Beyond Buggies: Biking & Kayaking Adventures in Shipshewana
Shipshewana, Indiana, may be known for being the third-largest Amish community in the country, but it’s also recognized for its outdoor adventure opportunities. If you are looking for an epic outdoor adventure, Shipshewana may be calling your name.
Family Crafting Activities in Shipshewana
Paddling and Pedaling quickly won my husband and me over, as we took to the bike and water trails in the area.
*Thank you to Visit Shipshewana for hosting us – as always, the opinions here are mine and nobody else’s.
Where Is Shipshewana?
Shipshewana is centrally located in northern Indiana, near the Michigan border. It’s a great destination for day trips from across the heartland.
Biking In Shipshewana
The Pumpkinvine Trail runs 17 miles from Shipshewana to Goshen, Indiana. You can hop on the bike trail in Shipshewana and begin your trek across Amish country. If you do not have your bike in tow, rent a bike from Otto’s Bike Shop at 2 Chicks & a Chair on Harrison St. in Shipshewana. Grab a “skirt holder” before you take to the trails- who knew?
Biking The Root River Train- SE Minnesota
Bicycles are everywhere in LaGrange County, which encompasses Shipshewana. All types of bicycles, including electric bicycles are common throughout the area. Horses and buggies are still present, but it’s quiet evident that electric bicycles are very popular.
Kayaking In Shipshewana
T & L Country Canoes offers canoe and kayak rentals on the scenic Fawn River. A warm June, summer day was calling and we hit the Fawn River. We were on the river mid-morning, which turned out to be prime time for wildlife viewing.
We saw turtles, herons, frogs, raccoons, ducks, geese, snakes, and otters. You name it, the wildlife seemed to appear.
Tim and Lori will make sure you are set up with your kayak and take you upriver.
I would suggest packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it on the grounds after you return from your Shipshewana kayak adventure.
Shipshewana Flea Market
The Shipshewana Flea Market is obviously not biking or kayaking, but it is a fun outdoor adventure to take in after you bike the trail or kayak the river. We had an enjoyable time exploring all 700+ vendors – Yes, 700!
The Shipshewana Flea Market is the Midwest’s largest flea market and after our visit, I now understand why it’s highly recommended.
Shipshewana, Indiana, is renowned for its horse-drawn buggies, which are a hallmark of Indiana’s Amish Country. Everywhere you turn, you will see a horse & buggy. Take the time to hop off the beaten path and explore the area by bike and kayak.
This is a small glimpse into what you can explore in Shipshewana. LaGrange County and Shipshewana are thriving 365 days a year, making it a great getaway all year long.
Order your Shipshewana travel guide today and plan your outdoor adventure in Indiana’s Amish Country.
SaraB
