Things To Do in New Paris, IN

New Paris is a small rural community, and it makes no pretense of being anything else. You will not find a long list of attractions within the town itself. What you will find is a peaceful pocket of Elkhart County surrounded by productive farmland, Amish communities, and some of Northern Indiana's best outdoor recreation within a short drive.

The beauty of New Paris's location is that it sits at the intersection of several different regions — Amish country to the north, the lake country of Kosciusko County to the east, and the growing cities of Goshen and Elkhart nearby. Here are the best things to do in and around New Paris.

Downtown Goshen

Goshen is just 8 miles north of New Paris on SR-15, and its downtown has become one of the more vibrant small-city centers in Northern Indiana. Main Street is lined with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and galleries. The city hosts First Fridays, a monthly arts and culture event from spring through fall that brings live music, open galleries, and food vendors to the downtown streets.

The Goshen Theater, a restored 1930s movie palace on Main Street, hosts films and live performances. Goshen Brewing Company and several restaurants along the riverfront offer good options for lunch or dinner. For New Paris residents, Goshen serves as the closest hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment — close enough to feel convenient, but distinct enough to feel like an outing.

Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair is one of the largest county fairs in Indiana, held annually in late July at the fairgrounds in Goshen. For families in New Paris and throughout the rural communities of Elkhart County, the fair is one of the highlights of the year. Livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, a carnival midway, demolition derbies, live music, and more food than any one person could sample fill an entire week.

Many young people from the New Paris area participate in 4-H programs, raising animals and developing projects throughout the year for exhibition at the fair. The fairgrounds also host other events throughout the year, including swap meets, horse shows, and community gatherings.

Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a paved rail-trail that follows the old Pumpkinvine railroad corridor through the countryside between Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. The trail is accessible from Goshen, a short drive north of New Paris, and offers some of the best cycling and walking in Northern Indiana.

The route passes through flat farmland dotted with Amish homesteads, making for a scenic and peaceful ride. The trail surface is smooth asphalt suitable for road bikes, hybrid bikes, and strollers. It connects to the Mapletree Trail in Goshen, extending the rideable distance. For New Paris residents, the Goshen trailhead is the most convenient access point.

Amish Country Back Roads

The roads surrounding New Paris pass through some of the densest Amish settlements in Indiana. Driving, cycling, or even walking the county roads south and east of town will take you past well-kept farms, hand-lettered business signs, and horse-drawn buggies. Small Amish-run shops sell furniture, baked goods, quilts, and produce directly from homes and barns.

County Roads 38, 40, and 42 running east from SR-15 are good routes for exploring. There is no formal tour — the experience is about slowing down, watching for shop signs, and stopping when something catches your eye. Cash is standard at most Amish businesses, and the best finds are often at places that have no online presence at all.

Kosciusko County Lakes

East of New Paris, across the Elkhart-Kosciusko county line, lies Indiana's lake country. Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in Indiana, and Tippecanoe Lake are both within 20 to 30 minutes of New Paris. These lakes offer swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and simply sitting on a shoreline and watching the water.

Public access sites are available at several lakes in the area. Webster Lake, near North Webster, is another popular option with a public beach and boat launch. For New Paris residents and visitors, the lakes provide a summer recreation outlet that balances out the agricultural character of the immediate surroundings.

Shipshewana Flea Market and Auction

About 25 miles north of New Paris, the town of Shipshewana hosts one of the largest outdoor flea markets in the United States. The Shipshewana Flea Market operates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through September, drawing hundreds of vendors selling everything from antiques and handmade goods to tools, clothing, and produce.

The weekly livestock and miscellaneous auction on Wednesdays is also worth experiencing, particularly if you have never been to a traditional auction. The energy in the auction barn is unlike anything else in the region. Plan to arrive early and bring cash — the best deals go quickly, and not all vendors accept cards.

Local Parks and Recreation

Elkhart County maintains several parks and nature preserves within reasonable driving distance of New Paris. Bonneyville Mill County Park, located northeast of Bristol, features a working gristmill, hiking trails, and picnic areas along the Little Elkhart River. It is one of the more scenic parks in the county and worth the 20-minute drive from New Paris.

Closer to home, the rural roads around New Paris are popular with walkers and joggers, particularly in the cooler months. The flat terrain and light traffic make for pleasant outings, though be prepared to share the road with the occasional farm implement or buggy.

Agricultural Events and Farm Tours

Throughout the growing season, the area around New Paris comes alive with agricultural events. Farm tours, corn mazes in the fall, pumpkin patches, and harvest festivals are common at farms throughout Elkhart and Kosciusko counties. The Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District organizes educational events, and local FFA chapters host activities connected to the agricultural calendar.

For anyone interested in where their food comes from or how Indiana agriculture works, living near or visiting New Paris puts you in the middle of one of the most productive farming regions in the state.