Shipshewana on the Road Brings Midwest Market Charm to Winter Months

Shipshewana on the Road, now in its 35th year, transforms the seasonal Shipshewana market into a year-round touring attraction across the Midwest. Each winter, visitors are invited to step indoors to support artisans and vendors while browsing handmade crafts, specialty foods, and one-of-a-kind home goods.

“The intent of the show is for groups of friends and families to come out to the show, and enjoy their day and their time together,” Shipshewana on the Road Event Director, Greg Fountain, said. “We want people to share memories, laugh with vendors, purchase items, and enjoy themselves with things they didn’t know they couldn’t live without.”

Shipshewana on the Road started with Fountain’s parents, who visited the Shipshewana, Indiana, flea market in 1992 and wanted to help vendors sell during the winter. Today, the show offers handmade items, specialty foods, and other retail products. Since 2012, Fountain and his wife have run the business, focusing on creating a welcoming experience for shoppers.

“Initially, my wife and I were a little hesitant about entering the unknown world of entrepreneurship,” Fountain said. “We did make the jump, and everything has been great with so many exciting, fun stories. At least every week, I get an email from a customer saying how much they enjoyed the show. There is a ton of positive influence around all of it.” 

Shipshewana on the Road is a labor-intensive market that runs from October through early May, with shows currently booked through 2028. Each stop draws 6,000 to 10,000 attendees and features a mix of vendors, including many who have traveled from the summer season in Shipshewana and local sellers. The show follows a consistent weekend schedule, with setup on Friday and hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

“Each show is a little different from the prior show,” Fountain said. “Shows always consist of some local vendors, but the majority of the show is based on vendors that participate in the Shipshewana Market during the summer, and then travel with us during the wintertime.” 

Vendors offer a variety of goods that keep visitors returning, from handmade crafts such as jewelry, barnwood signage, and whimsical holiday decor (about 40% of vendors), to food items (20%) and general retail products (40%). The wide variety and creativity of the vendors make visits a memorable experience for families and gift-seekers alike.

“During the summer months, we do visit quite a few festivals and recruit specific vendors that we view would be a positive influence,” Fountain said. “In Valparaiso, we hold two shows per year—one in December and one at the end of March. This year is December 13 and 14. Our shows give vendors a chance to keep working through the winter.”  

Shipshewana on the Road stages about 20 shows per year. The tour reaches as far north as Gaylord, Michigan, west to St. Charles, Illinois, east to Lima, Ohio, and south to Lebanon, Indiana. The tour selects venues based on local demographics and customer interest in the vendors’ products. Each show typically features about 212 booths and requires roughly 34,000 square feet.

“The most difficult thing we have is locating a facility that is large enough to hold a show,” Fountain said. “Because our shows provide some place for these vendors who have a schedule set up during the summer to continue working into the winter months, we have limited time where we can hold shows. We are always looking for new venues and potential expansion.”

Shipshewana on the Road is a multistate circuit that keeps the spirit of the artisan market through the holiday season. The show supports artisans, crafters and specialty vendors with an off-season income, while giving shoppers the chance to browse unique creations. With the holiday season around the corner, the traveling market is open to all.  

For more information on their full schedule, vendor info, or ticket pricing, visit: shipshewanaontheroad.com