Amish Acres is set to close at the end of 2019.

NAPPANEE — After 50 years in operation, Amish Acres — one of the biggest tourist attractions in northern Indiana — is set to close at the end of 2019.

According to Nappanee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jeff Kitson, the locally-owned business is set to close after its Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Cabaret. The Pletcher family, who own the business, is retiring.

If a buyer does not come forward for the property, Amish Acres will go to auction later in 2020.

“After 50 years, the Pletcher family has announced they will retire from the hospitality industry and cease operations at Amish Acres,” said Angie Pletcher Stillson. “We are confident that the memories and the friendships we’ve made through Amish Acres heritage will be lifelong. We thank our employees, customers and vendors for their years of support and affection. If you are interested in the properties, please contact Amish Acres.”

“I’m excited for the family and that they get to enjoy retirement, but at the same time I’m sad,” said Kitson. “They’ve had five million visitors and 10,000 employees in 50 years. It’s unbelievable what they’ve done, and they’re going to be missed.”