Elkhart IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elkhart, Iowa.
1. Elkhart Pub
LOCAL DRINKS AND GAMES
Elkhart Pub is a nice place to have drinks and socialize in Elkhart. Visitors can watch games, play pool, listen to music, or simply hang out in this welcoming establishment. The pub is known for its friendly staff and good variety of offerings.
2. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
NATURAL WILDLIFE AREA
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt is a highly rated natural area near Elkhart offering outdoor recreation opportunities. The greenbelt features restored wetlands, prairies, and woodlands that provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and exploring nature trails.
3. Ankeny Area Historical Society
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVATION
Ankeny Area Historical Society preserves and showcases the rich history of the Ankeny region near Elkhart. The society maintains historical buildings and artifacts that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can learn about local heritage through exhibits and educational programs offered at this highly-rated attraction.
4. Carmen's Flowers
FLORAL DESIGN SHOP
Carmen's Flowers is a top-rated floral shop in Elkhart providing beautiful flower arrangements. The shop offers custom designs for various occasions from weddings to everyday celebrations. Visitors appreciate the quality and creativity of the floral offerings at this local business.
5. Firetrucker Brewery
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Firetrucker Brewery is a popular craft brewery located near Elkhart in Ankeny. The brewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers in a friendly atmosphere with a unique fire department theme. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and special events at this highly-rated establishment.
6. The Iowa Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING FUN
The Iowa Children's Museum provides hands-on educational experiences for children near the Elkhart area. The museum features interactive exhibits designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and learning through play. Families can spend hours exploring various themed areas that combine entertainment with educational value.
7. Historic Valley Junction
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Valley Junction is a vibrant shopping and dining district located near Elkhart in West Des Moines. The area features over 150 specialty shops, restaurants, and services housed in historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors can enjoy the charm of this well-preserved district while exploring unique boutiques and experiencing local cuisine.
8. Maquoketa Caves State Park
NATURAL CAVE EXPLORATION
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers a unique natural experience with its extensive cave system not far from Elkhart. The park features more than a dozen caves connected by scenic hiking trails through wooded areas. Visitors can explore limestone formations, underground passages, and enjoy the beautiful Iowa landscape in this popular state park.
9. Jester Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Jester Park is a scenic outdoor recreation area located near Elkhart offering diverse activities for nature lovers. The park features golfing, camping, hiking trails, and a natural playscape for children to enjoy. Visitors can also observe elk and bison herds at the park's wildlife exhibit area.
10. Das Dutchman Essenhaus
AMISH-STYLE DINING EXPERIENCE
Das Dutchman Essenhaus is a comprehensive Amish-style attraction featuring a massive restaurant, bakery, shops, theater, and inn. For nearly 50 years, this establishment has delighted visitors with satisfying traditional Amish cuisine and baked goods. Beyond dining, guests can browse unique items at five different shops, take a carriage ride, play mini-golf, or catch a show at the theater.
11. Ruthmere
HISTORIC MANSION TOUR
Ruthmere Campus was once the center of social life in Elkhart, Indiana, preserving the culture and history of the city. The campus consists of two historic homes that showcase the architecture that defined the area during its development. Visitors can learn about the Beardsley family, known as the first family of Elkhart, through guided tours of these well-preserved properties.
12. Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market
MASSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is a legendary shopping destination the size of 30 football fields offering virtually everything imaginable. This massive marketplace features vendors selling items from books to food, plus a regular livestock auction. Shoppers can find both necessities and unique discoveries in this one-stop shopping experience.
13. North Polk School District
EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY HUB
North Polk School District is an integral part of the Elkhart community providing educational services to local families. The district serves as a hub for community events, sports competitions, and cultural activities throughout the year. Visitors and residents alike can participate in or attend various school-sponsored programs and athletic events.
14. Elkhart City Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Elkhart City Park serves as the main outdoor recreation area for the growing city of Elkhart. The park offers green spaces, picnic areas, and playground equipment for families to enjoy. Community events and gatherings are frequently held in this central public space throughout the year.
15. Ankeny Regional Airport
AVIATION ACTIVITY CENTER
Ankeny Regional Airport is a general aviation facility located near Elkhart serving private pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The airport hosts occasional air shows, flying events, and educational programs about aviation. Visitors can observe takeoffs and landings or arrange for scenic flights to view the Iowa countryside from above.