Communities

Bristol

At a scenic bend of the St. Joseph River, Bristol offers visitors history, culture and ample outdoor recreation. The Elkhart County Historical Museum, housed in a nationally registered landmark, features 14 distinct display areas housing more than 20,000 artifacts from the area's rich cultural and economic history. The Bonneyville Celebration, held the second weekend of September, includes an authentic 18th-Century agricultural village, performers in period costumes, live entertainment, and arts and crafts vendors.

Bristol is blessed with tree-lined bluffs and quiet wooded dells, natural spots for beautiful parks. Congdon, Hermance and Cummins Parks, strung along the wide St. Joe, offer nature trails, picnic areas and
public access sites. Congdon Park hosts two popular community events: the Bristol Homecoming, the first weekend of July, and the Storytelling Festival, the first weekend after Labor Day. Bristol's small-town ambiance and flamboyant fall colors make events like late September's Bridge-to-Bridge Canoe/Kayak Race, held at Hermance Park, memorable for participants and spectators alike.

Call 574.848.7007 for a complete rundown of Bristol Parks festivals and events.

Since the 1830s, people have been drawn to Bristol's beautiful spot on the banks of the St. Joseph River. Come and see for yourself!