Tourism & Festivals

Photo by Keith James Photography

There’s always something happening in LaGrange County. Festivals and special events are held throughout the year. In the spring there’s the Maple Syrup Festival at Maple Wood Nature Center and the Shipshewana Mayfest, a family celebration with food, parades and music.

During the summer months, there are free concerts in Howe’s Town Park, Topeka’s parks and the LaGrange Courthouse gazebo. 4th of July Festivals are held in Topeka, LaGrange, Stroh and Wolcottville.

May-August brings the Shipshewana Antique Markets. Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day are extended flea market days.

The LaGrange County 4-H Fair, held at the LaGrange County Fairgrounds, packs in 4-H’ers and visitors in the month of July. In August you will find the Gas and Steam Engine Show as well as the Annual Habitat for Humanity Auction.

In October, LaGrange hosts Corn School, featuring a five-day street fair, parades and family fun. During November and December, towns throughout the county welcome the holidays with a variety of open houses, Santa’s arrival, live Nativities and the Shipshewana Light Parade. Quilt shows, craft fairs, church suppers, pancake breakfasts and other events sponsored by local church groups and civic organizations round out the year.

There is more to do in LaGrange County on top of visiting the Shipshewana Flea Market and antique shopping. You can enjoy a scenic ride down the Mongo River by canoe or kayak with scheduling a river time with Trading Post Outfitters. If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, there are numerous lakes throughout the county that offer some of the best fishing & boating spots in the state.

Wolcottville is where the buffalo still roam. See for yourself at Cook’s Bison Ranch as they bring back an American tradition. Take the tour, visit their gift shop and enjoy buffalo products.

Those who’d like to take a relaxed tour of the countryside may want to explore by horse and buggy. Amish tour companies introduce visitors to how today’s Amish live, with tours of Indiana Amish country, some including dinners in Amish homes. Tours by carriage are also available to take folks on relaxing rides down nearby rural roads.

Love to eat pie? LaGrange County offers the best in many restaurants and bakeries. For cheese lovers, be sure to visit some of the local award-winning cheese factories in our county to fill your shopping bag.

Visit the LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau located at 350 S. Van Buren St. (SR 5), Suite H, Shipshewana. Contact information: 800-254-8090 or 260768-4008; www.VisitShipshewana.org