Broker/Associate • RE/MAX Oak Crest, Elkhart
Driving in and around Elkhart
Elkhart is just south of the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80-90). Two exits provide access to the center of town (Exit #92) or the east end of town (Exit #96). Exit #92 puts you on Cassopolis Street, one of the main north entrance roads. Cassopolis is also designated State Road 19.
Toll Road Exit #96 leads to County Road 17, the main north-south road on the east side of town. County Road 17 bypasses the city and most residential areas, and goes several miles south toward Elkhart's neighbor, the city of Goshen, IN.
Old U.S. 20 still cuts directly through Elkhark, going east and west, and continues across the entire state. It is one route to use to get to Mishawaka and South Bend, although the Toll Road is faster. The new U. S. 20 Bypass passes Elkhart on the south side, eliminating the city traffic on the trip to Mishawaka and South Bend.
The Elkhart County roads
In the county, the road system is pretty well organized. East/west county roads are numbered in even numbers, from C.R. (County Road) 2 at the north end of Elkhart County, to C.R. 54 at the southern end. North-south county roads are odd numbered, starting C.R.1, at the west end, to C.R. 37 at the east end. There are variation to the rigid grid, but you're never more than a mile or two from its strict rule. A point some visitors miss - it's easy to confuse the county roads "CR" with the state roads "SR" - there's a CR 20 as well as a SR 20; a CR 15 and SR 15 - so be careful!
Coming to Elkhart:
Hotels, Motels, Airlines, & More
Call me or email me if you're coming into the Elkhart area on a house-shopping trip. I'll do everything I can to help you with your travel plans.
Flying to Elkhart
All incoming air flights arrive at the South Bend Regional Airport, approximately 22 miles from Elkhart, off the Toll Road, exit 72. United, Delta, and Allegiant all have daily service in and out of town, connecting to hubs in Chicago, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh or Detroit. The airport also offers commuter train service to downtown Chicago (South Shore Line) and serves as the main bus depot, too. There are several major car rental agencies in the airport, including National, Avis, Hertz, and Budget. The South Bend airport has a website with scheduled listings for all its flights and bus service. Just click right here!
Staying in the area
Elkhart boasts a wide range of mid-price motel accommodations at Toll Road Exit 92. You'll find Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn, Fairmont Inn, Staybridge Suites, and others. Elkhart hotels often fill up during Notre Dame football weekends, so plan to pay top prices IF you can find a place to stay.
Downtown South Bend has first rate accommodations at the Downtown Marriott. Another excellent suggestion is the Varsity Suites Hotel, on Main street in nearby Mishawaka. Closer to Elkhart, the Toll road exits are lined with less expensive budget chain motels, too.
Once you get your bearings in Elkhart, you may want to venture into the countryside for accommodations that are a bit more quaint and eclectic. The entire county is dotted with Bed & Breakfast Inns and guest houses.
For a special experience, check into the loose network of Amish families that offers room in their spartan homes, where you won't find TV, phones, or air conditioning, but will be treated to an unforgettable farm breakfast. Contact the Elkhart Convention and Visitor's Bureau for all the help you'll need.
Every corner of the world is within your reach through Chicago's O'Hare Airport
The Elkhart County Roads create a grid that ties the community together in a picturesque way