Elkhart's landmarks span history, art, and green space, and most sit within a short drive of each other.
Historic landmarks
The city's downtown commercial district and the State and Division Streets area are both on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ruthmere Museum and adjoining Havilah Beardsley House preserve two of the region's most significant historic homes, with period interiors and grounds open for tours.
Museums
Beyond Ruthmere, the National New York Central Railroad Museum covers Elkhart's rail history; the Midwest Museum of American Art holds more than 6,000 works with rotating exhibitions on Main Street; the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum (now located along the toll road) documents the industry that gave the city its nickname; and the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum offers a lighter, family-oriented stop.
Parks and green space
Island Park, at the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers, is the city's signature park — pavilion, playground, picnic shelters, and paved trails with direct river access. Wellfield Botanic Gardens spans 36 acres with more than 20 themed gardens. The Riverwalk connects sections of downtown along the river. Studebaker Park, American Park, and McNaughton Park round out a 35-facility park system with ball fields, a public pool, and seasonal ice-skating downtown.
Performing arts
The Lerner Theatre, restored in 2011 after an $18 million renovation, anchors the city's performing arts scene with a year-round calendar of concerts, comedy, and community events.
For a fuller day-by-day sense of how to actually spend time at these places, see Things to Do in Elkhart, Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What historic sites are in Elkhart?
The downtown commercial district and the State and Division Streets area, both on the National Register of Historic Places, plus the Ruthmere Museum and adjoining Havilah Beardsley House.
How big is Wellfield Botanic Gardens?
36 acres, with more than 20 themed gardens.
Where is the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum located?
Along the toll road — it documents the history of the industry that gave Elkhart its nickname.
