Looking for Midwest charm, a walkable downtown, and rich Amish culture? Explore Goshen, Indiana! This welcoming northern Indiana town features artisan shops, historic architecture, vibrant arts, and peaceful countryside. Whether you're biking the Pumpkinvine Trail or catching a festival, Goshen is full of small-town surprises.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Goshen is from late spring through early fall (May to October). Mild weather makes it perfect for exploring trails, attending local events, or enjoying the downtown dining scene. Fall brings beautiful foliage across the Amish countryside.
How to Get There
- By Car: Goshen is located along U.S. 33, about 45 minutes from South Bend and 2.5 hours from Chicago.
- By Plane: South Bend International Airport (SBN) is the closest commercial airport, roughly 35 miles away.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak stop is in Elkhart, a 20-minute drive from Goshen.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Elkhart – A stylish boutique hotel nearby, ideal for exploring the Elkhart-Goshen region.
- Hampton Inn Goshen – Comfortable modern stay with breakfast and a pool, close to downtown.
- Inn on South Fifth – Cozy B&B in a restored home, offering warm hospitality and walkable access to local attractions.
Top Attractions
⮕ Catch Indie Vibes and Vision at the Goshen Art House
The Goshen Art House in downtown Goshen, Indiana is a shared art space that brings music, dance, live televised events, a film house, improv comedy, live theatre, and more performing arts to both local residents and visitors alike in the community. The cinema at the Art House is a one-screen theater for films, hosting independent films made by well-respected and innovative filmmakers across a wide variety of genres. The Black Box theater at the performing arts venue is a live theater space that’s home to the GoProv regional improv troupe. It also hosts comedians, art shows, staged readings, concerts, and other shows.
211 S Main St, Goshen, IN 46526, Phone: 574-538-2434
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Discover at the Historic Old Bag Factory
Restored industrial space featuring artisan studios, galleries, and specialty shops.
Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, the Old Bag Factory was originally built back in 1896 in the agricultural area of Goshen. After years of being an abandoned factory, the building was bought in 1984 and the owners started its transformation to one of the best things to do in Goshen. Through hours of commitment and hard work, the old factory was revitalized, struggling less and less with each new artist. Today, the Old Factory has become a space full of cafes, specialty shops, antiques, and artists, once again thriving on commerce and craft.
1100 Chicago Ave, Goshen, IN 46528, Phone: 574-534-2502
⮕ If You’re Thirsty for Craft Brews and Local Tunes, Then Head to Goshen Brewing Company
A family-friendly brewpub in Goshen, Indiana, the Goshen Brewing Company serves a broad selection of brews, as well as local, farm-to-table, seasonal food. With sustainability and environment being important to the company, this unique brewery is a completely, 100-percent wind-powered facility. Believing in the “power of community,” the Goshen Brewing Company offers open large tables for guests to sit down and get to know their neighbors over a pint and a bite to eat. Situated two blocks from Main Street, the brewery is easily accessible from the Millrace bike path and features a patio overlooking the river and woods.
315 W Washington St, Goshen, IN 46526, Phone: 574-971-5324
More Local Attractions
- Downtown Goshen – Explore local boutiques, art galleries, vintage shops, and cafés in a charming historic core.
- Pumpkinvine Nature Trail – Scenic biking and walking path connecting Goshen to Middlebury through farmland and woods.
- Goshen Theater – Beautifully restored 1907 venue hosting live music, indie films, and community events.
- Fidler Pond Park – Kayak, fish, or picnic in this peaceful city park with walking paths and a scenic pond.
Where to Eat
- Venturi – Neapolitan-style pizzeria using fresh, local ingredients and a wood-fired oven.
- Maple Indian Cuisine – Authentic, flavorful Indian fare with a cozy atmosphere downtown.
- Kelly Jae's Café – Small-plate dining with a creative twist in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Local Events
- First Fridays (Monthly) – Downtown festival series with live music, food trucks, and themed family fun.
- Goshen Air Show (Summer) – A high-flying community event with aircraft displays and performances.
- Elkhart County 4-H Fair (July) – One of the largest county fairs in the U.S., featuring exhibits, rides, and concerts just minutes away.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Goshen, Indiana
- Elkhart (20–25 min) – Tour RV history at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, stroll the RiverWalk, or explore vibrant arts venues.
- Middlebury (15–20 min) – Visit Das Dutchman Essenhaus, explore Amish countryside, or shop handmade goods and crafts.
- Nappanee (25–30 min) – See a show at The Barns, explore Amish Acres, or browse charming small-town shops.
- New Paris (10–15 min) – Enjoy lakeside parks, relax in quiet neighborhoods, or visit local bakeries and cafés.
- Bristol (20–25 min) – Paddle the St. Joseph River, visit Bonneyville Mill, or explore nature trails and heritage sites.
- Millersburg (15–20 min) – Drive scenic backroads, shop locally, or discover small-town charm and farm culture.
- Wakarusa (20–25 min) – Tour candy shops, attend seasonal festivals, or enjoy family-owned restaurants and parks.
- Shipshewana (South Side) (25–30 min) – Explore Amish markets, shop antique malls, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
- Dunlap (15–20 min) – Visit shopping centers, hike the Pumpkinvine Trail, or stop by local eateries and brewpubs.
FAQ
- Where is Goshen, Indiana located?
- Goshen, Indiana, is a city known for its great location in the heart of Amish Country in central Indiana.
- What can visitors expect when driving through the countryside?
- Driving through the quintessential countryside, visitors will find numerous small farms growing corn and other crops.
- What types of goods are available from local farms?
- Many farms also sell handmade furniture, quilts, eggs, and other goods.
- What activities and attractions does Goshen offer beyond agriculture?
- Beyond its agricultural attractions, Goshen offers many other activities and points of interest.
- What can visitors explore in downtown Goshen?
- Eclectic shops, eateries, and art studios line the streets of the downtown district, including those located in the historic Old Bag Factory.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Catch Indie Vibes and Vision at the Goshen Art House
- 2. Shop, Dine, and Discover at the Historic Old Bag Factory
- 3. If You’re Thirsty for Craft Brews and Local Tunes, Then Head to Goshen Brewing Company