Shipshewana Amish Traditions

DAY 1

Your getaway begins aboard a comfortable motorcoach as the Wisconsin countryside drifts by, setting a relaxed pace for the day ahead. Upon arriving in the charming town of Shipshewana, known for its rich heritage and welcoming spirit, you’ll check in at the Blue Gate Garden Inn, a cozy and inviting haven in the heart of town.
As evening settles in, enjoy a hearty buffet dinner at the Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre before the uplifting production "A Simple Sanctuary" takes the stage. This heartfelt story of small-town life, from its joys, challenges, and unexpected blessings, creates a perfect end to your day. After the show, return to your inn for a peaceful and restorative night.

DAY 2

Wake to the inviting aroma of a hearty breakfast before setting out for the bustling Shipshewana Flea Market & Auction—the largest in the Midwest. With rows of vendors offering handmade crafts, antiques, baked goods, and unique finds, the market invites you to wander at your own pace and soak in its lively, small-town energy. In the afternoon, step into the Menno-Hof Museum for an engaging and insightful look at Amish and Mennonite traditions. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations illuminate a way of life rooted in faith, community, and simplicity. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Essenhaus Village Shops, a charming collection of boutiques filled with country crafts, gifts, and locally made goods. As evening falls, gather for a classic family-style meal at Das Dutchman Essenhaus, where generous platters of Amish comfort food, warm hospitality, and easy conversation create the perfect end to your day. Return to the inn content, relaxed, and pleasantly full.

DAY 3

After breakfast, set out on a scenic Amish Backroads Tour guided by a well-known local host eager to share the places and people that make his community special. Travel quiet country roads lined with tidy farms, fields stretching to the horizon, and horse-drawn buggies moving at an unhurried pace - an authentic window into everyday life in Amish Country. Along the way, visit skilled artisans who handcraft quilts, furniture, baked goods, and other traditional items. These intimate stops offer the chance to see time-honored techniques up close, sample homemade treats, and hear the personal stories behind each craft and workshop. A highlight of the day is an interactive meal experience at a local restaurant, where live cooking demonstrations and conversations with the owners create a warm, engaging look at Amish traditions, family life, and community values. It’s an opportunity to learn, laugh, and connect in a meaningful way. Return to the inn as evening settles in - perfect for unwinding in the quiet comfort of your room or enjoying a peaceful stroll through Shipshewana under the soft glow of the streetlamps.

DAY 4

After one last hearty breakfast, check out and take in a final look at Amish Country’s peaceful fields and unhurried rhythm. Before beginning the journey home, enjoy a visit to the RV/MH Hall of Fame Museum in Elkhart. Enjoy a nostalgic walk through vintage campers, classic motorhomes, and the evolving story of American travel.
A brief stop in Hammond offers time to grab a bite on your own before the motorcoach carries you home, your bags filled with handmade treasures and your heart full of new friendships, warm hospitality, and memories of a place where life’s simple joys shine brightest.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner