Find hotels in Elkhart, IA from $56

These Elkhart insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 15, 2026.

Top reasons to visit Elkhart

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy golfing at nearby Ankeny and explore urban parks, perfect for family outings and relaxation.
• Amusement Parks: Experience thrilling rides and fun attractions, making it ideal for families seeking excitement.
• Charming Neighborhoods: Discover welcoming communities with friendly locals, offering a unique local vibe.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from cozy motels, family-friendly hotels, or luxurious rentals tailored to your needs.
• Tranquil Lakeside Moments: Relax by beautiful lakes, providing a peaceful escape in nature.

Find great hotels near Elkhart

Explore a variety of accommodation options in Elkhart, Iowa, perfect for every traveler. Whether you're seeking a cozy motel, a family-friendly hotel, or a pet-friendly getaway, Elkhart has something to offer. You can also find luxurious apartments, vacation rentals, and house rentals to suit your needs. Enjoy a comfortable stay while discovering the charm of this welcoming community.

• WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines: Located 8 miles from Elkhart, WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines offers a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay. Ideal for business travelers and pet owners, this hotel features pet-friendly accommodations with specific policies allowing pets with certain restrictions. Guests will appreciate the spacious rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, making it easy to prepare meals during their stay. The welcoming atmosphere and essential amenities cater to both work and leisure, ensuring a restful experience.
• WoodSpring Suites Des Moines Pleasant Hill: Situated 13 miles from Elkhart, WoodSpring Suites Des Moines Pleasant Hill is another excellent budget-friendly choice. This property is particularly suited for pet owners, with amenities that allow dogs and specific guidelines to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with kitchenettes, promoting a home-like experience. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the friendly service and convenient location make this hotel a solid option for your stay in the area.
• La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines: Just 9 miles from Elkhart, La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines boasts a remarkable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. This family-friendly hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering amenities for children, such as cribs available upon request. With its pet-friendly policy that welcomes both dogs and cats, it’s an excellent choice for families traveling with pets. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms and a range of services designed to enhance their overall experience, making it a top pick for visitors to the region.

Where to stay near Elkhart

Elkhart, Iowa, is a charming destination perfect for family-friendly vacations and business getaways. Explore the welcoming neighborhoods and enjoy the local vibe, where friendly people and exciting excursions await. Don't miss the opportunity to discover beautiful Elkhart homes and consider renting a cozy getaway in the area. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Elkhart offers a unique blend of tranquility and connection to the community, making it an ideal spot for your next vacation.

• Ankeny: Located a mere 6 miles from Elkhart, Ankeny is a vibrant city that offers a range of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. With visitor numbers peaking in spring and summer, Ankeny is perfect for those looking to enjoy its educational venues, amusement parks, and campgrounds. The city boasts notable landmarks such as a conference venue, a theme park, and a waterpark, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking fun and excitement.
• Enterprise: Just 4 miles from Elkhart, Enterprise is a charming neighborhood that thrives on outdoor and family experiences. Visitors flock to this area year-round, with peaks in spring and summer. Enterprise features recreational areas and a shopping mall center, ensuring plenty of activities for all ages. Local highlights include an urban park and a picturesque lake, providing serene settings for relaxation and leisure.
• Alleman: Situated 5 miles from Elkhart, Alleman is a welcoming city that attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With visitor traffic peaking during the summer months, Alleman offers various recreational activities, including golf and education. The city is home to lovely urban parks and a scenic lake, making it ideal for those looking to explore nature and enjoy a city-themed experience.

Things to do in Elkhart

Elkhart, Iowa, offers a variety of activities perfect for family vacations, business trips, or city-themed getaways. Visitors can explore local shopping malls and areas, and engage in educational experiences. A must-try activity is golfing at nearby Ankeny, providing a great way to enjoy the outdoors while soaking in the scenic beauty of the region. Elkhart combines family-friendly fun with opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

Shopping

In Elkhart, you can explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines for a wider selection of stores, including major retailers and specialty boutiques.

Recreation

Harmony Wellness Center offers relaxing massage therapies and yoga classes in a tranquil setting, promoting peace and rejuvenation. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the scenic trails at the nearby High Trestle Trail, perfect for walking or biking while enjoying picturesque views of the countryside.

Adventure

In Elkhart, explore the scenic trails at the nearby Saylorville Lake, offering hiking and biking opportunities with stunning views. For thrill-seekers, try kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake, providing a refreshing way to experience the area's natural beauty and wildlife.

Nightlife

Elkhart offers a cozy nightlife with local charm. Enjoy live music at the Elkhart Community Center or unwind at a nearby pub. For a laid-back evening, try a casual drink at a local bar, where friendly faces and good vibes await.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Elkhart

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Elkhart are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Elkhart is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Elkhart is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Elkhart hotel reservations with flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Elkhart

Elkhart, Iowa, offers a delightful mix of attractions perfect for family vacations, city explorations, and business trips. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities at urban parks, thrilling experiences at amusement parks, and relaxing moments by the lake. With a variety of points of interest, Elkhart caters to those seeking a blend of family fun, city vibes, and nature, ensuring a memorable trip for all types of travelers.

• Adventureland: Experience thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions at this vibrant amusement park located 10 miles from Elkhart. With its exciting roller coasters and engaging games, Adventureland offers an unforgettable day filled with fun and laughter for visitors of all ages.
• Saylorville Lake: Just 10 miles away, Saylorville Lake is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy picturesque views, sandy beaches, and romantic sunsets while engaging in activities like swimming, fishing, or picnicking along the scenic shoreline.
• Haunting at Farrar: Located 8 miles from Elkhart, this historic site offers a unique glimpse into the past. Explore its rich cultural history and experience the eerie stories that make it a popular destination for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

Best time to go to Elkhart

The best time to visit Elkhart can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Elkhart falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Elkhart falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.2°F (-6.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	23.5°F (-4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
May	61.2°F (16.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
June	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
October	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.1°F (4.5°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	28.8°F (-1.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Elkhart

To reach Elkhart, Iowa, you can fly into one of the nearby airports. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located 19 miles away, with great hotel options like the 4.5-star Hotel Fort Des Moines, just 4 miles from the airport. Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is 94 miles away, and features hotels such as the 4-star Doubletree by Hilton, located 6 miles from the airport. Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is 78 miles from Elkhart, with nearby accommodations like the 3.5-star Black Hawk Hotel, just 3 miles away. Each airport provides convenient access to their respective hotels for your travel needs.