The Nappanee Center
The Nappanee Center houses the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection, founded at the Nappanee Public Library in 1971. This hidden gem is still maintained by the Library today and tells the story of Nappanee through permanent, rotating and special displays.
Main attractions include the new (2021) Grant Family Gallery, which features the work of Amish folk artist, Emma Schrock. Also on display is a tribute to the city’s six nationally-known cartoonists, a collection of locally-made Hoosier Cabinets by the Coppes company, an Air Force One display and the historic John Hartman House which is a furnished 19th c. home of one of Nappanee’s founding businessmen.
The Nappanee Center also houses the Chamber of Commerce and is a great place to stop to get visitor recommendations for the area. In the summer, the NC boasts one of the most beautiful and well-maintained quilt gardens on the Quilt Garden Trail (see below).
Quilt Gardens
The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail joins quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind event featuring more than a million vibrant blooms, 16 gigantic gardens, and hand-painted super-sized murals. Nappanee is the proud home to two of these amazing public garden installations each year! This colorful patchwork of quilt-inspired gardens and murals deliver dazzling views in the communities of Bristol, Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, and Wakarusa. It’s the only experience of its kind in the world!
Find the Nappanee Quilt Gardens at the Nappanee Center (302 West Market St.) and The Barns at Nappanee from mid May through September in 2021.
The Barns At Nappanee
The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres, is continuing the legacy of the historic farm attraction that has been a part of Nappanee for over 50 years. Escape to The Barns at Nappanee and immerse yourself in the heritage of century-old craftsmanship and agriculture as well as the unique experiences offered by a new generation of rural life in America.
Tour an Amish homestead on the grounds, take a buggy ride, shop handmade goods from local artisans, and enjoy a number of dining options, from the fine steakhouse featuring locally-raised Wagyu beef to the famous Thresher’s Dinner served in the Farm Table restaurant. And no visit to The Barns would be complete without taking in a show at the Round Barn Theatre! Producing six to seven theatrical productions a year, RBT is committed to producing world-class entertainment for the entire family.
Derksen Wetlands Area & Art Path
This seven-acre nature preserve serves as a great area to watch wildlife, birds and butterflies. Trails take visitors to the marsh near the intersection of Woodview Drive and Oakland Avenue. Benches and a lookout shelter along the way provide observation areas. This protected area is serene and a perfect complement to the city parks system.
Look closely, and you’ll find many wildlife art sculptures nestled into the wooded areas. These were created through a partnership between the Nappanee Arts Council and local artists. Other public sculptures commissioned through the Council are also on display at the nearby Art Path just off County Road 7 in the same park complex.
Click the red button below to learn more about the entire municipal parks system. You’ll find playgrounds, sports facilities, a dog park and more!
McCormick Creek Golf Course
McCormick Creek is an outstanding, well-maintained municipal par-72 course with tees ranging from 4966 yards for the ladies, 5962 yards for the seniors, and back tees with a distance of 6434 yards.
McCormick Creek continually receives high ratings for their golf pro services and offer a top notch pro shop featuring clubs, bags and apparel from Callaway, Taylor Made, Nike, Titliest, Mizuno, Ping & More . Those looking for opportunities for polishing up on their form can take advantage of the driving range and practice greens as well. New GPS-equipped carts were added in 2021, so click below to schedule your next tee time!
Coppes Commons
This historic attraction was originally the factory for a leading manufacturer of the famous “Hoosier Cabinet” at the turn of the century. The renovated factory now houses a variety of specialty shops offering locally-made, handcrafted and freshly-baked items. Get a glimpse into the history of the Coppes Kitchens while visiting the cabinet museum and shopping this rambling brick building.
Watch rag rugs woven on site; sample 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn; buy fresh baked goods, cheeses, hot BBQ and bulk foods; taste and see your ice cream flash frozen before your eyes with liquid nitrogen; let kids play and explore in the new toy store (2021); or search for treasure in the antique mall. That’s just a sample of what’s in store at Coppes Commons!
Nappanee Raceway
The Nappanee Raceway is an exciting way to spend an evening with the entire family in Nappanee. Affiliated with the International Trotter & Pacer Association, the track holds harness races May through October each year. Adult admission is $4 each, and kids ten & under are free! Find the track on US 6 on the east edge of Nappanee.