Location: Elkhart
Top Things to do in Elkhart
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What to do and see in Elkhart, Indiana (IN): The Best Things to do
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. Havilah Beardsley House
2. The Lerner Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By williamfr2014
We have always had a Great Experience at The Lerner. Beautiful Venue and all the volunteers are very helpful and nice!
3. ETHOS Innovation Center
4. Birds Gotta Fly Vintage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A Shopping Experience unlike any other! Certified Stockist of Annie Sloan’s® decorative Chalk Paint®, Iron Orchid Designs™ decor transfers, decor stamps, and decor moulds. Birds Gotta Fly Vintage is located in the century-old brick Smoler Dress Factory. Two floors of curated home decor, antiques, vintage treasures, upholstered furniture, lighting, gifts, a baby boutique, womens’ boutique featuring apparel and accessories. We pride ourselves on offering world class customer service to each and every guest, and strive to be a haven of inspiration and genuine hospitality!
5. Elkhart Environmental Center
6. RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
Reviewed By Joansie51048 - Toledo, United States
This is a very complete museum, We were there an hour and a half and never made it to the second floor which houses a lot of research material. Very interesting about the development of RV's and mobile homes, but even more interesting about how it affected local history in the Elkhart area.If you RV, you really need to stop.
7. National New York Central Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 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 d0uglas2018 - Huntsville, United States
Memorabilia, Great Model train layout. Built in an old train station. Highlight is being able to step inside a F7 Diesel Engine. Pretty Cool..
8. PETE'S SIMONTON LAKE TAVERN
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
9. The Bookworm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
10. Ruthmere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
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)
Reviewed By Companion816983
Last week we had guests visiting us in Indiana from out of state so we decided (due to all the COVID-19 restrictions) to do the Elkhart Quilt Garden Tour. After visiting the first garden on Main Street in Elkhart, we stopped at the second one on our tour at Ruthmere, the historic mansion on Beardsley Ave. across the street from the Elkhart River. We noticed a sign out front indicating they had tours of the mansion on the hour. So we decided to check it out. This was the highlight of our day! Mark Doddington, our tour guide, was a wealth of information and very excited to tell the story of Ruthmere. Each room has its own story and also tells the stories of the families who lived there. Mark gave great background on the history as well as the materials used in constructing and furnishing the mansion. The amount of artwork in the house was a great surprise and many original furnishings are still displayed. Mark was very eager to answer questions and we could tell he really enjoys his job at Ruthmere. If you're ever in Elkhart, I highly recommend taking the time to see Ruthmere! I enjoy touring historic homes and this is one of the best tours I've ever taken. Thanks, Mark! NOTE: Photos are not allowed inside the mansion.
