4-Day Outdoor Adventure from Angola to Shipshewana in Steuben & LaGrange Counties

See Where the Buffalo Roam at Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve spans more than 400 acres of rolling Indiana prairie, natural waterways, and lakes, and it is home to around 250 bison. Tours take visitors into the herd by open-air vehicle, and the gift shop carries buffalo meat and handcrafted items. In spring and fall, Wild Winds also hosts a popular rendezvous inspired by the 1840s mountain-man era.

Lunch at Clay’s Family Restaurant

Save room for Clay’s famous pie at Clay’s. This locally owned, family-friendly restaurant serves comfort food favorites like beef pot roast, meatloaf, pasta, and chicken.

Trine State Recreation Area

Adjacent to Pokagon State Park, Trine State Recreation Area features nearly 200 acres of rolling wooded hills, open meadows, unique wetlands, and a kettle lake. It is a quieter outdoor stop that gives you a different side of the same natural area.

Take a Shopping Break in Steuben County

Boutiques and speciality shops are scattered throughout Steuben County. Whether you are looking for clothing, home decor, gifts, or specialty foods, the local shopping guide makes it easy to find your next favorite stop.

Dinner at Timbers Steakhouse and Seafood

Timbers Steakhouse and Seafood goes beyond the usual steakhouse menu. You will find five cutsof steak, from ribeye to porterhouse, along with seafood and other American favorites in a comfortable setting.

Check Out and Breakfast at Sofia’s Kitchen

Before heading out of Steuben County, stop at Sofia’s Kitchen in Angola. This local favorite serves pancakes, crepes, waffles, and omelets, alongside authentic Mexican dishes, burgers, and sandwiches.

Travel to Shipshewana and Stop by the Visitors Center

When you arrive in Shipshewana, make your first stop the Shipshewana Visitors Center. You will find brochures, a visitor’s guide, a coupon book, and helpful staff ready to point you in the right direction.

Grab Your Cooler and Stock Up at Yoder’s Meat and Cheese

Stop at Yoder’s Meat and Cheese before the rest of your adventure. You will find a wide selection of meats, cheeses, smoked items, deli favorites, jams, jellies, candy, salsa, popcorn, and more.

Head to Mongo for a Kayaking Adventure with Trading Post Outfitters

Spend your first afternoon in LaGrange County on one of the area’s scenic local waterways. Trading Post Outfitters will help you choose your route, get your gear ready, and assist with launch and transportation. With route options from 4 to 16 miles, it is easy to shape the day around the kind of paddle you want.

Check Into Your Accommodations

Choose the overnight stay that fits your style. Shipshewana and the surrounding area offer inns, campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

• Blue Gate Garden Inn, Shipshewana
• Farmstead Inn, Shipshewana
• Trading Post Outfitters Campground, Mongo
• Shipshewana RV Park
• Shipshewana North Park Amish Log Cabins and Campground
• Shipshewana South Park Campground

Dinner and a Show at Blue Gate Theater

After a long day outdoors, enjoy dinner at the Blue Gate Restaurant, then head to the Blue Gate Music Hall or Performing Arts Center for a concert or show. It is an easy way to wind down while still making the most of your evening in Shipshewana.

Spend the Morning at a Working Farm

Head just out of town to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park to see animals of all types and sizes. Drive through in your own vehicle or take a horse-drawn wagon ride. A picnic area and walk-through section let you get up close to smaller domestic animals, and yes, you can pet or hold some of them. Have you ever cuddled a baby piglet?

Or Visit Cook’s Bison Ranch

Take a drive to Cook’s Bison Ranch for a wagon ride out to the herd. You can feed the bison by hand, take photos, and experience a stop that feels a little different from the usual farm visit.

Take an Afternoon Break at LaGrange County Parks

LaGrange County parks offer a solid mix of beach time, playgrounds, picnic areas, disc golf, birdwatching, fishing, and trails. It is a good chance to slow down and choose the kind of outdoor stop that fits your mood.

• Dallas Lake Park – public beach, picnic areas, playground

• David Rodgers Memorial Park – pickleball court, picnic area

• Delt Church Park – 18-hole Disc-golf course, MegaTower accessible playground

• Maple Wood Nature Center – Walking Trails, picnic areas, birdwatching,

• Pine Knob Park – Fishing and hiking trails

Stock Up on Fishing and Hunting Gear

If you need outdoor supplies before heading home, stop by Dutchman Hunting Supplies and L&R Marine in Shipshewana. Both shops cover fishing gear, hunting supplies, and other essentials.

Explore the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

Bring your own bike or rent one and head to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. This fully paved 17-mile trail winds through forests, scenic countryside, Amish farms, and small communities, make it a peaceful way to wrap up your trip.