Elkhart is a city in north central section of Indiana. Located in Elkhart County, Elkhart lies on the Elkhart and St Joseph Rivers and has a great number of small lakes within its boundaries. Those moving to Elkhart will also discover that they are within short distances to Chicago and Indianapolis.
Economy:
The economy of Elkhart is industry-based, with the manufacture of housing units and mobile homes, musical instruments, recreational vehicles, marine and electronic components and pharmaceuticals.
The city of Elkhart is a major employer and its employees work mainly on the transportation networks and the maintenance of the city's infrastructure. Statistics released in January 2011 reveal that the Cost of Living Index for Elkhart is 88.4, substantially lower than the national average of 100.
History:
The original inhabitants of the area were the Chippewa, Potawatomi and Ottawa Native American tribes. By 1829 a village, Pulaski, had been established on one side of the river and, in 1831, another area was settled on the opposite river bank and given the name Elkhart. In 1839 the name of Pulaski's Post Office was changed to Elkhart and the settlements merged to become the village of Elkhart which was, in 1858, incorporated into a city.
Tourism:
The most important visitor attraction in Elkhart is the Amish community, allowing a number of bed and breakfast units for tourists to be opened so that they are able to experience their rural way of life which has not changed for hundreds of years.
The city boasts a number of museums, such as the Midwest Museum of American Art, the Elkhart County Historical Museum, the National New York Central Railroad Museum, the Ruthmere Museum, the "Time Was" Museum and the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum.
Elkhart has many sporting amenities. There is an ice rink, a swimming pool, a water park and a golf course – and the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean are a drive away.