Shipshewana Flea Market & Auctions

Day 1

Day 1: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Be certain you have packed your most comfortable walking shoes; today is the day we depart for the Shipshewana Flea Market from your choice of available departure locations! Board a luxury Burlington Trailways touring coach where you will be met by your friendly host and driver. Relax and visit with your fellow Trailways Travelers as we make our way to Shipshewana today. A Rest & Refresh break as well as a lunch break will be taken along the way.
Upon arrival to Shipshewana, we check into the Blue Gate Garden Inn for a two-night stay. Have some time to freshen up before departing for dinner in an Amish Home prepared by Erma Miller. You are in for a real treat of a feast served family style that includes Broasted Chicken and Roast Beef, Scalloped Potatoes, Amish Cornbread Salad, Green Beans, Noodles and Homemade Bread with Butter. Be sure to save room for dessert too with some pie selections!
We return to the Blue Gate Garden Inn for a great night of rest before hitting the Flea Market in the morning.

Day 2

ay 2: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Up and at ‘em, get those walking shoes fastened on we are headed out for a special breakfast today. Biscuits & Bidding at the Shipshewana Auction combines the thrill of auction bidding with the comfort of a hearty breakfast. Here, one of the ring auctioneers will be providing instructions and special tips on how to navigate these multi-ring auctions. Whether you are a novice or an experienced auction-goer, we are certain you will feel more at home after this “Auction 101 Class”! Breakfast this morning is at the Auction Restaurant, located right next to the auction barn, and includes local farm fresh scrambled eggs, homemade biscuits, gravy, sausage links, pancakes and fruit. With your tummy full you are off to shop the sprawling array of over 700 vendor booths spread across 40 acres. This makes it one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the Midwest. As you stroll through the market, you’ll see colorful tents and tables brimming with a diverse mix of goods. Vendors offer everything from handmade crafts, antiques, and home décor to fresh produce, plants, tools, clothing, and unique, one-of-a-kind items. The mix of scents from food vendors adds to the sensory experience, offering treats like kettle corn, Amish baked goods, and local specialties. Then be sure to put those new-found auction skills to test as the auction experience is taken to another level with the multi-auction rings system during the Wednesday Miscellaneous & Antique Auction. This setup features up to six or more auction rings running simultaneously, each offering different categories of items. It creates a dynamic, fast-paced environment where bidders can move between rings to find items that catch their interest. Here’s a breakdown of what you might find in each ring:

1. Antiques & Collectibles: One of the rings typically focuses on antiques and collectibles, where bidders can find everything from vintage furniture and old signage to rare pottery, glassware, and historical memorabilia.
2. Household Items & Tools: Another ring often features household goods, tools, and everyday items. This ring is perfect for those looking for practical items like kitchenware, gardening tools, or even hardware.
3. Furniture: A separate ring is often dedicated to furniture, offering a range of pieces from Amish-made solid wood items to vintage and modern furniture. Buyers can find everything from dining sets to bedroom furniture, all at auction prices.
4. Farm & Garden Equipment: For those interested in outdoor items, another ring might focus on farm and garden equipment. This can include tractors, lawnmowers, tools, and other equipment useful for farming or landscaping.
5. Miscellaneous Items: The miscellaneous ring is where you can find a little bit of everything—items that don’t necessarily fit into the other categories. This could range from unusual, one-of-a-kind pieces to bulk lots of items like books, electronics, or toys.
6. Livestock & Animal-Related Items: Sometimes, there is a ring dedicated to livestock and animal-related items, offering everything from cages and feed to the animals themselves.
With multiple auction rings operating at the same time, the experience is bustling, with auctioneers calling out bids, buyers vying for their desired items, and the excitement of potentially snagging a great deal. The multi-ring setup allows the auction to cover a broad range of interests, making it a must-visit for collectors, resellers, and anyone who loves the thrill of an auction. Buyer numbers are available inside the Antique Auction building at the Auction office.
Beyond shopping, the flea market offers a peek into the local Amish culture, with Amish vendors selling handcrafted items and fresh, locally grown produce. The atmosphere is lively, with visitors browsing, bargaining, and enjoying the open-air market. Overall, the Shipshewana Flea Market is not just a shopping destination but a vibrant, community-centered experience that offers a day full of discovery, culture, and fun.
We will motorcoach everyone to the Das Dutchman for dinner this evening, on your own. The Das Dutchman is a favorite of our Trailways Travelers as we often have dinner here while staying in Middlebury at the Essenhaus Inn. You may choose from the menu or the large buffet, check out the bakery and the other shops located there before returning to the Blue Gate Garden Inn for the remainder of the evening.

Day 3

Day 3: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Enjoy a full hot breakfast that even includes homemade omelets, along with scrambled eggs, sausages, oatmeal, baked oatmeal, pastries, a waffle bar, fruit, and a variety of juices and beverages. After breakfast we will depart to make our return journey back home with all of your new treasures and fun experiences while in Shipshewana. Rest and Refresh breaks will be made as needed along with a stop for lunch.