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Interesting Facts
- Shipshewana is defined by its surrounding Mennonite and Amish communities, and the small town charm and traditional culture of the region draw thousands of visitors to the town each year. The religious heritage of residents directly impacts the culture, economics and government of the town. The Amish and Mennonite peoples trace their religious origins to 16th century Central and Western Europe. The Amish of Shipshewana are descendants Swiss immigrants who fled Europe in the early 18th century to escape religious persecution.
- Because of its conservative religious heritage, guests in Shipshewana will not find bars or nightclubs, and most businesses are closed on Sundays in observation of religious and cultural customs. Visitors to the welcoming farm community will certainly find something to enjoy, though, whether its sightseeing, shopping at traditional stores, a buggy ride through the countryside or the delicious home-style dining.
- The residents of this Northern Indiana town take pride in their rich history after all, it was named in honor of the great Potawatomi chief, Shipshewana. In the early 1830s the first white settlers moved to the area, which before had been designated camping grounds for native tribes. Local leaders soon developed the area and created a home for Amish and Mennonite settlers.
- As much as the local residents have maintained their culture and religious values, so too have they maintained the economy of their forbears. Shipshewana is a rural agriculture-based community that relies on many of the same customs residents have utilized for hundreds of years.
- Despite its small land area Shipshewana is less than one square mile in size and boasts a population of slightly less than 550 people the town is home to one of the nation's largest flea markets and some 150 retail shops. More than a half million visitors come to the town each year to shop, relax and sightsee.
- Shipshewana's flea market is a true wonder to behold. Numerous vendors sell hand-made wares, antiques, collectibles and arts and crafts to the multitudes that visit each year. The flea market is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through October and is a draw for shoppers, collectors and sightseers.
- While Shipshewana is an Amish community, it is not the only such township in Northern Indiana and LaGrange County. The region comprises one of the most populous Amish communities in the country, and Amish residents make up more than 35 percent of the county populace.
- Shipshewana is a member of The International Association of Character Cities, formed in 1998 to help communities reinforce the character of their citizenry. The organization provides resources and training to city leaders committed to developing character in their families and their communities.
- Nature lovers delight in the unspoiled beauty of the region and can find a variety of activities to keep them entertained, from skiing and water sports to hiking and camping. Visitors also enjoy the rural area's 67 lakes and green spaces.
- Travelers to Shipshewana should be aware that because of the traditional nature of travel and commerce in the region, there are special rules that should be strictly followed. Normal speeds for horse-drawn buggies are between 5 MPH and 8 MPH, and rural roads can be narrow, giving riders less room to maneuver in traffic. Visitors should always remember to drive slowly and always give horses and buggies room to navigate.
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