Destinations Magazine

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana

By Jessicanunemaker @JessNunemaker
Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana Lake Effect Florist

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana Lake Effect Florist

I wish I could be there to see your faces when you walk into Schoolhouse Shop in Furnessville, Indiana!

Cute as a button on the outside, you won’t believe all that is contained inside this 1886 Porter County Schoolhouse turned retail business.

Schoolhouse Shop in Furnessville, Indiana

Yes, it is hard to believe that this tidy, well-kept, and completely charming building with a tasteful expansion was once the two room school (and made from local bricks).  In the 1920′s, its days as a school were over.

Abandoned, it wasn’t until the 1940′s that a couple purchased the building–and it couldn’t come at a better time, either! The other interested party wanted to tear down the bell tower and turn it into a chicken coop! What a loss that would be to the structure!

So, the schoolhouse turned into a shop and passed along family hands until the 1990′s. The current owners, Jim Ruge & Roy Krizek, took it over in 1997, did a bunch of renovations, and have been growing strong ever since!

Indiana Dunes Antique (and More) Shop

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana

I know the name of the place includes “antiques” in the title and, while they do have absolutely beautiful antiques, with about a dozen rooms containing an eye-catching mix of antiques and delightful gifts, there’s a whole lot more here that will probably surprise you!

For instance, all of you bakers and cooks out there will LOVE The Magic Pantry, a bright room filled with artisan quality food products. It’s really, really fun to browse! 

There was a refrigerated section of cheeses, meats, and unique drinks like Victorian Lemonade, Ginger Beer, Tonic Water, and Curiosity Cola. Shelves held varieties of vinegar and oil like Red Raspberry Vinegar, Black Fig Vinegar, and Tequila Lime Vinegar to name just a few.  There were syrups and gluten-free soup mixes, baked goods, and dip mixes.

And loads of great kitchen items too! Napkin rings, mugs, place settings, kitchen tools, and gadgets–they had everything! So. Much. FUN!

In the warmer months, you can even get your lunch here! Dine on the outdoor patio and enjoy lunch or snacks.

Clothing , Florist, and Toys at Schoolhouse Shop

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana Dunes Clothier

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana Dunes Clothier

As if that wasn’t fun enough, there’s MORE to explore at this sprawling Indiana shop!

In fact, you’ll find a very nice clothing boutique: Dunes Clothiers. Really nice things. Clothing and accessories available for both men and women.

Lake Effect Florals carries flowers and plants. There are absolutely gorgeous wreaths here! If our car hadn’t been full, one of them would have headed home with me! Just absolutely gorgeous greenery. They are a full service florist so you can find everything you need right here.

But our boys? They were loving Tree House Toy Room, THE place for excellent toys! We played with puppets, admired stuffed animals, the puzzles, and the books. What a wonderful local option for gifts for the kids in your life!

Go There

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques in Furnessville, Indiana is certainly a one-stop destination that covers a slew of needs! Every member in your group or family will find something here to love and admire.

The Indiana Dunes are has so many things to see and do. Please, make sure that Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques makes that list! It will be the highlight of any Indiana Dunes shopping excursion.

Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is little Indiana!

Find pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream or on the new little Indiana Tumblr blog.

Just don’t forget to tell ‘em that  little Indiana sent you!

Schoolhouse Shop and Antiques
278 East CR-1500 North
Chesterton, Indiana 46304
219.926.1551

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