Your Guide to a Getaway with Friends in Shipshewana
Have you been missing quality time with your best friends lately? Here are some great things to do with your girlfriends on a getaway to Shipshewana, IN any time of year!
About Shipshewana, Indiana
Located in the heart of the country’s third largest Amish community, Shipshewana is located in north-central Indiana about 55 miles north of Fort Wayne and 130 miles east of Chicago.
In addition to Shipshewana Trading Place, there are unique opportunities to experience the Amish culture, shopping, recreation, entertainment, and more.
Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market
Shopping at a flea market or antique auction can be a fun and creative way to find items for decorating your home, and also for gathering items for a fun DIY upcycling project. You and your gal pals can turn your visit to Shipshewana Trading Place into a treasure hunt of sorts, as you search for the perfect items. And, the beauty of shopping with friends is having additional opinions as you shop! Planning a follow-up day to hang out while you create your projects together will give you another excuse to enjoy each other’s company, too!
Since the Shipshewana Flea Market is so large, I recommend reviewing the vendor directory to create a customized flea market map for your shopping day. There are so many booths, and I also suggest visiting the top 10 vendors you really want to see first, and then catching others as time allows. You don’t want to reach the end of your shopping day and realize you missed a booth you really wanted to see. Also, a gentle reminder about the uniqueness of the items found here: If you see something you like, you better pick it up. It may not be there later in the day!
Shipshewana Trading Place Misc. & Antique Auction
The Shipshewana Antique Auction is also a great place to hunt for unique and antique finds. There is actually one vendor at the flea market who buys most of her booth items at the auction each week. It’s all about finding your style and putting items together in a way that’s perfect for you. You never know what you are going to find at Shipshewana Trading Place.
If antiques and DIY projects aren’t for you, don’t worry! There are also lots of handmade vendors at the Shipshewana Flea Market. Whether you are shopping for décor for home or outdoors, health and beauty products, arts and crafts, stay-home presents for your kids or significant other, or something else – you can find it here!
As you plan your girls overnight getaway (or day trip) to Shipshewana, make sure you pack your walking shoes and bring plenty of water. You might also want to pack light on the way here so you have plenty of room in the car for all of your newfound treasures!
The flea market is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through the end of September, as well as on some special holidays and weekends. The antique auction occurs weekly, year-round, on Wednesday starting at 9:00 am EST.
The Farmstead Inn
If you are here overnight, enjoy a stay at The Farmstead Inn. Located across the street from the Shipshewana Trading Place and just a short distance from other area attractions, this cozy hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms. Other amenities include free hot continental breakfast, indoor pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and more.
Bicycling and Kayaking in Shipshewana
Many visitors enjoy taking a scenic bike ride on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail that takes riders through the local countryside and its beautiful farms, trees, and wildflowers. If this interests your group, you can conveniently rent bicycles from the front desk at The Farmstead Inn.
If you and your girlfriends love outdoor adventures but prefer something on the water, there are also options for canoe or kayak trips along the Fawn River with T & L Country Canoes.
Unique Amish History
While you are in the area, you can enjoy a relaxing horse and buggy tour through the local Amish and Mennonite farms, gardens, and roadside stands. You will also enjoy a visit to the Menno-Hof museum and gift shop at 510 S. Van Buren Street in Shipshewana.
Wine Tasting Near Shipshewana
Shipshewana is a dry town, but there are some restaurants in LaGrange County offering options for dinner drinks and some wineries located close as well if you and your gal pals are interested in a wine tasting. The two wineries closest to Shipshewana are each about 16 miles away - Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard is located in Bristol and Stoney Creek Winery in Millersburg.
Entertainment in Shipshewana
You may also enjoy a visit to the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. Owned by an Amish family and just a short drive from down, the park is home to a variety of animals. The park features a walk-through area, a petting zoo, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
If you are interested in some live entertainment, you could plan your visit to Shipshewana around a performance at the Blue Gate Theatre. A variety of performers entertain audiences of all ages here. A live show could be a great way to end your getaway in Shipshewana.
Visit Us Soon!
So, as you plan your getaway with the girls, think about enjoying a fun road trip to Shipshewana. We’d love to see you soon at Shipshewana Trading Place!
Looking for more trip planning ideas, download our FREE Amish Country Trip Planner!
