Goshen Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more in Goshen, Indiana in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Goshen

Goshen is a charming city located in the heart of Northern Indiana. Known for its rich history and cultural significance, Goshen is a popular destination that offers an array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. With picturesque parks, museums, art galleries, and much more, Goshen has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Goshen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Elkhart County Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area.
  • The Old Bag Factory is a unique shopping and dining destination that epitomizes Goshen’s charm and history.
  • The Quilt Gardens Tour is a self-guided tour of 17 different gardens throughout Elkhart County featuring quilt-inspired floral designs.
  • The Goshen Theater is a beautiful and historic movie theater that has been recently renovated.

Natural Attractions of Goshen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Riverwalk Trail is a beautiful and peaceful path that follows Elkhart River, perfect for biking and walking.
  • Shanklin Park is a great place to relax, picnic, or play sports like basketball and soccer.
  • The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a well-maintained trail that spans 25 miles from Goshen to Shipshewana through beautiful farmland.
  • Bonneyville Mill County Park is perfect for hiking and camping and features a beautiful 223-acre forest.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Goshen

  • Goshen Dam Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that is perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride.
  • Maple City Greenway is a trail that runs from downtown Goshen to Shanklin Park, ideal for cycling or walking.
  • Pumpkinvine Nature Trail as mentioned above has a well-maintained trail that spans 25 miles from Goshen to Shipshewana through beautiful farmland.

Best Things to Do in Goshen: Activities and Tours

  • Goshen Farmers Market is a great place to enjoy local produce and crafts.
  • Amish Acres is a must-visit destination to experience Amish culture, including a beautiful farm, theater, and restaurant.
  • Indiana Music Festival is a great place to enjoy live music.
  • Goshen First Fridays is a monthly event where visitors can enjoy art, entertainment, and food in downtown Goshen.

Week-Long Itinerary for Goshen

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Elkhart County Historical Museum, enjoy lunch at the Olympia Candy Kitchen, explore the shops and galleries in downtown Goshen
Day 2 Visit Bonneyville Mill County Park for hiking and picnicking, spend the evening at the Goshen Theater
Day 3 Take a self-guided Quilt Gardens Tour, enjoy lunch at the Goshen Farmers Market
Day 4 Explore Shanklin Park, cycle or walk down the Goshen Dam Trail, visit Black Squirrel Golf Club for a round of golf
Day 5 Spend the day at Amish Acres enjoying the farm, crafters, and dinner theater to learn more about the Amish culture
Day 6 Visit the Indiana Music Festival
Day 7 Relax at Maple City Greenway before heading home

Food and Drink Scene of Goshen

Must-Try Dishes

  • The Shoofly Pie is a delicious Amish-style pie made with molasses and other spices.
  • Maple-Cured Bacon and Egg Crepe can be enjoyed at The Electric Brew.
  • Wakarusa Breakfast at Venturi - three meats,(bacon, ham, and Italian sausage) with eggs and toast, plus coffee with biscotti.
  • Handcrafted Pizza at Goshen Brewing Company.

Local Beverages

  • Hard Cider by Goshen Brewing Company
  • Coffee from The Electric Brew
  • Beer from Back Alley Brewery

Where to Stay in Goshen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Inn at Amish Acres is a beautiful hotel at Amish Acres.
  • The DoubleTree by Hilton is a centrally-located hotel with comfortable rooms.
  • The Jubilee House Bed and Breakfast is famous for its breakfast and cozy rooms.

What to Buy in Goshen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Quilts and quilted items - Goshen is especially famous for its quilt gardens, and visitors can find handmade Amish quilts and other quilted items at local shops.
  • Amish Cinnamon Roll Candle - a candle that smells of delicious cinnamon rolls, perfect for any sweet-toothed traveler.
  • Goshen Brewing Company beer - made locally at the brewery and perfect for beer-lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Goshen

Goshen’s Amish and Mennonite communities are a significant part of the local culture and customs. Visitors should be respectful of their way of life, including their plain dress, no use of electronics, and horse-drawn transportation.

Best Time to Visit Goshen

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Goshen, as the weather is mild and the floral displays are spectacular. Summer months are hot, but there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Goshen

Do:

  • Respect the local Amish and Mennonite communities.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine.
  • Experience the beautiful outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Take photographs of the Amish people without their permission.
  • Disrespect local customs and beliefs.
  • Litter or harm local environments.

Safety and Health

Safety in Goshen

Goshen is a safe city, but visitors should still exercise caution and keep their valuables secure.

Health in Goshen

Goshen is a healthy city with many gyms and fitness centers. Visitors should take necessary precautions when outdoors, such as wearing sunscreen and drinking plenty of water.

Getting to Goshen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Goshen

The nearest airports to Goshen are South Bend Regional Airport and Fort Wayne International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Goshen

The closest bus stations to Goshen are South Bend Transit and Elkhart Lake Bus Company.

Other Options

Goshen can also be reached by car, with routes such as US-31 and IN-15 providing easy access.

How to Get Around in Goshen

Goshen can be easily explored on foot, or visitors can rent a bike from the local store to explore the city and nearby countryside. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Goshen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Notre Dame University in South Bend
  • Shipshewana for Amish-related activities and shopping
  • The Indiana Dunes National Park

Conclusion

Goshen is a unique and charming city that offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. Whether you’re interested in history or the outdoors, Goshen has something to offer. From the beautiful parks to the unique shopping destinations, Goshen is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and unspoiled vacation.

Elkhart County Courthouse Elkhart County Courthouse Downtown Goshen Downtown Goshen