Ever drive through Northern Indiana and suddenly realize you’re stuck behind a horse-drawn buggy? It happens. A lot. Most people think of Pennsylvania when they hear "Amish," but Indiana actually holds the third-largest population of Amish people in the world. As of early 2026, the state is home to over 65,000 members of the Old Order.
They aren't just in one spot, either.
If you look at an indiana amish communities map, you'll see clusters scattered from the Michigan border all the way down to the rolling hills of the south. It’s not a single "colony." It’s dozens of independent settlements, each with its own vibe, its own local rules (the Ordnung), and honestly, its own level of comfort with us "English" folks showing up to buy cinnamon rolls.
The Big Three: Where the Map Gets Crowded
You can't talk about Amish Indiana without hitting the heavy hitters. These are the areas where the population is densest and the tourism is, well, pretty intense.
1. The Elkhart-LaGrange Settlement (Shipshewana)
This is the big one. Geographically, it’s centered around Shipshewana and Middlebury. It is massive. We are talking about 26,000 people living in one interconnected web of farms and small towns. If you’re looking at a map, this covers the northeast corner of the state.
Why do people flock here? The Shipshewana Flea Market. It’s a monster. But if you want the real experience, you gotta get off State Road 5. The real life happens on the county roads where the "shingle shops" are. These are small businesses run out of home garages or barns. You’ll see a literal wooden shingle hanging by the driveway that says "Baking" or "Farrier" or "Quilts."
2. The Nappanee Settlement
Just a bit west of the Shipshewana area is Nappanee. For a long time, this was a distinct, separate group. But the populations have grown so fast that they’re basically merging now. Nappanee is famous for its "Barns of Nappanee" (formerly Amish Acres), but the actual community is deeply tied to the RV industry. Fun fact: a huge percentage of the people building those massive luxury RVs you see on the highway are actually Amish craftsmen.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
3. The Adams County Settlement (Berne)
This is where things get weird. In a good way.
The Amish in Berne, Indiana, are of Swiss heritage, and they are distinct from the Pennsylvania German-descended groups up north. If you look at them on the map, they’re about 40 miles south of Fort Wayne.
How are they different?
- The Buggies: Up north, buggies have yellow or black tops. In Berne? They often have no tops at all. It’s a local tradition.
- The Language: They speak a Swiss-Amish dialect that even other Amish people sometimes struggle to understand.
- The Look: It’s "plainer." More conservative. You won't find nearly as many tourist-trap gift shops here. It’s raw, authentic, and honestly, a bit more private.
Moving South: The Hidden Gems on the Map
Most people stop after Shipshewana. Big mistake. If you keep heading south on your indiana amish communities map, you hit Daviess County.
This area, near Montgomery and Odon, is stunning. It’s got these massive rolling hills that make for a brutal workout for the horses, but a beautiful view for you. About 5,000 Amish live here. It’s a "lunch bucket" community, meaning many of the men work in construction or cabinetry shops rather than just traditional farming.
If you’re down there on a Friday night, you have to go to Dinky’s Auction Center. It’s chaos. It’s wonderful. You’ll see hundreds of buggies parked outside and everything from livestock to antique furniture being auctioned off. It’s the closest you’ll get to seeing the community just being themselves without the "tourism" filter.
💡 You might also like: Is there actually a legal age to stay home alone? What parents need to know
Smaller Spots You’ll Miss if You Blink
- Grabill: Just northeast of Fort Wayne. It’s a tiny pocket that feels like it’s frozen in 1890, despite being 20 minutes from a Chick-fil-A.
- Parke County: Famous for its covered bridges, it’s also home to a growing settlement of "gray-top" buggies. These folks moved here from Lancaster, PA, in the 90s looking for cheaper land.
- Milroy: A small, very traditional settlement in Rush County.
Maps and Etiquette: How Not to Be "That" Tourist
Look, having a map is one thing. Using it respectfully is another. These aren't museum exhibits; they’re people’s backyards.
The Camera Rule
It’s the most important one. Most Old Order Amish believe that posing for a photo is an act of pride (a sin). If you’re snapping photos of people’s faces, you’re being a jerk. Take pictures of the scenery, the buggies from a distance, or the sunset. Leave the people out of it.
The Sunday Rule
Don't bother. Sunday is for church and family. Almost every Amish-owned business—from the biggest furniture store to the smallest roadside egg stand—will be closed. Even the gas stations in these towns feel like ghost towns on Sundays.
The Road Rule
If you’re driving, give the buggies room. When you pass, don't gun your engine or honk. It scares the horses. Also, be careful at night. Even with reflective tape and battery-powered lights, buggies are hard to see on those dark Indiana backroads.
Why the Indiana Map is Expanding
You might think the Amish are a disappearing vestige of the past. Nope. They are one of the fastest-growing populations in America. Most families have 6 or 7 kids. Because of this, they’re constantly outgrowing their land.
This is why you see new "dots" appearing on the indiana amish communities map in places like Switzerland County or Orange County. They are moving to where the land is affordable and the "English" influence is thin.
📖 Related: The Long Haired Russian Cat Explained: Why the Siberian is Basically a Living Legend
They are also incredibly adaptive. You’ll see solar panels on some barns now—not to power a TV, but to charge the batteries for the buggy lights required by state law. They use air-powered tools in their shops. They find a way to stay "separate" while still being part of the modern economy.
Real Insights for Your Visit
If you actually want to see the "real" Amish Country, here is what I’d suggest.
First, get a physical map. GPS is great, but in places like LaGrange County, some of those tiny gravel roads don't even have names on Google Maps. Stop at the Menno-Hof in Shipshewana first. It’s an information center that explains the history of the Amish and Mennonites without being cheesy.
Second, look for the "Bulk Food" stores. Places like E&S Sales in Shipshewana or any small country store in Daviess County. This is where the local families shop. You’ll find 50-pound bags of flour, weird spices you’ve never heard of, and the best damn cheese you’ve ever tasted.
Lastly, talk to people. If you’re at a shop and it isn't busy, ask questions. Most Amish people are perfectly happy to chat about their work or the weather. Just don't ask them why they don't use electricity—they’ve heard that one a billion times. Ask about their craft. Ask about the horses.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download a specialized "Backroads Map": Visit the official tourism sites for LaGrange or Daviess County and download their specific artisan trail maps. These list the "shingle shops" that aren't on Google.
- Check the Auction Schedule: Plan your trip around a local auction (like Dinky's on Fridays or the Shipshewana livestock auctions). It's the best way to see the community in its natural element.
- Book a "Hometowne" Meal: Some communities allow you to book a dinner in an actual Amish home. It’s not a restaurant; it’s a family serving you in their kitchen. Search for "Amish home dining" in the Nappanee or Berne areas to find authorized hosts.