Visit Noble County

Vacation Ideas Before the Bluegrass Festival

Explore Kendallville & Northeast Indiana

If you’re arriving early for the festival, there’s plenty to see and do around Kendallville and the greater Noble County region. From Amish country shopping to world-class museums and outdoor recreation, the area offers something for every traveler.

Shopping & Local Attractions

Kendallville & Noble County

  • Walmart Plaza – Just 1.5 miles east of the fairgrounds; convenient for groceries, supplies, and essentials.

  • Local Businesses in Noble County – A variety of shops, restaurants, and services throughout the county.

Nearby Shopping Destinations

  • Shipshewana Flea Market & Auction (Shipshewana, IN)
    One of the Midwest’s most popular outdoor markets. Unique shops, antiques, and a famous auction.
    Info: 260-768-4129

  • The Outlet Shops at Fremont (Fremont, IN)
    Located at I-69 & the Indiana Toll Road.

  • Das Essenhaus Amish Restaurant & Shops (Middlebury, IN)
    A large, family-style Amish restaurant with bakery, boutiques, and village shops.
    Phone: 574-825-9471

  • Indiana Northeast WINE Tour
    A collection of boutique regional wineries offering tastings and scenic vineyard stops:
    Satek Winery, Briali Vineyards, Country Heritage Winery, Fruit Hills Winery, Tonne Winery, Two EE’s Winery, McClure’s Orchard & Winery.

Museums & Educational Attractions

  • Mid-America Windmill Museum
    Kendallville, IN – 260-347-2334

  • Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
    Albion, IN – 260-636-7383

  • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
    Auburn, IN – 260-925-1444

  • Fort Wayne Museum of Art
    Fort Wayne, IN – 311 E. Main St.
    Closed Mondays & holidays.

  • Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
    Fort Wayne, IN – 260-427-6800

  • Science Central
    Fort Wayne, IN – 260-424-2400

  • Garrett Historical Railroad Museum
    Garrett, IN – 260-357-0162 (by appointment)

  • Gene Stratton-Porter House
    Rome City, IN – 260-854-3790

RV Factory Tours (Elkhart County)

Indiana produces over 58% of all RVs in the United States, with more than 100 brands built within 25 miles of Elkhart—known as the RV Capital of the World.
Call ahead to schedule tours and check availability.
Useful resource: The Ultimate RVing Resource Guide.

Visitor Information

  • Noble County Convention & Visitors Bureau – 260-854-2115

  • Kendallville Chamber of Commerce – 260-347-1554

  • Fort Wayne Convention & Visitors Bureau – 1-800-767-7752

  • Elkhart Visitors Center – 800-860-5949

  • Angola Tourism Bureau – 800-525-3101

Recreation & Outdoors

  • Bixler Lake Park
    Kendallville, IN – 260-242-6898
    Fishing, swimming, nature trails, and camping.

  • Noble Hawk Golf Links
    Kendallville, IN – 260-349-0900
    Site of the 2002 PGA Northern Open.

  • Cobblestone Golf Course
    Kendallville, IN – 260-349-1550

Genealogy Research

  • Allen County Public Library (Fort Wayne, IN)
    900 Webster St.
    General: 260-421-1200
    Genealogy Dept.: 260-421-1225

Home to the largest public genealogy research library in the United States, including one of the few complete 1930 census collections.
Also features The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research with over 20,000 artifacts related to Abraham Lincoln.

Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site

Location: Rome City, IN
Phone: 260-854-3790

Known as the “Bird Lady of Indiana,” Gene Stratton-Porter was one of Indiana’s most influential naturalists, photographers, and bestselling authors of the early 1900s (notable works include A Girl of the Limberlost and Freckles).

Visitors can tour:

  • Her beautiful Lakeside Cabin at Wildflower Woods

  • Gardens, walking paths, and restored natural habitats

  • Exhibits on her life, conservation work, and photography

This is one of the region’s most peaceful, scenic destinations—perfect for a half-day trip before the festival.