Backroads Tour

Indiana's largest Amish communities are located in Shipshewana and LaGrange County. There's no better place to acquaint yourself with the Amish culture, craftsmanship and genuine friendliness than on our backroads. Come and experience the simple way of life by driving at your own leisurely pace and discover just what Shipshewana/LaGrange County offers.

Menno-Hof S.R. 5 South, Shipshewana (across from flea market). The Menno-Hof Visitors Center is located in the heart of Shipshewana. Take a guided tour and learn the history and diverse culture of the Amish and Mennonite lifestyles.

 

Weaver Furniture Sales 7870 West 075 North, Shipshewana (just two miles south of Shipshewana - 1/4 mile south and 1/4 mile east of Junction 5 & 20). Stop by the country showroom at LeRoy and Ida Weaver’s original farmstead where you can see a full line of handcrafted wood and upholstered furniture, accessories and gifts. If you find what you like in the showroom, a renovated dairy barn, take it home that day or design exactly what you want and have it custom built just for you and your home. You pick your wood, design and color and LeRoy and Ida Weaver’s chosen craftsmen will construct your custom Amish furniture. LeRoy and Ida Weaver and their family have spent more than 18 years providing their clients with high quality furniture at reasonable prices. The Shipshewana family run furniture business now also operates out of a second location in nearby Elkhart Indiana.

 

Handmade Quilts S.R. 5, South end of Shipshewana. Owner Edna Miller’s business all began back in 1989 when she started quilt piecing for her grandmother, who lived in Topeka. Since Edna and her family lived in Shipshewana, Grandma thought that location would be more accessible to customers. So great that Edna and her daughter Wanita started to create their own. Visitors can view over 100 quilts, wall hangings, pillows, quilt pieces and many other items at their store. The women will unfold quilt after quilt for you to observe. This stop is definitely worth your while! While touring, visit Handmade Quilts in Topeka, the original home Grandma lived in. Her daughter now helps to carry on the tradition, along with Edna and Wanita.

 

Yoders Popcorn 7680 W. 200 S. Shipshewana. Known for their “Tiny Tender” popcorn. Munch on a free sample as you look around this cozy country shoppe that offers a variety of gifts for popcorn lovers.

 

Lambright Country Chimes 0675 N. 840 W. Shipshewana. In 1999, the Lambright family displayed and sold one of the first windchimes in their bicycle shop. In the spring of 2003, the bike shop was sold and the windchime builder, because of tremendous growth, decided to sell the windchime part of his business. So, in the spring of 2004, Lambright Country Chimes was bought by Orley and Norma Lambright and family. Made of quality powdercoated aluminum tubing and cherry polywood tops and strikers. They offer 15 different sizes and six different colors such as silver, gold, bronze, antique patina green, eggplant, and speckled bronze. So if you’re looking for that unique gift, look no further than Lambright Country Chimes.

 

Emma Store 200 S. 600 W. Emma. Walk inside Emma Store and take note of the old-style wooden floor and soda fountain. The store building is Emma’s landmark, built in 1931. Founded about 1860 just south of Emma Lake, the village five miles north of Topeka originally was named Eden Mills because it had a large saw mill. By 1880, the town had been renamed Emma for a beautiful woman who lived there. Enjoy a break at the Emma Store for lunch, ice cream or home-made pie.

 

Lambright Woodworking 7785 W. 300 S. Topeka. Cletus Lambright , owner and operator of Lambright Woodworking, has always enjoyed designing and building things out of wood. In 1977, after working out of his basement, he built his first shop. Building custom kitchens and furniture per the customers specs has helped the business grow to include a large showroom and new production plant. The original building now houses an area to accommodate tour groups and individuals who would like to view skilled old-world craftsmen at their work. Step on guides are available for all tour buses. After you tour, browse the expanded showroom and visit the gift shop. While you’re here, enjoy the country atmosphere.

 

Handmade Quilts 9120 W. 300 S. Topeka. Welcome to the original home Grandma lived in and her daughter Edna Frey continues to reside in. Edna remembers her brother Ervin working at the hospital where one of the doctors asked him if he knew anyone who made quilts. Of course, Ervin recommended his grandmother. By word of mouth, Grandma soon was establishing her own clientele. Being a widow, this helped to supply more income for the family. Both families are continuing to carry on Grandma’s tradition of handmade quilts. You can browse through the selection of quilts and other handmade items Edna has to offer.

 

Owl Toycraft 9555 W. 300 S. Topeka. This is a small business owned and operated by Owen Wingard and his family. Own does the majority of the toy making, while his wife and children help out. They design their own toys and specialize in farm toys. He has a variety of different style barns and many types of farm equipment to go with it. These toys are durable enough to play with and create hours of fun for children. Owen recalls never having toys like these while growing up, and that’s what got his business started seven years ago. Stop in and take a look at the unique toys while enjoying the quiet countryside!

