Things To Do In Shipshewana During The Four Seasons

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In “The Wonderful Wizard of Ha’s,” a delightful kids’ video from the Veggie Tales video series, Larry the Cucumber asks Bob the Tomato, “Have you ever been to Shipshewana?… It’s full of craft shows. They’re crazy about them.” What Larry doesn’t tell Bob is there’s so many things to do in Shipshewana, Indiana, more than crafts or even the third largest Amish community in the U.S.

Shipshewana has become a year-round destination for families. You will find great hotels, activities, shopping, and seasonal fun. With all the things to do in Shipshewana, all you need to do is pick your get-away season, grab the suitcases, and enjoy.

Things To Do In Shipshewana During The Four Seasons

Spring

Spring offers an awakening of activity in Shipshewana, culminating in Mayfest, complete with a parade, activities, and a hilarious buggy race.

Stay at the Farmstead Inn, which has expansive rooms, an indoor pool, an indoor basketball court, and a game room.

Take a stroll through the town of Shipshewana and be wowed by the 16 gorgeous murals painted by the Walldogs.

Then head over to Menno-Hof to experience an interactive history of the Mennonite, Hutterite, and Amish communities migrating to the area. Visit the “tornado room” that gently replicates the feel of a tornado.

Of course, you will need to see baby livestock. Try Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park to see and feed bison calves, fawns, and baby alpacas, among other animals.

Summer

Of course, summer is the busiest time in this Northern Indiana town, as the bulk of its million annual visitors come during this season. Still, Shipshewana manages the crowds well with great hotels and things to do.

Try staying at Songbird Ridge Bed and Breakfast. It’s just a mile out of town. This bucolic setting will have your kids visiting the farm animals while you enjoy the beautiful bedrooms, homemade breakfasts, and warm hospitality of owners Gene and Gwen Newcomer.

Definitely visit the Shipshewana Flea Market, but pace yourself, as it’s the Midwest’s largest flea market. Bring your Christmas list, because whatever you’re looking for, you will find it here.

In July, head out to Old Fashion Farming Day, where Amishman Merve Yoder opens his farm to exhibit his antique implement equipment. What first started out as a community event has grown in such popularity, hundreds of people visit this two-day event.

Fall

Yes, Larry the Cucumber was right: Shipshewana does love its crafts! You’ll find four tents of crafts, along with homemade apple butter and other foods, at the annual Craft Fair in October.

Bring your bikes, because you will want to hit the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. This paved trail cuts right through the heart of rural Amish country and serves as a transportation route for many of the Amish who ride their bikes. You will see Amish farms, fall foliage, and smiling faces along the way.

Fall is also a wonderful time to canoe or kayak, and three local outfitters can provide what you need. A personal favorite about twenty minutes from Shipshewana is Trading Post Canoe, Kayak, and Campground. You’ll cruise along the Pigeon River that runs parallel to a nature preserve. It’s very scenic and gentle.

Spending a cool night around a campfire is in order during the fall months. One recommended spot is Shipshewana Campground North Park, where you’ll find very clean Amish-crafted cabins. The owners are friendly, and an added plus is the ice cream stand, home of the best custard ice cream in town!

Winter

Shipshewana makes the winter cold attractive with all the things to do in Shipshewana.

In November, the town is all alight with its Christmas parade, lights, and decorations.

In December, Blue Gate is the way to go, as you could stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn, eat at the Blue Gate Restaurant, and take in a holiday show at the Blue Gate Theatre. Check out the packages that offer different amenities for all three venues.

Enjoy the annual Shipshewana Ice Festival where ice carvers create incredible sculptures, from a grand piano to a horse and buggy and more. This is a spectacular event.

Enjoy Every Season

We haven’t even talked about the family-owned shops you’ll enjoy. Also, take the kids to the third floor in the Davis Mercantile where you will find a delightful toy store as well as a beautiful, 1906 Dentzel Carousel even the grown-ups will want to ride.

Shipshewana is a great place to slow down, unplug, enjoy your family, and make some great memories, no matter what time of year you choose to come.