Local area

Once the centerpiece of Elkhart society, Ruthmere has been lovingly restored to offer a windown into the Gilded Age. As you tour rooms lushly appointed with period furnishings take note of one-of-a-kind details and world class fine art and decorative arts such as Tiffany lamps Rodin sculptures and vintage autos.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the 80-acre restored Old Order Amish farm offers room to roam and packages that include some of the region's best entertainment, food and lodging. Surrounded by pastoral beauty, visitors explore 18 restored and historical buildings, browse six shops, take wagon and buggy rides, sample the best wines from Indiana and Lake Michigan shore vineyards and feast on the famous Threshers Dinner in the century-old barn restaurant.

You may need a nap after one of the hearty, all-you-can-eat Amish-style feasts. Platters and bowls filled with traditional family favorites come complete with a beverage and a generous slice of made-from-scratch pie. The Village Shops showcase specialty gift items, souveniers, quilts, furniture, home decor and more. Old-fashioned hospitality in this wholesome environment includes family friendly activities such as carriage rides, miniature golf, a children's playground and bike rentals.

See and hear the Amish-Mennonite story at Menno-Hof, the perfect place to start your visit to Amish country. Centered amid park-like grounds the complex was built by Aish and Mennonite craftsmen during an old-fashioned barn raising. Multimedia presentations, historical environments and colorful displays take you on a fascinating journey inside the unique world of the Amish and Mennonites. See a 17th century sailing ship and replicas of a 19th century print shop, meeting house and Amish home.

Spend a leisurely morning or afternoon in the galleries, specialty shops, artisan boots and studios in this renovated 1890's bag factory turned artisan complex. It celebrates the creativity of some of Indiana's most talented artisand with handstitched quilts in contemporary designs, handcrafted furniture and high-fired pattery. You'll also find antiques & primitives, new and vintage pianos, jewelry and other unique finds in this spacious red-brick building just a short drive from downtown.

The woodland setting features winding stone paths, charming pump houses and works of art from nationally renowned sculptors. Vantage points from walkways and bridges offer panoramic views in all seasons.

Scenic cruises along the majestic St Joseph River highlight gorgeous waterfront homes and area history. Sunday public cruises June through September. Private cruises June through October. Advance reservations required.

Fifth generation family-owned U-pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch. Specializing in Indiana's finest homegrown and homemade products, free hayrides, corn maze and lots of fall family fun.

Family owned and operated producers of small batch, handmade country wines. Open April 1 - December 31.

Welcome home to where the buffalo still roam. Take a tour, ride in a wagon, feed the buffalo and enjoy a buffalo burger or chuck wagon meal. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. Call for reservations and tour schedules.

Midwest's largest flea market open every Tuesday & Wednesday May through October. Antique Auction every Wednesday morning year-round.

Try the world famous Jumbo Jelly Beans that come from a candy store celebrating over 100 years of sweetness.

Indiana's only professional, resident, musical repertory theatre featuring Plain and Fancy, the story of life and love on an Amish farm, in repertory with five musicals and one comedy.

Located downtown in the historic Bristol Opera House, this nationally-recognized community theatre offers affordable, high quality plays, musicals and youth theatre productions year round.

Newly restored and expanded! 1920's era movie palace turned performing arts complex features a 1,700 seat theatre and ballroom and hosts year-round performances, theatrical workshops, backstage tours and more.

Come experience a sense of place. Numerous exhibits illustrate the people, landscape and events that shaped our past and present. Extensive library with archives availalbe. Weekly events and programs.

Explore the 70+ year history of Super Heroes in comics, toys, film and animation. Features the world's largest collection of comic books, super hero memorabilia, original art and props.

Features the largest Norman Rockwell lithograph collection and the largest Overbeck Art Pottery collection in the states; also paintings, sculptures and ceramics.

The most significant collection of New York Central artifacts in the world. Fun for rail fans, groups and families.

The only museum of it's kind; experience eight decades of the RV/MH Industries' models, while learning how RVs have impacted our nation.

Preserves and displays artifacts and information about this charming middle-American town and its surrounding areas. Revolving exhibits reflect local history since 1836.

Experience 114 years of transportation history. See Lincoln's carriage, a 1934 Bendix car and a 1956 Packard Predictor Car of the Future.

Theatre, concerts, restaurants, and shopping are what awaits you when you visit The Blue Gate. In the small town of Shipshewana, you'll find the local gem The Blue Gate where you can partake in shopping, buggy and carriage rides, concerts that come into the area, and delicious baked goods!