Elkhart TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Elkhart, Texas.
1. Pilgrim Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Pilgrim Church stands as one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Elkhart. The church offers visitors a glimpse into the local community's spiritual heritage with its architectural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and traditional design that has made it a centerpiece of the community.
2. Elkhart Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Elkhart Golf Club offers a challenging 9-hole course surrounded by beautiful East Texas countryside. The well-maintained greens provide both novice and experienced golfers with an enjoyable experience just a short distance from town. Visitors appreciate the scenic views and relaxed atmosphere that makes this course a local favorite.
3. Night Vision Hog Hunting Guide Service
UNIQUE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Night Vision Hog Hunting Guide Service provides a distinctive outdoor adventure for hunting enthusiasts in the Elkhart area. This specialized nature and wildlife tour offers participants the opportunity to experience hog hunting using night vision technology. The service caters to both beginners and experienced hunters looking for an adventurous East Texas experience.
4. Museum for East Texas Culture
REGIONAL ART AND HISTORY
The Museum for East Texas Culture showcases the diverse heritage and artistic traditions of the East Texas region. The museum features an extensive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts with a special focus on local artists and artisans. Visitors can participate in educational programs and workshops for both children and adults throughout the year.
5. Rogers Regional Visitors Center
GATEWAY TO EAST TEXAS
Rogers Regional Visitors Center serves as the primary information hub for travelers exploring Elkhart and the surrounding East Texas region. The center provides comprehensive resources, maps, and local insights to help visitors make the most of their time in the area. Staff members are available to offer personalized recommendations for attractions, dining, and accommodations based on visitors' interests.
6. Crockett Street Entertainment District
VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE HUB
Crockett Street Entertainment District offers a lively collection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in nearby Beaumont. The district is housed in beautifully restored historic buildings that create a unique atmosphere for visitors seeking evening activities. Weekend visitors can enjoy live music performances, diverse dining options, and a vibrant social scene all in one convenient location.
7. McFaddin-Ward House and Museum
HISTORIC MANSION TOUR
The McFaddin-Ward House and Museum preserves a magnificent Beaux-Arts Colonial mansion that offers visitors a glimpse into early 20th-century affluent Texas life. The 12,800-square-foot home, completed in 1906, features original furnishings and decorative arts that reflect the lifestyle of the wealthy McFaddin family. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the architectural details, family history, and cultural significance of this beautifully preserved historic residence.
8. Texas Energy Museum
OIL INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Texas Energy Museum chronicles the fascinating history and development of the petroleum industry in Texas and beyond. Interactive exhibits demonstrate the science of oil formation, exploration technologies, and the impact of oil discoveries on the region's economy and culture. Visitors can experience simulated drilling operations, learn about pioneering figures in the industry, and gain a deeper understanding of energy production through engaging displays.
9. Beaumont Botanical Gardens
NATURAL FLORAL SHOWCASE
Beaumont Botanical Gardens offers a serene escape with its diverse collection of plant species and themed garden areas. Visitors can stroll through meticulously maintained landscapes featuring native Texas plants, tropical specimens, and seasonal flowering displays. The gardens also include educational exhibits on plant conservation, environmental sustainability, and horticultural practices appropriate for the East Texas climate.
10. Shipshewana Flea Market
MASSIVE OUTDOOR MARKETPLACE
The legendary Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market spans an area equivalent to 30 football fields, offering an extraordinary shopping experience. Visitors can browse countless vendors selling everything from handcrafted furniture to fresh produce, unique collectibles, and Amish-made goods. The market also features a popular livestock auction that provides an authentic glimpse into local agricultural traditions.
11. Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery
AUTHENTIC AMISH CUISINE
Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery serves traditional Amish-style cooking in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is renowned for its homemade breads, hearty meat dishes, and scratch-made pies that showcase regional culinary traditions. Visitors can also stop by the bakery section to purchase freshly baked goods to enjoy later or as gifts.
12. Das Dutchman Essenhaus
COMPLETE AMISH EXPERIENCE
Das Dutchman Essenhaus offers a comprehensive Amish experience with its massive restaurant, bakery, shops, theater, and inn all in one location. For nearly 50 years, this destination has been delighting visitors with satisfying traditional Amish meals and baked goods that showcase local culinary heritage. Beyond dining, guests can browse five different specialty shops, enjoy family activities like mini-golf and carriage rides, or catch a performance at the on-site theater.
13. Studebaker National Museum
AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY COLLECTION
The Studebaker National Museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles that tell the story of this iconic American automobile manufacturer. Exhibits include rare and historically significant Studebaker models ranging from early wagons to the company's final cars produced in the 1960s. Visitors can explore the evolution of automotive design, manufacturing processes, and the cultural impact of Studebaker through interactive displays and meticulously restored vehicles.
14. Ruthmere
HISTORIC MANSION CAMPUS
The Ruthmere Campus preserves two historic homes that once served as the center of social life in Elkhart, Indiana. Visitors can tour these elegant residences to learn about the Beardsley family, known as the first family of Elkhart, and their significant contributions to the community. The campus showcases exceptional architecture, period furnishings, and cultural artifacts that provide insight into early 20th-century affluent Midwestern life.
15. Bonneyville Mill
HISTORIC WORKING GRISTMILL
Bonneyville Mill stands as one of Indiana's oldest continuously operating gristmills, grinding grain using water power since the 1830s. Visitors can witness the traditional milling process in action and purchase freshly ground flour and cornmeal produced using historic methods. The mill is situated within a picturesque county park that offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding woodland and meadows.