Middlebury is an authentic community where family and a healthy lifestyle come first. Hometown blends of local shopping and outdoor adventures are featured in northern Indiana’s Amish country. Downtown, stroll through antiques and clothing boutiques, and stop by the Visitors’ Center, then hit the backroads to seek out Amish-owned country stores such as Dutch Country Market and Forks County Line Store. Rent a bike at Pumpkinvine Cyclery and cruise the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail or kayak down the Elkhart River.
History
Before the Europeans came to the region, the Miami and later the Potawatomi ruled the area. That changed in 1832, when the first settlers came from Middlebury, Vt. The first Amish families came from Somerset County, Pa. in 1841 and settled in the countryside surrounding the town. The Town of Middlebury was chartered in 1836, and was finally incorporated in 1868. In 1888, the railroad came to Middlebury and began to diversify the town’s economy to include manufacturing as well as farming.
Today Middlebury is a town of 3,572 located in Elkhart County approximately 35 miles east of South Bend, 130 miles east of Chicago and 165 miles north of Indianapolis. Conveniently close to major highways, railways and airports, where residents can have access to nearby urban centers of culture, entertainment and higher education without giving up the sense of belonging and the ability to unwind in a peaceful setting.
Dine
Dine where the locals do at Village Inn, Danny's Diner, West on Warren, Souper Brew, Esther’s Hilltop and Rise ‘n Roll Bakery & Deli. Then visit Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Indiana’s largest family restaurant, and the local meat market, Old Hoosier Meats, to take some goodies home!
Village Inn Restaurant
Creamery on Main
Shop
Browse beneath the tin ceilings at The General Store of Middlebury, shop for whimsical gifts at Ace Hardware, hand-crafted hardwoods from Amish-owned Legacy Home Furniture, Pumpkin Patch Market, Living in Yellow, The Pretzel Place, Clothesline Creations Quilt Shop, or The Essenhaus Village Shops. Find local makers’ wares at the Chamber, unique antique, vintage, re-purposed and new furniture, décor from The Barn Door. A must stop is at Joyfully Said and end your day at Varns and Hoover Hardware Store, a local commodity since 1886.
Relax
Go kayaking, play golf at Meadow Valley Golf Club or drive the Heritage Trail - named one of America’s “Most Scenic Drives.” Enjoy hand-dipped ice cream and a round of mini golf at Essenhaus Miniature Golf or a pickleball match at the Pickle Haus. Kick back at one of our local bed and breakfasts and pick up some fresh, local produce from one of our many countryside stands.
Explore
Explore the countryside riding the Pumpkinvine Trail past giant toadstool statues and an English tea house at Krider’s “World’s Fair Garden.” Pumpkinvine Cyclery Rent: Bicycles, tag-along, and kids carts. 574.825.2252
PO Box 243 – 118 S. Main St. Middlebury, IN 46540 (574 825-4300 www.MiddleburyINChamber.com
Howland Small Business Development Director director@middleburyinchamber.com
206 S. Main St., Milford, IN 46542 | 800.733.4111 | www.the-papers.com
Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and/or The Papers Incorporated shall not be liable for any errors appearing in this publication, except to credit the advertiser the portion of the advertisement containing the error.
Brochure photos courtesy of Elkhart County CVB, Gloria Salavarria, Rob Scrogham
The Pickle Haus
Middlebury Makers Rural Business Incubator
The Middlebury Makers Rural Business Incubator was created to meet a growing need for a dedicated, supportive environment where rural entrepreneurs can launch and grow their businesses. The Town of Middlebury’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan identified strong community interest in establishing a business incubator, and the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce emerged as the natural home for this initiative. With its established co-working spaces, business development programs, and technical assistance services, the Chamber provides the structure and support rural startups need to succeed.
Middlebury Businesses served through the Middlebury Makers Rural Business Incubator efforts:
2026 Community Events
Check status of events by visiting the websites listed, as most events are subject to change.
YEAR ROUND
Self-Guided Tours
Pick up your free tour book at the Middlebury Community Historical Museum, Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Middlebury Visitor Center or other area locations and walk or drive to the various historical homes, businesses, cemeteries, parks and landmarks throughout the Middlebury area. Exterior tours only unless location is open for business.
MONTHLY
American Legion Dinners
5-7 p.m. Public welcome! 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat-Fish Fry by the Legion; 2nd Friday: Varied Menu by the Auxiliary; 3rd Friday: Tenderloins by the SAL; 4th Friday: Varied Menu by the Lions Club; 5th Friday: Lasagna by the Boy Scouts; Last Saturday: Steak Grill by the Legion. Call (574) 825-5121 for more information.
