Northern Indiana

Off the Beaten Path

Located in LaGrange County, the towns of Shipshewana, Topeka, LaGrange, Howe, Mongo and Wolcottville are home to Indiana's largest Amish communities. They offer countryside full of white-washed houses, bountiful vegetable gardens with flowering borders, laundry blowing in the breeze, and freshly baked goodies for sale along the roadside. Approximately 37% of the population of LaGrange County is Amish, and the county is home to the third largest Amish community in the United States.

Throughout Amish country and the other regions of Northern Indiana, life seems to move at a slightly slower pace. Small, quaint shops sell one-of-a-kind delights, meals are made from scratch, and area attractions often take visitors back in time. From historical centers and museums to candy stores and shops specializing in homemade quilts, LaGrange County in Indiana is a great destination to slow things down a bit, take in the scenery, and have some fun.

A great place to become familiarized with the ways of the local Amish residents is to visit Menno-Hof, a non-profit information center that teaches visitors about the faith and life of Amish and Mennonite people. Menno-Hof invites groups and individuals to learn about and experience Anabaptist history and lifestyle at their center in Shipshewana.

Nature lovers are sure to enjoy Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Reserve, the largest nature preserve remaining in the Midwest. It is the largest nature preserve remaining in the Midwest, and boasts over 11, 500 acres great for canoeing, fishing, hunting, camping, and many other outdoor activities. Golf courses in Northern Indiana are also secluded and serene, and are often located off the beaten path. Several golf clubs and courses are nearby, including Cedar Lake Golf Course in Howe and Cobblestone Golf Course in Kendallville.

Historical attractions abound, as the old Greenfield Mills goes to prove. It is an 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. Another hot spot is the St. James Chapel, built in 190, as a model of a Cambridge chapel in Oxford, England. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and features collegiate style seating and pews that were hand-carved by a German student in exchange for his tuitions.

Whether you choose to visit a bison ranch complete with hay rides, check out canoe and kayak rentals on the Pigeon River, or make a visit to the Maplewood Nature Center, you'll be sure to see how these great attractions are uniquely tied to Northern Indiana's rich history, culture, and connection to the land.