Goshen
Goshen, also known as Maple City, is located near the Michigan border in northern Indiana. The charming small town is lined with charming brick buildings and is home to a sizable Amish community. The century-old Old Bag Factory, which was revitalized in the 1980s, is one of the top landmarks. It was once an abandoned factory and is now a creative space with galleries, artisan shops, and old factory memorabilia. Goshen's economy is centered on the automotive and recreational vehicle industries. Automotive component manufacturers like Benteler exist, as do companies that build custom bodies onto chassis like Supreme, Independent Protection, and Showhauler Trucks. Dutchmen, Forest River, and Keystone are among the RV manufacturers.
Goshen has seven parks and several greenways and trails that wind through the city, one of which runs along the old Mill Race and hydraulic canal that was once used to power an old hydroelectric power plant. Plans drawn up in 2005 call for the plant to be reopened and redevelopment along the canal to begin. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail follows the former Pumpkin Vine Railroad from Goshen to Middlebury and Shipshewana. The trail begins at Abshire Park, northeast of Goshen. It is one of Goshen's recreational highlights. They, along with the Maple City Greenway and the Millrace trail, provide many miles of easily accessible walking, running, and biking trails.
When the sun shines, join the locals at Fidler Pond Park, their favorite hangout. Visitors can SUP or kayak on the lake, or simply walk around the picturesque landscape, which is home to one of the country's largest country fairs. Shop locally owned stores for one-of-a-kind finds and handcrafted items in the walkable downtown. The Soapy Gnome sells luxurious handcrafted soap and skin care products. Discover art finds ranging from midcentury modern to African artifacts at Found, as well as handmade and fair trade items at Ten Thousand Villages. Goertzen Pottery in the nearby Old Bag Factory combines traditional techniques with contemporary designs.
