story by GLENDA WINDERS
Summer might be over, but in Shipshewana the good times roll on with a wide selection of autumn activities. From the moment you drive into town you’ll savor the colorful sights of pumpkins, pumpkin people and autumn flowers along with the aromas of cinnamon and cider and the promise of apple pie.
Your first stop is the Shipshewana Amish Country Visitors Center, where the staff will provide maps and recommendations for maximizing your visit. The Autumn Adventure Map they’ll give you will help you discover hidden gems and big discounts.
Kick off your visit with a trip down the Giant Straw Bale Art Trail, where local artists and farmers transform more than 30 huge straw bales into whimsical characters and shapes throughout Indiana’s Amish Country.
Stores participating in the shop-hop invite you to come in and browse. Then collect the stickers they give you for a chance to win an overnight stay or gift cards. Visit stores like Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary, Joyfully Said and The Fancy Farm Girl.
Experience new hands-on classes in Shipshewana! Craft your own Teaberry basket, design a luminary or mug from Riverwood Pottery or adopt your own doll at Kids Kreations. Don’t forget to step inside the popular antique auction every Wednesday year-round.
Grab tickets for big names at the Blue Gate Theatre, Indiana’s most-visited theater for its size. Each year some 500 shows take to the stage, presenting contemporary performers, tribute shows and musicals. New in 2026, check out the Classic Car Collection that is included with every Performing Arts Center ticket that is sold.
Of course you’re going to be hungry after all of this activity. Start your day with cinnamon doughnuts at Country Lane Bakery or Rise ‘n Roll Bakery. Treat yourself to an Amish apple fried pie, a slice of pumpkin pie on the My My American Pie Trail or a pumpkin spice latte on the Sip Shipshewana Trail. At dinnertime, tucking in to an authentic Amish meal at the Blue Gate is a given.
For more information visit: visitshipshewana.org
