The Elkhart RiverWalk has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best “Best Riverwalk” award — and voting is open right now through Monday, April 6.

That means we’ve got 28 days to show the rest of America what we already know: Downtown Elkhart is seriously special.

👉 Cast your vote here at USA TODAY 10Best

Why This Is Kind of a Big Deal

USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards aren’t handed out to just anyone. The Elkhart RiverWalk was hand-picked by USA Today’s subject-matter experts and placed into competition against riverwalk destinations all across the country.

Jon Hunsberger, Executive Director of the Elkhart County CVB, said it best: the RiverWalk offers spectacular scenery, natural beauty downtown, great gathering spots, and terrific restaurants of all kinds — and visitors are rarely disappointed.

We couldn’t agree more.

What Makes the Elkhart RiverWalk So Worth the Vote

If you haven’t taken a slow stroll down the RiverWalk lately, put it on your list — preferably with your kids and a coffee in hand. Here’s what’s waiting for you:

🎨 Public Art & Eye Candy The trail is lined with impressive sculptures, colorful murals, and the signature Quilt Gardens that Elkhart County is famous for. The Quilt Gardens are in full bloom from May through September — and they are stunning for a family photo op.

🛍️ Boutique Shopping Pop in and out of local boutiques as you walk. This is the kind of shopping that actually feels good — supporting local businesses right here in Elkhart County.

🍽️ Food, Food, Food From patio dining with riverfront views to cozy spots nearby, the RiverWalk area is packed with options. Whether it’s a quick lunch with the kids or a rare night out, there’s something for everyone.

💦❄️ NIBCO Water & Ice Park This one is a fan favorite for local families, and for good reason. In the summer, NIBCO Water & Ice Park runs as a free splash pad (typically noon–7 PM daily) — hello, free summer fun! Come winter, it transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink where you can rent skates on-site. One spot, all four seasons covered.

🌿 The Wellfield Botanic Gardens Just a short walk away, the Wellfield Botanic Gardens bring 36 acres of stunning themed landscapes. It’s the kind of place your kids will actually want to revisit — especially for seasonal events like the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights.

🌊 Scenic Trails Along Two Rivers The 1.75-mile path follows the convergence of the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers right through the heart of downtown. There are historical markers, benches, bridges, and kayakers on the water to keep the whole walk interesting.

A Perfect Afternoon With the Kids (No Big Plans Required)

One of the best things about the Elkhart RiverWalk is that it doesn’t require a lot of planning or a big budget. It’s the kind of place you can just show up to with your family and have a genuinely great afternoon.

Start at NIBCO Water & Ice Park, let the kids run the splash pad, grab lunch at one of the riverside spots, take a slow walk through the sculptures and gardens, maybe duck into a boutique or two — and just like that, you’ve had a full, fun, low-stress day out. That’s the Michiana magic.

Vote Before April 6!

Let’s put Elkhart on the map — for the whole country to see. This nomination is a real point of pride for our community, and a winning vote would be a massive spotlight on everything we love about living here.

Click here to vote for the Elkhart RiverWalk on USA Today’s 10Best — you can vote once per day until April 6, so bookmark it and make it a daily habit!

Share this post, tag your Michiana friends, and let’s make some noise. 🐸💚