Grandparent Grandkid Getaway

Plan a tour that spans generations. It’s one big happy family as grandparents and grandkids have a grand time and make new friends while connecting with each other and creating memories. Relive TV and comic-book memories at a Super Hero museum.

Milk a cow and see Amish farm life firsthand.  Step into history at a still operating gristmill.  Ride a carousel. Roll a handmade pretzel. Visit a one-room Amish schoolhouse.  Pet and feed camels and exotic animals at two farms.  Dine in a retro dinner on frosty milkshakes and crisp baskets of French Fries. Reconnect. Have a blast. And go home with lots to talk about and memories to share. 

Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum

Kids of all ages enjoy this fascinating museum. Take a look at one of the world’s largest comic book and super hero collections including the popular FX collectibles show. Have fun reliving plenty of TV memories. This collection cover the 80 year history of superheroes in comics, toys, film and animation.  is comprised of over 60,000 comics, over 10,000 toys and games, and over 100 pieces of animation and comic art. The Hollywood section boasts such items as the original shield used in Captain America: The First Avenger, the Shelby Cobra from Iron-Man, the Hell Cycle from Ghost Rider, and a screen used Green Lantern ring worn by Ryan Reynolds. You’ll also find a recreation of the Bat Cave from the 1960’s Batman television series featuring Adam West’s personal Batman costume.

Lunch at The Garden Cafe with outdoor fun for the kids plus indoor shopping for the grandparents at Linton's Enchanted Gardens

Enjoy Linton’s Enchanted Gardens! Take a train ride around the grounds on the Linton’s Express. Pet the animals at the Linton’s Petting Zoo.  Shop for garden delights and home/gift décor plus fashion accessories. Enjoy lunch at the Garden Cafe featuring over one hundred handcrafted hot and cold drink choices plus fresh baked cookies all day long.

Optional Activities at Linton's

Bumper Boats

Just like the car except on water! Have tons of fun bumping into your friends on these inflatable boats.

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• Ride is for children five years and older.

• Each boat has a 165 lb. weight limit.

• Only one person per boat

• This attraction lasts for 5 minutes.

• After purchasing your ticket, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Enchanted Railroad

A fun, relaxing narrated tour of our 9 acre Garden Centre aboard Linton's Enchanted Express Train. We'll traverse past our display beds, thru our plant nursery, around our pond, past the petting zoo and thru the train tunnel before pulling up to the Train Depot.

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• The Easter Eggspress and the Pumpkin Patch Express train rides are seasonal and not available all year.  They include either an Easter Goodie Bag or a small pumpkin.

• Children under 1 year are free with a paying adult.

• Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.

• The narrated train ride lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.

• After purchasing your ticket, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.
   

​Gem Stone Mining
Choose from different varieties then you and your family can 'pan' for your jewels at the mine. Select and purchase your gem bag at the customer service counter.

Hand Paddle Aqua Boats

Have tons of fun on a hot summer day paddling around the shallow pond in our paddle boats! You will have plenty of time to explore the whole pond!

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• Ride is for children 6 years old and older.

• Kid boats have a 130 lb. weight limit.

• Adult boats have a 250 lb. weight limit.

• Only one person per boat

• This attraction lasts for 5 minutes.

• After purchasing your ticket, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Japanese Koi Feeding

This activity brings fun and giggles to all who do it! For only two quarters you can enjoy feeding hundreds of our aquatic friends clamoring for your undivided attention. The fish feeding station is located near our Lighthouse.

Mini Excavator

We supply the machinery you supply the fun! Our mini excavator lets you move soil from one area to the other, using a mini version of the real thing!

• Each rider must purchase a token at the "Customer Service Counter".

• Ride has a 250 lb. weight limit.

• Only one guest on excavator at a time

• No guests are allowed inside the fenced in area

• This attraction lasts for 5 minutes.

• After purchasing your token, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Pedal Go Karts

Weave in and around the trees while racing around the track with the foot powered pedal cars.

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• Ride is for adults and children (five years and older.)

• Only one person per go kart. (No children allowed on lap)

• No crashing into the wall or bumping other drivers.

• This attraction lasts for 5 minutes.

• After purchasing your ticket, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Hand Pedal Train Ride

Zip around the train track with our unique hand peddle cars. See how many times you can make it around! Race against your friends or family!

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• Ride is for children two years and older.

• Adults may only ride on the red "Adult train car".

• This attraction lasts for 5 minutes.

• After purchasing your ticket or season pass, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

Kids Tree House--Free

Bring the kids and let them explore the tree house. They can climb up inside the tree, then back down on the spiral slide, or swing from the extended branch! The tree house also has a talk tube and look out window. Located in the Garden Centre.

