Cities and Towns in Elkhart County, Indiana
Founded on Jan 29, 1830, Elkhart County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Elkhart County was formed from Non-county Area. The city of Goshen is the county seat. With FIPS code of 39, Elkhart County has a population of 206,921 and area of 463 square miles (1,199 km²).
List of all cities in Elkhart County, IN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bristol, IN | 46507 | 574 |
| Concord, IN | 46517 | 574 |
| Dunlap, IN | 46517 | 574 |
| Elkhart, IN | 46514 | 574 |
| 46515 | 574 | |
| 46516 | 574 | |
| 46517 | 574 | |
| Foraker, IN | 46526 | 574 |
| Goshen, IN | 46526 | 574 |
| 46527 | 574 | |
| 46528 | 574 | |
| Middlebury, IN | 46540 | 574 |
| Millersburg, IN | 46543 | 574 |
| Nappanee, IN | 46550 | 574 |
| New Paris, IN | 46553 | 574 |
| Wakarusa, IN | 46573 | 574 |
Major Cities and Towns in Elkhart County, Indiana
Elkhart
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 25.83 square miles
- Population: 53,949 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46514, 46516, 46517
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.68199° N, 85.97667° W
Location and History
Elkhart is situated in northern Indiana, nestled between South Bend to the west and Goshen to the southeast. It lies at the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph rivers, offering scenic water views and positioning the city as a historical transportation hub. The name “Elkhart” is believed to come from the Miami-Illinois word for “heart of the elk,” reflecting the region’s Native American history. The city saw rapid growth during the late 19th century due to its prominence in the railroad industry, which remains a significant part of its identity today. Known as the “RV Capital of the World,” Elkhart is home to numerous recreational vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. Its industrial base also extends to musical instruments, as it was once a leading producer of brass instruments in the United States.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elkhart is home to several major schools, including Elkhart High School, part of the Elkhart Community Schools system. Indiana University South Bend has a local extension, and there are various private educational institutions. Notable landmarks include the National New York Central Railroad Museum, which pays homage to Elkhart’s railroad legacy. The Wellfield Botanic Gardens, located near the heart of the city, is a serene spot, and the Ruthmere Mansion offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history. The Lerner Theatre, a restored 1920s-era performance space, adds to the city’s cultural heritage.
Goshen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 16.22 square miles
- Population: 34,517 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46526, 46528
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.58227° N, 85.83444° W
Location and History
Goshen is located in the southeastern part of Elkhart County and serves as the county seat. It lies about 25 miles southeast of South Bend and 10 miles south of Elkhart. The city was founded in 1831, with early settlers primarily of European descent, including Mennonites and Amish communities, who continue to have a strong presence in the area. Goshen’s strategic location along the Elkhart River allowed it to develop as a center for agriculture, industry, and commerce. The city experienced significant growth during the early 20th century and became known for its manufacturing capabilities, including farm machinery and recreational vehicles.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Goshen is home to Goshen College, a private liberal arts institution associated with the Mennonite Church, and Goshen High School, part of Goshen Community Schools. Major landmarks include the Old Bag Factory, a historical factory turned into an arts and business complex, and the Elkhart County Courthouse, a prominent feature in downtown Goshen. The annual Elkhart County Fair, one of the largest county fairs in the U.S., is hosted here every summer. The Maple City Greenway, a network of scenic trails, reflects Goshen’s commitment to green living and outdoor activities.
Nappanee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.15 square miles
- Population: 6,900 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46550
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.4424° N, 86.0011° W
Location and History
Nappanee is located in the southwestern corner of Elkhart County, about 30 miles southeast of South Bend. It shares borders with Kosciusko County. Founded in 1874, Nappanee was initially a small settlement but expanded significantly with the arrival of the B&O Railroad in the late 19th century. The name “Nappanee” is of Native American origin, meaning “flour” or “land of plenty.” Like other Elkhart County cities, Nappanee’s economy has historically centered around agriculture and, more recently, the recreational vehicle industry. Its Amish and Mennonite heritage has also contributed to its local economy, with many traditional craftsmen in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Nappanee has major educational institutions, including NorthWood High School, which serves students from both Nappanee and nearby Wakarusa. The city is also home to some of the region’s top elementary and middle schools. The Amish Acres Historic Farm and Heritage Resort is a significant landmark, attracting tourists who want to experience Amish culture and history. The Round Barn Theatre, part of the Amish Acres complex, showcases live performances throughout the year. Downtown Nappanee boasts several shops and cafes that reflect the community’s unique blend of modern living and traditional values.
Bristol
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.85 square miles
- Population: 1,668 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46507
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.7217° N, 85.8191° W
Location and History
Bristol is located in the northeastern part of Elkhart County, close to the Indiana-Michigan border. It is situated along the St. Joseph River, making it historically significant as a trade route for Native Americans and early European settlers. Bristol was platted in 1835 and developed as a small, but important, industrial and trading community, largely due to its location near waterways and later railroads. Over time, Bristol became known for its small-town charm, offering a quieter alternative to larger cities like Elkhart and South Bend. Though relatively small, its community-oriented atmosphere has made it a desirable place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bristol students attend schools in the Elkhart Community Schools system, and the area is served by schools like Bristol Elementary School. In terms of landmarks, the Bonneyville Mill, a 19th-century grist mill, is one of the oldest and most well-preserved mills in Indiana, offering historical demonstrations and picturesque walking trails. The St. Joseph River provides excellent opportunities for fishing and boating. Congdon Park is a local favorite for picnicking and recreation, and nearby golf courses also draw visitors. The Elkhart River Greenway Trail is a popular route for bikers and hikers, enhancing Bristol’s outdoor appeal.
Middlebury
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.63 square miles
- Population: 3,681 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46540
- Latitude and Longitude: 41.6753° N, 85.7055° W
Location and History
Middlebury is located in northern Elkhart County, just a short distance from the Michigan border. Settled in 1832, Middlebury has maintained its quaint, small-town character while thriving as a center of commerce and culture in the region. The town was named after Middlebury, Vermont, reflecting its New England roots. Early on, Middlebury grew as a farming community, later developing into an industrial town, largely due to its proximity to larger markets in Elkhart and South Bend. Today, Middlebury is renowned for its Amish craftsmanship and production of recreational vehicles, similar to nearby Nappanee and Elkhart.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Middlebury Community Schools serve the local student population, with Northridge High School being one of the prominent schools in the area. The Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, Indiana’s largest restaurant and Amish-style lodging, is a major landmark, drawing visitors from around the Midwest. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, a converted railway line, is another favorite, offering miles of scenic trails for biking and walking. Middlebury’s Main Street features charming local businesses, while the Krider World’s Fair Garden reflects the town’s pride in its horticultural heritage, offering beautifully landscaped gardens open to the public.
