Shipshewana, Indiana is more than just an interesting name.  Coined after the chief of the area's native Potawatomi Indian tribe, this town is now known for the 3^rd largest settlement of Amish and Mennonite people.   Surrounded by farms, the quaint downtown offers restaurants and shops where you can enjoy delicious Amish meals and baked goods as well as experience buggy rides around town.

Davis Mercantile

Another must-see staple in Shipshewana is Davis Mercantile.  With roots dating back to 1891 when a businessman named Hezekiah Davis opened a small hotel with shops by the train depot for folks traveling to or through the area.

Almost a decade later, the Alvin Miller family bought the property and after a series of unfortunate events, including a fire, they have brought this old gem back to life again for all to enjoy.  Families travel from all over the country to spend a weekend in Shipshewana and they all make it a point to stop and enjoy this four-floor, 21-store attraction that harkens back to another time.

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Unique Shopping Experience

• Lower Level: A Little Bit of Lolly’s, Cuddle Corner, Head Over Heels, Raber Patio Enclosures & Furniture
• 1st Floor: JoJo’s Pretzels, Lolly’s Fabrics, The Lang Store, Village Boutique, Sarah Davis Ltd, Simple Sounds, Kitchen Cupboard
• 2nd Floor: Vintage Home, Options, Back Home Again, Shipshe Casuals, Truly Yours
• 3rd Floor: Millie’s Market Cafe, Aunt Millie’s Candy, Red Wagon, Dentzel Carousel

As you may be able to tell, a lot of these shops have locally-owned businesses you can’t find everywhere else.  Old-fashioned candy stores, vintage shops, Amish-made furniture, quilting and crafting specialties, handmade candles, a music store with folk instruments like dulcimers, and much more! I think it adds the perfect element to the nostalgic ambiance of the town.

You have to make your way to the 3^rd floor to see what makes this place truly unique.  A working 1906 Dentzel Carousel!  This historic amusement ride has all working original parts right down to the gears and the pole in the center.

The animals on the ride are all inspired by the dogs, chickens, cows, and horses that live and work on the Amish farms around the area. This showstopper was hand-carved by Amish woodworker, Al Bontrager, and artist Cheryl Kellett painstakingly painted every colorful detail.  I can’t imagine how much time this took to create.  Take a ride, eat your candy from the candy store, and pretend to be a kid again.

Location and Hours

Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Address: 225 Harrison St, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Phone Number: (260) 768-7300