A popular attraction in the city of Shipshewana, the Flea Market (tradingplaceamerica.com) is one of the largest in the Midwest. Although it is normally held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through October, it offers an extended flea market that begins on the Labor Day holiday and continues into Wednesday. The event includes hundreds of vendors from around the region selling a wide array of items from antiques and furniture to handcrafted jewelry and artwork. For those who work up an appetite while shopping, the flea market also includes food booths that provide breakfast, lunch and a variety of sweet treats. The hours of operation for all days and events are always from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Since Shipshewana is known as the Northern Heart of Amish Country, no visit to the area would be complete without a stop at the Menno-Hof (mennohof.org), which teaches visitors of all ages about the Amish-Mennonite culture. The hands-on displays and exhibits cover 500 years of history from their beginnings in Switzerland to their new home in America. Special attractions include a 17th century sailing ship, replicas of a print shop and meeting house from the 1800s, and a tornado presentation that includes wind and vibration that actually shakes the theater. The center is open throughout the year, including Labor Day, but is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Camping can be a great way to enjoy Labor Day weekend. For those looking for campgrounds near Shipshewana, there is the Shipshewana Campground (shipshewanacampground.com). It provides a variety of camping choices such as tenting sites a short walk from the Shipshewana Flea Market, rustic camping cabins with nearby restroom and shower facilities, and luxury Amish log cabins, which include a private bathroom, television and air-conditioning. Although pets are not allowed in the cabins, the tent sites are pet-friendly as long as pets are leashed.
The Riegsecker Marketplace (riegsecker.com), located in the center of Shipshewana, has been attracting both visitors and residents since 1984. It provides a wide range of activities and attractions all in one convenient location that includes the Shipshewana Furniture and Riegsecker Cabinet Company (both offering Amish-made hardwood furniture and cabinetry), the Craft Barn (with a Christmas Room, Women's Boutique and candle shop) and Dad's Toys that sells a variety of scale models and toys. The on-site Blue Gate Restaurant includes seating for up to 600 guests and provides family-style meals and fresh baked goods with 25 different pies. Additional activities include the carriage and pony rides that range from the seven-minute town ride to the 30-minute country tour, and the Blue Gate theater, which presents live theater and musical entertainment throughout the year. All shops within the marketplace are closed on Sundays.