Trail Tales
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park. Book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly.
Essenhaus Classic Car Cruise-In, May-Sep.
4:30-8 p.m. every Thursday night. Registration and Admission no charge www.essenhaus.com
Faces of Middlebury, May-Sep.
Grab your cameras and the map to locate each "face of Middlebury" and insert your face for the perfect picture.
Farmer’s Market
@ The Mill, May-Sep. 19
Rain or shine, open Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. outdoors at the former Wanberg Popcorn Plant/Joyfully Said, 402 E. Warren St.
2026 Community Events
Quilt Gardens & Murals Along The Heritage Trail, May 30-Sep. 15
The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail joins quilting, gardening, and art into a one-of-a-kind event featuring more than a million vibrant blooms, 17 gigantic gardens, and over 12 hand-painted super-sized murals in 7 communities throughout Elkhart County, including Middlebury. Locations can vary annually, but have included Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Dutch Country Market, Krider World's Fair Garden, Varns & Hoover Hardware and Middlebury Chamber of Commerce. No charge www.visitelkhartcounty.com
WEEKLY
Wed:
Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus - 6:30 a.m.
Fri:
Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus - 6:30 a.m.
BI-WEEKLY
1st & 3rd Mon:
Town Council, Town Hall - 6 p.m.
1st & 3rd Wed:
Middlebury Men’s Club, American Legion - 7 p.m.
2nd & 4th Mon:
Middlebury Lions Club, American Legion Hall - 7 p.m.
2nd & 4th Thurs:
Crystal Valley Wood Carvers, Middlebury Public Library - 6 p.m.
2026 Community Events
MAY
Memorial Day
Dusk-to-Dawn Vigil/Parade, May 24-25
From dusk on Sunday until dawn Memorial Day members of American Legion Post 210 post an Honor Guard at Grace Lawn Cemetery. Boy Scouts place lights on the grave of each veteran. Parade begins Monday at 10 a.m. facebook.com/legionpost210
JUNE
2026 Hooley Classic Car Auction, TBD www.bartelandcompany.com
Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail Thresher's Dinner Ride, TBD (Usually Occurs in June)
Enjoy a scenic 10-mile bike ride through Amish country, ending at an Amish carriage house where you will enjoy a Thresher’s Dinner and enjoy the company of fellow cyclists.
Middlebury Public Library Summer Reading Program, June - July
See library’s summer homepage for list of fun and informative summer reading activities for kids, teens and adults. www.middleburylibrary.org
Chamber Annual Dinner And Business Expo, June 8
Northridge High School www.middleburyinchamber.com
2026 Community Events
JUNE (CONT)
Vertical Sundial Dedication, June 20
Saturday, June 20 at 12 p.m. Krider World's Fair Garden. www.middleburyin.com/departments/ programs_events_and_partners.php
Middlebury Summer Festival (Est. 1968) June 26-27 (Parade Sat.)
Live music, festival food, crafters and children’s activities both days. On Saturday, the Summer Fest Parade is one of the state’s largest and longestrunning. Parade begins at 1 pm. West on Warren will feature live music and food specials Saturday, June 27 1-8 p.m. The festival takes place in Memorial and East Parks. www.middleburyinchamber.com/ festivals-events
JULY
In the River Hike, July 16
Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m. Riverbend Park with Elkhart County Parks Naturalist. www.middleburyin.com/departments/programs_events_and_partners.php
Elkhart County 4-H Fair, July 24-Aug. 1
One of the nation's biggest and best! Nine days of fun, multi-night concert series. www.4hfair.org
AUGUST
Middlebury Chamber Annual Golf Outing, Aug. 14
Don’t miss this opportunity to play Meadow Valley Golf Club. Lunch at 11:30 a.m., shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Fun filled day and great prizes! carmencarpenter@middleburyinchamber.com
2026 Community Events
Quilt Garden Ride 2026, Aug. 15
8 a.m., Elkhart Environmental Center. Bike Elkhart County beginning along the lovely new Elkhart River Greenway. Beautiful trails and scenic county roads lead to surprises around each bend. www.bikeelkhart.org
Midwest Quilt Festival Week Extravaganza, Aug. 19-22
Hundreds of quilts will be on display, and tens of thousands of dollars in prizes will be awarded for quilting excellence each year. In addition, AQS Quilt week hosts a series of workshops with some of the top talent in the quilt industry and an extensive merchant mall comprised of both local, national and international vendors. Takes place in Grand Rapids, MI.
