Best & Fun Things to Do in Elkhart (Indiana)
By jhenr | Updated July 19th, 2022
Elkhart, Indiana: More Than Just a Small Town
Many unique and unforgettable characteristics describe Elkhart, Indiana. Elkhart has everything from natural wonders to big-city activity. We’ve compiled some of our favorite things to do in Elkhart to help you get acquainted with all it has to offer for your next trip. Check out some of these great activities.
Linton’s Enchanted Gardens
Elkhart, Indiana’s largest home and garden center, isn’t your typical botanical garden. It’s more like an enchanted garden—what Linton calls guerrilla nature art. They have a large indoor and outdoor display of the most beautiful and tastefully displayed flowers.
They host many private events like weddings and receptions; if you’re lucky, you may spot a bride! Be prepared to spend the entire day here as you get lost in the many attractions. Take a train tour of their 9 acres of enjoyment to have an overall view of the beautiful gardens.
There are over 38 attractions at this Garden; take your pic of their many fun activities to enjoy, from gemstone mining to the petting zoo to the Bumper Boats. Take a break and enjoy a meal at their gourmet cafe, serving delicious, nicely displayed food.
Visit their gift shop to find many local and handmade gifts and souvenirs. If you want to take in some art for your eyes, brain, and soul, Linton’s Enchanted Gardens
RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum
Nestled in Elkhart County is one of Indiana’s most unique museums—the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum. The collection on display ranges from classic motorhomes from days gone by to high-end trailer models that would make even Jay Leno jealous.
Check out an interactive arcade, take a tour with an actual RV mechanic, or relax at their observation deck and enjoy the view of passing buses and trains. They also host private events and conferences, so check out their website for more information.
Quilt Gardens
Elkhart’s story is stitched into its quilt gardens. Five different quilt gardens showcase over 1,000 vintage quilts from all over Indiana—each one an example of how community art and culture can add to one another.
The South Bend Stitching Sisters Quilt Garden was founded in 2003. Since then, it has hosted over 300 shows and become home to more than 400 antique and modern quilts.
From May to September, these quilts are in full bloom, so while you are in Elkhart, Indiana, be sure to visit, take pictures, and enjoy one of Elkhart’s pride attractions.
Elkhart Historical Museum
If you’re visiting Elkhart or looking for something fun to do in Elkhart, Indiana, with your family, consider visiting Elkhart Historical Museum. Located in downtown Elkhart (Indiana), ELHM displays information and historical artifacts related to north-central Indiana’s history.
The collection includes a vast amount of artifacts reflecting the county’s cultural heritage and shows Elkhart County’s story through both permanent and temporary exhibits.
The Lerner Theater
Built in 1924, and fully renovated by 2011 with an $18 million grant, The Lerner Theatre has captured national attention and is a must-see attraction when visiting Elkhart, Indiana.
Take a guided tour and learn all about the history of this magnificent place. The Theater has so much to offer; they host concerts, movie screenings, live performances, plays, and more.
Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum
This may be one of Elkhart’s best-kept secrets. Located in downtown Elkhart, Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum is Indiana’s only permanent superhero museum.
This unique museum features original costumes from The Dark Knight Trilogy, the original shield used in the film Captain America as well as rare comic books and collectibles. Bring all your Marvel and DC fans and relive some amazing childhood memories right here in Elkhart, Indiana
Ruthmere
The Ruthmere Campus is a historic mansion and house that belonged to one of Elkhart’s very distinguished and wealthy families. In 1848, Havilah and his wife built the very first brick house in Elkhart and eventually built a three-story mansion in 1910 that was used mainly for business, family, political and social gatherings.
Today the buildings are fully restored and used as a museum to showcase their lives and how they lived. With beautiful Louis Comfort Tiffany lamps and windows, Rich Cuban mahogany wood, and silk wall coverings, this mansion was one that was admired.
This historic house is open to visitors from May through October and houses changing exhibits from local artists as well as interpretive displays about Elkhart’s history. They host events from classical concerts to tea at Ruthmere, and book club, to name a few. Check their website for more details on events, and while you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful grounds.
National New York Central Railroad Museum
The National New York Central Railroad Museum is located in Elkhart, Indiana, A must-see attraction for railroad enthusiasts and families with children. The museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits that are educational and fun for both adults and children.
Visitors can walk through a model train display while hearing an explanation of why there are passing tracks on some trains. You can build your wooden track layout, perfect for keeping the younger kids entertained. Check them out today and learn more of Elkhart’s history.
Island Park
Elkhart, Indiana is more than just a small town – it’s also home to Island Park. The park has been around since 1894 and features large trees and green spaces that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Visitors can enjoy many activities at Island Park, including fishing, boating, swimming, and biking. The park has several trails that are great for walking or running and picnic areas where visitors can have lunch with friends or family members. It’s the perfect getaway spot to enjoy a quiet relaxing afternoon.
Midwest Museum of American Art
The Midwest Museum of American Art is devoted to displaying modern and contemporary art from around the Midwest. Elkhart, Indiana, is home to many talented painters, sculptors, and photographers—such as Fazil Jamili—making it an ideal location for such an institution.
The Midwest Museum features twelve galleries with rotating exhibitions. The works on display showcase many different styles and mediums of art that span decades. Fun fact: the building was once a bank and has many displays inside its vault as well.
Westwind Brewery Co.
When you’re looking for things to do in Elkhart, Indiana, and a place to grab a great beer while you’re at it, then Westwind Brewery Co. is just where you want to be. They have something for everyone daily, with food specials daily and an open mic on some nights.
On occasion, there is live music. As far as drinks go, there are plenty of options from craft beers brewed by their award-winning head brewer Jason Strempek along with some great wines too!
Hansen’s Holiday Skating Center
Whether you live in Elkhart or are just visiting, Hansen’s Holiday Skating Center is an old-school fun center that hosts birthday parties and ice skating. The center features three different roller rinks. Roller skating will always be a classic pastime, so make sure to include it in your list of things to do in Elkhart.
Secret Door Games
Secret Door Games located in Elkhart, Indiana, has become synonymous with everything geek-related. This locally owned business houses an impressive collection of board games and card games like Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon, Heroclix, and many more with their inventory constantly updated.
Enjoy Tabletop games, Miniature games, and role-playing games and bring new life to its characters. You can create your own game and become a team leader or join with locals; either way, for all that appreciate these games, you will have a great time!
Conclusion
There are many amazing things to do and so many reasons to visit Elkhart, Indiana. From visiting parks, fishing, and visiting historical museums displaying their heritage to viewing their proud displays of flowers. Everyone will have a great time, old to young and in between.