Shipshewana, Indiana

History

Shipshewana was named after a local Potawatomi Indian. The Shipshewana post office was established in 1889.

Geography

According to the 2010 census, Shipshewana has a total area of 1.18 square miles (3.06 km²), all land.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 658 people, 297 households, and 177 families residing in the town. The population density was 557.6 inhabitants per square mile (215.3/km²). There were 339 housing units at an average density of 287.3 per square mile (110.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.3% White, 0.2% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 297 households of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. 36.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the town was 37.7 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.5% were from 45 to 64; and 22% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 44.7% male and 55.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 536 people, 235 households, and 149 families residing in the town. The population density was 582.7 people per square mile (224.9/km²). There were 251 housing units at an average density of 272.9 per square mile (105.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.57% White, 0.37% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.19% from other races, and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 235 households out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out with 24.1% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 79.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,156, and the median income for a family was $53,214. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $22,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,270. About 6.0% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 20.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

In 2014, the Shipshewana-LaGrange County Convention and Visitor's Bureau commissioned a CERTEC study to gauge the impact of tourism. According to that study the tourism and travel industry contributed nearly $137.2 million to the LaGrange County economy in 2013. Welcoming over 1 million visitors per year to the various attractions. Shipshewana is also a large producer of handcrafted Amish furniture. Amish furniture is noted for its durability, solid wood construction and simple elegance.

Annual cultural events

Museums and other points of interest

Shipshewana is perhaps most famous for its Miscellaneous and Antique Auction, held every Wednesday throughout the year. It also features the largest flea market in the midwest (Tuesday and Wednesday in season) as well as the Friday horse auction.

Although a very small town, Shipshewana is home to numerous antique and country-style decor shops and restaurants, especially with a strong Amish flavor. Attractions in Shipshewana include the Shipshewana Flea Market, Menno-Hof Amish History Museum , Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre, The Davis Mercantile, Yoder's Department Store, Over 105 Specialty Stores in the Downtown Area, Hostetler's Hudson Museum and many events and festivals. These attractions, the Amish culture and the natural beauty of the area draw approximately 1.2 million visitors each year. Shipshewana is the only Indiana site listed in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Parks and recreation

The town maintains a park system, including a soccer field complex, softball/baseball diamonds, and a general park/playground adjacent to the Wolfe Building on Morton Street.

Education

The town is served by the Westview School Corporation, in nearby Topeka, home of the Westview Warriors.