Petting Zoo & Bird Aviary--Free

Visiting our furry and feathered animal friends is FREE! Feeding them only cost two quarters! Sit in the shade and relax while watching our 4 legged friends. Our Petting Zoo is located in the southwest area of our Garden Center.

• Please enjoy our animals!

• Petting and feeding is done at your own risk. Please do not feed your fingers or popcorn to the animals, for it makes them sick!

• Please do not feed the pigs! They are on a controlled diet so we can keep them healthy.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Quad Cycle Family Bike

Wow! A bike that seats up to 4 people. Take an enjoyable bike tour of our gorgeous Garden Centre, peddle around Lake Linton. Travel past the Petting zoo, then zoom thru the train tunnel. Then do it all over again!!!

• Quad cycle is for ONLY 4 persons at a time. (No children allowed on laps)

• One person per seat.

• No standing allowed on back of Quad Cycle.

• Each group must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter"

• One ticket may be used for admission for up to 4 people.

• Hands and feet must remain in the Bike at all times.

• The length of the attraction is two 'loops' around Linton's Garden Centre.

• Return the Quad Cycle to the Train Depot at end of second lap.

• The Quad Cycle is not meant to carry plants or other garden center items, it is only for recreational use.

• After purchasing your ticket, take it to the train depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Shooting Gallery

Try your luck at shooting the moving targets, or the roosting chicken, or any of the other varmints in the Shooting Gallery. Located in our Annual House.

Swan Paddle Boat

Take a relaxing tour around Lake Linton aboard the Swan peddle boat. Watch the resident Koi follow you around the pond. Fits up to a family of 5!

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• All Swan Paddle Boat guests must wear life vests.

• Swan Paddle Boat guests must remain seated at all times.

• Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult on the Swan Paddle Boat.

• Swan Paddle Boat rides are for up to four guests and last for 5 minutes.

• After purchasing your ticket or season pass, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Water Orbs

• Water orbs are for our guests 5 years and older (only 1 guest per orb).

• Water orbs are tethered, and will be retrieved after five minutes.

• Water orb users under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult who will remain on the dock.

• Shoes must be removed prior to getting into the water orbs.

• After purchasing your ticket or season pass, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Zorb Ball

Zorb Ball is a unique sport rolling experience and is designed for those who are seeking to get excitement. The zorb ball is double-sectioned which has one ball inside the other with an air layer between. It is a 'ball of fun'!

• Each rider must purchase a ticket at the "Customer Service Counter".

• Zorb is for our guests 5 years and older (only 1 guest per zorb).

• Zorb users under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult who will remain near the attraction. (Shoes must be removed prior to getting into the zorb.)

• After purchasing your ticket, take it to the Train Depot for the attraction attendant.

• Linton's is not liable for any injury.

Bonneyville Mill, Bristol

Feel the floor shake as giant millstones rumble into action grinding grain into flour at Indiana’s oldest continuously operating gristmill. A friendly miller tells all about the process and types of grain. Explore the 150 plus year-old mill where there’s a story on every floor. The mill is picture perfect and the surrounding county park is ideal for a nature-filled walk along well marked paths. 

4 p.m. milking time on the  “Four Star Tour” with Amish buggy ride to working Amish dairy farm

Hop aboard a horse-drawn Amish buggy to visit a 70-acre Amish family farm just outside of Shipshewana. Experience Amish farm life and have “hands - on” duties as the family milks Holstein cows. Here’s a chance to milk a cow by hand, taste of milk fresh from the cow and help Amish farm kids hand-feed the baby calves. Great photo opportunities too! Buggy ride departs from downtown Shipshewana, followed by dairy farm tour and milking, followed by return buggy ride back to downtown Shipshewana.

Farm Fun & Dinner at Meadow Brook Farm

Do you enjoy the sight of a tractor harvesting stalks of corn, the touch of a furry donkey nose, or the smell of warm apple cider? These are all things that can be found at Meadow Brook Farm and Historic Home in Northern Indiana. Come take a tour of the 1860 vintage home that was constructed during the Civil War. 

Hear documented stories from the farm’s Author and Storyteller from visitors that traveled the nearby Pumpkinvine Railway, while sipping on some cider/lemonade and munching on a homemade donut. The carefully restored barns are places of gathering and fellowship and is your host location for a delicious lunch or dinner. Enjoy hands-on fun with a make-take homespun donkey craft followed by the story of the Jesus Donkey with opportunities to pet and take a fun fall photo op which is just irresistible!  Your afternoon or evening experience at Meadow Brook will be filled with memorable experiences and one you won’t forget!

