What’s the Difference Between the Shipshewana Flea Market & Swap Meet?

The Shipshewana Flea Market is one of Indiana's Amish Country must-see attractions in northern Indiana and has been around for a long time. The Shipshewana Swap Meets were added to our lineup here in 2018 and now that we have these separate shopping opportunities, I get this question all the time!

"So what is the difference between the Shipshewana Flea Market and the Shipshewana Swap Meet?

Here are some comparisons that might help you as you plan your trip and you'll definitely want the chance to visit both of these when you're around the Shipshewana and LaGrange area soon.

1 - What dates are they open?

Both the Shipshewana Flea Market and the Shipshewana Swap Meet are seasonal.

• The Shipshewana Flea Market is open every Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 am - 4 pm, from May through September. The flea market also has special extended market dates each year as well including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day, as well as, the 3rd weekend (Friday & Saturday) of June and the 1st weekend (Friday & Saturday) of August.
• The Shipshewana Swap Meet is open select Saturdays from April through October (excluding July). Typically the 4th Saturday of April, the 3rd Saturday of May, June, September and October and the 1st Saturday in August.

2 - What times are they open?

• The Shipshewana Flea Market is open 8 am - 4 pm EST during days of operation.
• The Shipshewana Swap Meet is open daylight till 1 pm EST and when we say daylight that comes mighty early in Shipshewana, so usually 6 am. Feel free to bring your flashlight

3 - Where is it located?

Both are located at 345 S. Van Buren Street in Shipshewana, IN.

• There are several entrances and exits to the Shipshewana Flea Market. Please refer to the flea market map to plan your entrance and exit strategies. During high traffic times, it is best to exit through the Southeast or North gate.
• The Shipshewana Swap Meet entrance is on the north side of the grounds and you can enter through the livestock entrance.

4 - How many vendors are there?

• The Shipshewana Flea Market is the Midwest's largest and features nearly 700 spaces. Our full season vendors are listed in the annual flea market directory.
• The Shipshewana Swap Meet typically has between 80-120+ local vendors setting up. Vendors come in and set up and we never know what will be here until they arrive.

Discover all there is to do at the Shipshewana Flea Market by downloading our FREE Shipshewana Flea Market Trip Planner.

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5 - What do they sell?

Both have on-site food options while you are shopping.

• The Shipshewana Flea Market features everything from new to old items including home decor, boutique clothing, party supplies, plants, produce, beauty supplies, household items, handmade, antiques, collectibles, accessories, personalized arts and crafts, children's items, pet supplies, outdoor, games, tools, sports and so much more.
• The Shipshewana Swap Meet offers all kinds of garage-sale type items, hunting, fishing, plants, small collectibles, food, produce, small animals, fowl, and so much more from a variety of primarily local vendors.

6 - Do the vendors accept cash or credit?

• About 50% of the Shipshewana Flea Market vendors accept credit and about 50% of the vendors are cash only (including the scooter rental booth). The flea market food courts all have ATMs readily available if your forgot to stop by the bank on your way to the market.
• 100% of the Shipshewana Swap Meet vendors are cash only, so you'll definitely want to bring that with you here as no ATMs are available on site for this market.

7 - Is this an indoor or outdoor market?

Both markets are outdoor, open-air markets and are open rain or shine, so bring your umbrella or rain coat if there is a chance of some showers. The grounds are a fine pea gravel, so you'll also want to bring your comfy walking shoes to whichever market you are attending. The flea market spaces are primarily covered with tents or buildings but the swap meets are typically uncovered.

Learn how to become a vendor at the Midwest's Largest Flea Market or Shipshewana Swap Meets.