Amish Country Air and an Urban Flare
Immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of Elkhart County along the Heritage Trail. The 90-mile loop connects the 6 cities and towns of Elkhart County along with Shipshewana and offers must-see attractions, artisan shops and restaurants.
You’ll need the Heritage Trail Audio Driving Tour. So be sure to drop by the Elkhart County Visitor Center, 3421 Cassopolis Street (at the I 80/90 Toll Road exit 92) for the Heritage Trail tour CD, USB, or link to stream. History comes to life as you travel down the rural roads and through the lively downtowns while the turn-by-turn directions keep you on track. Here are just a few of our favorite stops. Off you go!
Arts, Culture and Entertainment
The Lerner Theatre is a landmark in downtown Elkhart. This historic theatre was built in 1924, underwent a transformative restoration and is now host to concerts, theatrical performances, and events throughout the year.
Captivated by art history? The Midwest Museum of American Art is home to original works by Grant Wood and Norman Rockwell. But that’s not all. There are more than 900 items on display at any time in this renovated bank building.
Pro Tip: Admission to the Midwest Museum of American Art is ½ off on Thursdays during their Noontime Talks from noon - 1 p.m.
Stay in the heart of downtown Elkhart at Hotel Elkhart so you can explore the shops, restaurants and the Riverwalk. You’ll love the comfy beds, luxury amenities, local art and on-site bar and restaurants.
Buy it Where it’s Made
Hand-crafted isn’t just a buzzword. Middlebury, Shipshewana and Nappanee are home to a large Mennonite and Amish population and the roads that connect them are lined with Amish farms and businesses. Stop into the Miller’s home-based business, Teaberry Wood Products. This functional art shop features beautiful hand-carved wood puzzles and hand-woven baskets perfect for gift-giving to your loved ones or yourself.
Hand-crafted hardwoods attract shoppers from all over the Midwest to Amish Country. Shop for one-of-a-kind, heirloom pieces that will last a lifetime at Shipshewana Furniture Co. and Weaver Furniture in Shipshewana, Legacy Home Furniture in Middlebury and Goshen and Homestyle Furniture in Nappanee. Chances are you can talk to the furniture maker at their store.
Not enough room in the car for furniture? Dutch Country Market in Middlebury produces oodles of noodles on site. If you get there early, you can watch the entire process from mixer to slicer to drying racks.
The water powered mill at Bonneyville Mill has produced quality flour and corn meal for over 180 years. Visit the mill, purchase flour and gifts, and enjoy the park’s beautiful surroundings.
Travel through the backroads past quaint Amish farms to Nappanee where the tradition of Amish entrepreneurial craftsmanship thrives. Stop at the Nappanee Center where you can pick up a map to the Countryside Shoppes which feature over 40 family-owned, home-based Amish businesses where the handmade welcome mat is always out.
The Old Order Mennonite and Amish faith is intriguing to those outside of their community. The Emma Schrock Exhibit at the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection at the Nappanee Center displays the work of this Old Order Mennonite folk artist. Get a glimpse into the culture of the Old Order Mennonite faith and Emma’s life through her art display.
Vibrant and Creative Arts Scene
Goshen is cool and a magnet for creative young entrepreneurs. It’s a one-stop shop for arts, music, and eclectic shopping. Once you’ve arrived, park your car and stroll through the vibrant downtown.
Treat yourself to organic handmade personal care products at the Soapy Gnome in Goshen. The cozy welcoming atmosphere will lure you in with the wonderful aroma of the natural scents of soap, lotion and more made on-site.
Good Eats and Cool Drinks
You can watch the brewer at work through large windows overlooking the tanks while you sip on the latest craft brew and enjoy a farm-to-table menu. Craft cocktails and craft beer are both on the menu at Rhue152 along with a made-from-scratch menu. There’ll be plenty of photo-worthy plates to fill your Instagram page. At Goshen Brewing Co. you’ll find a menu to please the palate. Enjoy the renovated industrial and outdoor space at Venturi to the certified Neapolitan pizza at Middlebury in Das Dutchman Essenhaus No matter where your travels take you in Elkhart County, you won’t go hungry (or thirsty).
From the delicious and hearty family-style meals at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Middlebury to the certified Neapolitan pizza at Venturi you’ll find a menu to please the palate. Enjoy the renovated industrial and outdoor space at Goshen Brewing Co. You can watch the brewer at work through large windows overlooking the tanks while you sip on the latest craft brew and enjoy a farm-to-table menu. Craft cocktails and craft beer are both on the menu at Rhue152 along with a made-from-scratch menu. There’ll be plenty of photo-worthy plates to fill your Instagram page.
Pro Tip:
Plan your trip around one of our events. From the Elkhart Jazz Festival to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair to the Nappanee Apple Festival and everything in between, excitement and entertainment fill the downtown streets in Elkhart County. Explore our events calendar for all upcoming events.