Among Lagrange County’s preserved natural areas is the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area. It encompasses 11,794 acres of land, 529 acres of lakes and impoundments, and 17 miles of free-flowing river. This brings together several types of landscape rather than focusing on a single body of water.
Landscapes and Wildlife Watching
The area includes hardwood forests, wetlands and upland fields. Wildlife watching is possible year-round, with a particular focus on the spring migration of waterfowl. This distinction can help you choose when to visit: opportunities for wildlife watching are available throughout the year, while spring is especially notable for the waterfowl migration.
Another connection to the river can be found at Delt Church Park, which lies beside the North Branch of the Elkhart River. The county’s landscapes therefore include both the expansive protected area along the Pigeon River and a park along the Elkhart River.
Trails and Getting Around in Shipshewana
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is part of a network of four trails totaling 25 miles. This network connects Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana. The 25 miles refer to the entire network; the places listed show which communities it connects.
At the Pumpkinvine Trailhead - Shipshewana, parking is available in North Park and at the baseball fields at the end of Depot Street. From there, downtown shopping and restaurants are easy to reach on foot or by bicycle. For getting around locally, both parking locations and walking and biking access to downtown amenities are useful to know about.
History in Different Forms
David Rogers Memorial Park is home to six relocated pioneer log cabins. Menno-Hof shares the history of the Amish and Mennonites through multimedia presentations, historical scenes and colorful exhibits. The two places take different approaches: one focuses on historic log cabins, while the other offers several ways to learn about history.
The LaGrange Phalanx offers another historical perspective: between 1843 and 1848, the Fourier system of communal living was put to the test there. The dates place the experiment within a clearly defined period; its subject was a specific idea of communal living.
Stages and Cuisine
The Blue Gate Performing Arts Center hosts large concerts featuring artists in country, gospel, contemporary Christian music, rock and tribute shows. It has a capacity of 1,500 people; the capacity may change if the venue is modified. The Blue Gate Music Hall offers a different focus, with musical productions, variety shows, tribute shows and smaller concerts. The current programs at both venues are subject to change.
The Blue Gate Restaurant in Shipshewana is another of the local experiences mentioned here: it serves homemade Amish cooking, although the menu may change. Together with Menno-Hof’s history of the Amish and Mennonites, this offers a way to explore different aspects of the region—from cultural interpretation to cuisine.
Discover more destinations: Howe, Shipshewana, St. Joseph, Orange County, Wells County, Bartholomew County, Cass County, Henry County.
For the broader travel overview: Indiana.
