If you are heading to northeast Indiana, maybe to see the epicenter of the American RV industry in Elkhart, allow time for a visit to the town of Shipshewana. There you’ll find the Shipshewana Trading Place, a “must-stop” in northern Indiana's Amish Country.
The Shipshewana area, near the Michigan line, is home to the third largest Amish community in the United States. Over two million visitors head there each year to enjoy the Amish culture. The town has more than 70 shops featuring everything from Amish furniture and quilts to homemade goods like breads, cheeses, and jellies. Two dozen restaurants serve everything from Amish fare to local craft beer; and, everything from buggy rides to local theater are there to enjoy.
The Shipshewana Trading Place is one of the area’s most popular attractions, home of the Midwest's largest flea market, an auction house with almost a century of history, an Amish inspired inn, and an RV park with its own RV repair facility.
The family-owned operation has a history going all the way back to 1922 with early livestock auctions. In 1947, the auction house traded hands and with that transition came the start of the flea market. The facility went through two expansions in the latter 20th century and by the 1960s sported 400 vendors! In 1997, the Farmstead Inn and Conference Center was added, itself being expanded multiple times. The RV Park was built in 2008, and in 2016, the state-of-the-art Shipshewana RV Service Center was added.
For tourists, the biggest draw is the flea market. The 40-acre spread features 700 open-air booths open Tuesdays and Wednesdays May through September along with special weekends during the summer. Everything from antiques and collectibles to craft items and local produce is available.
Competing with the flea market’s popularity are the weekly auctions. Attendees come from across the country for the year-round Wednesday auctions of antique and miscellaneous merchandise, with anywhere from six to ten auctioneers calling bids. In addition to the popular antique auctions are weekly livestock auctions.
People shop at the Shipshewana Flea Market. [Photo/Shipshewana Trading Place]
Special seasonal events take place year-round. In warmer weather themed swap meets and antique markets are held. In colder months, look for the "Shipshewana Across the Road" indoor market on Fridays and Saturdays. In fall and early winter, there are also the Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Shows. Holiday time features “Lights of Joy,” a drive-through light experience with two-million LED Christmas lights along a mile-long path. On special December evenings, there are “Nativity Animal Encounters” with camel and pony rides for the little ones.
When it’s mealtime, hit the “Sale Barn Restaurant” for local Amish fare. Or, grab some diner food or a dessert at one of the several food courts conveniently located throughout the flea market.
At the end of the day, you can lodge at either the on-site RV park or the Amish-inspired Farmstead Inn.
The RV park has 165 spaces. According to Lora Gates, Shipshewana’s marketing director, “the park doubled the number of spaces since last season because they fill up very quickly.” It’s big-rig accessible with 117 pull-through and 48 back-in sites with full hookups, 20/30/50 amp service, and free Wi-Fi. There is a camp store, and leashed pets are allowed at no charge.
There is also a locally-owned, 20,000 square foot RV repair facility with 12 service bays and a rain bay. Both interior and exterior repair work can be done, including winterizing and de-winterizing. The facility is certified to do most warranty work and storage is available. There’s a 1500 square foot RV supply store for needed parts and accessories. Ms. Gates said, “RV travelers will often stay at the facility, get their RV serviced, and make a vacation of it.”
Want to get out of the RV for a while? Just across the street from the flea market is the Farmstead Inn with 153 rooms featuring large screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and iron/ironing board. There’s a cabin-themed room with one King Bed and locally-made Amish furniture. There are also suites with 2 king beds and sleeper sofa, whirlpool, and kitchenette and handicapped-accessible rooms available.
If lodging at the Trading Place is full, the location near Elkhart means there’s no shortage of other RV camping nearby. Among others, these four parks are within 15 minutes of Shipshewana.
Shipshewana Campground South - is just 1/2 mile south of the flea market and within walking distance of area restaurants and shops. There are 150 sites; most are pull-through. There’s 20/30/50 amp service and free Wi-Fi. The park features two pavilions, a laundromat, onsite gift shop, and an RV wash bay. Open April to October.
Shipshewana North Park Amish Log Cabin Lodging & Campground - is located seven minutes from the flea market. There are 55 sites with a choice of pull-through or back-in, 5 camping cabins, and 13 full-service cabins. Sites range from primitive to full hookup. Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. The park boasts its own frozen custard stand.
Twin Mills Camping Resort - sits approximately 15 minutes northeast of Shipshewana. There are 551 sites, cabins, and onsite RV rentals. The park features a clubhouse, fishing on 116-acre South Twin Lake, mini golf, swimming pool, and movie theater.
Elkhart/Middlebury KOA - this big-rig friendly park is less than 15 minutes from Shipshewana. There are 119 sites including pull-throughs up to 80 feet long with full hookups, 30/50-amp service, and Wi-Fi. Amenities include a pool, mini-golf, and a shuttle to the flea market.
General admission and parking are $3, good for the entire day. Closer “preferred” parking is $8.
Handicap parking is available at all entrances and electric scooter rentals are available.
Parking for RVs, motorhomes, and vehicles pulling trailers is $6, good for the day (no hookups). Overnight, self-contained parking at the flea market is available for $18 on Monday and Tuesday night only.
If you are planning a visit, you can download the Shipshewana app for phone and Android. It features up-to-date information about flea market vendors and events, provides a directory of where to eat, stay, and shop in the area, and even provides exclusive deals for visitors.
Note: Most area businesses are family-owned. In keeping with local religious traditions, you'll find that most area businesses are closed Sundays.
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