Summer Fun in Elkhart County Trip Idea

Are you ready to break away but don’t want to break the bank?

Check out this fun summer getaway trip idea in Elkhart County.

Stay at Das Dutchman Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center

Experience true relaxation at the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center. Spacious guest rooms offer all the luxuries guests expect while traveling.

Unwind by the lobby fireplace and the NEW outdoor courtyard & fire pit or relax in the therapeutic whirlpool; warm rural charm and a wholesome environment are discovered around each corner.

Following a peaceful night’s rest, guests are invited to a complimentary deluxe breakfast.

Get Active on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail

The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail connects Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana offering scenic vistas through unspoiled prairie, farmland and wetlands for cyclists, walkers and runners. Most of this 16.5- mile trail is on the abandoned Pumpkinvine railroad corridor and offers views of Amish homesteads from the third largest Amish community in the United States. Stopping points in Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana offer delightful breaks for all ages. The Pumpkinvine was recently rated the #1 trail in Indiana.

Explore the Heritage Trail

Let the Heritage Trail audio driving tour be your personal guide to must-see attractions, special finds and behind the scenes glimpses of Amish life. Traveling along lively Main Streets and scenic backroads, you’ll find hometowns where shop owners can still be found standing behind the counter, and country roads that lead buggies home to steaming bowls of mashed potatoes.

Vibrant downtowns filled with fascinating museums, eclectic shops and local eateries, and landscapes that capture the way each season brings new character to old favorites.

There are surprises at every turn and you’ll soon discover why it was voted the top USA Today Reader’s Choice and editors of LIFE® consider it one of “America’s Most Scenic Drives.”

Best yet, the Heritage Trail audio driving tour is absolutely free!

Dine at Das Dutchman Essenhaus

Indulge in a culinary journey steeped in tradition at Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Their Amish country kitchen has a table waiting just for you!

Gather around the table and experience the time-honored tradition of sharing a meal together with your loved ones. Enjoy multiple dining options, including menu, buffet, and family-style.

And savor generations-old, authentic Amish-style recipes served since 1971. From the first tantalizing aroma to the last satisfying bite, the essence of Amish hospitality and culinary craftsmanship has made the Essenhaus a beloved destination for generations.

Play at the Hall of Heroes Comic and Superhero Museum

Explore the 80+ year of history of Super Hero's in comics, toys, film and animation. Featuring 70,000 comic books, 150+ pieces of original art and over 10,000 toys and props. Exhibits include: Adam West's personal Batman costume, Chris Evans' Captain America Shield, Nicholas Cage's Ghost Rider motorcycle from Fast N' Loud, a 65 Iron Man Shelby Cobra donated by Richard Rawlings.

Instagrammable: Quilt Gardens

Annually May 30 - September 15

The annual, award-winning Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail joins quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind event featuring super-sized hand-painted Quilt Murals and more than one million vibrant blooms in gigantic Quilt Gardens.

This colorful patchwork of quilt-inspired gardens and hand-painted, quilt-themed, super-sized murals deliver dazzling views in the communities of Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, and Wakarusa. It’s the only experience of its kind in the world!