Shipshewana, Indiana

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Yoder's Dutch Country Store.
Yoder's Dutch Country Store.

Shipshewana is a town in LaGrange County, Indiana, United States. The population was 536 at the 2000 census.

Contents

[edit] Geography

Shipshewana is located at 41°40′37″N, 85°34′48″W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.4 km² (0.9 mi²). 2.4 km² (0.9 mi²)

Amish buggy offering tourist rides.
Amish buggy offering tourist rides.

[edit] Description

Shipshewana and LaGrange County are home to the "plain people": Mennonite and Amish. Their influence contributes to Shipshewana's unique small town atmosphere, which is also characterized by quaint downtown buildings, quality schools, a gracious park, a library of distinction, and a respect for people of faith, all of which are highly valued by its many long time residents.

The community also is generally well-kept; street trees and flowers are a part of the attractive appearance. Holiday decorations reflect the Christian values during the Christmas season, and are a source of pride for many Shipshewana residents. Most businesses are closed in the evenings and on Sundays, reflecting the Mennonite-Amish tradition of strong family values and close ties within the community.

Shipshewana is perhaps most famous for its Miscellaneous and Antique Auction, held every Wednesday throughout the year. It also features flea markets (Tuesday and Wednesday in season) as well as the Friday horse auction. Shipshewana is the only Indiana site listed in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

The town is served by the Westview School Corporation, in nearby Topeka, home of the Westview Warriors. The town maintains a park system, including a soccer field complex, softball/baseball diamonds, and a general park/playground adjacent to the Wolfe Building on Morton Street.

[edit] Demographics

Farm House Furniture Store.
Farm House Furniture Store.
The Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, a prominent part of the old-fashioned rural theme.
The Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, a prominent part of the old-fashioned rural theme.

As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 536 people, 235 households, and 149 families residing in the town. The population density was 224.9/km² (582.7/mi²). There were 251 housing units at an average density of 105.3/km² (272.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.57% White, 0.37% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.19% from other races, and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 235 households out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town the population was spread out with 24.1% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 79.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,156, and the median income for a family was $53,214. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $22,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,270. About 6.0% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 20.8% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Points of interest

Although a very small town, Shipshewana is home to numerous antique and country-style decor shops and restaurants, especially with a strong Amish flavor.

[edit] Events and Festivals

  • Pajama Sale (First Saturday each February)
  • Mayfest (First Friday and Saturday each May)
  • Shipshewana Antique Festival (First Saturday each August)
  • Fall Crafters Fair (Second Friday and Saturday each October)
  • Live Nativity Scene (Second Friday and Saturday each December)

[edit] Commercial Establishments

  • Antique Gallery
  • Apple Tree & Co
  • Blue Gate Dinner Theater
  • Bread Box Bakery
  • Buggy Lane Tours
  • Dad's Toys
  • Davis Mercantile
  • Davis Street Bed & Breakfast
  • Deutsch Kase Haus (The Cheese Factory)
  • Eash Sales
  • Farmstead Inn & Conference Center
  • Gallerina Folk Arts
  • Hand Made Quilts
  • Hostetler's Main Street Shoppe
  • Jo Jo's Pretzels
  • Lolly's Fabrics
  • Lonnie Bontrager
  • Menno Hof
  • Miller's Buggy Line Tours
  • Mousetrap Puppet Theater
  • Old Farver School
  • Raber Patio
  • Rebecca Haarer Antiques
  • Red Wagon Toys
  • Riegsecker Hardwoods
  • Rubley Blacksmithing & Knives
  • Ruthie's Cafe
  • Shipshe General Store
  • Shipshe Pizza and Indian Trails Mini Golf
  • Shipshewana Alpaca Store
  • Shipshewana Convention Center and Water Park
  • Shipshewana Flea Market
  • Shipshewana Historical Society
  • Simple Sounds
  • South Bend Chocolate Company
  • The Blue Gate Cafe
  • The Corner Bistro
  • The Craft Barn
  • Town & Country Hardware
  • Troyer Carriage & Saddlery
  • Wana Cup
  • Weaver Furniture Sales
  • Yoder Popcorn
  • Yoder's Dutch Country Store

[edit] External links

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