Experience Elkhart: Beauty in Nature

I grew up a Hoosier, yet I’m still discovering the many amazing destinations in my home state. Recently I had the privilege of spending a few days exploring Elkhart County, Indiana, and I was blown away by all there is to see, do, and eat in this impressive area of the Hoosier landscape.

I can’t possibly give due credit to the wonders of Elkhart County in just one article. So I plan to do a whole series entitled Experience Elkhart because that is exactly what this area offers…memorable experiences!

For my first article, I want to introduce you to several ways you can experience the beauty of nature throughout Elkhart County.

Quilt Gardens

When traveling along the scenic Heritage Trail in Northern Indiana during the summer months and early fall you must stop to admire the Quilt Gardens.

Whether you are a Master Gardener or have a black thumb as I do, you will marvel at these quilt-inspired floral creations located all throughout Elkhart County. This year marked the 15th year for the Quilt Gardens and they are growing strong!

These impressive and well-mainicured arrangements of plants and flowers depict unique Quilt patterns that will appeal to all ages. This one-of-a-kind display is in full bloom each year from the end of May to the middle of September with the patterns changing yearly and new locations being added.

I had the pleasure of visiting several of this year’s Quilt Gardens, including this spectacular one outside of Ruthmere Mansion.

Each Quilt Garden location includes a sign that gives you information about the quilt pattern being depicted, and you can pick up a map showing you where to find all of this year’s displays.

Many of the Quilt Gardens also feature a viewing platform to help you better take in the garden’s beauty and capture the best photos.

In addition to the gardens, several spots feature large wooden quilt murals that are quite a sight to see.

In 2022 there are 28 locations showcasing Quilt Gardens and Murals spread throughout Goshen, Nappanee, Wakarusa, Elkhart, Bristol, and Middlebury. It is free to visit each of the Quilt Gardens and you can even earn a prize when you use the mobile Quilt Garden passport and visit them all!

As you visit the Quilt Gardens, and all throughout Elkhart County, also be on the lookout for the life-like sculptures by famed artist Seward Johnson. Have fun interacting with these amazing sculptures and snap a selfie or two!

I must say I was utterly impressed by what I can only imagine must be painstaking work and devotion to create and maintain these living works of art!  That makes the Quilt Gardens a must-see item on anyone’s visit to Elkhart County.

For more information and a map of the Quilt Gardens and Murals go to quiltgardens.com.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens

Nature lovers will also want to spend some time in the expansive Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart.

Each season offers its own unique charm at Wellfield, which is open year-round (though hours vary by season) and also hosts tons of fun seasonal events. Enjoy a guided nature walk, take in a summer concert or yoga class, or be dazzled by the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights display. Of course, you can also simply find a quiet place to sit and take in the peace and beauty of the gardens.

Children of all ages and the young at heart will love the Children’s Garden, where wildflowers steal the show.

Winding paths that lead past flowing water and every type of flora and fauna imaginable are ideal avenues for those simply wanting to stroll through nature as well as those hoping to increase their step count while surrounded by nature’s beauty.

I had the pleasure of taking a tour of Wellfield with the Executive Director, Eric Garton.  He shared Wellfield’s motto, World Class & Home Grown, which is evident from the largest structures down to the tiniest details of the gardens.

Great care is given to utilizing local resources whenever possible and enriching the Elkhart County community. The end result is a thriving oasis of tranquility that is sure to delight locals and visitors alike.

For more information, hours, and admission costs go to wellfieldgarens.org.

Millrace Canal and Pumpkinvine Nature Trails

Elkhart County boasts tons of parks and an extensive trail system, making this an ideal destination for those looking to connect with nature or get in some outdoor exercise all year long.

On my recent trip, I donned a helmet and ventured down the Millrace Canal Trail in Goshen on two wheels. You can bring your own bikes or rent them. Since I typically don’t travel with my bicycle, I was excited to rent one from Lincoln Avenue Cycling and experience a few miles of the trail with my eager group of travel enthusiasts.

The Millrace Canal Trail is nearly 3 miles long and has a crushed-stone surface. We followed the 8-foot-wide trail that runs alongside the canal, which also passes beautiful Shanklin Park and ends at Goshen Dam Pond.

We even spotted some wildlife during our trek, including a log overloaded with turtles!

Another fabulous trail system in Elkhart County is the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

My mom and I had a fabulous time exploring a section of this trail last summer. Be sure to check out my article, Middlebury with My Mom, for a glimpse at what this nearly 20-mile stretch of trail offers for hikers, bikers, and trail enthusiasts.

Why not check out both trails when you visit Elkhart County?! Each trail allows you to connect with nature and the beauty of the Hoosier landscape. Plus you will have the opportunity to burn off some of those calories you are sure to consume while enjoying Elkhart County’s many fine dining establishments!

Linton’s Enchanted Gardens

I spent three very full days in Elkhart County at the end of July and still didn’t see all this area has to offer. This is just one reason I will be planning a return trip.

One sight I only got to see from the window of our tour bus was Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, but it is at the top of the list for my next trip to Elkhart County!

If your crew includes children or nature enthusiasts then the Enchanted Gardens are a must. It has the dubious distinction of being Indiana’s largest Home and Garden Center so you know there is lots to explore. In addition to exploring the lush gardens, you can also take a ride on the Enchanted Express Train, feed the Koi fish, mine for gems, and visit the petting zoo and bird aviary.

While you are checking out the impressive landscape displays you can also stock up on all your garden supplies and get tips from experts with green thumbs. Based on all there is to see and do at the Enchanted Gardens you could easily spend the whole day there, and you can even fuel up in their Garden Cafe.

Have you visited Elkhart County, Indiana yet?

I hope I’ve inspired you to add this beautiful section of Indiana to your travel bucket list!  Stay tuned for even more reasons to visit Elkhart County in my next edition of Experience Elkhart. Check out my second article for two great lodging options in Elkhart County!

Get even more ideas from the podcast episode I recorded on the People and Places Along the Heritage Trail podcast along with fellow blogger Lori Loves Adventure. Listen here and then plan your own trip to Elkhart County.

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

I’d like to extend a HUGE thank you to the Elkhart County CVB and Midwest Travel Network for hosting Traveling Tanya in Elkhart County and to each of the businesses, organizations, and individuals highlighted in this article for all the Hoosier Hospitality!  As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

P.S. Subscribe to my email list here and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips…plus I’ll send you my free Packing List!

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