Discover Unique Bachelor Party Fun in Shipshewana, Indiana's Amish Country

Earlier this year I attended the Midwest Travel Network in Shipshewana, Indiana and it was an interesting experience. I've driven past this area dozens of times over the past 20 years since it is right off of the Indiana Turnpike between South Bend and Toledo but despite seeing the billboards I'd never thought of it as a place that guys might want to visit for a guys weekend ... much less a bachelor party. I was wrong though! This town actually has a lot going for it when it comes to guys looking for an easy-to-get-to destination and especially for those that don't need alcohol to have a great time, it also presents a unique bachelor party destination. Known for its Amish culture, excellent food, and fun attractions, Shipshewana is a fantastic place to gather with friends for a memorable, wholesome experience and I can't wait to go back again with some of my friends for a longer trip. 

Getting to Shipshewana, Indiana

Conveniently located in northern Indiana, Shipshewana is within driving distance of many major Midwestern cities, making it easy to reach for a weekend getaway. It’s roughly two hours from Chicago and Indianapolis, about an hour from Fort Wayne, and less than four hours from Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati. This prime location makes it a perfect choice for groups from around the region looking for a unique and accessible bachelor party destination.

Where to Stay: Blue Gate Garden Inn

Shipshewana has several great options for places to stay at different budgets, but we enjoyed our stay at the Blue Gate Garden Inn. It's among the pricier options despite lacking some of the fancier elements of hotels in major cities but it offers a really nice "down home" feel including a farm animal display in the lobby and it is a quick walk to both the Michiana Event Center across the street as well as the Blue Gate Theater and Blue Gate Restaurant ---- world famous for it's massive Amish Buffet and incredible pies.

This cozy hotel offers spacious rooms with a modern, rustic feel that fits right in with the local vibe. Blue Gate Garden Inn provides the perfect base for your bachelor party weekend with amenities like a pool, a theater, and even an on-site bakery. The hotel is also just a stone's throw away from many of Shipshewana's best attractions.

Savor Hearty Amish Cuisine

No trip to Shipshewana is complete without diving into authentic Amish cuisine. The town has several excellent dining spots serving hearty, homemade dishes. The Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery offers a traditional Amish buffet, complete with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and a selection of mouthwatering pies. Whether you’re sitting down to a big meal or grabbing fresh pastries, Amish food is guaranteed to satisfy and fuel your group for the day ahead.

While you can't go wrong with food at the Blue Gate, there's a ton of other cool ideas for guys to explore on a Shipshewana bachelor party.

E&S Sales Bulk Foods

From fresh-made pizzas, pies, cookies, and quite possibly the largest candy selection I've ever seen, this is a great place to stop at and get supplies to take back to your suite or bring with you for a day of outdoor adventure.

Yoder's Meat & Cheese

While not as diverse of a selection as E&S, Yoder's Meat and Cheese market is the place to go if you're looking for meats and cheeses plus a variety of other snacks, including sausage sticks and popcorn.

Amish Kuntry Fried Pies

I'm a sucker for fried pies and these ones are super good. While you might have seen these in grocery stores back home that say "Amish", I never really understood before that they were literally made by hand with fresh fruits and other ingredients as available. At Amish Kuntry you can even peak through the window and see them making the pies or if you are lucky, even taste one hot out of the fryer!

Shipshewana Popcorn

It shouldn't be surprising that a town like this surrounded by Indiana farmland filled with thousands of acres of corn would also be world famous for popcorn, but here we are! From Shipshewana Popcorn Co. to Yoder Popcorn there are some great options here. Even for folks like myself who "don't like popcorn", give it a shot here. I was quite impressed with the variety of flavors and varieties. One thing I didn't realize is that unlike most store-bought popcorn, "Amish Popcorn" is typically hulless and non-GMO. I'm not sure if that really makes them better or if it's the spirit of the day, but the ones I tasted were all delicious!

Amish Haystack Supper

This is an interesting tradition that we got as a special treat during one night at the conference but you can get a similar experience at some of the local restaurants around town, including a breakfast version of it too. The concept is pretty simple - it's just a pile of different delicious food items layered one on top of the other to make a "haystack". Each layer has a different symbolism behind it but I suspect some of that will vary from location to location. 

Catch a Show or Concert at the Blue Gate Theatre

After a hearty meal, head over to the Blue Gate Theatre for a night of musical entertainment. The venue features a variety of shows, from country music concerts to bluegrass performances and even musical comedies. This laid-back entertainment option makes for a fun, relaxing evening where you can sit back, laugh, and enjoy some live tunes with your friends. If you think this is going to be some rinky dink venue since it's off the beaten track ... think again! 

Acts performing here in 2025 include: Warrant, Larry The Cable Guy, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Three Dog Night, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lonestar and ZZ Top! Plus there's plenty of tribute bands as well.

Seriously, this is a great little theater and was even nominated for an ACM "Theater of the Year" award in 2022!

Get Hands-On at Ben’s Pretzel-Making Class

Ben’s Soft Pretzels is a great place to visit even just for a quick snack but they also offer an entertaining pretzel-making class that you can book for a group of guys looking for a fun sober bachelor party activity. During this time, you and your friends can learn the art of making this delicious snack from scratch ... maybe even from Ben himself like we did! Twist and bake your own pretzels, then enjoy the fruits of your labor (with or without dipping sauce!). It’s a fun, interactive way to break up the day and try something new with the guys.

Experience Thrills at the Michiana Events Center

The Michiana Events Center (MEC) is Shipshewana’s go-to spot for high-energy events. Depending on the time of year, you can catch exciting attractions like tractor pulls, bull riding, and live auctions. Watching the powerful machines in action or seeing skilled riders take on a bucking bull is sure to be a highlight of the weekend. Check the MEC’s event schedule to see what’s happening during your visit, as it often hosts seasonal events and shows that offer a unique taste of Midwestern culture.

Go Horseback Riding

Embrace the countryside with a horseback riding excursion. Several local stables offer guided trail rides through the beautiful landscapes around Shipshewana, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful, rural scenery up close. Horseback riding can be a memorable way to bond with friends and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Explore Amish Backroads on a Bike Tour

Shipshewana’s scenic countryside is ideal for a bike tour. Several companies offer rentals and guided tours through the Amish backroads, where you’ll pass picturesque farms, rolling hills, and even see horse-drawn buggies along the way. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, stay active, and experience the rural charm of Shipshewana. There's even the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Trail that connects the towns of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana if you are looking for a long bike ride with plenty of fun stops.

A bachelor party in Shipshewana offers an unforgettable experience filled with unique activities, fantastic food, and a strong sense of community. While this sober-friendly town might be a bit off the beaten track when it comes to planning a bachelor party or guys getaway, it is actually a perfect setting for a guy's trip that emphasizes camaraderie, adventure, and a touch of tradition. So gather your friends, plan your itinerary, and get ready for an adventure that’s every bit as fun as it is memorable!