Indiana Dunes National Park, located just miles from Elkhart, is home to 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Once considered a national lakeshore, this relatively new national park is also home to on-site campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails among its famous dunes.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio features nearly 100 waterfalls and hiking and biking trails for many miles. Famous for its lush forest and rolling hills, this park is also known for once being home to over 500 generations of Native Americans. Today, visitors can fish, kayak, and canoe in the park's many running streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Mammoth Cave National Park, in Kentucky, is home to the world's most extensive known underground cavern system. This system is made up of over 400 miles of cave trails, all of which visitors can explore with a park ranger or tour guide. You can even experience some tours of the cave system on bikes. Some hot spots to check out include the Frozen Niagara, an area of flowstone formations, and Gothic Avenue, a section of cave covered in signatures from the 1800s.
Across the Indiana and Michigan border sits Van Buren State Park, a 400-acre park named after United States president Martin Van Buren. This park along Lake Michigan features sandy beachfront, walking trails, and woodland.
Potato Creek State Park is located near South Bend in Indiana and offers access to 327-acre Worster Lake. This park is known for its fishing opportunities, but it also has plenty of multi-use trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies.
Close to Winamac, Indiana, Tippecanoe River State Park is a 2,761-acre state park encompassing the Tippecanoe River. This river is designated one of the top 10 rivers in the U.S. for preservation — it supports over 50 endangered species. It's perhaps easiest to fish the river on the park grounds. Other activities at this park include hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and camping.
The Ruthmere campus is a historic mansion in Elkhart, with daily guided tours of the house and museum. Live music is often performed at this historic house, and a gift shop and cafe are on-site.
The Beardsley Fountain is located in downtown Elkhart and includes a statue and plaque commemorating a founder of the city. The fountain is surrounded by homes that are listed on the National Historic Register.
One quirky local artifact is the Elkhart Tooth Brick, a brick made from cement and the pulled teeth of a local dentist's patients. The brick is on display inside an antique shop on North Ward Street.
There are plenty of campgrounds in Elkhart for you to check out while you're in town. One popular option is Elkhart Campground, a 25-acre campground with full hookups for all RV types. Another great choice is the South Bend/Elkhart KOA, a campground with 61 full-hookup campsites and a pool.
How do I correctly load and secure my recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental, such as ATVs or dirt bikes, and are there any weight or size limitations I need to be aware of?
It is important to properly load and secure your recreational equipment in the toy hauler rental to ensure safety during travel. Most toy haulers come equipped with tie-downs and rails specifically designed for securing equipment. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for weight capacity and loading instructions. You should also check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific instructions or recommendations.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need on the toy hauler rental's garage area, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need for this?
Proper maintenance of the toy hauler is handled by the RV owner. As the renter you are responsible for being cautious and following instructions to avoid damages, as well as keeping the trailer clean and in the condition you found it.
Are there any special insurance considerations or requirements when renting a toy hauler, particularly regarding the transport of recreational equipment?
RVshare rentals always come with insurance, with three options to choose from to best suit your needs.
How do I properly level and stabilize a toy hauler rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilization of the toy hauler rental is needed for optimal comfort and safety.
Can I bring fuel and oil for my recreational equipment, or should I purchase these items after reaching my destination?
It is generally recommended to purchase fuel and oil for your recreational equipment after reaching your destination. Many RV parks and campgrounds have restrictions on fuel storage for safety reasons.
What kind of towing vehicle do I need to rent a toy hauler, and are there any special licensing or certification requirements for operating this vehicle in Elkhart, IN?
The type of towing vehicle needed for a toy hauler rental will depend on the weight and towing capacity of the toy hauler itself. It is important to check with the owner of the RVshare rental for any specific requirements or recommendations. Typically a standard driver’s license is required to tow a toy hauler.
Can I use the garage area of a toy hauler rental to store items other than recreational equipment, and what weight limitations exist for these items?
The garage area of a toy hauler rental can typically be used to store items other than recreational equipment, such as bicycles or camping gear. However, it is important to follow any weight capacity guidelines provided by the manufacturer or rental owner to ensure safe operation.
Are any particular features or amenities available in toy hauler rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Elkhart, IN?
Toy hauler rentals often come equipped with unique features and amenities not found in other types of RVs. These can include a garage area for storing and transporting recreational equipment, folding beds or bunks, and outdoor living spaces. Checking with the rental owner for specific features and amenities can help you choose the best option for your travel needs.