Kokomo is a city located in north-central Indiana. The population was 46,113 at the 2010 census. Kokomo is the county seat of Howard County. It is home to Indiana University Kokomo and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. The city is also the site of the Kokomo opalescent glass factory. The name "Kokomo" comes from the Miami tribe's word meaning "black shoe." The first non-native settlers to the area arrived in 1820 and were known as Kokomo. In 1855, Kokomo was incorporated as a city with just over 1,000 people. The mid-19th century saw a boom in the city's population and economic growth due mainly to the discovery of titanium deposits in 1856 and the subsequent establishment of several steel-related manufacturing businesses. By 1900, Kokomo had a population of almost 17,000 and was one of the largest cities in Indiana.
The early 20th century was marked by continued economic growth and further expansion of the industry. A notable event during this period was the development of the "Dyno" process for making high-strength steel by Elwood Haynes in 1913. This innovation helped make Kokomo an essential center for auto production during the 1920s and 1930s; Chrysler and General Motors both had auto plants in Kokomo during this period. Unfortunately, like much of the country, Kokomo was hit hard by the Great Depression during the 1930s. Many businesses closed their doors, and unemployment reached an all-time high. However, World War II brought new opportunities to Kokomo, as several war-related industries set up shops in the city and employed thousands of workers.
If you love history, explore Seiberling Mansion and the Howard County Museum. Seiberling Mansion, built in 1889 and located on the east side of Kokomo, is a Victorian-style home that was once the home of Monroe Seiberling, founder of the Kokomo opalescent glass factory. The Howard County Museum is located in downtown Kokomo and features exhibits that explore the area's history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Campgrounds Near Kokomo, Indiana
Lost Acres RV Park is one of the best campgrounds near Kokomo, with 330 sites with full hookups. The park is near Indiana Beach Amusement Park and Tippecanoe River, which makes for great outdoor activities such as horseback riding, volleyball, and hiking. Lost Acres has an on-site store with propane refills, firewood, and fishing supplies. Pets are allowed at this RV park with showers.
Camp with Big Oak Campground, which has 134 sites with full hookups. These sites are back-in and pull-through enabled. You will love their excellent cell reception signal and their laundry facilities. Big Oak Campground is pet-friendly and has showers, a recreational field, and a fishing pond. The charge is $30 to $40 daily.
Bluffton / Fort Wayne South KOA near Kokomo will give you the best camping experience. This campground has 124 sites with 30 and 50-amp electric and water hookups, pull-throughs, and back-ins. You can also enjoy their activities like swimming in the pool or playing a game of volleyball. Bluffton / Fort Wayne also has a propane refill station and kitchens.
State Parks Near Kokomo, Indiana
Mounds State Park is an hour's drive from Kokomo and will give you a unique experience of the prehistoric period in history. The park is home to 10 earthwork mounds built by the Adena people between 100 BC and 400 AD. You can take a guided tour of the mounds and learn about their history. In addition, Mounds State Park has picnic areas and camping facilities at different points. Enjoy the trails that wind through the park and bike through the lush landscapes.
Visit Prophetstown State Park and learn about the Battle of Tippecanoe, which occurred in 1811. The park is close to Kokomo, just an hour's drive away. The Prophet's Rock is a 300-foot tall sandstone bluff that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Take a guided tour of the park and explore its natural habitats, such as wetlands, prairies, and forests. You can also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, biking, and more. The park has many campgrounds and picnic areas, making it an excellent spot for family and friends to enjoy.
Tippecanoe River State Park gives you access to some of the best fishing spots in Indiana. This park is located 54 miles from Kokomo and has plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy. You can explore several trails to find secluded spots and take in the park's natural beauty. Enjoy a picnic with your family or ride a bike around the lake to make some memories. Fish in the Tippecanoe River and its numerous lakes, ponds, and streams.
National Sites Near Kokomo, Indiana
You will have to drive 145 miles from Kokomo to Pullman National Monument to learn about George Pullman and the history of workers' rights. The monument covers an area of 12 acres and commemorates the site where labor leader, George Pullman, designed and built the first factory-based housing for industrial workers. Discover Pullman's role in the history of industrialization by exploring the Monument's exhibits. Enjoy a guided tour of the Pullman administration building. You can also explore several public art pieces to gain a better understanding of the movement.
Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is 159 miles southwest of Kokomo and is the perfect place to learn more about aviation history. The park consists of three sites related to the Wright Brothers and their contributions to the development of aviation. Visit the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center for exhibits related to aviation. Explore the Wright Cycle Company where the Wright Brothers repaired bicycles. Enjoy a guided tour of Huffman Prairie Flying Field and learn about the early development of flight. You can also participate in interactive programs like the bike tour of the site.
William Howard Taft National Historic Site is 156 miles from Kokomo and is a great place to learn about the life and legacy of the 27th President of the United States. Take a guided tour of the site and explore the house where Taft grew up. You can also visit his law office, which was once located nearby, and learn about his accomplishments during his lifetime. There are several educational programs available for children as well as adult visitors. Visit the Taft Education Center to learn about Taft and his work in history. There are also galleries and an interactive theater that show videos and short films about Taft's life.
National Forests Near Kokomo, Indiana
Hoosier National Forest is located about 207 miles from Kokomo and is the perfect spot for outdoor lovers. This forest covers a large area, with around 202,000 acres of land encompassing nine counties in Indiana. Enjoy a unique camping experience in the forest and explore its many trails. Fish in one of the numerous lakes, rivers, and streams. You can participate in recreational activities like biking, boating, kayaking, and swimming. The forest is home to various wildlife, from black bears to bald eagles.
Drive 252 miles southwest of Kokomo to reach the magnificent Daniel Boone National Forest. This forest spans 21 counties and covers more than 708,000 acres. Enjoy a day of fishing on the Red River, and children will love exploring the numerous caves in the forest. Go on an adventure to discover the hidden waterfalls and participate in kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. You can also enjoy a peaceful hike along the many trails. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, keep an eye out for animals like otters, beavers, and black bears.
Take a journey from Kokomo for about four and a half hours to the one million-acre Wayne National Forest. This forest is located in southeastern Ohio and consists of beautiful woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands. It is home to various wildlife, including rare species like the bobcat, spotted turtle, and Indiana bat. Enjoy kayaking in one of the many rivers or explore beautiful hiking trails. You can also participate in horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV riding. Also, go for a day of fishing at the many lakes and streams in the forest.
