5 Things to Do in Howe, Indiana

Amish Buggy in Shipshewana, IN

If you’re looking for a bright lights, big city getaway, there are plenty of places to glamp around the country. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, where simple reigns supreme, then it’s possible Twin Mills Camping Resort, in Howe, Indiana will fit that bill. Situated in the peaceful Amish country of northern Indiana, a trip here is all about enjoying the basics of life – the great outdoors and the peace and quiet that is nature’s cure all. Reserve a glamping cabin or cottage at Twin Mills and explore this midwestern retreat.

Cabin at Twin Mills Camping Resort
Cabin at Twin Mills Camping Resort

1. Visit Shipshewana: Learn all about the simple life of the Amish in Shipshewana. There’s Menno-Hof and the Shipshewana Area Historical Society for starters. The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is just the place to find whatever you’re looking for as they have over 700 vendors selling pretty much everything. There are also several buggy ride tours that can take you through the rolling countryside and provide insight into the Amish lifestyle. The Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery is a great stop to enjoy homestyle Amish food.

2. Explore the Trails: 17 miles of paved path allows visitors to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail to bike, walk, or simply stroll while enjoying the beautiful countryside that connects several towns along this lush, wooded walkway. There is also the Heritage Trail, which is a 90-mile drive through several towns including Nappanee, another Amish enclave, that offers shops, markets and antiques. An interesting aspect of the Heritage Trail is the Quilt Gardens that can be found on the route – go to visitelkhartcounty.com to download a map of the Heritage Trail and Quilt Garden locations.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Wellfield Botanic Gardens

3. If the beauty of the Quilt Gardens has you looking for more flora, head to Wellfield Botanic Gardens, in Elkhart, with its 36-acres featuring 20 different themed gardens. And if that sparks your desire to try your own hand at gardening, stop by Linton Enchanted Garden, Indiana’s largest home and garden store, to see what goodies you might find at this place whose Garden Center specializes in rare and unusual plants.

4. Museum Time: If you’re a glamper, you might just find the RV Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart of interest. Vintage trailers and a depiction of the history of RVing can be found here (rvmhhalloffame.org). Other interesting museums of note in Elkhart would be the National New York Central Railroad Museum with several vintage locomotives on display or the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum (hallofheroesmuseum.com) which offers one of the largest collections of superhero memorabilia, art and comics in the US.

Beach at South Twin Lake
The Beach at South Twin Lake

5. Stay at Camp: Remember we said sometimes the best getaway is the simplest one. With all we’ve offered to see and do in the area around Twin Mills, one great idea might just be to stay put. Acres of wood trails can keep you busy or fishing in South Twin Lake, which is right onsite, is another option for days spent in the great outdoors. There are also bike trails, a bocce court, and horseshoes. Pets are welcome here so this could be the trip that makes all the memories for your furry friend.

Read More: