You know you’re in Amish country when you see these as you travel down the road…
But in this post I’ll focus more on what we saw along the Heritage Trail, a 90-mile route that led us through the small towns of Elkhart, Bristol, Middlebury, Goshen, Shipshewana, Nappanee and Wakarusa in Northern Indiana. We were deep in the heart of Amish country, where we took a free audio CD tour beginning in Elkhart, our home base for a week. The visitor center provided us with it, and we think it’s worth stopping for if you want to see and learn about the area.
This was our first self-guided driving tour following an audio CD, which provided driving instructions and information as we went along. It took a little getting used to, but after the first few turns we had it figured out. The route wound through several small towns and past many miles of corn and soybean fields. The broad horizon was punctuated by neat red barns, white farmhouses and black horse-drawn buggies. The history of the region and the Amish people who began settling here in the 1840’s was detailed, as were the various must-see attractions along the way:
Although we had already learned quite a bit about the Amish way of life during our stay in Ohio last year, we saw many more farms and businesses while driving through this area. Here’s a look at some of the highlights along the Heritage Trail, which took us most of a day – including stops along the way.
Quilt Gardens
Many of you know that I like flowers, and when they are grouped together to form a giant pattern like a patchwork I’m in heaven. This region is dotted with thousands of blooms, with up to 20 large flower gardens planted in classic quilt patterns. These living displays adorn the seven communities along the Heritage Trail from May 30 to Oct 1 and can be viewed for free.
Here are some samples, with detailed descriptions, including the different kinds of flowers planted:
Driving along and following the audio CD tour is one way to view these gardens. We also walked around the city of Elkhart and biked the Pumpkinvine Trail in Middlebury, which gave us an up-close view of these somewhat hidden attractions:
Other patterns:
Vibrant outdoor quilt murals also added to the experience:
More scenes along the Heritage Trail:
Apple Art could be seen dotting the town of Nappanee. These are 4-foot apples stationed around town, each with its own appealing artistic design.
Amish craftsmanship could be admired or bought at shops in Middlebury:
The Old Bag Factory (built in 1890) in Goshen has been renovated, and is now an eclectic collection of artisan shops. In one of the historical displays we learned that those little paper plumes found in Hershey’s Kisses were originally made here from 1921 to 1982 – cool!
In Wakarusa we stopped by to get a sugar fix on candies, like their Jumbo Jelly Beans.
Shipshewana is known as the midwest’s largest flea market, but we skipped it as traffic into the property was horrendous and we don’t have room in Betsy for trinkets from places like that anyway.
On another day we biked the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, a 16.5 mile linear path connecting Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana, which was originally a railroad corridor. This trail, which passed through woodland, pastures and cultivated fields also included one of the quilt gardens that can be viewed up close at Krider Gardens.
The countryside along the trail was home to the third largest Amish community in the USA.
Driving the Heritage Trail was not only fun, but also informative and scenic. I have to agree with the editors of LIFE magazine that it is “One of America’s Most Scenic Drives.” It was interesting and there were a few surprises at every turn. But for me the quilt gardens were the star of the tour!
P.S. We have good friends traveling with us this week and having so much fun, which is why I am a bit behind with my posts. We’re now in Mackinaw City, MI. Stay tuned!
Lowes Travels 
When we stayed at the KOA in Middlebury we visited the Menno-Hof (http://www.mennohof.org/) in Shipshewana, which was very informational about the Amish.
We really enjoyed our time there an made some good friends.
Don
The Amish people are pretty much interesting and they are assimilating very well into our very connected lives. Their craftmanships are excellent.
What a neat drive and place to visit! I visited Pennsylvania Amish country when I was a kid, it would be neat to see it again. The Quilt gardens are cool! I remember eating Shoo Fly Pie as a kid…but have no memory what it tasted like…I just like the name!
Hmm Shoo Fly Pie? I did not see it sold here. The countryside here is colorful and scenic. But we noticed the area is pretty busy both of tourists and locals.
Great tour. Even though we are from Ohio and have gone to Amish country many, many times, it was a wonderful experience to see the Indiana Amish area. The land is so lovely and the people just as lovely. Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Love all those flower beds. I’m jumping with glee as I’m sure you’re visiting one of my favorite places; Mackinac Island. Can’t wait to read your post on it as well as hear who you’re traveling with 🙂
Yes Ingrid we are finally here! It’s been two years since you told us about Mackinac Island. But two more blogs and then our Mackinac adventures.
Look forward to it and hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🙂
We just missed you, as we are currently at Shipshewana South Campground. Amazing countryside.
Enjoyed your great photographs, as we are attending the Redwood Rally, we haven’t been able to drive around the Amish Trail.
Thank you, I think you should give it a whirl, its a beautiful country side.
This post was a trip down memory lane for me. My favorite was the flower quilt gardens and the pristine countryside. I know just where Steve was standing in the Wakarusa candy store! 🙂
Ha ha , he was tasting the jelly beans for me, although we still prefer the ones made in CA.
I have to agree with you there. 🙂
We haven’t visited that part of our country…thanks for the informative tour. The quilt gardens would be my favorite too!
Have fun with friends…..
The countryside and the farmlands here made this part of the state scenic and colorful.
Great job with explaining the Heritage Trail. I am sure all the Amish fascinate people from other areas. The garden quilts are gorgeous. What a perfect idea for this area. Your header “quilt” is my favorite. Glad you got in a nice bike ride, as well. I love jelly beans. This would have been a good stop for me:)
We did the heritage trail in one day and the country side is really scenic dotted with all those bearded and capped people 🙂 And was glad we found a biking trail, a colorful one too!
Love those quilt gardens. Not so sure about the giant jelly beans!
Ha ha I preferred the smaller jelly beans made in CA! The giant gardens were my highlight on this trip.
Thanks for letting us tag along on your tour of Indiana’s Amish Country. So much to see and do! Your pictures are stunning.
Thank you Marcia, these part of the country is really colorful, i think the Amish people do love to plant colorful blooms. Even their craftsmanship is pretty amazing good furniture stuff, too bad we don’t have a house anymore
Quilt gardens! I would love seeing those! And it’s great that they’re in bloom until October 1st, just in case we make a fall trip there. We’ve never traveled in Amish country, and it’s something we’re looking forward to. (Isn’t it fun to travel with friends? Enjoy the moment and don’t worry about those blog posts — we’ll be here when you’re ready to post.) 😉
What beautiful photos, Mona. I love the idea of quilt gardens. 🙂 The Amish are very hard working people, and take such good care of their land. Their crafting skills are amazing. I’d love one of those rocking chairs for my house in Florida. 🙂