Perhaps we’re a bit biased, but we believe some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. can be found right here on the Indiana Heritage Trail. Look no further than Elkhart County, a portion of northern Indiana renowned for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful rolling hills, and rich Amish heritage. Get ready to experience the best of it all when you drive on the Heritage Trail. This is the crown jewel of Indiana’s Amish Country and is listed among the most scenic drives in America by the editors of Life. The 90-mile loop offers a complete tour of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, Wakarusa, and Shipshewana. Along the way, we experience famous Indiana hospitality, delicious local restaurants, and peaceful scenery for as far as the eye can see.

The moment we embark on the scenic back roads of Elkhart County’s Indiana Heritage Trail, we feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Elkhart County CVB/Visit Elkhart County
If it's the first time you're experiencing the Heritage Trail, be sure to stop by the Elkhart County Visitor Center to pick up a free self-guided Heritage Trail audio CD.
Management/TripAdvisor
Begin the day with a visit to a farm stand or local farmer’s market. Both Goshen and Nappanee’s Farmers Markets showcase the abundance of fresh produce grown in the area.
Goshen Farmers Market/Facebook
Check out the photos on the Goshen Farmers Market Facebook page.
We'd be remiss to experience Elkhart Heritage Trail without getting out and exploring the natural scenery, and a bicycle is one of the best ways to do so.
@experienceelkhartcountyin/Visit Elkhart County
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a 17-mile rails-to-trails stretch of a former railway that's excellent for walking and biking through farmland and wetlands in Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. Visit AllTrails for the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail web page.
Stop by any of the Quilt Gardens and experience one of the Heritage Trail's most unique features. There are 17 quilt gardens in six cities and towns throughout Elkhart County, featuring over one million blooms!
Experience Elkhart County, Indiana/Facebook
We love admiring the detail and planning that goes into bringing these Quilt Gardens to life. Many of the gardens are designed from wax begonias, although there are several varieties on display. The gardens are viewable annually between May 30 and Sept. 15. Find the guide on the Visit Elkhart County Quilt Gardens web page.
If children are on the trip, stop by Linton's Enchanted Garden in Elkhart, which features a Kid's Corner Play Area and a 15-minute narrated train ride through the gardens.
Linton's Enchanted Gardens, 315 County Rd 17, Elkhart, IN 46516, USA
Linton's Enchanted Gardens/Facebook
It's a magical adventure for all ages. Find out more on the Linton’s Enchanted Garden Facebook page.

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When nearing the City of Goshen on the Heritage Trail, we love to stop by the Old Bag Factory. Inside this restored 19th-century building is a jewelry boutique, cafes, Amish furniture for sale, and even artist studios to browse.
Old Bag Factory, 1100 Chicago Ave, Goshen, IN 46528, USA
Old Bag Factory/Facebook
Check out the photos on the Old Bag Factory Facebook page.
Whether it's a gift or something unique to remind us of our time along the Heritage Trail, we always find it at the Old Bag Factory.
Old Bag Factory/Facebook
So much exploring is bound to work up an appetite, so be sure to stop by Barns at Nappanee on Amish Acres for a delicious family-style lunch or dinner that's sure to impress.
The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 W Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550, USA
The Barns at Nappanee on Amish Acres/Facebook
This magical place along the Heritage Trail in Indiana also has a theater, shops, and an event venue.
We look forward to a heavenly serving of Sunday Brunch.
The Barns at Nappanee on Amish Acres/Facebook
Make a reservation on the The Barns at Nappanee website.
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the campus of Das Dutchman Essenhaus then load up on fresh baked goods from the bakery.
Das Dutchman Essenhaus, 240 US-20, Middlebury, IN 46540, USA
@experienceelkhartcountyin/Visit Elkhart County
This is also a restaurant, an inn, and a great shopping destination. The Das Dutchman Essenhaus website gives all the details.
Last on your itinerary for the Elkhart Heritage Trail in Indiana is Bonneyville Mill in Bristol's oldest operating stone grist mill - and the most photographed attraction in Elkhart County.
Bonneyville Mill County Park, Co Rd 131, Bristol, IN 46507, USA
Experience Elkhart County
The friendly miller tells the history as huge millstones rumble into action. Take home a bag of freshly ground cornmeal or flour as the perfect souvenir. Discover more on the Bonneyville Mill website.

Ready to plan an adventure on the Heritage Trail in Elkhart, Indiana? You can use this map to plan your stops along the way. Have you experienced the Indiana Heritage Trail before? If so, we’d love to hear all about it in the comments below.

And while you’re in Elkhart County, consider spending the night and making a weekend of your adventure.

More to Explore

Scenic Hikes In Indiana

Carolyn Harmon | August 23, 2023

What are the most scenic hikes in Indiana?
Check out these breathtaking hikes in Indiana with waterfalls.

  • Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve (Williamsport, Indiana): This one-mile trail leads to an amazing vision of one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in all of the state. The easy out-and-back trail follows the sounds of a river, cheering us along. Fall Creek and Pine Creek are also featured along this moderately challenging path. And with water comes wet roots and rocks, so come prepared.
  • Anderson Falls (Hartsville, Indiana): We find this gem inside Bartholomew County Park, which was dedicated as a State Nature Preserve. Interesting rock formations and wooded spaces create a most interesting journey. Also a one-mile trek, it's one of Indiana's most accessible waterfalls.
  • France Park (Logansport, Indiana) Home to a blue waterfall that flows 15 feet down into Lake Elzbek, is also a magical place offering camping, swimming, and some pretty hikes. The blueness comes from minerals and limestone present in the area, as the park was a former quarry. And if you like SCUBA diving, here is one of the few places to explore that passion.
  • Kokiwanee Nature Preserve Trail (Lagro, Indiana): Again, a short, moderately challenging hike at only 1.6 miles, with the big payoff of rich, wooded forests and abundant wildlife. For bird lovers, have your cameras ready as this trail runs alongside the beautiful Salamonie River - the perfect habitat.
  • AllTrails: Find more beautiful trails to hike on the AllTrails website. It also offers, directions, photos, and ratings from other hikers. Enjoy the wooded beauty on the trails in Indiana.

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