Riverfest in Riverbend Park (est. 2009), Aug. 22
Hosted by the Parks & Rec. Dept. - includes a fish shocking demo, various info booths and kayaking on the Little Elkhart River. Regatta of Recyclables Miniature Boat Race at 12:00 p.m. Build your boat from materials provided and race down the Little Elkhart River. Boat building materials & assistance will be available from 10 a.m-12 noon (during Riverfest). Boat race begins at 12 noon. No charge www.middleburyin.com
Middlebury Riverfest at Riverbend Park, Sat. Aug. 29
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy a free kayak ride on the Little Elkhart River and learn about the importance of our river to our community.
SEPTEMBER
Middlebury Public Library Fall Let’s Talk About It, Sep. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10
2nd Tuesday of Month. At this long-standing book club, we read books on a theme each spring and fall. Speakers present on the theme and then lead a group book discussion. Register and pick up your book at the library front desk. www.middleburylibrary.org
Middlebury Fall Festival (est. 2002), Sep. 11-12
Festival features locally grown produce, food vendors, local restaurants, live music, crafts, mums and pumpkins. Stay until dusk for movie and fireworks held at Essenhaus Campus. Takes place downtown in Memorial and East Parks. www.middleburyinchamber.com/festivals-events
Community Pork Chop Dinner, Sep. 11
$ Donation. Middlebury Fire Station
2026 Community Events
SEPTEMBER (CONT)
25th Annual Pumpkinvine Classic, Sep. 12
Enjoy a ride through Northern Indiana's rolling farm land on five different routes. pumpkinvine.org/classic
Essenhaus Classic Car Cruise-In Finale, Sep. 24 www.essenhaus.com
Market Under the Lights @ The Mill, Sep. 26
An evening market under the lights with live music, vendors and food trucks. 402 E. Warren St.
OCTOBER
Owl Prowl, Saturday Oct. 10
Saturday, Oct. 10 from 8-9 p.m. Riverbend Park with Elkhart County Parks Naturalist.
Middlebury Pumpkin Race, Oct. 10
Grab your crew of family, friends & neighbors, purchase a race kit, design your pumpkin and have some serious fun! Pit Row opens at 1 p.m. for those wanting assistance with drilling holes/assembling axles; Race begins at 2 p.m. however, event sponsors are appreciated, as we use funds to support other area nonprofit organizations selected by race winners. 400 block of W. Warren St. $25 kits available at Varns & Hoover Hardware. www.MiddleburyThenandNow.org
Essenhaus Holiday Home & Fashion Show, Oct. 28-30
Essenhaus Village Shops. Join us for this annual event that combines fashion, home décor, dining, instruction, door prizes and a lot of fun. www.essenhaus.com
2026 Community Events
NOVEMBER
Shop Hop, Nov. 16-20
Come to downtown Middlebury for this special shopping event, leading up to the Middlebury Hometown Holidays. www.middleburyinchamber.com
Middlebury Hometown Holidays Small Business Celebration (est. 1993), Nov. 20
An annual tradition held the Friday before Thanksgiving. Locals gather downtown to shop, eat, socialize and enjoy festive music. $2,500 in gift cards from the Chamber will be given away, courtesy of Jayco. www.middleburyinchamber.com
Essenhaus Village Shops Oh' Christmas Tree, Nov. 20-21
www.essenhaus.com
Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28
A day dedicated to supporting the local businesses that help create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country.
DECEMBER
Christmas Tree Lighting, Dec. 5
Join the Community at Memorial Park at 6 p.m. to experience the sights, tastes and sounds of Christmas: Cocoa, Cookies, Christmas Carols and a craft. www.middleburyin.com/departments/programs_events_and_partners.php
Handmade Holiday Market, Dec. 5
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pick up handmade gifts for your friends and family from local artisans! Middlebury Public Library, 101 E. Winslow St.
– Attractions –
Elkhart County Visitor Center ............................. 800-262-8161
Free Area Guides, Heritage Trail Audio Tour CDs, Quilt Gardens/ Murals maps, plus lodging and attraction information. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm.
First United Methodist Church of Middlebury ☼.. 574-825-2585
720 S. Main St., Middlebury www.fumcmiddlebury.org admin@fumcmiddlebury.org
Services 10 am traditional worship. We offer Children and Student Ministries.
Jayco Family of Companies Visitor's Center ... 574-825-5861
903 S. Main St., Middlebury jaycofamily.com
These divisions have been manufacturing RVs for over 50 years on a tradition anchored in three pillars—Quality, Team, Family.
