7:00 am - 9:00 pm.

$145.00 Per Person

Sold out – RSVP below to get on the waitlist… If you are unable to get the “GOING ” Button to work, please email me: [email protected].  I will need you name, phone, email address, and number of seats you are looking for.

Saturday, April 13th, 2024

Trip Includes: – Round trip motor coach transportation to Shipshewana, IN – Trip escorted by John Henry of Route 23 Tours – Guide for the Shipshewana Backroads Tour provided by Great Life Tours – Get a Brown Bag that will be filled at each Amish stop – Thresher’s Amish Family Style Luncheon (On the Menu: Baked Chicken, Roast Beef, Homemade bread with Amish Apple Butter and Peanut Butter, Tossed Salad, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Homemade noodles, Chicken Stuffing, Choice of a pie (Seasonal Fruit, Banana Cream, or Chocolate Peanut Cream) served with ice cream and caramel sauce. – Start and meet your guide at Yoder’s Popcorn – Amish Bakery (Gift for your Brown Bag) – Visit Dutch Country Market / Katie’s Homemade Noodles (Gift for your Brown Bag) – Visit Carolyn’s Kitchen and private Jam Tasting (Gift for your Brown Bag) – Visit Yoder Meat and Cheese (Gift for your Brown Bag) – Amish Bulk Food Store (Bottle of Water & Gift for your Brown Bag) – Quick dinner on own at Culver’s (Coldwater, MI)

Trip Itinerary: 7:00 AM Pick-up | 9:00 PM – Meijer, Davison (Lot H) 11:00 AM – Arrive at Yoder’s Popcorn 11:30 AM to 5:15 PM – Back Road Guided Tour of the Shipshewana Amish Country (Amish Family Style Lunch at 1:00pm) 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM – Quick Dinner Stop on own at Culver’s (Coldwater, MI)

Registration Deadline: March 20th, 2024 or until the trip sells out! – All payments must be in by March 20th, 2024 – No refunds after March 20th, 2024 – Limit 50 Seats Available – Full Payment is due upon Sign-up – No food substitutions can be made on this tour. – No children under the age of 5.

BOOKING INFORMATION: (Please read) 1. Go to the ticket below and put down the number of attendees in your group. 2. The first Attendee is you if you are attending. (We Need your Name, Cell, and Email Address if attending)* 3. Just put down the names of the other attendees and then check out 4. At checkout enter your billing information and payment information and submit. 5. You will receive a ticket for each attendee.  This is only for confirmation purposes and is not a real ticket. 6. Check-in with your names at the bus the day of the trip.

Join our Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/davisontravelers

If you are having trouble registering and paying for this trip, please call  810-577-8929 .

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• 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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