Shipshewana, IN, is filled with old-fashioned touches and fun things to do. But when it comes to really exploring the city, where do you even begin to narrow down your list? From perfection in a pie to dining with the locals, here are five things to do in Shipshewana right now. 

Here’s a quick backstory on the city of Shipshewana, Indiana. Located in Lancaster County, there are roughly 30,000 Amish men, women, and children that call it home. And with this large amount of Amish folk comes plenty of their heritage to be seen, bought, and of course, eaten. 

  1. Catch a Show at Blue Gate Theater
  2. Take a Buggy Ride
  3. Try Out Some State Pie at Blue Gate Restaurant
  4. Eat at an Amish Home
  5. Check Out The Shipshewana Flea Market

Catch a Show at Blue Gate Theater

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I love seeing live performances whenever I can, and the Blue Gate Theater is the go-to place in Shipshewana. In addition to celebrity performances, the theater is home to original shows as well. There’s not a bad seat in the intimate theater, so no matter what you choose to see, it’s sure to be a fun one. 

Blue Gate Theatre

Take a Buggy Ride

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Horse buggy in ShipshewanaI’ve been to several Amish communities, and I’ve always wondered what it would be like to take an actual buggy ride. In Shipshewana, you can actually do just that. Depending on how long you want to ride, there are several located around the Blue Gate Theater that will open your eyes and minds to a world where driving a car isn’t the way of life. 

Try Out Some State Pie at Blue Gate Restaurant

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If you haven’t tried Sugar Cream Pie, the official state pie of Indiana, it’s a treat you have to indulge in at least once. And if you’re in Shipshewana, there’s no better spot than Blue Gate Restaurant. And if you’re not sure what to indulge in, make sure to check out the massive buffet - complete with all the pie you care to enjoy. 

Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery, Shipshewana

Eat at an Amish Home

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If you thought that you couldn’t have a homecooked Amish meal, think again. At Hoosier Banquets, you’ll have your choice of candlelight suppers to afternoon tea, chicken dinners to a thresher’s meal. And if you have room for dessert, make sure to test drive whatever was baked fresh that day. 

Check Out The Shipshewana Flea Market

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The older I get, the more I love shopping for antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces. Enter the Shipshewana Flea Market. With a claim to fame as the Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market, to put it into perspective, it’s the size of 30 football fields. Open on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, parking is $5 per vehicle, and there’s no charge for admission. And if you’re looking for a thrill, make sure to stay for the live auction showcasing vintage items each Wednesday morning.Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market