About Elkhart County, IN

Elkhart is an experience to be enjoyed and cherished, with fascinating museums, artistic events, and athletic competitions that are fun for both spectators and participants.

The Midwest Museum of American Art was the first in the nation to focus exclusively on the works of American artists. The Ruthmere Museum provides the opportunity to travel back in time and visit the home of one of Elkhart's early, wealthy families. The RV/Mobile Home Hall of Fame & Museum invites you to experience the past and future of Elkhart's top industry.

Each summer the three-day Elkhart Jazz Festival attracts major figures in traditional and contemporary jazz. The annual Mainstreet Showcase of art involves nearly 100 artists and some 20,000 spectators during a two-day gala celebrating the visual arts.

"Rhapsody in Green" offers continuous free entertainment in a restored, 100-year old bandstand on Island park, located at the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph rivers. Entertainment includes musicians, clowns, storytellers, jugglers and crafters, while restaurateurs delight the taste buds of festival goers.

Elkhart County offers many opportunities for the active lifestyle. Running, biking and walking participants enjoy the many events the annual Great Race brings. Local parks cater to visitors who want to walk, bike or play. Premier golf courses challenge golfers of all levels.

Spectators can enjoy the action of competitive high school athletics. And Elkhart is looking forward to the next thrilling season of the Elkhart Express, the new professional basketball team.

Reprinted with permission of Elkhart County Chamber of Commerce at 574-293-1531.

Since the earliest years of Elkhart County's history, families have worshiped together. Before the first churches were built, itinerant ministers visited settlers.

Elkhart County area churches include modern houses of worship and some of the most classical and time-crafted in the state. A simple drive through the community reveals the many religious options available. Whether you simply enjoy the weekly sermon or strive for daily involvement, a church in this diversely faithful culture can offer fulfillment.

Catholic, United Methodist, and mennonite have the most congregants in the county. The Church of the Brethren, Evangelical Lutheran, Missionary Church, Baptist and Old Order Amish also have large followings. In all, over 40 denominations offer religious affiliations.

Whether you prefer modern, contemporary services with music provided by electric guitars, or traditional services with pipe-organ hymns, you can find a comfortable worship experience in Elkhart County, Indiana.

Reprinted with Permission from Elkhart County Chamber of Commerce, 574-293-1531.

Elkhart County gets to where it wants to go with enviable ease. Interstate Highway 80-90 skirts the northern edge of the county and the US 20 Bypass provides four-lane swiftness from the souteastern edge of the city to Mishawaka, South Bend and into Michigan. The CR 17 corridor has become a mojor connector for both travelers and commerce on the east side of the community. A brand new railroad underpass allows for more accessibility to and from the downtown area.

Elkhart Municipal Airport was distinguished as the 2004 Airport of Year for Indiana. It is home to numerous private and corporate aircraft. The airport boasts 6,500 and 4,001 foot runways and offers charter service. Nearby, South Bend Regional Airport offers several commercial air carriers that provide direct flights to most major U.S. cities.

One bus line offers regularly scheduled trips fromlocations in the Elkhart County area to the South Bend Airport and Chicago's airports.

Early in the 1900's, Elkhart became the railroad "Gateway to the West." Railroads remain important in the area's economy. Elkhart boasts one of the world's largest freight classification systems, a switching yard where trains are assembled.

Merchants and manufacturers also have access to dozens of motor freight carriers serving the area.

Reprinted with permission by the Elkhart County Chamber of Commerce. They may be reached at 574-293-1531.

Elkhart General Hospital, the largest hospital in the area, has served Elkhart County Residents for over 100 years. Elkhart General Hospital is an acute care hospital whose services include a Level II emergency department, open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization, radiation oncology, mental health and addictions services, in and out patient rehabilitation, birthing suites, and the largest home health care service in the county.

Various other clinics, medical facilities and private practices offer occupational medicine, plastic surgery, laser surgery, sports medicine, and a wide range of specialty health care services and treatments.

Oaklawn, a hospital devoted to mental health and addiction treatment for children, adolescents, adults and older adults, has several locations in Elkhart County.

Elkhart has several nursing homes providing skilled care to the elderly, and retirement communities located in both rural and city settings.

Reprinted with permission by the Elkhart County Chamber of Commerce at 574-293-1531.

Elkhart is made for individuals and families who love outdoor activities. A phenomenal system of city and county parks and comprehensive recreation programs satisfies every desire for sports and recreation. The city of Elkhart has 32 parks with a total of about 300 acres, many situated along rivers where fishing is a popular pastime. Several of these parks are connected by trails for easy walking or biking between locations.

Youngsters, and the young at heart, can speed down a 60 foot water slide at one of Elkhart's parks. There are backboards for one-on-one basketball, plus numerous ball fields where organized softball and baseball teams meet for league play. Facilities for soccer, tennis, volleyball and racquetball are used for leisurely play as well as spirited competition.

Two skateboard parks offer facilities for x-treme sports. Soon, one park will boast new water features for kids who want to splash and play during a hot day.

On warm summer evenings, folks gather in family groups around picnic tables, or spread their blankets on the grass to enjoy a free community band concert.

Reprinted with permission by the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, which can be reached at 574-293-1531.