Saturday, July 26, 2008

Elkhart, Indiana

Yesterday, we had a six hour drive (most of it in heavy traffic thanks to our proximity to Chicago) from Iowa to the little town of Shipshewana, Indiana (near Elkhart) where someone had recommended a nice RV park and an excellent Amish restaurant. They were so right - those Amish really know how to prepare food and we left feeling like we'd eaten it all!

This morning we drove to Elkhart to tour the RV/MH Hall of Fame. This facility, which was relocated last year to its new building, houses one of the largest (if not the largest) collection of vintage recreational vehicles in the world. We saw everything from early 1900s tent trailers to some of the first pop-tops, trailers and innovative motor homes - including many handmade prototypes that led to the future of RVing as we know it today. Highly recommended for all you RV lovers out there.

From there, we went back to Shipshewana (pop. 550) which is actually one of six Amish settlements in this state. We toured the Menno-Hof Amish and Mennonite History Museum where we learned a lot about the history of the Hutterites, Mennonites and Amish people, their current culture and their way of life. Simply fascinating. Everywhere we looked as we drove around town, there were families traveling around in their horse-drawn buggies and carriages doing their shopping or whatever. We were definitely in their town and we loved it.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Hey guys, I love reading about your trip, I feel like I am traveling with you!! It is so cool the different places you are finding, this is an amazing country we live in. Can't wait to hear about more of your adventures.
We have sent you several e-mails, have your received them?
Lynn and Roger