Full-Day Guided Tour of Indiana's Amish Country Part 1 & 2

Part 1: Guided Driving Tour

Your journey begins with a guided driving tour that introduces you to the iconic sights of the region. You'll pass by the Famous Barn Quilts, the historic Brown Swiss Dairy Farm Barn, and during the summer months, marvel at the vibrant Quilt Gardens, intricate floral displays designed like patchwork quilts. In the fall, the tour highlights the whimsical Straw Bale Art Trail, showcasing creative sculptures made from hay bales. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the local sites and the Amish way of life.
Famous Barn Quilts A visit to the Famous Barn Quilts, as part of the guided driving tour, allows you to observe these iconic art installations adorning barns and other structures throughout Indiana's Amish Country. These large, colorful quilt patterns painted on buildings showcase a unique blend of local artistry and cultural heritage.
 
Brown Swiss Dairy Farm Barn A visit to the Shipshewana Brown Swiss Dairy Farm Barn offers a unique opportunity to explore a historic, twelve-sided polygonal concrete barn, a rare architectural gem, and learn about its agricultural significance in Indiana's Amish Country.
 
The Quilt Gardens visit to the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail in Shipshewana offers a vibrant and unique experience, showcasing stunning floral displays meticulously designed in intricate quilt patterns throughout the community.
 
Straw Bale Art Trail A visit to the Straw Bale Art Trail in Shipshewana offers a delightful and whimsical experience, allowing visitors to discover giant, artistically painted straw bale sculptures scattered across the countryside, often depicting fun characters and scenes, especially vibrant during the fall season.
 
Part 2: Visit to an Authentic Amish Homestead
 
Next, you'll delve deeper into the culture with a guided tour of an authentic Amish Homestead. Your specific homestead visit will be one of the following,  such as: 
Fry's Homestead and Buggy Workshop A visit to Fry's Homestead and Buggy Workshop offers a unique chance to experience Amish life firsthand, often including a close look at the intricate process of buggy making. This allows guests to gain a deeper appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and the simple, yet vital, Amish way of life.
Troyer's Farm A visit to Troyer's Farm offers a glimpse into a working Amish farm, providing an opportunity to learn about their agricultural practices and daily life firsthand. You might see various farm animals, traditional farming methods, and perhaps even some of their homemade products.
Stutzman Dairy A visit to Stutzman Dairy offers a fascinating glimpse into an authentic Amish dairy farm, where you can learn about their traditional farming methods and how they care for their Brown Swiss cows. It's a chance to see daily life on a working Amish dairy and understand this integral part of their community.
 

 

Part 3: A Real Craftsman at Work

The expedition continues with a visit to an Amish craftsman at work. Depending on the day and availability, you might observe and interact with artisans like those at Teaberry Wood Products, Yoder's Rug Weaving, Owl Toy Craft, Newbury Carriage, or Silver Star Leather, learning directly about their traditional crafts and appreciating the dedication behind their handmade goods.

Teaberry Wood Products A visit to Teaberry Wood Products in Shipshewana offers a unique opportunity to see skilled Amish-Mennonite craftsmen at work, handcrafting beautiful wooden baskets, puzzles, cutting boards, and inspirational items. Guests can often observe demonstrations and purchase one-of-a-kind, signed, and dated pieces directly from this family-run workshop.

Yoder's Rug Weaving A visit to Yoder's Rug Weaving offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional craft of rug making, where you can see skilled Amish artisans create beautiful, durable rugs by hand. It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate their craftsmanship and perhaps find a unique, handmade piece to take home.

Owl Toy Craft A visit to Owl Toy Craft offers a delightful glimpse into traditional Amish craftsmanship, where you can see wooden toys being expertly made by hand and find unique, durable playthings. It's a charming stop to appreciate skilled artistry and discover timeless gifts for all ages.

Newbury Carriage A visit to Newbury Carriage offers a unique opportunity to witness the meticulous craftsmanship involved in building and repairing Amish buggies and carriages. Guests can observe skilled artisans at work, appreciating the traditional techniques and dedication behind these essential modes of transport in the Amish community.

Silver Star Leather A visit to Silver Star Leather in Shipshewana offers a chance to see skilled Amish craftsmen at work, creating beautiful, durable leather goods by hand. Guests can browse a wide selection of expertly crafted wallets, belts, bags, and other leather items, appreciating the quality and tradition of Amish artistry.

Part 4: Free Time & Memorable Shopping

During the early afternoon, you'll have dedicated free time and lunch near Davis Mercantile in downtown Shipshewana, Indiana. This allows for personal discovery and ample opportunity to explore the diverse array of shops, from the vast Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market (seasonal) to charming Amish-owned cottage shops, offering everything from local produce and baked goods to handcrafted furniture and quilts.

Davis Mercantile A visit to Davis Mercantile in Shipshewana offers a charming multi-story shopping experience, featuring a diverse array of unique shops, eateries, and attractions under one roof. Guests can explore everything from local crafts and clothing to specialty foods and toys, making it a perfect spot for leisurely Browse and finding unique treasures.

Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market A visit to the Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market offers an unparalleled treasure-hunting experience at the Midwest's largest outdoor flea market, where hundreds of vendors sell everything from antiques and crafts to produce and unique goods. It's a vibrant, bustling destination where visitors can discover unexpected finds and immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere.

Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour
Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour
Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour
Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour
Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour
Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour Full Day Amish Country Guided Tour