9 Things Every History Buff Should Do in Shipshewana

You can bring Shipshewana's past to life by visiting the following events and attractions in Amish Country Indiana.

You know you're a history buff when you love to know the story behind each destination you travel to.

To make your trip even more memorable, consider staying in the Farmstead Inn - a beautiful hotel centrally located in Shipshewana that was modeled after the Amish homesteads that dot the area.

1. Menno Hof

Photo Courtesy of: VisitShipshewana.org, Menno Hof Listing

Amish & Mennonite Cultural Museum

•  Glimpse into the life and history of the Amish / Mennonite culture through multimedia presentations
•  Experience the simulation of a tornado as the wind blows and the theatre shakes

2. Walldogs Trail

16 Fascinating Murals

• In 2014, a group of highly skilled painters and mural artists from all over the globe called the "Walldogs," descended upon Shipshewana to paint murals all over town, both downtown and along Route 5.
• View and explore the history of Shipshewana by going on the Walldogs trail - where every mural has a story and meaning behind it!

3. Shipshewana Antique Market

Bring Home a Piece of History

• Are you an antique lover? You'll love the annual Shipshewana Antique Market held the first Saturday in August.

​Download Amish Country Trip Planner

 4. Heritage Trail

Every Mile Tells a Story

• Take a road trip on the 90-mile Heritage trail for a scenic drive along rural roads and small town Main Streets.
• As you drive, listen to a free audio tour CD for fun facts and interesting bits of area history.

5. Barn Quilt Trail

Photo courtesy of : VisitShipshewana.org, Barn Quilt Trail Listing

Gorgeous Countryside Views

 

• Use the self-guided trail map to view over 30 hand-painted quilt murals, each with a story and history of their own.
• The trail connects six communities through LaGrange County in Northern Indiana.

6. Shipshewana Area Historical Society Museum

Photo Courtesy of: VisitShipshewana.org, Shipshewana Area Historical Society Listing

All About Shipshewana

• Explore this historical museum located inside the Old Farver School in the Historic section of Downtown Shipshewana.
• Visit displays of artifacts from Chief Shipshewana and the early town as well as surrounding communities. 

7. Guided Tours

Get Up Close and Personal

• If you're with a group, you can get up close and personal with the Amish to learn about their history on a guided tour.
• Optional activities include visits to working farms, shops and homes.

8. Davis Mercantile Carousel

A Historical Masterpiece

• Take a ride on a 1906 Dentzel Carousel, created by the German brothers.
• The working parts, gears, braces and the center pole are all original to the carousel.

9. Old Fashioned Farming Days

Farming Demonstrations and More

• It's a weekend of old-fashioned fun for the whole family
• Witness demonstrations of by-gone equipment, exhibits and activities.

Want more Shipshewana, Indiana trip ideas? Download our free Amish Country Trip Planner E-book.