Children's Museums
Ruthmere Campus
📍 102 W Beardsley Ave, Elkhart, IN 46514🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 1–4 PM |
About Ruthmere Campus
Historic mansion with guided tours. Historic residence & museum with tours, known for its beaux arts facade & period furnishings. The Ruthmere Campus overlooks the confluence of the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers in a nationally recognized Beardsley Historic District. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 220 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic House Museum
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Historic mansions, art collections, gardens, performing arts, interactive tours
- Membership
- Yes — private, business, and good neighbor options available
- Special Programs
- Free Family Sundays, concerts, gallery talks, educational field trips
💡 Did You Know?
- The Ruthmere Campus overlooks the confluence of the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers in a nationally recognized Beardsley Historic District
- The campus features a Beaux Arts mansion with guided tours and houses multiple buildings including the Havilah Beardsley House with archaeology and research exhibits, an Arts Reference Library, and curated art collections
- Ruthmere offers Free Family Sundays and specializes in accessible programming including a Family Tree Explorer interactive experience designed for all ages
- The attraction hosts a Spring Concert Series featuring Classical Music Concerts (May-June) and maintains a Blue Star Museums designation
💬 What Visitors Say
- Start all tours at the Beardsley Discovery Center - this is the central hub where all tour experiences begin, so arrive here first to orient yourself and access guided house tours and smartphone tour options
- Take advantage of Free Family Sundays to experience the mansion and exhibits at no cost - this is an excellent money-saving opportunity for families wanting to explore the historic Ruthmere Mansion and Havilah Beardsley House
- Plan 2-3 hours to fully experience the campus, which includes the Ruthmere Mansion, Havilah Beardsley House archaeology exhibits, gardens, and art collections spread across the historically significant Beardsley Historic District overlooking the river confluence
- Enhance your visit with a guided house tour or gallery talk rather than self-exploring - the knowledgeable docents provide valuable historical context about the mansion's architecture, collections, and the Beardsley family that enriches the educational experience
- Visit during spring (May-June) for Classical Music Concerts as part of the Spring Concert Series - this combines the cultural experience of live music with the beautiful historic mansion setting and gardens in bloom
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