Need a peaceful escape filled with Amish charm and handmade goods? Head to Shipshewana! This Northern Indiana town is known for its horse-drawn buggies, homemade pies, and the Midwest’s largest flea market. Whether you're shopping, sampling comfort food, or slowing down for a simpler pace, Shipshewana is full of heart and heritage.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Shipshewana is in the spring through fall (April–October). These months bring mild weather, blooming countryside, and peak shopping season at the flea market and local shops. December is also magical with holiday lights and markets.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Shipshewana is located off U.S. Route 20, about 45 minutes from South Bend and 2.5 hours from Chicago or Indianapolis.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is South Bend International Airport (SBN), about 50 minutes away. Fort Wayne International Airport is also an option (1.5 hours).
  • By Train: Amtrak service is available to South Bend, followed by a car rental or rideshare to Shipshewana.

Where to Stay

  • Blue Gate Garden Inn – Comfortable hotel with Amish-themed décor, free breakfast, and an indoor pool.
  • Farmstead Inn & Conference Center – Cozy inn across from the flea market with rustic charm and modern amenities.
  • Der Ruhe Blatz Motel – Budget-friendly and conveniently located near shops and attractions downtown.

Top Attractions

⮕ Shipshewana Trading Place

Browse endless vendor booths and find handmade goods on an exciting shopping trip.

Shipshewana Trading Place

© Shipshewana Trading Place

It all started back in 1922 when 6 pigs, 7 cows and a few young cattle were auctioned in Shipshewana. Today the Shipshewana Trading Place in northern Indiana Amish Country is one of the most popular attractions in the Midwest. The trading center grew by leaps and bounds and soon an auction barn and restaurant were added. The Flea Market was started in 1947 and with further additions of an inn, conference center, Expo Barn and Events Pavilion and an RV Campground, the Shipshewana Trading Place is now a full-service destination for avid bargain hunters. The Trading Place also hosts regular antique, livestock and horse auctions.

Shipshewana Trading Place, 345 S. van Buren Street, Shipshewana, IN 46565, Phone: 260-768-4129

⮕ Yoder Department Store

Explore Amish-made furniture and savor bulk snacks during a unique, affordable outing.

Yoder Department Store

© Yoder’s Shopping Center

Yoder Department Store is a quintessential old-fashioned department store which has been serving the clothing, textile, shoe and hardware requirement of the surrounding Amish Country farmers for over 70 years. Visitors can take a trip down memory lane as they scour the shopping isles for just about everything you could possibly require. The shop sells a wide variety of clothing and shoes and is particularly known for stocking a great selection of fabrics for quilting. The Hardware Store is also fun to explore – stacked with all kinds of kitchen gadgets, glass ware and even cookery books. Most visitors leave with something unusual (and at least one bag of candies).

Yoder’s Shopping Center, 300 S. van Buren Street, Shipshewana, IN 46565, Phone: 260-768-4887

⮕ Davis Mercantile

Shop local boutiques and ride the indoor carousel on a fun family visit.

Davis Mercantile

© Davis Mercantile

The remarkable Davis Mercantile complex dates back to 1891, when Hezekiah Davis decided to build a hotel to host visitors to Shipshewana. The original hotel eventually became a retail outlet and was joined by the Davis Mercantile 4-storey building in the late 1900’s. When you visit Davis Mercantile today you can enjoy a wonderful nostalgic shopping experience. 21 delightfully old-fashioned stores and attractions are spread across the 4 floors of the shopping center. Children will love visiting Aunt Millie’s Candy and Nut Shop, the Red Wagon Toy Shop and the vintage carousel on the level 3. Lolly’s Fabrics on Level 1 is a must for crafters and quilters.

Davis Mercantile, 225 N. Harrison Street, Shipshewana, IN 46565, Phone: 260-768-7300

⮕ Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Savor warm, buttery pretzels and enjoy a quick snack stop with the kids.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels

© Ben’s Soft Pretzels

Everyone knows and loves Ben’s Soft Pretzels, but few people realize that they were first made right here in the heart of Amish Country by Amish bakers Ben and Liz Miller. Today visitors can get their favorite soft pretzel at the Shipshewana branch in Berkshire Drive. Besides a good variety of pretzel flavors, the restaurant also serves up some delicious sandwiches and sides. A few of the most popular dishes on the menu include their Meatball Pocket, Pretzel Dog with Swiss cheese and the decadent Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel. Lots of fans enjoy their original plain pretzel the best – dipped sauces can be added to your order.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels, 100 Berkshire Drive, Shipshewana, IN 46565, Phone: 260-768-4939

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Shipshewana Flea Market – The Midwest’s largest flea market with hundreds of vendors (seasonal, May–September).
  • Menno-Hof – Interactive museum where you can learn about Amish and Mennonite history and culture.
  • Blue Gate Theatre – Enjoy musicals, concerts, and comedy shows in an intimate performance venue.
  • Shipshewana Auction & Livestock Barn – Weekly livestock and antique auctions in a traditional setting.
  • Downtown Shipshewana – Explore quilt shops, handcrafted furniture stores, and Amish bakeries in a walkable village center.

Where to Eat

  • Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery – Famous for homestyle Amish meals, pie, and baked goods.
  • JoJo’s Pretzels – A local must-try spot for handmade soft pretzels and fun dipping sauces.
  • E&S Sales – Not a restaurant, but a bulk foods store with snacks, spices, and homemade treats to go.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Shipshewana MayFest (May) – Family-friendly celebration with parades, live music, food, and craft vendors.
  • Shipshewana Quilt Festival (June) – Quilt displays, workshops, and vendors draw enthusiasts from around the Midwest.
  • Shipshewana Lights of Joy (November–December) – Drive-thru light display that transforms the town into a holiday wonderland.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Shipshewana, Indiana:

  • Middlebury (10–15 min) – Visit Das Dutchman Essenhaus for comfort food, buggy rides, and a charming inn.
  • Goshen (25 min) – Explore a vibrant arts scene, antique stores, and farm-to-table restaurants.
  • Topeka (15 min) – Small Amish town with an authentic vibe and simple pleasures like bulk food stores and buggy sightings.
  • Bonneyville Mill County Park (30 min) – Scenic spot for hiking, birdwatching, and visiting an 1830s grist mill.
  • Elkhart (30 min) – Home to the RV/MH Hall of Fame and beautiful riverside trails and gardens.

FAQ:

  • Q: Why is Shipshewana a great destination for retail therapy?
    • A: Visitors wanting to spend some time indulging in retail therapy will find Shipshewana hard to beat for a weekend getaway. The town offers unsurpassed shopping for those who like to uncover unique gems.
  • Q: Where is Shipshewana located, and what makes it special?
    • A: The town is nestled in the heart of Amish Country in rural Indiana, offering visitors a wonderful antidote to the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Q: What are the must-visit shopping spots in Shipshewana?
    • A: You can start your adventure at the Shipshewana Trading Place, which boasts accommodation, a restaurant, and an amazing Flea Market. Other great spots include Yoder’s Shopping Center and Davis Mercantile, both offering a very special shopping experience for everyone.
  • Q: Where can visitors grab a special treat in Shipshewana?
    • A: When hunger strikes, you can head to Ben’s Soft Pretzels for a special treat.

Plan Your Trip