- Where is Elkhart located?
- The town of Elkhart lies in the northernmost part of Indiana, just a short drive from the cities of South Bend and Goshen.
- What kind of experiences does Elkhart offer visitors?
- Visitors will find a vibrant urban energy, a diverse food and beverage scene, and a wide variety of museums, attractions, and events.
- What are some popular events in Elkhart?
- The area is home to one of the largest county fairs in the country, a nationally known Jazz Festival, and several other special events.
- What makes the downtown area of Elkhart appealing?
- Visitors will find a lively and revitalized downtown area, featuring shopping, dining, museums, and events, that provide a vibrant urban energy.
- What kind of dining options does Elkhart offer?
- Visitors will find a diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, breweries, and wineries in Elkhart.
- What attractions and outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Elkhart?
- Visitors will find multiple parks and recreational facilities in addition to historical and cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and landmarks.
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1. RV-MH Hall of Fame and Museum
RV-MH Hall of Fame and Museum is a 10,000 square-foot museum complex featuring an array of historic recreational vehicles from Winnebago, Airstream, and a number of other American makers of these popular vehicles. The unique museum shares the chronological history and technological advancements of the recreational vehicles and manufactured housing industry from before World War I up to present day. The RV Founders Hall is home to memorabilia, photos, and trailers dating back to the 1920’s and the 1930’s, while the Exhibitor Hall displays an illustration of products of the RV industry and their history.
21565 Executive Pkwy, Elkhart, IN 46514, Phone: 574-293-2344
2. Wellfield Botanic Gardens
The Wellfield Botanic Gardens encompass approximately thirty-six acres of land on and around the historic wellfield of Elkhart. Once powering the town’s nineteenth-century milles, Christian Creek now meanders through the gardens, inspiring the native habitat. The specialty gardens feature a pond surrounded by a wide variety of flora and fauna, pagodas, benches, and sculptures. Guests at the Wellfield Botanic Gardens can take a self-guided tour of the Island Garden, consisting of three different islands to explore, including the highest walkable point in the gardens on the Main Island. There is also a Children’s Garden with plenty for kids to discover.
1011 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514, Phone: 574-266-2006
3. Ruthmere
Built back in the year 1908 by Elizabeth and Albert Beardsley, Ruthmere was once considered to be the centerpiece of society in Elkhart, Indiana. It has since been carefully and lovingly restored to provide people with a look into the town’s “Gilded Age” past. Visitors can tour the lavishly appointed rooms with their historic furnishings and view world-class decorative and fine arts, such vintage autos, Rodin sculptures, and Tiffany lamps.
302 E Beardsley Ave, Elkhart, IN 46514, Phone: 574-264-0330
4. National New York Central Railroad Museum
National New York Central Railroad Museum is designed to recapture “the glory days” of America’s railroads, the era during which they were goodwill ambassadors throughout the country and symbols of progress. Established in 1987, the museum is an ever-growing site of preservation for both national and local railroad heritage, particularly related to the New York Central System. When the railroad arrived in Elkhart, Indiana in 1851, the town served as a vital link connecting the Midwest and beyond to the Atlantic Seaboard. The Robert R. Young Yard of New York Central was the “second largest railroad freight classification yard” east of the Mississippi.
721 S Main St, Elkhart, IN 46516, Phone: 574-294-3001
5. Southgate Crossing
Southgate Crossing in Elkhart, Indiana is one of the country’s largest Amish built peg-and-beam constructions. The mission of the retail center is to offer both the local community and visitors with a family-focused experience that supports local services and goods. Items available includes merchandise reflecting an Americana, do-it-yourself, homespun theme. The facility also offers sustainable agricultural development programs, daily food options, weekly entertainment, in-house catering, and a beautiful venue for special events.
27751 Co Rd 26, Elkhart, IN 46517, Phone: 574-294-2040
6. Elkhart Environmental Center
Committed to providing a haven for wildlife, environmental professionals, and local residents, the Elkhart Environmental Center is a part of a larger 120-acre River Greenway system along the Elkhart River connecting to Studebaker Park. Founded in 1991 as an education facility, the environmental center consists of five wetlands that offer habitat for wildlife and help with reducing stormwater runoff. Additional habitat is provided with the prairie grass areas, native wildflower patches, and wooded buffers by the river. The Elkhart Environmental Center aims to blend natural and urban environments to demonstrate how the two can successfully co-exist.
1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516, Phone: 574-293-5070
7. ETHOS Innovation Center
The ETHOS Innovation Center was established to help both adults and children alike engage with technology and science through a variety of hands-on and interactive events and programs. The center offers opportunities for connecting science with everyday life through critical thinking, discovery, and problem solving. The ETHOS Innovation Center also helps teachers and students not only meet, but also exceed benchmarks set by the national standardized tests. Programs offered by the center include science camps during spring break, summer, and fall break, the Science2Go Bus, a variety of community events, the ETHOS Academy, field trips, and after school programming.
1025 N Michigan St, Elkhart, IN 46514, Phone: 574-266-7149
8. Iechyd Da Brewing Company
Iechyd Da Brewing Company is a brewpub in the northern Indiana town of Elkhart serving soda, handcrafted lagers, ales, soda, sandwiches, and pizza. All of the brews served are made by the brewery, as well as a good amount of the food, offering refreshing drinks and delicious food as local and fresh as it gets. The beer at Iechyd Da Brewing Company runs the gamut, ranging from hoppy American Pale Ale to English Session Beers.
317 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46516, Phone: 574-293-0506
9. Antonio's
Antonio's strives to treat every guest “like family,” one big Italian family. Customers are treated to an authentic Southern Italian meal, made from scratch and to order, including the sauce. The bar offers a relaxing place to unwind with a good and there’s a banquet room as well for special events or private parties. Antonio’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant, run by the Cataldo family who came to America from Italy in 1966.
1105 Goshen Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516, Phone: 574-295-8424
10. Midwest Museum of American Art
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, the Midwest Museum of American Art is a non-profit museum that operates entirely on the generous donations of supporters, members, and grants. The museum is nestled in the heart of downtown Elkhart and is easily recognizable by the neo-classical bank building that it calls its home. With over 6,000 pieces of art in the museum's permanent collection, the Midwest Museum of American Art proudly exhibits American Art from the 19th through the 21st century. Browse the works of historic Indiana artists as well as prolific artists throughout the country's history, and explore a range of artistic styles such as pop art, regionalism, American impressionism, abstract work, and more.
429 S. Main Street, Elkhart, Indiana 46516, Phone: 574-293-6660
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and riverside charm. | Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart – Comfortable rooms conveniently located near attractions. | Explore Wellfield Botanic Gardens – Enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and nature trails. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm temperatures ideal for outdoor events and river activities. | Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Elkhart – Comfortable rooms conveniently located near Elkhart. | Attend the Elkhart Jazz Festival – Experience live music, food, and local culture. |
| Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather, vibrant foliage, and local festivals. | Hilton Garden Inn Elkhart – Centrally located accommodations with modern amenities. | Visit Wellfield Botanic Gardens' Autumn Showcase – Enjoy scenic walks and stunning fall displays. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold and snowy, perfect for cozy indoor exploration. | Staybridge Suites Elkhart North – Warm, comfortable suites ideal for winter stays. | Explore Ruthmere Museum – Discover historic architecture and seasonal exhibits. |
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