June 30, 2011
07/01/11 Looking for something free, fun and different to do over the July 4th weekend? Consider pairing the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail with local fireworks displays for a weekend that really pops. Pack a picnic and enjoy a holiday loaded with colorful fun that doesn’t break the bank. Spend the day viewing eye-popping gardens and murals, come evening cast your eyes to the sky.
18 quilt patterned gardens packed with nearly a million blooms are at their blooming best, delivering the glories of summer in a vibrant array in the communities of Elkhart, Bristol, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Shipshewana and Wakarusa – all along the nationally recognized Heritage Trail route. Add to that 18 outdoor quilt art murals are also on display. The gardens and murals are all viewable free of charge.
Free maps show the way to each location and signs at the sites tell about pattern selections and types of flowers used in the gardens. Signs also have scan tags for use with smart phones that give more information about other things to see and do nearby.
Get Quilt Garden maps, directions, and detailed information at QuiltGardens.com or contact the Elkhart County Visitors Center at 574.262.8161. The Visitors Center is located in Elkhart at 219 Caravan Drive (just off the Indiana Toll Road Exit 92). It’s open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday, 9am to 4pm Saturday.
Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Locations
Central Park, Elkhart, garden Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Middlebury, garden & mural
Concord Mall, Elkhart, mural Dutch Country Market, Middlebury, garden
Elkhart County Visitors Center, mural Greencroft Middlebury, garden
Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, garden Krider Garden, Middlebury, garden
Ruthmere, Elkhart, garden Cinnamon Stick, Middlebury, mural
Time Was Museum, mural Varns & Hoover, Middlebury, mural
Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Elkhart, garden Farmstead Inn, Shipshewana, garden
Elk. Co. Hist. Museum, Bristol, garden Menno-Hof, Shipshewana, garden
Bonneyville Mill, Bristol, mural Weaver Furniture, Shipshewana, garden
Elkhart County Fairgrounds, Goshen, garden Amish Acres, Nappanee, garden
Elkhart County Courthouse, garden Nappanee Center, garden
Goshen Chamber of Commerce, mural John’s Butcher Shop, Nappanee, murals
Goshen College, mural Downtown Wakarusa, garden & mural
Old Bag Factory, Goshen, garden & mural