Elkhart, Indiana

Located just east of South Bend, just south of the Michigan-Indiana line, and in the real heart of America is Elkhart, Indiana. This city is the best of the Midwest: open spaces, kind-hearted people, and honest attractions. It’s on the St. Joseph River, and the downtown area features a lovely river walk. More than that, though, Elkhart has a very special designation: it calls itself the RV capital of the world! This is mostly due to the number of RV manufacturers located in town, but you just know that it’s going to be a great place to visit with so many likeminded travelers rolling through. The city is especially friendly to its RV guests, and many of its attractions are focused on the history of travel and the beauty of our natural surroundings.

When you visit, be sure to see these places of interest in your RV rental Elkhart IN!

Popular Tourist Attractions

The RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum

Yes, there’s an RV and motorhome hall of fame! All major and minor sports and recreation activities have their own dedicated space in which to celebrate their pastime, so why not RVs? In this facility, you’ll find all sorts of awesome vintage RVs and campers on display, including a Cadillac motorhome from the 1970s, a Chevrolet Housecar from the 1930s, a 1919 Model T with an attached telescope apartment, and many more. The “Road Back in Time” exhibit details the history of the RV industry. The museum is open every day except Sunday, and admission is $10 for adults, less for seniors and kids, or $28 flat for the whole family. Plus, you can park your RV in the lot overnight for free. (Sorry — no hookups.)

Woodlawn Nature Center

This small but comprehensive nature museum is a great place to learn about the local plant and animal species and spend some time outdoors. When the weather’s nice, the facility offers wooded hiking trails, beautiful outdoor spaces, a picnic area, and more. Indoors, there are wildlife dioramas, a nest and egg collection, a dinosaur digging cave, and other educational and interesting exhibits. It’s a great place for the whole family, and it’s open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons for your RV rental Elkahrt Indiana.

The National New York Central Railroad Museum

If you love trains, this museum is a must-see when you’re in Elkhart. While you might not realize it, Elkhart was an important stop on several train lines back when locomotives were the only way of shipping goods around this country. This facility celebrates that heritage with several heritage cars and locomotives on display. There’s also a large model train set-up, as well as an exhibit on memorabilia and artifacts from New York City. The museum is open every day except Mondays and major holidays.

Campgrounds and State/National Parks

Eby’s Pines Campground

Located just east of Elkhart in Bristol is this enormous campsite full of more than just a slot to park your RV. Sites with full hookups and electric and water only are both available, and while prices might be on the higher side for an RV park (they’re a bit lower in the off-season), what you get for your money is incredible. Beyond the usual shower houses and laundry room, there’s a large heated pool with a water slide, a playground, a fishing pond, a big rec room with arcade games, hiking trails, and even a roller skating rink and laser tag arena during your camper rental Elkhart IN.

Elkhart Campground

Full hookups are the norm at this large RV park, but that’s what you’d expect in the RV capital of the world. During the day, guests can enjoy the swimming pool, a mini golf course, a playground, and spaces for sports like basketball, tennis, and more during your travel trailer rental Elkhart IN. Restrooms and laundry are on site, and the whole park is 25 acres, so there’s lots of room for everyone.

Elkhart County/Middlebury KOA

Just east of Elkhart is this seasonal but full service campground. Featuring full hookups and lots of amenities like hiking and biking trails, several different ball courts, a rec room, wifi, and even a heated pool, you should have everything you need right at your disposal during your motorhome rental Elkhart IN. For a small fee, there’s a mini golf course and both bikes and paddleboats available for rent.

Events 

Elkhart Jazz Festival

The first weekend of summer brings the best musical talent out to Elkhart. Featuring some fairly well known acts — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and David Sanborn are slated to perform at the festival’s next iteration — the festival regularly hosts over 100 performers each year. It’s been going on since 1988, and it’s a true celebration of the musical genre that America can truly call its own.

Elkhart County Fair

More than a week in mid-summer is dedicated to this county fair, a prime example of good old-fashioned summer fun. Featuring carnival rides and a midway, loud track events, big time musical performers, contests of all shapes and sizes, and of course, great fair food, the Elkhart County Fair is a smile-filled way to spend a few hours or the whole day.

It’s only a matter of time before you become tempted to point your RV in the direction of Elkhart, the RV capital of the world. Aside from the attractions mentioned here, many of the RV factories give public tours and are generally welcoming to visitors interested in what they do. Availability varies, so be sure to check before you attempt to pull through the gates!

Thank you for choosing RVshare for your Elkhart, Indiana RV rental!