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Elkhart is a city of about 54,000 people in northern Indiana, set where the Elkhart River meets the St. Joseph River, just south of the Michigan line and about 15 miles east of South Bend. It is known as the RV Capital of the World, since most of the recreational vehicles built in North America come from the surrounding area, and as the Band Instrument Capital thanks to C.G. Conn, who began making brass instruments here in the 1870s.
The city grew as a railroad hub of the New York Central system, a story told at the New York Central Railroad Museum next to the busy tracks downtown. The RV/MH Hall of Fame shows vintage campers and trailers, while Ruthmere, a 1910 Beaux-Arts mansion, and the restored Lerner Theatre highlight the city's early wealth. Riverwalks, island parks and Wellfield Botanic Gardens make good use of the two rivers.
Each June the Elkhart Jazz Festival fills downtown with live music. The Amish towns of Middlebury and Shipshewana, with their quilt gardens, markets and farm-style restaurants, are an easy half-hour drive east.
A large museum devoted to recreational vehicles and manufactured housing, with a hall of restored campers, travel trailers and motorhomes from the 1910s onward, including some that belonged to famous owners. It suits families and road-trip fans. Allow about two hours and check opening days before you go.
A museum in a former freight house beside the main line, telling the story of Elkhart as a New York Central hub. See restored locomotives and cars outdoors, model railroads and memorabilia inside, and watch the frequent freight trains pass. A small admission fee applies; good for kids.
A 1910 Beaux-Arts mansion built by Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, restored with original furnishings, fine art, stained glass and painted ceilings. Guided tours explain the family behind the city's growth. Tours run at set times, so book ahead, and stroll the formal gardens afterward.
A 36-acre botanic garden built around the city's old wellfield, with themed gardens, ponds, waterfalls, a Japanese-style garden and seasonal flower displays. Paved paths make it easy to explore in an hour or two. Spring bulbs and summer blooms are the highlight; there is an entry fee.
A shady park on an island in the St. Joseph River near downtown, reached by footbridges, with picnic shelters, walking paths and a bandshell used for summer concerts. It is a quiet spot to watch the river and take a break between downtown sights. Free and open daily.
A grand theater that opened downtown in 1924 and was restored as a performing arts venue, hosting touring concerts, comedy, the Elkhart County Symphony and local productions. Its ornate interior is worth seeing even on a quick visit. Check the calendar and park in the nearby downtown lots.
An art museum in a former bank building downtown, with a collection that spans American painting, sculpture and photography, including a large set of Norman Rockwell lithographs. Rotating exhibitions keep it fresh. It is compact enough to see in about an hour and pairs well with a downtown walk.
A paved walkway along the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers through downtown, linking parks, public art, the civic plaza and riverside restaurants. It is pleasant for an evening stroll or a short bike ride. Combine it with Island Park and the shops and cafes on Main Street.
A nature center on the city's east side with trails through restored prairie, woodland and wetlands, plus ponds that attract birds and turtles. Educational programs run throughout the year. Bring good walking shoes and bug spray in summer; the grounds are free to explore.
A small nature preserve with trails through mature beech and maple woods, a marsh and wildflower areas, plus a nature center with exhibits for kids. It is a peaceful break from the city and especially pretty in spring and fall. Trails are short and easy; admission is free.
A downtown music festival held each June since 1988, with dozens of jazz performances on indoor and outdoor stages including the Lerner Theatre. Expect traditional, swing and contemporary jazz from national and regional artists. Buy passes early and plan to walk between venues.
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