 

Maple Lane Wildlife Farm 7410 W. 700 S. Topeka. Domestic and exotic animals of all types reside on this Amish farm. They stock animals and birds that are native to such places as England, Peru, Vietnam, Australia, China, Canada and India. Take a self-guided tour through the shaded wildlife area to see the animals up close.

 

Tiffany’s Restaurant East Lake Street, Topeka (two miles east of S.R. 5 on 700 S.) When you’re on vacation and eating your meals out, you may think that home cooking is not on the menu. But, if you head to Topeka and stop in at Tiffany’s Restaurant, you’ll be in for a treat: mouth-watering, home-cooking in an atmosphere that’s cozy, comfortable and completely smoke free. So stop in and enjoy a home-cooked meal that will leave you totally satisfied. And if you still have room, Tiffany’s has many varieties of fresh baked pies.

 

David Rogers Memorial Park 550 S. 250 W. LaGrange. David Rogers Park is named for the pioneer doctor and philanthropist who formerly owned the property. His estate was given to LaGrange upon his death to start an orphanage. The former Rogers Children’s Home is the large brick house north of the park. To honor him and his gift, this land was set aside as the first LaGrange County park. Dr. Rogers grave and monument are located in the center of the park. Following the historic roots of the land, Rogers Park was developed with a pioneer theme. There are six authentic pioneer log buildings relocated here. At the end of August, this park hosts the David Rogers Festival, a living history celebration of 1845.

 

Plyley’s Candies 909 South Poplar Street, LaGrange. Plyley’s Candies are made the old-fashioned way, one batch at a time. Visit our factory store, where sweet aroma fills the air and watch us make our fine confections by hand, as we have for four generations. See for yourself our most important ingredient...the candymaker’s skill.

 

Maplewood Nature Center 100 S. 400 E. LaGrange. This environmental education facility staffed with a naturalist, has 100 acres of northern hardwood forest for hiking, cross country skiing and other nature related activities.

 

Cooks Bison Ranch 5645 E. 600 S. Wolcottville. Take a hay-wagon ride into the pasture to hand feed the great American bison in its own habitat. A unique experience for all ages! A variety of tour options are available; scenic ride to Cook’s Ranch, Feed the Bison, Haywagon rides and Full course Bufffalo Steak Dinners. Tours are conducted every Tuesday and Saturday (May-July) or by appointment.

 

Trading Post Canoe & Kayak Rental & Campground C. R. 300 N. Mongo. To get a close-up view of the area’s natural beauty, stop at the Trading Post in Mongo, rent a canoe or kayak and take a trip down the Pigeon River. Nature lovers are certain to enjoy the many activities available within the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area. It is the largest nature preserve remaining in the Midwest, with over11,500 acres.

 

Greenfield Mills 7560 N. 1050 E. Howe. Historical family-owned flour mill built in 1846 with hand-hewn timbers and wooden pegs, some of which can still be seen. There are three complete operating mills where the process of grinding wheat and buck-wheat into flour can be witnessed. Also, various other flours, wheat cereal, corn meal and pancake mix are ground.

 

St. James Chapel SR 9 & Union St. Howe. Built in 1903, as a model of a Cambridge chapel in Oxford, England, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. It features collegiate style seating and pews that were hand-carved by a German student in exchange for his tuitions. Beside the chapel, view the Howe Mansion. Built in 1893, Mr. Howe wanted windows that were not easily seen into by the nearby Indians. This home is also on the National Registry of Historic Places. Tours are by appointment only. 260.562.2131

 

Laura’s Country Store 1255 W. SR 120 Howe. Quilt maker Laura Yutzy began her craft over 40 years ago and still continues to operate an exceptional country store. It offers a delightful selection of over 100 handmade quilts, wall hangings and other handmade items and an amazing variety of hand-crafted oak furniture and lawn furniture.

 

Wana Cabinets & Furniture, LLC 7245 W. 200 N Shipshewana. Casper Hochstetler, owner of Wana Cabinets, was a foreman for 15 years at another woodworking business. Eager to own their own business, Casper and his wife, Wilma, decided to pen in the spring of 1992, specializing in custom made cabinets. Eventually the business was growing, so the Hochstetlers decided to expand their business to custom-made items such as hutches, bedroom suites and entertainment centers. Casper and Wilma are joined by their two daughters, four sons and other employees at this family-owned and family-run business. The business has grown from a one-room showroom floor to a two-story building displaying a range of furniture. Wana Cabinets can take your plans and implement them or design a piece just for you. A stop to Wana Cabinets and furniture is well worth your time and remember, each piece of furniture or cabinetry they make is a handcrafted heirloom.

 

Old Farver School 315 N. Morton St. Shipshewana. One of the newest additions to the downtown area is the Old Farver School. It has been a community project to transform this one-room school house into the community library. It was dismantled in the country-side where it stood and was repositioned downtown next to the old train depot. The school is thought to have been built in 1869.