8 Things to Do In Middlebury, Indiana

Krider “World’s Fair” Garden; Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Nestled in northern Indiana’s Amish country, Middlebury, Indiana, is a small town rich in charm and history with beautiful German-styled architecture, a quaint downtown with locally owned shops and restaurants, and top-rated nature trails.

Thirty-five miles east of South Bend and 130 miles east of Chicago, Middlebury and the surrounding area is home to the third-largest Amish community in the country. Driving through town, visitors can see the Amish and Mennonite influence in the farms, horses, buggies and bicycles cruising the main roads, as well as local stores run by Amish families.

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“Living in Middlebury, you have the best of both worlds – rural scenery without being far from bigger cities,” says Terry Mark, Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau director of communications and public relations. “It is a small town but captures a little bit of everything.”

1. Krider “World’s Fair” Garden

A spring day in Middlebury isn’t complete without a stop at the Krider “World’s Fair” Garden. With tranquil walking paths, botanical gardens, waterfalls, a pond, a gazebo, picnic tables and benches, the 2.4-acre space is perfect for picnics and an idyllic backdrop for photography. Krider Nurseries was founded in 1896 by Vernon Krider, who created the first thornless rose plant and constructed his famous garden at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1934.

“Krider Garden is the gem of the Middlebury Park System,” Mark says. “Many pieces ­– the toadstools, windmill and sculptures – were used in the 1934 fair and moved back to Middlebury for the community to enjoy.”

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

2. Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

A beautiful, paved pathway connecting the small towns of Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail provides an incredible experience for cyclists, hikers or anyone interested in a relaxing outdoor experience. The 17-mile linear trail has asphalt and packed limestone surfaces, with the final section completed in fall 2023. Along the trail, look for Amish farms, wildflower fields, helpful mile markers and trail signs, along with benches for those needing a rest.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

3. Heritage Ridge Creamery

Cheese lovers delight in the variety of cheeses and butter at Heritage Ridge Creamery. From cheddar to pepper Jack and everything in between, the award-winning cheeses are locally produced by farmers who make up the member-owned cooperative. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by Heritage Ridge on the Heritage Trail between the downtown areas of Middlebury and Shipshewana.

See more: Riegsecker Marketplace is a Holiday Destination With Local Roots

Photo credit: Elkhart County IN CVB

4. Rise’n Roll Bakery

A trip to Elkhart County isn’t complete without a sweet treat from the original Rise’n Roll Bakery. Opened 20 years ago by an Amish family using generations-old recipes, it was later sold to a family outside of the Amish tradition and expanded to more than 15 bakeries throughout Indiana. They offer preservative-free deli sandwiches, wraps, salads, Amish goods, cookies, pies and sweet breads made daily. Famous for their Cinnamon Caramel Donut, they also offer Peanut Butter Filled, Chocolate Frosted, Crunch Bismark, Peanut Bismark and Apple Fritter donuts.

Photo credit: Wedgewood Brewing Company

5. Wedgewood Brewing Company

Aiming to create a craft beer and live music culture in Middlebury, Wedgewood Brewing Company is a premier microbrewery and brewpub, serving an array of house brews, craft cocktails and scrumptious pub grub in a communal vibrant ambiance. Plus, they have a new event space a mere 300 feet from the taproom perfect for special occasions. Visit their website, wedgewoodbrewing.com, for hours, events and additional information.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

6. Dutch Country Market

Owned by Katie and Norm Lehman on the outskirts of Middlebury, Dutch Country Market specializes in a great variety of locally made foods and crafts. Known for Katie’s Noodles and Peanut Butter Spread and Norm’s pure honey, visitors can watch Katie and her daughters roll out noodle dough and see Norm’s busy bees making honey in their hives while learning about beekeeping. Open Monday through Saturday, check out delicious homemade delights mixed with a unique Amish experience.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

7. The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus

Both quilters and quilt admirers will delight in The Quilt Shop at Essenhaus on the Essenhaus campus, a two-story restored barn offering intricately made quilts and quilting supplies, including fabric, patterns and kits. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., shoppers also can buy supplies and handmade quilts online at essenhausquiltshop.com.

See more: Eiteljorg Museum Shares Amazing Stories of American Indians and Western Art

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

8. Das Dutchman Essenhaus

Discover an authentic Amish destination at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus campus, where people come from all over to eat at Indiana’s largest restaurant serving family-style dinners and an all-day buffet. Owned by Sue and Bob Miller since 1971, the large campus offers an inn, conference center, bakery, shops, carriage rides, mini golf, an ice cream parlor and bike rentals. From May through September, check out their free cruise-ins on Thursday evenings from 4:30 to 8 p.m. to see classic cars and visit with car enthusiasts.

See more: My Indiana Home Spring 2023