Top 9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Elkhart, Indiana (IN)

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.

Ruthmere Museum, the 1910 Beaux Arts home of Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, is lavishly decorated with silk wall coverings, hand-carved woodwork and painted murals. Ruthmere’s world-class collection includes everything from Rodin bronze sculptures to painting masterworks; rare books and Tiffany art glass to heirloom plants and pre-WWI vintage autos. The 1848 home of city founder Dr. Havilah and Rachel Beardsley presents a glimpse of Elkhart’s entrepreneurial spirit. Historic research, archaeology, culture and preservation come together to tell a rich story of the 19th century. Guided tours available Tues. - Sat. 10am - 3pm and Sundays 1pm - 3pm Eastern Time from April - Dec. Located at the northwest corner of Main Street and Beardsley Avenue. (ADA accessible)

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 and lunch, as well as decadent desserts and handcrafted hot and cold drinks.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens is open year-round. Activities include special events and festivals, workshops and educational opportunities, a summer concert series, winter wonderland holiday lights, and seasonal programming and exhibits. Facilities may be rented for private events including weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations of life. 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. 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.

Quilt Gardens Along the Heritage Trail May 30 – September 15 More than a million vibrant blooms • 16 gigantic gardens and hand-painted super-sized murals • welcoming communities • Viewable FREE May 30 – September 15. The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail joins quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind event. This colorful patchwork of quilt inspired gardens and quilt-themed murals is linked by the roads that form the Heritage Trail. Every quilt garden and quilt mural has its own intricate pattern, many are original designs and each has its own unique story. Each of our unique communities that host quilt gardens & murals has its own special character and fun finds you’ll want to explore.