Amish Backroads Heritage Trail Audio Tour

Pick up your CD/USB stick or download to your phone and drive one of the nation’s Top 40 Scenic Drives as designated by LIFE publications. Meet Amish business owners and see first-hand how they use their special talents to create products that serve the local Amish community and beyond as you travel the scenic Heritage Trail on this self guided tour.  While touring today you will also have a chance to stop for tastings & shopping at Rise & Roll Bakery for “melt in your mouth” donut samples and Heritage Ridge Creamery for yummy cheese samples in addition to other fun, family-friendly stops you’ll discover as you travel. 

Ride a Carousel & Lunch on your own inside the Davis Mercantile

Life’s a merry-go-round taking a ride aboard an elaborate 1906 Carousel inside the Davis Mercantile. The German brothers who created the carousel animals were known for their attention to detail, and one hundred years later it still shows! See the original working parts of the assembled carousel such as the gears, the braces, and the center pole. After the ride browse the 24 shops found on three floors of this handsome building and enjoy lunch on your own at a variety of locations. Grandkids and grandparents are sure to find that special something.

Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard “Apple Tour”

Combine fun with an educational agricultural experience as you experience a modern day apple orchard and farm at Kercher's Sunrise Orchard. Go apple picking, take a hay ride, buy some fresh apple cider for sipping, take a “corny” walk and snap a photo of the family with playful scarecrows, haybales and fall décor.

 
“Udderly” Fun and Corn Maze at Knollbrook Farm

See plenty of contented cows touring family-operated Knollbrook Farm in Goshen. It’s one of only ten robotic dairy farms in Indiana using cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices in maintaining their herd of more than 100 dairy cows. Watch as their “girls” are pampered relaxing on the regularly aerated compost bedding pack (soft, fluffy, sustainable bedding) and roam freely with no stalls to hamper their movements. Then observe how they line up for their “candy” treat while being robotically milked.

And where there are dairy cows there are always irresistibly cute calves. Groups love the chance to get close to these “cuties” to pet and feed them.  Great photo op too! The farm also provides plenty of fun photo ops around the “cow” and “spider” made of hay bales. Come autumn (mid-Sept-Oct)  their giant corn maze, pumpkin sling shot and carpet ball are extra sure-to-please activities. 

Lunch at the South Side Soda Shop

At the South Side Soda Shop, dine in a restored diner with dining car & a 1940s soda fountain on classic American eats, shakes & malts. Featured on The Food Network “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and in Gourmet magazine. In-house bakery, daily specials, fresh seafood, chili, homemade soups, sandwiches & pie.

Shirley’s Popcorn Gourmet Popcorn

Shop for your favorite and tasty gourmet popcorn flavors then set up your own fun family competition aka “Popcorn Olympics”. Can Grandma toss a piece of popcorn in Grandpa’s mouth? How far and how fast can the grandkids move popcorn by blowing thru straws? These fun ideas and more are all available by asking the friendly Shirley’s Popcorn owner, Kate, for tips, tricks and inspiration. Pick up a “winning bag” for the end of your games or ride home too!

Enjoy the Candy Mecca at the Wakarusa Dime Store

Satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth at the Wakarusa Dime Store, famous for old-fashioned candy treats. The dime store’s Jumbo Jellybeans are famous- they ship over 35 tons per year throughout the world. Free samples of their most popular treats are offered.  Pick a favorite. Hot cinnamon? Black Licorice? Orange? Grape? Plus the dime store has huge variety of nostalgia candy including Necco wafers, Chuckles, Buns, and Boston Baked Beans to name a few. Grandpas and grandsons may want to stop in the nostalgic Wakarusa Hardware store with its floor to ceiling “wall of 1,000 drawers.”

Dutch Creek Animal Farm

Tour the farm on a horse drawn wagon ride or on foot, but only the guided wagon ride allows you to feed the animals! Fun for all ages! You’ll want to see this alternative farm where cows, llamas, monkeys, camels, deer, ostriches, kangaroos, porcupine make their home. Be sure to bring your camera as you will be close to the animals! 

“Out of this World” Ice Cream Treats at Coppes Commons

Enjoy an “out of this world” ice cream that is flash frozen right before your eyes at over 320 degrees below zero from Rocket Science located inside the Historic Coppes Commons in Nappanee.  Wonder and explore while enjoying your tasty treat as Nappanee’s colorful history comes alive.  Originally the factory for Coppes Cabinets that once produced the famous “Hoosier Cabinet,” the 100,000 s.f. renovated factory now houses a variety of small businesses perfect for shopping for locally made, hand crafted and fresh baked.