Visiting Shipshewana Indiana and the Amish Country

In Shipshewana, Indiana, it’s hard to drive a mile without seeing Amish buggies driving along the roadside. This may be what Amish Country is to many people, but it’s much more than buggies and Anabaptist ladies’ cups. Shipshewana is a haven for exploration, dining, and diverse cultural experiences. Here, he shares 8 things you didn’t know you could do in Shipshewana, Indiana.

1. Learn about Amish and Mennonite customs at the Menno Hof Amish-Mennonite Interpretive Museum

Don’t expect to fall asleep when visiting Menno Hof Amish Mennonite Interpretive Center. It’s quite the opposite. It’s made up of multiple rooms, so you’ll be moving through them for a few minutes at a time. During your visit, you will discover the history of Amish and Mennonite culture, their struggles and perseverance, and the modern ways of each community. When you go, set aside at least 60 to 90 minutes to really understand the experience.

2. Eat at an Amish house

find amish restaurant It’s easy to enjoy a big meal in Shipshewana, but did you know you can visit and eat at an Amish home? At The Carriage House in Topeka, slasher meals are the norm. Named after Amish farmers’ threshing of grain and subsequent meals, it serves all hearty courses, including chicken, beef, homemade noodles, potatoes, vegetables, and several types of pies. The meals are hearty, so eat light and leave room for a little bit of everything.

3. Ride in an Amish buggy

I never knew you could ride in an actual Amish buggy until I visited Shipshewana, Indiana. Prices are per person and vary depending on the buggy and owner, but it’s worth it to experience the comfort of riding with a gasoline-powered vehicle. The experience is eye-opening and will make you think twice about passing a family in a horse-drawn carriage again.

4. Watch an Amish musical

Although not drawn by actual members of the Amish community, you can watch live musicals featuring that culture. Each show is held at the Blue Gate Theater and features a top-notch cast that sings and acts beautifully. Of course, if you don’t have a musical nearby, this theater also hosts famous singers and performances.

5. Learn to love Amish peanut butter

Unless you have an allergy, peanut butter is a staple in many households. Paired perfectly with freshly baked bread, it’s the ideal way to finish your Amish peanut butter binge. Made with a mix of marshmallow fluff, corn syrup, and traditional peanut butter, you’ll never forget it. I want to eat it several times a year.

6. Discover the secrets of Amish basket making

In my area, woven baskets are common. Visit Teaberry Wood Products in Shipshewana for an eye-opening crafting experience. Owner Laverne Miller and his wife use a thin-bladed saw to cut pieces of wood like puzzles, assemble them, and use wooden stakes to hold them in place. After soaking in linseed oil, they are placed on shelves for sale. In addition, the company also sells wooden nativity, puzzles, and other beautiful pieces perfect for placing on a mantel or shelf.

7. See how recycled material rugs are made

Marvin and Phyllis Yoder, owners of Yoder’s Rug Weavers, have been rescuing blue jeans from the trash for nearly 35 years. Either found or donated, each pair is cut into strips and woven into a rug on one of his two looms. Additionally, we create custom His rigs using meaningful materials sent by customers.

8. Attend an Amish Auction in Shipshewana, Indiana

Watching an auction on TV rather than in person is a completely different experience. At the same time, he has seven auctioneers walking around, hundreds of people bidding, and add in a vast space filled with antiques and you have the Shipshewana Flea Market & Auction. The auctions, which take place every Wednesday, vary depending on the pieces being sold, the time of year, and even the holiday season. To place a bid, you must visit our main office and purchase a bidder number for $5. This number is valid for him for one year.

If you’ve never seen or heard an auction, you probably think that auction participants speak different languages. They speak English repeatedly in a singing manner, but it takes a few minutes to get used to it. I think of it like dialing into a radio station. Once locked, you can listen without any problems. If you’re visiting in person, take your time to walk around the auction area, stand and listen to the auctioneer before you bid, and make sure you know what you’re bidding on and its price.