Middlebury
Chamber of Commerce
Visitors Center
118 S. Main St., Middlebury middleburyinchamber.com
574-825-4300
Free Travel Guides, local information on where to eat, pray and sleep. Quilt Gardens/Murals maps, plus lodging and attraction information.
Middlebury Community Historical Museum .. 574-825-0978
301 W. Bristol, Middlebury mchm.org
Displays Middlebury area historical topics. Hours are Tues. and Thurs. 10 am to 2 pm, Sat. 10 am to 3 pm. Admission is free.
Building &
Home Improvement
Elite Kitchens 574-825-9724
Come see our fine cabinetry and woodworking showroom at 325 N. Main Street, Middlebury, IN 46540. Owner Timothy Schlabach.
– Camping –
Eby’s Pines RV Park & Campground ☼ 574-848-4583 14588 SR 120, Bristol ebyspines.com
300 sites, e/w, full, pull thru 50 amp hookups, cottage and cabin rentals, two heated pools, clean restrooms, fishing, playground, pickleball, 4 square and bag courts, ax throwing and hiking trails.
Danny’s Diner ..................................................................... 574-825-2565 422 S. Main St., Middlebury 145 E. North Village Dr., Shipshewana ............................... 260-768-8060 dineatdannys.com
Independent restaurant offering handcrafted and homemade pizza, burgers, wings, grinders & more. Dine-in, takeout, delivery, or order online. Mon.-Thurs. 11 am-8 pm, Fri. 11 am-9 pm, Sat. 11 am9 pm, closed Sunday.
– Dining –
Das Dutchman Essenhaus ....................................... 574-825-9471
240 US 20, Middlebury 800-455-9471 Essenhaus.com
Our Amish country kitchen has a table waiting just for you! Enjoy authentic, home-style cooking with a buffet, menu, or familystyle meal.
Rise’n Roll Bakery & Deli ........................................ 574-825-4032 1065N 1150W, Middlebury risenroll.com
Always FREE coffee and samples! Soups & sandwiches, baked goods, donuts, jams & jellies, buttery nut crunches, and more. On US 20 between Middlebury and Shipshewana.
Village Inn Restaurant ............................................... 574-825-2043
107 S. Main St., Middlebury villageinn2017@gmail.com
Daily specials, pizza, soups, homemade Amish pies. “Hometown Taste with a Hometown Feel” in the heart of downtown. Open M-F 5 am-8 pm, Sat. 5 am-11 am.
West on Warren Gallery & Grill ....................... 574-358-0045
200 W. Warren St., Middlebury westonwarren.com
Graciously features clean urban design with family-friendly bar & restaurant located downtown Middlebury. Patio & rooftop dining open, casual healthy options, where “Good Friends Gather”. Open Mon. 4 pm - 8 pm, Tues.-Thurs. 11 am - 2 pm & 4 pm - 8 pm, Fri. 11 am2 pm & 4 pm - 9 pm, & Sat. 4 pm - 9 pm.
– Industry –
Jayco Family of Companies .........................................
574-825-5861
903 S. Main St., Middlebury jaycofamily.com
These divisions have been manufacturing RVs for over 50 years on a tradition anchored in three pillars—Quality, Team, Family.
– Lodging –
Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center ☼ ............... 574-825-9471 240 US 20, Middlebury 800-455-9471 Essenhaus.com
Generously sized guest rooms with Amish-crafted furniture. Upscale accommodations, indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, game room, WiFi, refrigerator & complimentary breakfast. Meeting space for groups up to 400.
The Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast ☼ 574-825-3913 12013 US Hwy. 20, Middlebury meadowsinnbnb.com meadowsinnbnb@gmail.com
Renovated Amish farmstead. 5 bedrooms. Private baths. King & queen beds. Full breakfast, snacks & drinks. Adjacent to golf course. Peaceful view from deck. Children age 12 and over are welcome. Contact: Ruth Diaz
K-3 Northridge High School, 9-12 York Elementary School, K-3
Enjoy a leisurely carriage ride through the covered bridge, past the breathtaking quilt garden, and around the beautiful grounds of Das Dutchman Essenhaus. May-Sept.
Enjoy 18 holes of miniature golf, followed by a scoop of handdipped ice cream! May-Sept.
– Services –
Bartel & Company Auctioneers/Realtors PO Box 1381, Middlebury 574-825-2115
Brad B. Hooley, Broker ............... 574-596-9890
Craig Blough, Broker 574-238-1816
A local auction and real estate company specializing in farm, commercial, and industrial real estate, by way of conventional listing, selling, and public auction.
Touchless automatic car washes. Dually’s and fullsize vans fit. Business accounts available. Visit website for more information. Open 24/7.
