Location: Elkhart
Top Things to do in Elkhart
- 1. Linton's Enchanted Gardens
- 2. RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum
- 3. Wellfield Botanic Gardens
- 4. Ruthmere Mansion
- 5. The Lerner Theater
- 6. National New York Central Railroad Museum
- 7. Elkhart River, Island Park- Riverwalk
- 8. Midwest Museum of American Art
- 9. Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum
- 10. Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Elkhart, United States
Elkhart is a lively small city in the heart of rustic Amish country, complimenting the rural charm of northern Indiana with world class shopping and dining, lush green spaces, exciting festivals and events throughout the year. Witness the Amish hard at work in the small villages surrounding the city, or discover vibrant arts and nightlife in the revitalized downtown area. Head to verdant Island Park, where the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers merge, for an oasis of calm within the city downtown.
Restaurants in Elkhart
1. Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Linton's Enchanted Gardens is Indiana's largest facility, boasting over 50,000 square feet of indoor shopping filled with creative displays which will spark your imagination, as well as over 9 acres of outdoor displays. The Garden Cafe at Linton's features fresh and healthy meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as decadent desserts and handcrafted hot and cold drinks.
Reviewed By LYDIA K - PLYMOUTH
Went there for gardening supplies. Very nice gift shop with some unusual items. Enjoyed seeing topiary for sale which is rare at most nurseries. Plants are pricey but they also offer rather unique birdhouses, statuary & fountains. Where else would you find conversant parrots? Nice afternoon. Wear comfortable shoes!
2. RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By GrumpyandtheOldLady - New York City, New York
We have passed this museum several times during our travels and decided to stop in after scheduling a stopover in Elkhart. The entry fee seemed a little expensive until we realized it was the same cost as a movie ticket. This museum certainly was much better than anything Hollywood has put out in quite awhile. Despite not being RVers or owning a motorhome, we had a great time. The Old Lady loves really, really old cars and seeing how far back the history of RVs goes was fascinating to her. We saw how these vehicles changed over the decades, developing into what they are now. They even have a 70's RV that has the original garish, loud, gold upholstery with baby poo mustard yellow shag carpeting; deliciously, wonderfully horrifying. That in itself was worth the price of admission. They have Mae West's mobil office/house the studio gave her that chauffeured her to work and some absolutely gorgeous pieces from the 1930s. It took us just under two hours to go through. FYI: The museum has winter hours that starts at 10am starting November 1 that we didn't see in our Google search online. Check the museum's website for hours - don't rely on other web searches.
3. Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
The Mission of Wellfield Botanic Gardens is to celebrate the inseparable relationship between water and life, inspire creativity and lifelong learning, foster stewardship of our natural world, and grow community. A Brief History: The Elkhart Rotary Club conceived the Gardens as a community service project in 2002 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International. The project was officially handed over to the Wellfield Botanic Gardens Board of Directors in 2005 to begin implementation of the Master Plan. Construction began in 2006 with the first earth-moving work to reshape and reconfigure the ponds. 36 acres in size, half of which are water, Wellfield resides on a historical piece of property originally known as the “North Main Street Well Field.” The property has been a source of hydraulic energy and drinking water for the City of Elkhart since the mid-1800s. Wellfield holds a lease agreement with the City of Elkhart and is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
Reviewed By John K - Lutz, Florida
We visited here with a tour group and spent a little over an hour here. The staff here is very friendly and excited about telling the story of the gardens. The gardens are laid out around a lake with different type of plants grouped around the walkway. They are in the process of doing some remodeling and additions which will only elevate the experience. A very peaceful place and worth the visit.
4. Ruthmere Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By 297ceciliaw
We visited Ruthmere mansion today. Very beautiful house with lots of history. Luncheon included tea and sandwiches. Scones and sweet treats . Loved the macaroons and candy.Thank you so much for your position response to your visit at Ruthmere. Come back when you can and tell your friends about us. Sincerely, Carolyn Bonanno, Communications Coordinator
5. The Lerner Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By Charles R - Warsaw, Indiana
The theater is a great place to see concerts. It's a 2000 seat venue, so every seat is within easy sight of the stage. The seats are very comfortable! The overall interior is very impressive. The place is well taken care of! Their is plenty of free parking, next to the theater.
