City of Goshen

This comprehensive resource provides residents of our community and visitors quick access to information about local government, community planning, recreational activities, upcoming events and more.

“Everything comes together in Goshen…or more precisely, everybody. There’s a special spirit that has always been here and it’s wonderfully contagious. You’ll see it all over town, from neighbors who help the new family on the block get moved in, to volunteers who help at a school. People here are committed to working for the common good, which has helped make Goshen an uncommonly great place to live, work and visit. We’re a richly diverse community of folks, making this a place where you’re as likely to live near young professionals as retirees, and as apt to meet friends at First Fridays as at a concert…at the college or just strolling downtown. But what we share in common is the community ideal. Together, we’ve worked to make Goshen a place where business is good, manufacturing thrives, downtown bustles, artists create, entrepreneurs reach global markets, families find a friendly environment, good things take root, and people pitch in to make it better. It’s altogether different because we’re all in it together. Some say Goshen is the way America used to be. We say it’s the way to an uncommonly robust future.”

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Amish Country – Goshen is located in the heart of Amish Country Guided house and farm tours take visitors on buggy rides and tours of Amish homes, barns, outbuildings, fields. A standard assortment of nationally known retailers and restaurants is also available in the Goshen area. Middlebury’s Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Nappanee’s Amish Acres received from the Travel Trade Magazine’s Focus 500, lists Amish Acres first among its top ten attractions for group travel in Indiana  and Shipshewana’s restaurants and Amish specialty shops are both within easy driving distance. A pleasant drive in the country will reward the adventurer with a bevy of home businesses offering everything from brown eggs to handmade quilts to hand crafted furniture.

The RV Capital of the World – Goshen and Elkhart County also take pride in being the RV Capital of the World. Many Amish people contribute to the production of the fine recreational vehicles manufactured locally. Companies like Dutchmen Manufacturing, Jayco, and Keystone are just a few of the quality RV manufacturers in the area.Elkhart County 4-H Fair – The Elkhart County 4-H Fair is among the top 50 fairs and expositions in the nation, Canada, and Mexico. It is the fourth largest attraction in Indiana and the largest attended county fair in Indiana. The fair features free grand stand concerts with renowned artists like the Beach Boys, Sugarland, Tricia Yearwood, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers. The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds is in operation throughout the year. In July, the fair board hosts one of the largest 4-H County Fairs in the Nation. In the other 11 months, the grounds are busy with events such as the IPRA Spring Rodeo, Autumn Splendor Arts & Crafts Show, Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale, Michiana Chevy Show and many more attractions. The fairgrounds also hosts year-around public camping, travel rallies, auctions and corporate picnics.Goshen Historical Museum – Goshen’s Historic District was established in 1983 and consists of about 45 city blocks. The Goshen Historical Society offers a museum, located downtown in one of Goshen’s original stores, where residents and visitors can step back into the city’s history. Facilities for researching local culture and history are only a part of the services provided by the Goshen Public Library.

the Old Bag Factory – Residents and visitors not only share the past, but also benefit from the talents of local artisans at the refurbished Old Bag Factory. Swartzendruber Hardwood Creations and John Mishler Sculpture Studio are some of the nationally renowned local artisans who are located at the Old Bag Factory. Handmade quilts, ironware, handmade soaps, stained glass windows, fresh baked bread only sampling of the unparalleled variety, quality and craftsmanship available to residents and tourists in this Center for Creativity and Marketplace for Excellence.

Shopping – Shopping in the Goshen area is an incredible experience! First there is Goshen’s strong, viable downtown area. Unique retail shops many dating to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s provide modern services for today’s shopper. To name a few, Jule’s Boutique carries the latest styles in fashionable women’s clothing. Woldruff’s Footwear carries a wide variety of shoe styles in their beautifully renovated building. The Nut Shoppe has been in Goshen for over 25 years and specializes in hand dipped chocolates, homemade caramels, and everybody’s favorite turtles.

Entertainment – Linway Plaza, located on Lincoln Avenue and just off the downtown area is a great entertainment and restaurant area. In addition to Linway Plaza Cinema, there are numerous eateries with a selection of American, Chinese, Italian, Mexican cuisine. You’ll also want to top off any experience with a visit to The Chief, a local hangout with real, homemade ice cream as their drawing card. Want to see a movie? The Linway Plaza Cinema is a 10-screen complex with stadium seating centrally located just west of the downtown area.  Also, plan to visit Goshen for First Fridays (during the first Friday of each month) when you can enjoy events, classes, promotions, concerts, and more in Goshen.

The Arts – Goshenites also enjoy performances at New World Arts and the Goshen Theatre, both located in downtown Goshen. Performances range from musicals and comedies to dramas as well as children’s theatre.