Middlebury, Indiana Is A Charming Amish Town Perfect For A Leisurely Weekend Drive
Nestled in the heart of Indiana’s Amish country, Middlebury offers visitors a glimpse into a simpler way of life.
Horse-drawn buggies share the road with cars while handcrafted treasures await in local shops. Whether you’re craving homemade pie or seeking a peaceful escape from city life, this quaint town delivers authentic charm around every corner.
1. Amish Buggy Tours Reveal Local Life
Want to experience Middlebury like a local? Buggy tours offer intimate glimpses into Amish culture that you simply can’t get from your car.
Local guides share stories passed down through generations while horses clip-clop along country roads. Families wave from front porches as you pass their immaculate farms.
Most tours last about an hour, giving you just enough time to appreciate the deliberate pace of Amish life.
2. Handcrafted Treasures Fill Local Shops
Artisan workshops dot Middlebury’s landscape, each one showcasing incredible craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Walking into Gohn Brothers feels like stepping back a century. Their traditional Amish clothing store has operated since 1915. Just down the street, Teaberry Wood Products displays stunning furniture made without power tools.
Savvy shoppers bring cash, as many Amish merchants prefer not to use credit card machines.
3. Farm-Fresh Dining Delights Foodies
Morning glory muffins still warm from the oven greet early risers at Rise’n Roll Bakery, where lines form before dawn for their famous cinnamon caramel donuts.
Lunch at Das Dutchman Essenhaus means hearty plates of fried chicken and mashed potatoes served family-style. Ask any local: saving room for pie isn’t optional, it’s mandatory.
For dinner, Blue Gate Restaurant serves authentic Amish recipes featuring ingredients harvested that very morning.
4. Scenic Countryside Drives Refresh The Soul
Rolling hills unfold like a patchwork quilt as you venture beyond town limits. Corn and soybean fields stretch toward the horizon, punctuated by red barns and white farmhouses.
Autumn transforms this landscape into a fiery canvas of oranges and reds. Spring brings wildflowers dotting emerald pastures where draft horses graze peacefully.
Roll down your windows along County Road 16 to catch the scent of freshly cut hay and hear the distant clip-clop of hooves.
5. Heritage Trail Connects Past And Present
Winding through Elkhart County, the 90-mile Heritage Trail reveals Middlebury’s historical heart. Download the audio guide and cruise at your own pace through covered bridges and historic districts.
Stop at Krider Garden where miniature replicas from the 1933 World’s Fair still enchant visitors. Don’t miss the Dutch Valley Marketplace for road trip snacks with Amish flair.
Look for blue and gold quilt-patterned signs marking significant landmarks along this self-guided adventure.
