News Release
NAPPANEE — The Quilt Gardens and Quilt Murals, Elkhart County’s signature event and one-of-a-kind attraction beloved by residents and visitors, is returning for its 17th year May 30th.
Plant delivery, 10 a.m. Thursday, May 16, at Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds
Planting and mounting of the Quilt Gardens murals will occur on various dates and times through May 30, 2024. The Quilt Gardens will be open to public from May 30 through Sept. 15.
The Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau presents the Quilt Gardens and Quilt Murals every year as a unique, creative and beautiful attraction that draws visitors and residents to the downtown areas, businesses and natural beauty of Elkhart County.
The Elkhart County CVB provides the flowers and organization for volunteer groups to plan, maintain and promote the Quilt Gardens and Quilt Murals every year. Each Quilt Gardens site brings together volunteers to plant the gardens in late May, feed, water and weed the gardens throughout the summer, and remove the gardens at the close of the season.
Thirteen Quilt Gardens locations and 12 Quilt Mural locations in Elkhart, Goshen, Nappanee, Middlebury, Wakarusa and Bristol, all open free, seven days a week.
“Elkhart County residents are creative and appreciate natural beauty. We are connected by a passion for craftsmanship and quality of life,” said Elkhart County CVB Executive Director Jon Hunsberger. “The Quilt Gardens and Quilt Murals are a celebration of what makes us Well Crafted in Elkhart County. Each year, we are excited to welcome thousands of visitors from around the Midwest and the U.S., all seeking that unique blend of energy and serenity that we have here.”
The Quilt Gardens and Quilt Murals are an award-winning attraction connected by the Heritage Trail audio driving tour. The Heritage Trail utilizes multiple platforms from physical media such as CDs and flash drives to digital resources such as streaming services and downloadable audio files to deliver an immersive experience. The Heritage Trail audio blends engaging stories, fascinating folklore and driving directions to help visitors discover the 90-mile route from Elkhart to Bristol, Middlebury, Shipshewana, Goshen, Nappanee and Wakarusa before returning to Elkhart.
