Shipshewana, Indiana

America's Third-Largest Amish Community

Clayton Hensley

Founder | knoxroadtripper.com | @knoxroadtripper

The Amish Influence

Men with long beards and black hats, women in handmade linen dresses and bonnets, and kids playing out in the yard; these are a few of the images people think of when they picture the Amish. In Shipshewana, you can dive into Amish culture to better understand what makes this vibrant and thriving religious community so special. The Amish influence is all around you, mixed in with traditional Midwestern hospitality and flavor.

Around Town

Driving through town, you will find it hard to miss the horse-and-buggies going up and down the main drag. Don’t worry, they have their own lane, but if you take a back road, be prepared for an Amish-style “traffic jam.” Shipshewana has plenty of Amish-owned businesses and places to find Amish-made items and plenty of Amish working here too.

Shopping For Something Special

Shipshewana Flea Market- Largest in the Midwest!

You won’t find a large mall, a Walmart, or a Costco in Shipshewana, but don’t let that make you think shopping isn’t big here. In fact, what you’ll find in this small town may surprise you. For starters, Shipshewana is home to the largest Flea Market in the Midwest, featuring hundreds of vendors and covering an area the size of 30 football fields. (I wasn’t able to make it there during my visit, but my wife did.)

Like shopping at warehouse clubs? Well, the Amish have their own version (no membership required). E&S Sales Bulk Foods carries just about anything you could possibly think of when it comes to food. That includes, take n’ bake pizzas, homemade noodles and bulk bags of candy.

Head out into the countryside around Shipshewana to find handmade items of all kinds. The Amish have several small stores selling things like leather goods, baskets, toys and baked goods. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. And who knows, an Amish kid may even offer you a ride in a horse-and-buggy while you’re there.

Pretzels, Fried Pies, And Some Interesting Peanut Butter

Ever heard of a "haystack?" This traditional Amish meal isn't just one dish; it's a tasty way of piling up the food on your plate. — Ever heard of a “haystack?” This traditional Amish meal isn’t just one dish, it’s a tasty way of piling up the food on your plate.

When you come to Shipshewana, you know you want to try something good to eat. No problem feeding your appetite here. From Amish food finds to endless buffets filled with country cooking, Shipshewana has you covered. You might even get to try a haystack.

Crispy, golden-fried chicken, mashed potatoes , and homemade noodles are just a few of the Amish-inspired dishes you’ll find at the premier restaurant in town, the Blue Gate. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner then head out to the bakery to pick up a pie or pastry to take home. You’ll also find the famous Amish peanut butter spread, which I think goes great with chocolate bars. (Hint: the “secret” ingredient is marshmallow cream.)

Across the country, people enjoy Ben’s Soft Pretzels, a tasty treat based in this part of Indiana. Ben’s store in Shipshewana offers a wide variety of pretzel twists, including pretzel bites and pretzel dogs. You can also pick up a pretzel kit to take home and make your own.

And no matter how you slice it, you shouldn’t leave Shipshewana without a slice of pie (or a fried one). You’ll find plenty of flavors and places to get them, like Amish Kuntry Fried Pies outside of town or the Blue Gate in town.

The Gateway To Entertainment

Whether it’s a top name in Country Music, a play, or a cover band, the Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana hosts hundreds of shows a year in its state-of-the-art facility. Just walking down the halls of the building lets you know just how much this venue means when it comes to entertainment. On our visit, we were “Staying Alive” with a Bee Gees tribute band that almost seemed like the real thing. So many people have performed here that there’s a good chance you’ve at least seen or heard of one of the acts. Of course, the Blue Gate offers the full package: a place to stay, dinner, and a show.

Artful Touches And Small-Town Charm

While the Amish culture brings people to Shipshewana, its small-town charm alone may have you wanting to return. The small downtown features colorful murals and unique shops. There’s also a museum in town that focuses solely on the Amish and Mennonite history of the area.

So, if you’re looking for a small town that has it all, then you may wanna visit Shipshewana.

Writer Bio

Travel does more than transport you from one place to another, it provides an avenue for endless adventure. My name is Clayton Hensley (a.k.a. knoxroadtripper). I am an East Tennessee native

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