Shipshewana, IN - Shipshewana RV park South, Sept. 19-23

[Colliemom]

I haven't acted on this as I am not sure just what I will be doing in Sept. Was also thinking that it's better for somebody who is down that way and knows campgrounds better, to suggest something since I am not familiar with any of them . The one is Shipshewana is a first come first serve one, so hard to plan a GTG right there. When it gets into October. I have to start watching weather as if it gets colder have to think about winterizing etc. Just threw it out there as a suggested place for a GTG for those in the lower Great Lakes and surrounding areas.

[Carolinagal]

I've been thinking about this for ages, latter part of Sept might work for me. I'll keep checking and see if anyone comes up with plans. I will get there one day, this year or next

CArol

[snowball]

ok this is going to be a stupid question...been reading a book series about the Amish (a fiction) but the writer
seems to be well versed in Amish things it seems like this is the name of one of the towns or areas that she has used
can't remember though if it was in Indiana so is this area Amish?
like I said just a stupid question
sheila

[IrishIroamed]

No stupid questions, you should hear some of my doozies!

Shipshewana is in Indiana. About 1/2 way between Chicago & Toledo.

[Bethers]

I Googled and found that Shipshewana claims to be the third largest Amish population in the US.

[snowball]

I Googled and found that Shipshewana claims to be the third largest Amish population in the US.

went back to the book and it's the area based around...Thanks Beth
sheila

[Colliemom]

Seems like there is some interest starting to get generated regarding a possible GTG in Shipshewana in Sept. What part of Sept would be best for those of you who might be interested. The big flea market closes on October 3rd, so don't want to go to late. I think Liz is interested as is possibly Carol, maybe Kathy and Cheryl? Good location for a number of you actually. I have been there once and it's a fascinating area. There is a campground right in Shipshewana but my understanding is that it's a first come first served, no reservations type thing. But as Melissa pointed out, there are a lot of state parks around the are and maybe even some private ones too. I'm going online and see if I can get some stuff sent to me from this area. I already have an IN travel book here. Weekends better than week days or combination of both? For hose of us who want to explore a bit more, covered bridges are all ove the place. And yes, this is a large Amish area. There are miles and miles of beautiful farms and white fences and horses and buggies all over. I almost felt like I was in an old west town with all the horses and buggies coming and going. Or had take a step back in time before the days the automobile.

[Liz]

3rd week of September or later will work for me.

[beazle]

Oh boy, another GTG close enough for me! I had such a great time meeting and learning from the women RVers at the little GTG in Frankenmuth, and I'd love to meet some more of you in September. I can camp with my tent if it's at that kind of CG or drive back and forth for a couple days from our family cottage in Angola. Will be watching for details as they emerge...
Eileen

[MelissaD]

I'm pretty much out of vacation days and we keep our 5er in Wapakoneta OH, so we'll probably just come up from Fort Wayne and visit for a day. There is also a KOA in Middlebury, IN about 10 miles from Shipshewana (corner IN-13 and IN-120). According to the Good Sam website there are 8 CG's in the area.

[Colliemom]

I found three so far on AllStays. One is the KOA which you mentioned Melissa. Camping Cabins there for those with no rigs, plus they have tour shuttles that take you down the area back roads to small Amish shops etc. extra charge for that of course. There are two Shipshewana Campgrounds, one North and one south, right in town. Still looking to see what else is around.

[Gentleladybear]

Mid Sept would work for me. Park near the flea market in Ship. This is good place close to anything you want to do.

[Colliemom]

Checking out the Shipshewana camgrounds, I have found two possibilities. http://www.shipshewanarvpark.com and www.shipshewanacampgroundnorth.com. There is another one right next to the flea market but they operate on a first come, first serve basis only. The north park is about 3 miles from town and looks to have bigger sites plus places where we can gather if rainy or something. South is closer and also has pavilions etc. they also do groups too. There are some ofvscwho have vehicles for transporting those who don't.

Possible dates for a GTG - Sept. 18-21 or 25-28. This way those of you who are working could come for weekend. Or come earlier and stay later.

Suggestions, ideas etc.

[beazle]

Hi all, I looked at the sites you posted, Sue, and the Shipshewana North one has cabins to rent. If it ends up later in September, tenting may be chilly. But, I can also stay free in Angola at the family cottage, which is just a quarter mile down the Lake from Pokagon State Park, so I know the area a bit. Whatever you all decide, I think I'll try to make it. I would love to meet some more of the women RV group, and learn from you as well as enjoying your company, of course. And, I'd be willing to share a cabin with another person without an RV, if that makes it easier for someone to attend.
Eileen

[Colliemom]

Eileen, would Pokagon State Park work as a possible GTG site and maybe a day trip to Shipshewana from there? Seems like a lot to do at that park but I'm not familiar with it. What's campground like? Might be a cheaper way to go.