With warm weather upon us, you might be looking for some fun, weekend getaways to embark on with your family. Luckily for us, there are plenty of fun and beautiful places in Indiana worth exploring. There's also an Indiana city with a lot of appeal that you'll definitely want to check out...it's perfect for a weekend getaway.
Elkhart, Indiana is a city in Elkhart County with over 51,000 residents. This fascinating city makes for a great weekend getaway due to its many lakes, incredible and unique museums, riverwalk, and local parks.
This eclectic city is home to some of the most unique attractions in the Hoosier state. For a weekend visit, you can stay in any of their top rated hotels (like the Staybridge Suites or Hilton Garden Inn). If you like slightly cozier accomodations, stay at the Oliver Inn B&B just outside of Elkhart in South Bend.
If you're a fan of art, you'll want to check out the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart which features an amazing collection of paintings, pottery, and other unique finds, like the above painting inside of the Paul D. Keefe Gallery vault.
If art isn't your thing, you might be impressed by the unique Hall of Heroes super hero museum. Unleash your inner child at this one-of-a-kind whimsical museum.
Or, for an even quirkier experience, check out this renowned RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum. You can watch as RVs change and evolve over time while enjoying some of the most interesting RV models ever made.
If anyone in your family loves trains, check out the National New York Central Railroad Museum and witness real trains up close. You'll also get to check out this cool locomotive model built entirely out of toothpicks. But that's not all. Other museums in this city include the Ruthmere Museum, Elkhart County Historical Museum, and the Jim Town Historical Museum Inc.
Once you've tired of museums, you'll want to spend a day or at least an afternoon relaxing at Island Park. This park is rumored to be the reason behind the city name, as the island it's located on looks like the shape of an elk heart. This island is located along the St. Joseph River and has a riverwalk that's perfect for sightseeing. You can enjoy a picnic lunch, walking or hiking trails, or a day fishing at this beautiful park.
Linton's Gardens is another fun stop that will delight the entire family. Kids will love this whimsical playhouse and the entire world of creativity that this garden creates.
At Linton's Enchanted Gardens you'll find anything you can imagine ranging from a UFO and alien lifeform...
...to a whimsical and charming Japanese tea house...
...to an increidble petting zoo. There's something for everyone at this enhanted attraction.
Elkhart is also one of the cities participating in the Quilt Gardens tour starting at the end of May. Wellfield Botanic Gardens is one of the stops where you can witness the quilt gardens up close and personal.
You'll also want to try some incredible American food at McCarthy's on the Riverwalk, where you can eat, drink, and enjoy the gorgeous view of the water.
If you're up for something a little different, the French cuisine at Artisan is divine. The caviar, scallops, and bison are real stand out dishes here.
Also, be sure to refuel throughout the day with locally roasted coffee from Steelyard Coffee Co.
No matter where you go, you'e absolutely going to fall in love with Elkhart, Indiana.
Will you be visiting this unique city for the perfect weekend getaway? For more getaways in Indiana, check out these awesome Indiana road trips to explore.
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