Top 15 Outstanding Things to Do

Want to make the most of your precious vacation time when you travel to Indiana’s Cool North? Check out our top 15 things to do that are anything but ordinary. Of course this is just a sampling of all the awesome attractions and activities our region has to offer. What will you discover when you visit us?

The Gateway Mile – Botanic Gardens and the Riverwalk

Gateway Mile, Botanic gardens, riverwalkIt’s a mile you won’t want to miss and a perfect way to discover the trendy urban vibe that continues to emerge in downtown Elkhart. The designated mile runs along South Main between Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a 36-acre oasis filled with lush flowers, plantings, sculpture and serene ponds, and historic St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The area is set against a backdrop of the city’s popular RiverWalk, which flanks the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers and passes trendy cafes, coffee houses and brew pubs along the way, which may be open for dine-in or carry-out.

Take note of the places you will want to visit when the time is right, including the elegantly restored Lerner Theatre, which opened as a vaudeville house in 1924 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Or the opulent 1910 Ruthmere mansion, filled with period furniture and fine art and surrounded by beautifully tended gardens. Stop by parks along the Mile as a way to relax or enjoy some outdoor fun.

Learn More