Shipshewana - A Town of Character
Culture and character are woven through Shipshewana and Newbury Township. The area is defined by its surrounding Mennonite and Amish communities and the small town character that make our town so attractive to residents and to thousands
of visitors from around the country.
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Horse-drawn buggy, downtown Shipshewana
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From the days of Chief Shipshewana of the Potawatomi tribe of Native Americans
to the settlement years, to modern day, the people of this unique Indiana town
have left a rich legacy. Visit our site, learn something about this community
of strong faith and honest good people. Whether you are a life long resident or
a visitor, there's something here for you.
Shipshewana is located in rural Newbury Township of LaGrange Country in
northern Indiana. Agriculture is the primary industry, followed by retail
and a light industry of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. The town
is less than one square mile in size with a population of approximately 536. Though
small, Shipshewana hosts one of the nation's largest flea markets and some 150
retail shops, attracting over half a million visitors each year.
Shipshewana and LaGrange County are home to the "plain people": Mennonite and
Amish. Their influence contributes to Shipshewana's unique small town atmosphere,
which is also characterized by quaint downtown buildings, quality schools, a gracious
park, a library of distinction, and a respect for people of faith, all of which
are highly valued by its many long time residents.
The community also is generally well-kept; street trees and flowers are a part
of the attractive appearance. Holiday decorations reflect the Christian values
during the Christmas season, and are a source of pride for many Shipshwana residents.
Most businesses are closed in the evenings and on Sundays, reflecting the Mennonite-Amish tradition
of strong family values and close ties within the community.
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Hike and bike beneath glorious fall colors along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
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The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a rails-to-trails project that passes through urban areas, small towns and agricultural communities. The countryside along the Pumpkinvine Trail includes the third largest Amish community in the U.S. The 18-mile trail has significant portions already built and open to the public. A 5-mile section from Middlebury to Shipshewana is under construction in Spring and will be opened to the public in the fall of 2010. For more about this nature corridor, visit the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail web site.
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