Geographic Coordinates: 41.670050, -85.851356
Temperature Range: -50.0°C to 40.0°C (-58°F to 104°F)
Elcona Country Club, Located in Bristol, Indiana, Is a private club with a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course. The course was designed by architect William Diddle in 1956 and offers challenges for players of all skill levels. The fairways are lined with mature trees and there are bunkers, Undulating greens, And water hazards strategically placed throughout the layout. One notable hole is the par-3 17th hole called The Quarry, Which requires players to carry their tee shots over a quarry filled with water. In addition to the golf course, Elcona Country Club provides various amenities for its members.
The clubhouse offers a welcoming atmosphere where golfers can relax or socialize after their round. There are also dining options available with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Elcona has excellent practice facilities including a driving range and putting greens to help players improve their skills. Beyond golf, The club offers recreational activities such as tennis courts, Swimming pools, And fitness facilities for members of all ages. Overall, Elcona Country Club is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts. It combines breathtaking design with challenging gameplay and top-notch amenities.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, Elcona provides an unforgettable experience surrounded by fellow members who share your love for the sport.
- History: Elcona Country Club was established in 1956 by a group of local businessmen who wanted to create a premier golf facility in the area. The club is situated on 200 acres of rolling hills and features an 18-hole championship golf course.
- Golf Course: The golf course at Elcona Country Club was designed by renowned architect William Diddel. It has received numerous accolades for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. The course is known for its tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens.
- Tournaments: Elcona Country Club has hosted several prestigious tournaments over the years. One notable event is the Indiana State Amateur Championship, which it has hosted multiple times since its inception in 1961.
- Member Events: The club organizes various member events throughout the year to foster camaraderie among its members. These events include member-guest tournaments, couples’ outings, themed parties, and social gatherings.
- Junior Golf Program: Elcona Country Club places great emphasis on promoting junior golf development. They offer a comprehensive junior program that includes clinics, lessons, leagues, and competitive opportunities for young golfers.
- Amenities: Apart from golfing facilities, Elcona Country Club offers other amenities such as swimming pools (including an Olympic-sized pool), tennis courts (both hard court and clay court), fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, dining options ranging from casual to fine dining experiences.
Overall, Elcona Country Club holds a prominent place in Indiana’s golfing community due to its well-designed course and commitment to hosting high-quality events while maintaining excellent member facilities.
- Elkhart County Courthouse: Located in the heart of downtown Bristol, the Elkhart County Courthouse is a historic building that dates back to 1870. It features stunning architecture and serves as an important government facility.
- Krider World’s Fair Garden: This unique garden was originally created for the 1933-1934 Chicago World’s Fair and later relocated to Bristol in 1936. It showcases various sculptures, fountains, and beautiful landscaping.
- Bonneyville Mill Park: Situated just outside of Bristol, Bonneyville Mill Park is home to one of Indiana’s oldest continuously operating grist mills – Bonneyville Mill. The mill itself dates back to the mid-1800s and is surrounded by picturesque scenery.
- Old Carriage Shop Flea Market: While not a landmark or building per se, this flea market located on East Vistula Street has become quite popular in the region for its variety of antiques and collectibles.
While these are some notable places within Bristol itself, there are also several attractions nearby that you might want to explore if you’re visiting the area:
- Amish Acres Historic Farm & Heritage Resort: Located just a short drive from Bristol in Nappanee, this attraction offers insight into Amish culture through guided tours of an authentic Amish farmstead and traditional meals.
- Ruthmere Mansion: Situated in nearby Elkhart (approximately 10 miles from Bristol), Ruthmere Mansion is an elegant Beaux Arts-style mansion built-in 1910 that now operates as a museum showcasing local history.
- Wellfield Botanic Gardens: Also situated in Elkhart, Wellfield Botanic Gardens spans over 36 acres and features beautiful gardens, walking paths, water features, and various events throughout the year.
While Bristol may not have as many famous statues or landmarks compared to larger cities, it offers a charming small-town atmosphere with historic buildings and nearby attractions to explore.
- Bristol Little League: The Bristol Little League provides organized baseball and softball programs for kids aged 4-18. It has been serving the community since its establishment in 1960.
- Northridge High School Raiders: Northridge High School is located in nearby Middlebury, Indiana, but serves students from Bristol as well. The school’s athletic teams compete under the name Raiders and participate in various sports such as football, basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, track and field, etc.
- Elkhart County United Soccer Club: This youth soccer club serves players from various towns including Bristol. It offers recreational and competitive soccer programs for boys and girls of different age groups.
- Middlebury Community Schools Athletics: As mentioned earlier, Middlebury is the neighboring town to Bristol that houses Northridge High School. The Middlebury Community Schools also provide athletic programs to students attending their schools.
- Various Adult Recreational Leagues: There may be adult recreational leagues or intramural teams organized by community centers or private clubs where residents of Bristol can participate in sports like basketball, volleyball or softball.
It’s important to note that due to the small size of Bristol and its proximity to larger cities like Elkhart or South Bend (home to University of Notre Dame), most residents may support professional sports teams from these nearby areas rather than having their own professional franchises within the town itself.
- Elkhart County Historical Museum: Located in nearby Bristol, this museum showcases the history and heritage of Elkhart County through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
- The Lerner Theatre: A beautifully restored historic theater in downtown Elkhart, featuring a variety of live performances including Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and more.
- Ruthmere Museum: Situated in nearby Elkhart, this elegant mansion turned museum offers visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the late 19th century. It features original furnishings and decorative arts from the period.
- Midwest Museum of American Art: Located in nearby Elkhart’s downtown arts district, this museum houses an extensive collection of American artwork spanning various mediums such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more.
- Wellfield Botanic Gardens: While not specifically a museum or theater venue per se, these stunning gardens offer visitors a serene retreat with beautiful landscapes to explore alongside art installations throughout the grounds.
- The Box Factory for the Arts: Situated in St Joseph (Michigan), just across the state border from Bristol (Indiana), this former factory building has been transformed into an art center hosting various exhibitions showcasing local artists’ work.
- Acorn Theater: Located just outside Bristol in Three Oaks (Michigan), this intimate theater hosts live music performances ranging from jazz to rock to folk music acts throughout the year.
- South Bend Civic Theatre: Situated about half an hour away from Bristol in South Bend (Indiana), this community-based theater offers a wide range of theatrical productions including plays and musicals performed by local talent.
