Elkhart Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the Indiana region, Elkhart is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled along the banks of the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers, this charming city is known as the "RV Capital of the World" and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

One of the top attractions in Elkhart is the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases the rich history of the recreational vehicle industry. Visitors can explore a vast collection of vintage RVs, learn about the evolution of this iconic American pastime, and even take a ride in a classic RV. The museum also features interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the innovations and contributions of industry pioneers.

For those seeking a taste of the arts and culture scene, the Lerner Theatre is a must-visit. This beautifully restored historic theater hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and local productions. With its ornate architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, the Lerner Theatre provides a truly unforgettable experience for theater enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Elkhart's parks and outdoor spaces. The Elkhart Riverwalk is a scenic trail that winds along the river, offering picturesque views and opportunities for walking, biking, and picnicking. The Wellfield Botanic Gardens is another hidden gem, featuring stunning landscapes, water features, and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

History buffs can delve into the city's past at the Ruthmere Mansion, a beautiful historic home that showcases the opulence and grandeur of the Gilded Age. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion and its gardens, learning about the influential Beardsley family who once called it home.

Elkhart also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with a range of dining options to suit every taste. From farm-to-table restaurants showcasing locally sourced ingredients to international cuisines, food enthusiasts will find plenty to satisfy their cravings.

Alternative names: Population: 52.3 thous.Area: 26.51 mi²Elevation: 719 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°41'29"N, 85°58'21"W

Location

IndianaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Elkhart Top Attractions

Elkhart Attractions - What to See and Explore

Elkhart offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Ruthmere Mansion, National New York Central Railroad Museum, Midwest Museum of American Art. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Botanical garden • Willowdale
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
Wellfield Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of Elkhart, IN, is a 36-acre natural enclave touted as a "living museum" and a working source of hydropower and drinking water.
Museum • Historical place • Garden
Ruthmere Mansion
Ruthmere, formerly the Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley Residence, is a three-story Beaux-Arts mansion that is the most prominent historic residence in Elkhart, Indiana, United States. Built in 1910, the Ruthmere Mansion is now open to the public as a museum, along with the neighboring Dr. Havilah Beardsley House.
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
National New York Central Railroad Museum
The National New York Central Railroad Museum is a railroad museum located in Elkhart, Indiana dedicated to the preservation of the New York Central Railroad.

Museum • Art museum
Midwest Museum of American Art
The Midwest Museum of American Art is a non-profit public art museum located in downtown Elkhart, Indiana, United States. The museum's 25,000-square-foot space houses a collection focusing on 19th and 20th century American art.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Lerner Theatre
Lerner Theatre, also known as the Elco Theatre, is a historic theatre located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana, United States. It was built in 1924, and is a two-story, reinforced concrete and steel, Beaux-Arts style building.
Museum • Historical place • Architecture
Dr. Havilah Beardsley House
Dr. Havilah Beardsley House is a historic home located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1848, and is a two-story, rectangular, Italianate style brick dwelling. It has a medium pitched gable roof, full width front porch with Ionic order fluted columns, rounded openings, and decorative brackets.
Museum • Specialty museum
RV/MH Hall of Fame
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is a 100,000 sq. ft. museum in Elkhart, Indiana that features a variety of historical recreational vehicles from Airstream, Winnebago and other American makers.
Bridge • McNaughton
Bridge Street Bridge
Bridge Street Bridge, also known as the County Bridge #387, is a historic reinforced concrete bridge located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1939 and spans the St. Joseph River.
41°39'59"N • 85°56'38"W
Elkhart Environmental Center
Museum • Nature and wildlife • Park
Church
Yellow Creek Mennonite Church
Yellow Creek Mennonite Church is a Mennonite Church located in Elkhart County, Indiana. It is a member of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
41°41'11"N • 85°58'26"W
Young Women's Christian Association
Young Women's Christian Association, also known as the Elkhart Y.W.C.A. and Lexington House, is a historic YWCA located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1919, and is a three-story, brick building on a raised basement and Bungalow / American Craftsman style design elements.
41°41'11"N • 85°58'20"W
Green Block
Green Block, also known as the Smith Frye Building, is a historic commercial building located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1895, and is a two-story, eclectic Italianate style brick commercial building.
Church • Indiana
Prairie Street Mennonite Church
Prairie Street Mennonite Church is a Mennonite Church located in Elkhart, Indiana. It is a member of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
41°41'7"N • 85°59'11"W
Charles Gerard Conn Mansion
Charles Gerard Conn Mansion, also known as the Strong-Conn Mansion, is a historic home located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built in 1884, and is a two-story, Italianate style painted brick mansion.
41°41'49"N • 85°56'14"W
William and Helen Koerting House
William and Helen Koerting House is a historic home located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was designed by architect Alden B. Dow and built in 1937. It is a one- and two-story, International Style stuccoed dwelling.
Neighbourhood • Italianate architecture • Neoclassical architecture
Elkhart Downtown Commercial Historic District
Elkhart Downtown Commercial Historic District is a national historic district located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. The district encompasses 59 contributing buildings in the central business district of Elkhart.
Neighbourhood • Colonial revival architecture
Morehous Residential Historic District
Morehous Residential Historic District is a national historic district located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. The district encompasses 110 contributing buildings in a predominantly residential section of Elkhart.
Gothic Revival architecture • Riverside
Emmanuel C. Bickel House
Emmanuel C. Bickel House is a historic home located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. It was built about 1870, and is a two-story, "T"-plan, Carpenter Gothic style balloon frame dwelling.
Neighbourhood • Beaux-Arts architecture
Beardsley Avenue Historic District
Beardsley Avenue Historic District is a national historic district located at Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana. The district encompasses 41 contributing buildings, 3 contributing sites, 2 contributing structures, and 2 contributing objects in a predominantly residential section of Elkhart.

Day trips

Elkhart – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Elkhart, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend), Old Michigan City Light (Michigan City), Basilica of the Sacred Heart (South Bend).

13 milesW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend
Notre Dame Stadium is an outdoor football stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana, the home field of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.
48 milesW
Museum, Maritime museum
Old Michigan City Light, Michigan City
The Old Michigan City Light is a decommissioned lighthouse located in the harbor of Michigan City, Indiana. Built in 1858 at a cost of $8,000, this lighthouse, replaced an 1837 brick & stone light built at the edge of Lake Michigan.
14 milesW
Gothic Revival architecture, Church, Historical place
Basilica of the Sacred Heart, South Bend
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, is a Roman Catholic church on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, also serving as the mother church of the Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States.
15 milesW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Four Winds Field, South Bend
Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium is a baseball stadium in South Bend, Indiana, home to the South Bend Cubs, a minor league baseball team which plays in the High-A Central. The stadium opened in 1987, and its open concourse is considered the template for many later minor league ball parks built in the 1990s.
45 milesNE
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo
Wings Event Center is a 5,113-seat multi-purpose arena located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The arena, opened in 1974, is home to the Kalamazoo Wings, an ice hockey team in the ECHL.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Elkhart

Learn when is the best time to travel to Elkhart weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July and September.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in April, June, July, August and September.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Elkhart?

The top attractions to visit in Elkhart are:

What is the best time to visit Elkhart?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in July and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.