6. National New York Central Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Activities for all ages: Visit the museum to learn about railroading history, see the Stanley Bell Model Train Layout and his various scale collection, observe trains going by on one of the busiest lines in the Midwest, tour the rolling stock, build your own wooden track layout on the 4’x 6’ train table, take a spin around the track on the Ride on Thomas the Train and more.
Reviewed By 3duckdave - Rochester, Indiana
Last fall I brought the kids and my Father-in-law here. There are lots of interesting things here, but the kids really enjoyed the train table and the model train display. This is a self guided tour. There are a couple people here and there to answer questions along the way though. My father-in-law and I could've spent several hours here looking at everything, but with the kids we only got about an hour. My daughter wasn't nearly as excited as my son, but heaven for bid had I left her at home. Bring cash, if I remember right they don't take debit/credit cards.
Anyway lots of interesting train memorabilia from the New York Central Railroad and other railroads that passed through the area. You enter in through the gift shop, off to the left is a dining car that is all set for a meal. Through the gift shop you walk through another car and into the main museum part. There are several rooms with railroad stuff, then there is a separate room that has the model train display. We spent the good amount of time here. From the model room you can exit to the outside where you can go into a real train. You can actually get in and look at a lot of the workings of a train, you can touch this display. Things are old, rusty and greasy, so don't touch anything if you can't handle getting a little dirty. It is really nice to see a museum with a hands on display now a days. Maybe when the kids are bit older we'll revisit this museum. It is a nice place to check out in Elkhart.
7. Elkhart River, Island Park- Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Stacy B - Parker, Colorado
I had a layover in Elkhart before heading home from a business trip. I looked on Trip Advisor and found the Elkhart Riverwalk. I have to say that I was not expecting much other than a walk to kill time. I was so pleasantly surprised by the landscaping and art that line the river and streets of Old Town Elkhart.
I started down by the Island Park. Watch your step the geese have no regard for the sidewalks on the island. I then continued toward downtown and was pleasantly surprised to see so many works of art. The lifelike statues that appear here and there were so much fun, I got a photo with each one! Then you get to find the painted Elk in town too.
At the end of my walk I stopped at Master Automotive, not because I had car troubles but because of the memorabilia they have inside, not to mention to two custom cars. If you are able to get a ride in Venus.... DO IT
8. Midwest Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By jlantern3 - Columbia, South Carolina
Excellent museum with a very good collection of art on display. Clean and well maintained. Great variety of art is represented in their collection
9. Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Nate C - Cleveland, Ohio
A must-see for any comic book fan. They have more comic book collectibles and memorabilia than you can ever imagine, all in a small 2-story location. My personal favorites were the movie props and the section of first-appearances. Enjoy wandering the upper floor looking for references to even the most obscure comic book character. Friendly staff is knowledgeable and able to answer any questions you have about exhibits or characters.
10. Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Visitor Center Elkhart County Start your trip here with... - Helpful advice from guest service professionals - Free Travel Guide and Heritage Trail Audio Tour CD - Easy access to lodging & dining options - A colorful display of regional quilts - After hours lobby with 24/7 access to essential travel information TRAVEL TIP: Many attractions, shopping and dining establishments in Amish Country are Closed on Sundays. We suggest that you contact individual businesses to confirm days and hours of operation. TRAVEL TIP: Amish Country is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone Easy to find... Just off the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) at Exit 92, behind Cracker Barrel Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday - Closed, Major Holidays - Closed Address: 219 Caravan Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514
Reviewed By Harleymama68 - Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
We went to the visitors bureau to look for some things to do and see. They were very helpful and even made phone calls for us.We are so happy you had a great time and found our Visitor Center helpful! Please come back to see us again soon! Thank you for the positive feedback!
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