Elkhart County Visitor Center

At 52,882 residents, Elkhart is the largest town in Indiana's Amish Country and the gateway to the region. The quiet, simple pleasures of surrounding Amish Country have been a primary tourist draw in Elkhart for decades (the other main industry is RVs, which has been adversely affected by the downturn in the economy). You won't find much that's authentically Amish in Elkhart, but the Elkhart County Visitor Center is a must for visitors to the area. Stock up on free maps and guides to area attractions, Amish and otherwise, as well as a free Heritage Trail Audio Tour CD for your car. The center even has a small gallery of local quilts to whet your appetite. As long as you're here, Elkhart's more modern attractions are worth considering, including the area's only brewpub, some new downtown restaurants, and a blossoming art and cultural scene.