Nappanee is a charming small town in northern Indiana, just a short drive from South Bend and Notre Dame. With its proximity to Amish Country, Nappanee has plenty of attractions for tourists and travelers looking for a quiet weekend getaway.
From unique museums and antique shops to live theater and amazing restaurants, with rich culture there are alot of things to do in Nappanee Indiana
So what are the best things to do in Nappanee, Indiana? Let’s discover together the top attractions and activities in Nappanee that you shouldn’t miss on your next visit.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Experience authentic Amish culture at Amish Acres.
- Catch a show at the Round Barn Theatre.
- Savor diverse cuisine at Coppes Commons.
- Explore Nappanee’s history at the Nappanee Center.
- Discover vintage treasures at Antiques on the Square.
- Shop for unique items at Dutch Village Market.
- Enjoy a boat tour in nearby Elkhart.
- Indulge in delicious Amish cuisine.
- Visit the Hoosier Cabinet Museum for a unique experience.
A Quick Intro to Nappanee, Indiana
Nappanee is located in Elkhart County, about 30 minutes southwest of Elkhart, Indiana. With a population around 7,000 people, Nappanee has a small-town charm and laidback atmosphere. The downtown area features local restaurants, shops, and historic buildings.
You can do various things enjoy a boat ride in Elkhart county, enjoy Amish bakery goods, cuisine, amish acres and more.
It is surrounded by rolling farmlands and home to many Amish and Mennonite families. In fact, Nappanee sits right in the heart of Northern Indiana Amish Country.
| Attraction | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amish Acres | 4.5/5 | An authentic re-created Amish farm with tours, shows, wagon rides, and more. |
| Coppes Commons & Hoosier Cabinet Company | 4.5/5 | Shopping, dining, and the Hoosier Cabinet museum located in a former factory. |
| Nappanee Center | 4.5/5 | Historic 1892 building housing a museum, city hall, and police station. |
| Amish Country Popcorn Company | 5/5 | Store and factory offering 45 flavors of fresh popped gourmet popcorn. |
| Round Barn Theatre | 4.5/5 | Live Broadway musicals and plays performed in a 1911 round barn. |
Explore Amish Acres
One of the most popular attractions in Nappanee is Amish Acres. This historic farm and heritage resort celebrates the Amish and their traditions. At Amish Acres, you can tour an authentic Amish farmstead from the 1800s.
Watch craft demonstrations like quilting, broom-making, and woodworking. Ride a horse-drawn wagon or buggy through the countryside.
With activities and exhibits year-round, Amish Acres provides an immersive look at Amish culture. It’s one of the best places to visit in Nappanee for both educational experiences and family fun.
Attend a Show at Round Barn Theatre
The Round Barn Theatre is a must-visit for theater enthusiasts. Located at Amish Acres, this theater is famous for its unique round structure and hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, from Broadway-style musicals to comedy shows.
Check their schedule and catch a captivating performance during your visit to Nappanee.
Dine at Coppes Commons & Hoosier Cabinet Company
Just north of downtown Nappanee sits Coppes Commons, another must-visit attraction. This destination features multiple restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and the Hoosier Cabinet Company museum.
The historic Hoosier Cabinet factory opened in 1926 and produced over 2 million cabinets. Visitors can tour the museum to see cabinet displays and learn about this important Nappanee company.
Coppes Commons is also home to popular eateries like the Amish-style Das Essen Haus.
Take a Tour at Nappanee Center and Downtown
Nappanee’s downtown centers around the historic Nappanee Center. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Nappanee Center opened in 1892. The red brick building with castle-like turrets was originally a high school. But today it’s home to the town hall, police station, and a museum.
Stroll the area around the Center to grab an ice cream, find some Nappanee souvenirs, and explore historic architecture. The downtown comes alive during festivals like the Nappanee Apple Festival, car shows, and holiday events.
RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum
Nappanee proudly calls itself the “RV Capital of the World.” And this museum explores the history and industry of recreational vehicles. See exhibits on influential RV inventors and manufacturers based right in Nappanee. Climb aboard historic RVs dating back to the 1930s. And view over 100 vehicles from the last century of motorhomes.
Whether or not you’re an RV enthusiast, this museum provides fascinating local history. And it explains how Nappanee became a hub for RV innovation and production.
Antiques on the Square
Antiques on the Square is located, appropriately, on a historic town square just outside downtown Nappanee. This multi-dealer antique mall features over 20,000 square feet of antiques from 90 vendors.
Browse through the vintage jewelry, furniture, glassware, toys, sports memorabilia, and more. Chat with the dealers about your finds from decades past. Antiques on the Square is a treasure trove sure to interest antique aficionados and casual shoppers alike. Don’t miss it on an antique adventure in Nappanee.
Explore Dutch Village Market
For delicious fresh fare, visit the Dutch Village Market. This Amish bulk foods store and bakery offers local meats, cheeses, produce and Amish-baked goods. Try out the deli for sandwiches stuffed with Amish Country meats and cheeses. Or grab dessert from their bakery.
The Dutch Village Market provides a taste of authentic local Amish food in Nappanee. It’s the perfect place to pick up picnic provisions or gifts to bring home.
Farmers Market and Apple Festival
Nappanee has several annual events that showcase local producers, artists, and goods. The Nappanee Farmers Market sets up Saturday mornings from May through October. Vendors sell fresh produce, plants, baked treats and crafts.
In the fall, the Nappanee Apple Festival also takes over downtown. This popular festival celebrates all things apple with live music, contests, craft vendors and lots of apple desserts.
Amish Country Popcorn
Nearby Amish Country Popcorn offers another unique Nappanee treat. This family-owned popcorn maker produces over 45 flavors of gourmet popcorn.
Tour the facility to see how they make popcorn the old-fashioned way, with small-batch kettles. Then sample flavors spanning from cheddar cheese to pumpkin pie. Build your own popcorn combo to take home too.
Savor Delicious Amish Cuisine
Nappanee is renowned for its Amish-style cooking, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to indulge in hearty, homemade meals.
From mouthwatering sandwiches to freshly baked pies and handcrafted ice cream, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs
What is Nappanee known for?
Nappanee, Indiana, is best known for its strong ties to the Amish community and its thriving Amish heritage. The Amish culture is deeply rooted in Nappanee, and you’ll find it reflected in various aspects of the city’s attractions, shops, and cuisine.
What County is Nappanee, Indiana, in?
Nappanee is located in Elkhart County, Indiana, which is situated in the northern part of the state. Elkhart County is renowned for its Amish heritage, making it a perfect setting for Nappanee’s attractions that highlight this unique way of life.
What are the best places to explore in Nappanee, Indiana, in 2023?
In 2023, Nappanee offers a diverse range of attractions. Some of the best places to explore include Amish Acres, Round Barn Theatre, Coppes Commons, Nappanee Center, Antiques on the Square, Dutch Village Market, and more. Each of these places offers a unique experience that showcases the charm of Nappanee.
Can I experience authentic Amish culture in Nappanee, Indiana?
Yes, Nappanee is renowned for its strong ties to the Amish community. You can immerse yourself in authentic Amish culture at Amish Acres, where guided tours, traditional Amish meals, and a glimpse into Amish life await. It’s a memorable experience that lets you connect with the Amish heritage of the region.
Conclusion
Nappanee, Indiana, offers a rich blend of Amish culture, history, and unique attractions that make it a captivating destination. Whether you’re interested in learning about Amish heritage, enjoying delicious cuisine, or exploring local history, Nappanee has something to offer every traveler.
