Family fun and outdoor adventures available in Elkhart County this fall
- By: Claire Kenney
- Last Updated: September 8, 2026
As we begin to venture into fall, there’s so much to do, and if you have just 48 hours to spare on some autumnal activities, head to Elkhart County for seasonal fun. The area has both outdoor and indoor activities, including fun for children. Whether you stay overnight or do a day trip, there’s lots of ways to make your time in Elkhart County memorable.
Elkhart County’s Linton’s Enchanted Gardens is a garden center that houses everything you would expect at such an attraction — plants, flowers, and other foliage. It’s particularly attractive in the fall, as it’s a season known for its beautiful, ornate colors.
Linton’s Enchanted Gardens is different from typical gardens, as it has both an extensive home decor area and an apparel section. Also unique is its special kids-only hallmarks.
“What really makes Linton’s Enchanted Gardens a family attraction is that a significant section of their property is also packed with different children’s activities, ranging from a petting zoo to a mini train ride,” Director of Communications and Public Relations for Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau Terry Mark said. “The garden has lots of hands-on activities and things that are fun for kids of all ages. Mom and dad can enjoy the garden center and also take their children to the petting farm.”
It’s also convenient to grab a bite to eat or a coffee at Linton’s Enchanted Gardens while you visit. Their menu includes a variety of salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Elkhart County has multiple themed museums that offer a great opportunity for children and families to simultaneously learn and have fun.
The National New York Central Railroad Museum (NNYCRRM) houses a history of the New York Central System, which was once the second largest railroad in the United States. At its height, the New York Central System had 11,000 route miles of track across eleven states and two Canadian provinces.
When establishing the museum in 1987, Elkhart was an ideal location because the area connects the Atlantic Seaboard with the midwest and beyond to this day, albeit via Norfolk Southern. The museum has multiple exhibits showcasing everything from trains to past New York Central System employee uniforms.
The museum also hosts several special and seasonal events. This fall, it will host multiple children storytimes, a presentation on post-war rail history, the 175th Anniversary of Rail Celebration, and two Halloween events entitled All Aboard the Spooktacular Express! and Spooktacular Express AFTER DARK.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Children 3 and under are free.
Among other area museums focused on transportation is the Studebaker Museum in South Bend. This museum showcases the history behind the vintage automobile brand Studebaker, a virtually extinct automobile formerly manufactured in the Michiana area, and is still highly regarded today.
Yet another museum in the area is the RV/MH Hall of Fame. This museum houses recreational vehicles from across the decades. At the RV/MH Hall of Fame, learn how these vehicles evolved to where they are today.
Elkhart County’s Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience. With artifacts and exhibits showcasing superheroes through comic books, films, toys, and animation, it is the only museum of its kind in the world.
“Comic book lovers and lovers of pop culture geek out over the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum,” Mark said. “The museum has a wide variety of movie memorabilia, props, and collectibles spanning from Batman to the Incredible Hulk to Captain America.”
The museum even houses a Lone Ranger costume dating back decades.
At Wakarusa Dime Store, children can learn about candy and enjoy a treat. The store has historical candy that typically can’t be found in the contemporary grocery store or drug store like Charleston Chews, Clark Bars, Chowards, and Charms.
If you need a place to stay, consider Das Dutchman Essenhaus. It’s a cozy inn, but it also has a restaurant, bakery, and mini golf course making it an attraction that you can visit on a day trip too.
Additionally, Elkhart County has lots of trails and parks, through which you can bike, hike, or run. These include Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and Ox Bow County Park. Enjoy the colors of fall and the outdoors in Elkhart County at these and other area trails and parks.
To learn more about Elkhart County and plan your iconic fall getaway visit visitelkhartcounty.com.
