Inside Bear Cave.

Water Fall in park

Water Fall at Miniture Golf Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Welcome sign

 We are now at Buchanan, Michigan and will be here for 2 weeks. It is another Thousand Trails Resort so it is no cost to stay here. 

Entrance to Bear Cave Office Area

 Bear Cave is the only cavern in the Great Lakes area. Formed in rare "tufa rock" (a secondary limestone) this particular bed is estimated by geologists to be at least 25,000 years old, and rests on a glacial drift deposited during the last ice age 50,000 years ago. Beautiful stalactites, flowstone, petrified leaves, and strange shapes, all delicately colored by the metal oxides of native ores, are present throughout the cave. In 1875, the "goods" from an Ohio bank robbery were hidden in the ca ve. Inspired by this event, Bear Cave was featured in the 1903 movie The Great Train Robbery -- now considered a silent film classic, and the forerunner of the thriller movies of today. Outside, the area surrounding Bear Cave is rich in wooded hills, wildflowers, deep ravines, and of course, the magnificent St. Joseph River.

Bear Cave Resort is a good location to visit the many tourist attractions in northern Indianna. 

 

Our RV site at Bear Cave

Parking entrance $3 bucks per car

From the days of Chief Shipshewana of the Potawatomi tribe of Native Americans to the settlement years, to modern day, the people of this unique Indiana town have left a rich legacy.

Lots of these at Shipshewand

normal mode of transportation

Shipshewana is located in rural Newbury Township of LaGrange Country in northern Indiana. Agriculture is the primary industry, followed by retail and a light industry of manufactured homes and recreational vehicles. The town is less than one square mile in size with a population of approximately 536. Though small, Shipshewana hosts one of the nation's largest flea markets and some 150 retail shops, attracting over half a million visitors each year.

This is the town center of Shipshewana

Shipshewana and LaGrange County are home to the "plain people": Mennonite and Amish. Their influence contributes to Shipshewana's unique small town atmosphere, which is also characterized by quaint downtown buildings, quality schools, a gracious park, a library of distinction, and a respect for people of faith, all of which are highly valued by its many long time residents.

The community also is generally well-kept; street trees and flowers are a part of the attractive appearance. Holiday decorations reflect the Christian values during the Christmas season, and are a source of pride for many Shipshewana residents. Most businesses are closed in the evenings and on Sundays, reflecting the Mennonite-Amish tradition of strong family values and close ties within the community.