About Elkhart County Elkhart County Things to Do
Source: www.city-data.com
Elkhart County was one of the first areas settled in Northern Indiana. In 1830, the county held its first election. At that time, 75 votes were cast by citizens of the county and its surrounding territory. These voters elected eight people who served as the only county employees.
Since that time, Elkhart County has grown to almost 169,000 citizens. County Government has expanded to meet the needs of those citizens. Today, approximately 760 full-time employees, including 24 elected officials, provide services to the citizens of Elkhart County.
Elkhart County is located in Northern Indiana, 150 miles north/northeast of Indianapolis, 100 miles east of Chicago and 50 miles northwest of Fort Wayne.
The time zone is Eastern Standard Time and the area code is 574.
The city of Goshen serves as the county seat. Other incorporated cities and towns within Elkhart County are Bristol, Elkhart, Middlebury, Millersburg, Nappanee and Wakarusa.
Climate
The climate is moderate with summers averaging 73 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures averaging 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bristol
- Population: 1,600 people
- Town Manager: Bill Wuthrich
- Economy: RV Manufacturing; RV Distributors
- Must-See Landmarks: Historic Bristol Opera House (home to the Elkhart County Civic Theatre), Elkhart County Historical Museum.
- Claim to Fame: Home to one of the largest Corn Dog Manufacturers in the world (Hinsdale Farms)
For more information: 574.848.4853
Elkhart
- Population: 51,878 people
- Mayor: David Miller
- Economy: Recreational Vehicle (RV) Manufacturing; Manufactured Housing; Marine Manufacturing
- Claims to Fame: Named “One of the Nation’s Top 20 Places for Entrepreneur” by Entrepreneur Magazine
- Must-See Landmarks: The RiverWalk, Island Park, Ruthmere Museum
More Information: Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, www.elkhart.org; City of Elkhart www.elkhartindiana.org
Goshen
- Population: 30,555 people
- Mayor: Allan Kauffman
- Economy: RV Manufacturing; Custom Cabinetry; Van and Truck Body Manufacturing; Government
- Claims to Fame: Home to Goshen College and the award winning Maple City Greenway – named an outstanding trail by the Indiana Greenways Conference
- Must See Landmarks: The Greek Revival Elkhart County Courthouse, Old Bag Factory, Goshen College
More Information: Goshen Chamber of Commerce, www.goshen.org; City of Goshen, www.goshenindiana.org
Middlebury
- Population: 3,085 people
- Town Manger: Lowell Miller
- Economy: RV Manufacturing; Manufactured Housing
- Claims to Fame: Designated a Tree City USA nine years running – thanks to the volunteer tree board
- Must-See Landmarks: Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Krider Garden, Varns and Hoover Hardware (100 year old hardware store)
More information: Middlebury Chamber of Commerce www.middleburyin.com
Nappanee
- Population: 6,840 people
- Mayor: Larry Thompson
- Economy: RV Manufacturing, Woodworking, Agriculture, Tourism
- Claims to Fame: Selected one of the “100 Best Main Street Projects in the United States” by Main Street USA
- Must-See Landmarks: Amish Acres, Borkholder Dutch Village, Nappanee Library
More information: Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, www.nappanee.org
Wakarusa
- Population: 1,644 people
- Town Manager: Tom Roeder
- Economy: RV Manufacturing, Utility Truck Manufacturing, Agriculture
- Claims to Fame: Jumbo Jelly Beans! The Wakarusa Dime Store orders more than 20 tons for the town’s annual Maple Syrup Festival
- Must-See Landmarks: Wakarusa Historical Museum, Cook’s Pizza, Wakarusa Dime Store
More information: Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce, www.wakarusachamber.com
