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Experience Small Town Charm

Middlebury is an authentic community where family and a healthy lifestyle come first. Hometown blends of local shopping and outdoor adventures are featured in northern Indiana’s Amish country. Downtown, stroll through antiques and clothing boutiques, and stop by the Visitors’ Center, then hit the backroads to seek out Amish-owned country stores such as Dutch Country Market and Forks County Line Store. Rent a bike at Pumpkinvine Cyclery and cruise the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail or kayak down the Elkhart River.

History

Before the Europeans came to the region, the Miami and later the Potawatomi ruled the area. That changed in 1832, when the first settlers came from Middlebury, Vt. The first Amish families came from Somerset County, Pa. in 1841 and settled in the countryside surrounding the town. The Town of Middlebury was chartered in 1836, and was finally incorporated in 1868. In 1888, the railroad came to Middlebury and began to diversify the town’s economy to include manufacturing as well as farming.

Today Middlebury is a town of 3,572 located in Elkhart County approximately 35 miles east of South Bend, 130 miles east of Chicago and 165 miles north of Indianapolis. Conveniently close to major highways, railways and airports, where residents can have access to nearby urban centers of culture, entertainment and higher education without giving up the sense of belonging and the ability to unwind in a peaceful setting.

Dine

Dine where the locals do at Village Inn, West on Warren, State and Main, Souper Brew, Esther’s Hilltop and Rise ‘n Roll Bakery & Deli. Grab a high-quality craft beer at Wedgewood Brewing Company or enjoy a slice of award-winning pizza at Rulli’s Italian Restaurant. Then visit Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Indiana’s largest family restaurant, and the local meat market, Old Hoosier Meats, to take some goodies home!

Shop

Browse beneath the tin ceilings at The General Store of Middlebury, shop for whimsical gifts at Ace Hardware, hand-crafted hardwoods from Amish-owned Legacy Home Furniture, Pumpkin Patch Market, H&H Hardwoods, Clothesline Creations, or The Essenhaus Village Shops. Find local makers’ wares at the Chamber, unique antique, vintage, re-purposed and new furniture and décor from The Barn Door, or shop for yards of fabric at Gohn Bros. A must stop is at Joyfully Said and end your day at Varns and Hoover Hardware Store, a local commodity since 1886.

Relax

Go kayaking, play golf at Meadow Valley Golf Club or drive the Heritage Trail - named one of America’s “Most Scenic Drives.” Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream and a round of mini golf at Essenhaus Miniature Golf. Kick back at one of our local bed and breakfasts and pick up some fresh, local produce from one of our many countryside stands.

Explore

Explore the countryside riding the Pumpkinvine Trail past giant toadstool statues and an English tea house at Krider’s “World’s Fair Garden.” Watch one of the state’s largest and longest-running parades during the Summer Festival. The Fall Festival is brimming with food, pumpkins, mums, fireworks and activities for the whole family.

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County is committed to improving the quality of life in Elkhart County. One way we do that is supporting the connection and creation of trails in our community, including the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

Enjoy walking, running and walking our beautiful trails!

Learn more at InspiringGood.org and ConnectInElkhartCounty.com