10 Best Things to Do in Kokomo, Indiana

By VacationIdea Staff on December 3, 2022 - Updated

Howard County Historical Society

When many people hear “Kokomo,” a certain song may pop into their heads, however, while the city of Kokomo, Indiana may not be as famous, it does boast a number of things to do for both local Midwesterns and visitors alike. History can be found at the Seiberling Mansion and the Elwood Haynes Museum, while sports fans can head over to the Kokomo Municipal Stadium for baseball or the Kokomo Speedway for some racing action. For a more unusual attraction, there’s Old Ben, the “World's Largest Steer.”

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Seiberling Mansion

The Seiberling Mansion is certainly on any list of the greatest mansions in the state of Indiana. This gorgeous home in Kokomo, Indiana was constructed back in 1891 by Monroe Seiberling, a successful industrialist who came to the city during the state’s “gas boom” during the late nineteenth century and went on to build many large factories across the region. Over the past century, the mansion has served as a private residence, a university, and now a wonderfully restored historic landmark.

1200 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-452-4314

2.Elwood Haynes Museum, Kokomo, Indiana

The Elwood Haynes Museum is a place for both visitors and locals alike to learn about Elwood Haynes, a notable inventor” and explore more about the “City of Firsts.” In 1894, Haynes invented the country’s first “commercially successful gasoline-powered automobile,” which was referred to in early advertising as “America’s First Car.” He also thought of the idea of the “Horseless Carriage.” Visitors can now tour Elwood Haynes’s former home and see the revolving exhibit of Haynes automobiles in the very spacious garage.

1915 S Webster St, Kokomo, IN 46902, Phone: 765-456-7500

3.Kokomo Speedway, Kokomo, Indiana

The Kokomo Speedway has played host to a thrilling night of dirt track racing every Sunday since 1947 and is still going strong today. The family-oriented racetrack offers a place for people of all ages to enjoy racing action in Indiana, providing a designated family section of seating that doesn’t permit alcohol in the north half of the Kokomo Speedway’s front stretch grandstands. The speedway also includes a beer garden located in both the backstretch and frontstretch areas, permanent restroom facilities, full-service concession stands, closed circuit television screens, and a souvenir shop. There is also an on-site campground.

2455 N Davis Rd, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-459-3877

4.Kokomo Municipal Stadium, Kokomo, Indiana

The Kokomo Municipal Stadium, situated in the downtown district of Kokomo, Indiana, is just a short walk away from several art galleries, shops, and local restaurants. Home to the city’s baseball team, the Kokomo Jackrabbits, the stadium is conveniently located for a great day out for people of all ages, both local residents and visitors alike. Able to accommodate soccer, softball, and baseball, the Kokomo Municipal Stadium features both lawn and stadium seating with a capacity of four thousand spectators, as well as locker rooms for teams, restroom facilities, concession stands for games, and a suite level.

400 S Union St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-457-5000

5.Old Ben - World's Largest Steer & Giant Sycamore Stump

Old Ben, the “World's Largest Steer,” and the Giant Sycamore Stump are two unique attractions in the city of Kokomo, Indiana. At birth, Old Ben weighed in at 125 pounds in 1902, and when he died in 1910, he weighed between 4,585 and 4,720 pounds. In 1968, Old Ben was featured in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” and can now be found in a pavilion within Highland Park. Also located in the same pavilion is the Giant Sycamore Stump, which measures fifty-seven feet in diameter. The landmark was once used as a massive phone booth.

1402 West Defenbaugh Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, Phone: 765-456-7275

6.Howard County Historical Society, Kokomo, Indiana

The campus of the Howard County Historical Society in Kokomo consists of the Elliott Mansion, two carriage houses, and the stunning Seiberling Mansion. The Seiberling Mansion has been beautifully restored and now houses the Howard County history museum, while the Elliott Mansion, another relic of Indiana’s gas boom era, primarily serves as a facility for events. During the holiday season, visitors can see the Seiberling Mansion decorated for Christmas. Both the county museum and the Howard County Historical Society were established during the state’s centennial celebration in 1916, although the museum was originally housed elsewhere.

1200 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-452-4314

7.Jamie’s Soda Fountain, Kokomo, Indiana

Originally opening its doors to the local community in 1982, Jamie’s Soda Fountain is a locally owned and operated “soda fountain” in the city of Kokomo, Indiana. The local dining establishment first started out with just four or five sandwiches and has now grown to offer a menu full of signature dishes and drinks, including “delectable desserts,” entrees, sweet fountain sodas, and several flavorful appetizers. One of the most popular items on the menu at Jamie’s Soda Fountain are the taco salads, in addition to the popular hand-dipped milkshakes, ice cream sodas, and hand-pumped, old-fashioned fountain Cokes.

307 N Main St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-459-5552

8.Kokomo Opalescent Glass

In continuous operating since 1888, Kokomo Opalescent Glass is still located in their original premises where they have been producing beautiful and functional glass art which adorns many homes and offices throughout the country. Products include a wide variety of household items including vases, beautiful and original pendant lights, bowls, plates, platters and much more. If you would like to take a peep behind the scenes you can join a public tour of the facility on Tuesday, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 11am. In addition to tours, Kokomo also offers lessons for anyone interested in making glass art a hobby or a profession.

Kokomo Opalescent Glass, 1310 S. Market Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, 765 457 1829

9.Gravity Trampoline Park

Gravity Trampoline Park is an 18,000 square foot high-energy entertainment venue which will provide hours of active entertainment. The park is divided into several separate areas, each of which is designed to offer safe jumping for visitors of various ages and abilities. While more proficient jumpers will love honing their skills on the High Performance Trampolines, those still finding their feet can have fun on the Airbag and in the Free Style Jumping area. Family fun games include the Battle Beams, Neon Climbing Walls, Extreme Dodgeball and Extreme Dunk Basket Ball. Younger visitors can have fun on the Toddler Tower while spectators can watch all the fun from the viewing deck.

Gravity Trampoline Park, Markland Mall, 1201 South Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, 765 450 3291

10.Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery

Boasting the freshest flavors in town, Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery is your go-to destination for delicious, freshly prepared meals and brewed-on-site craft beers. The huge food menu offers something for everyone including a comprehensive selection of popular starters, soups, sandwiches, burgers, salads and fabulous smokehouse entrees. The beer menu is equally impressive featuring 7 regular beers, ranging from American Wheats to IPA’s and Porter. In addition, there is always a selection of seasonal beers available – these usually include some very interesting flavors that you will not find elsewhere. The restaurant offers daily specials as well as regular Beer and Food Pairings.

Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery, 4051 S. Lafountain, Kokomo, IN 46902, 765 455 2739