International Elderhostels

Amish Acres is a seasoned host for International Elderhostel programs ranging from cyclists rolling through the picturesque spring and fall countryside of Nappanee and the surrounding area that makes up Northern Indiana Amish Country.
Elderhostel is the not-for-profit leader in educational travel for older adults. It offers more than 8,000 learning adventures in all 50 states and more than 90 countries abroad. These learning adventures offer in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning experiences for almost every interest and ability. History, culture, nature, music, outdoor activities such as walking and biking, individual skills, crafts, and study cruises are among the many Elderhostel travel adventures.
The cyclists will log some 120 miles during the week among other activities such as touring the Amish Acres House and Farm, enjoying professional live musical theatre performances of Plain and Fancy and other repertory musicals in The Round Barn Theatre.
Further information about Elderhostel can be found on the World Wide Web at elderhostel.org. For more information about Amish Acres, trip packages, the 2009 Round Barn Theatre schedule or the 2008 theatre schedule call 800-800-4942 or search other areas of this website.
AMISH ACRES
Nappanee, Indiana
2008 Elderhostel Programs
| June 8-12, 2009 | Spring Cycling Tour | 5 Day/4 night |
| July 6-10, 2009 | Intergenerational Program | 5 Day/4 Night |
| July 13-17, 2009 | Intergenerational Program | 5 Day/4 Night |
| Aug 10-14, 2009 | Multi-gen Cycling Lost Arts | 4 Day/3 Night |
| Aug 31-Sep 4, 2009 | Amish Adventure | 5 Day/4 Night |
| Sept 20-25, 2009 | Fall Cycling Tour | 6 Day/5 Night |
| Oct 11-16, 2009 | Fall Cycling Tour | 6 Day/5 Night |
| Oct 26 - 30, 2009 | Amish Adventure | 5 Day/ 4 Night |
| Nov 3-6, 2009 | Amish Country Christmas |
4 Day/3 Night |
| Nov 17-20, 2009 | Amish Country Christmas | 4 Day/3 Night |
| Dec 8-11, 2009 | Amish Country Christmas | 4 Day/3 Night |
Register for an Amish Acres Elderhostel program by visiting www.elderhostel.org or calling 800-454-5768

Spring and Fall Cycling Elderhostels
Grab your bike and Embrace the Pace of Amish Acres & Nappanee, Indiana. You’ll marvel at the clip clop of horse’s hooves pulling the quaint black buggies along the countryside next to slick RVs made in nearby factories. Led by experienced guides, you’ll be immersed in history, culture, crafts, and culinary delights of Amish and Mennonite people who reject modern conveniences. You’ll pedal at your leisure along the scenic countryside as you pass shingle shops, pristine Amish farms and schoolhouses while exploring the simple life. It’s your introduction to Indiana Amish Country the 3rd largest settlement in the US. Nearly 4000 Amish surround this vibrant city of 6500 that TIME magazine calls, “One of American’s Top 10 Small Towns.”
Field trips involve cycling 20-40 miles per day on flat to rolling country roads. Bring your own well tuned bike, helmet, rain/cold weather gear. Maps and fully stocked SAG wagon provided. Previous bicycling experience required. Lectures and fun along the way.
Intergenerational Elderhostels
Discover what the world was like before video games, before cordless phones, and before electricity. Learn from the past and each other as together you explore the history and the culture of the Amish and Mennonite people. This unforgettable experience will include hands-on farm activities, craft demonstrations, a scavenger hunt and obstacle course, a wagon ride, and an old-fashioned spelling bee. Then go from thresher to theater as you learn from theater professionals at Indiana's only resident musical repertory theatre company. Go behind the scenes and see what happens backstage; discuss how a production is put together from the sets and costumes to the music and lighting. Share the magic of a live performance and talk to the actors.
This intergenerational program is for participants and young learners ages 7-12, maximum one child per adult, two per couple. Family group shares accommodations. Adult is responsible for child supervision. Program is appropriate for three generations.
Amish Adventure Elderhostels
Escape to Amish Acres for an unforgettable experience as you walk through history exploring the culture and history of the Amish and Mennonite people. Embrace the pace of Nappanee, Indiana; explore the historic eighty acre farm and experience the lifestyle of the Amish through guided tours, farm animals, restaurants, craft demonstrations, quaint shops, and the surrounding countryside. Time stopped over a century ago and preserves the Amish way of life, nearly forgotten in today's fast paced world. In addition, as a bonus, you will enjoy two exceptional professional theatrical performances at the historic Round Barn Theatre along with a house seat insights tour, offering a back-stage pass for Elderhostelers.
Amish Country Christmas Elderhostels
This year, give yourself the gift of learning on a unique holiday adventure through Amish Country. Stimulating presentations paint an intricate portrait of Amish and Mennonite culture and the accompanying holiday customs. Meet Amish and Mennonite people on a countryside tour, in an Amish School, in a baking demonstration led by true old order Amish, in the shops of cheese and noodle-makers, and at the dinner table. Pick up your Christmas stocking at the beginning of your adventure and fill it to the brim on your many visits to area shops. As a special highlight, meet and dine with the cast of the current production as well as enjoy a performance of the current production in the Round Barn Theatre.