Community Foundation of Elkhart County 574-295-8761 inspiringgood.org
The Community Foundation is dedicated to transforming Elkhart County by advising donors, awarding grants and providing leadership.
Dick’s Auto Parts............................................................. 574-825-7424 50521 SR 13, Middlebury dicksautoparts.com
Truck and car accessories, Nerf Bars, Tonneau covers. New take off parts; beds, seats, tires, wheels, bumpers, mirrors, patch panels & southern used beds.
Grandview Florals .................................................... 260-768-9158x4 10635 W US 20, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Call or stop by our shop for all your floral & gift needs. High quality flowers for weddings, birthdays, funerals, all occasions.
Senior lifestyle living in a faith-based community, within a hometown community for people 55-plus. Office hours Mon.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm.
Little Saints Child Care & Preschool Ministry ..... 574-825-9683
708 Wayne St., Middlebury stpaulsmiddlebury.org
Hours 5 am-6 pm Mon.-Fri. Child care 6 weeks to Pre-K. Preschool, Pre-K and summer programs available. High quality Christian child care; On My Way PreK provider.
402 N. Main St., Middlebury Manufacturer of store fixtures. LifeatLozier.com
Retailers around the world have relied on our quality products and service for over 60 years.
Middlebury Public Library ...................................
574-825-5601
101 E. Winslow St., Middlebury (Fax) 574-825-5150 middleburylibrary.org
Hours: Mon.-Tues.-Thurs. 9:30 am-7 pm, Wed. & Fri. 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-2 pm. Check website for program offerings.
Middlebury Community Schools 574-825-9425 56853 Northridge Dr., Middlebury mcsin-k12.org
We are a premier school corporation with four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school.
Miller Insurance Agency
574-825-2050 104 N. Main St., Middlebury millerinsurancemiddlebury.com millerins@aol.com
Contact Mike Miller for your insurance needs — life, home, auto, RVs, motorcycles. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5 pm.
Royal RV & Auto Center 574-825-4000 14441 US Hwy 20, Middlebury www.royalrvauto.com
Come see us for all your RV & auto needs.
ShowHauler Motorhomes
574-825-6764 116 Industrial Pkwy. E., PO Box 9, Middlebury showhauler.com
Family owned, operated business and leading builder of custom truck conversions. From the frame up we design to meet your needs. Outstanding customer service.
The Reserve by West on Warren 574-358-0045 104 S. Main St., Middlebury westonwarren.com/reserve info@westonwarren.com
Elegant private event space with seating for up to 55. Full bar and catering kitchen available.
Located in the Amish country of Middlebury, IN. Produce and process all natural white Pekin Duck, “the duck of choice”.
Dutch Country Market
574-825-3594
From downtown Middlebury, go east on Warren St. (CR 16) 1 mile, or go 5 1/2 mi. west of Shipshewana on Middlebury St. (CR 250N) Homemade noodles made on site. Live honeybees, pure local honey products. Glass jar canned fruits, veggies, jams, salsas. Jumbo Jelly beans.
Essenhaus Bakery 574-825-9471
240 US 20, Middlebury 800-455-9471 Essenhaus.com
Fill your basket with unique made-from-scratch favorites - apple butter or our own delicious noodles, breads, rolls & cookies. 30 varieties of pie are available.
Essenhaus Village Shops 574-825-9471 240 US 20, Middlebury 800-455-9471 Essenhaus.com
Open year round. Browse through an abundant selection of distinctive fashions, jewelry, home decor, specialty themed sections and more.
Fork’s County Line Stores ..........................................
Gohn Brothers 574-825-2400 105 S. Main St., Middlebury................................................... 800-595-0031 gohnbrothers.com
Over 110-year-old family owned store. Serving on site Amish and plain clothing. Selling fabrics, notions, quilting supplies, boots, Redwings & more. Explore our store.
– Shopping –
Heritage Ridge Creamery
11275 W 250 N, Middlebury
heritageridgecreamery.com
574-825-9511
Farmer owned! Come visit and watch cheese making and shop for your holiday gift basket needs. Award-winning cheese of all kinds.
Legacy Home Furniture
108 S. Main St., Middlebury
574-825-1902
Handcrafted, solid oak, cherry, maple furniture built by local craftsmen and beautiful home decor. Come visit us.
Old Hoosier Meats and Cheese
101 Wayne St., Middlebury
574-825-2940
Offering a full-service meat counter, smoked meats, specialty foods, and grilling supplies. Located in the original, historical Middlebury gymnasium. Tues-Fri. 9 am-5 pm; Sat. 9 am-2 pm.
