Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre

When you visit us at Riegsecker Marketplace in Shipshewana, you enter the world of master craftsman, Mel Riegsecker. A native of Northern Indiana Amish Country, Mel’s father was an Amish harness maker, who taught Mel every detail of this ethnic skill. In 1970, for his own enjoyment, Mel created the first of his miniature wagons and six horse hitches with everything from manes to bridles authentically detailed. Mel’s father displayed the handsome miniature in his shop for all to enjoy. To the surprise of father and son, the miniature was quickly purchased!