When many people hear “Kokomo,” a certain song may pop into their heads, however, while the city of Kokomo, Indiana may not be as famous, it does boast a number of things to do for both local Midwesterns and visitors alike. History can be found at the Seiberling Mansion and the Elwood Haynes Museum, while sports fans can head over to the Kokomo Municipal Stadium for baseball or the Kokomo Speedway for some racing action. For a more unusual attraction, there’s Old Ben, the “World's Largest Steer.” Kokomo is a 1 hour 20 minute day trip from Indianapolis ( 61 miles via US-31 N).
Step back in time at the Seiberling Mansion
The Seiberling Mansion is certainly on any list of the greatest mansions in the state of Indiana. This gorgeous home in Kokomo, Indiana was constructed back in 1891 by Monroe Seiberling, a successful industrialist who came to the city during the state’s “gas boom” during the late nineteenth century and went on to build many large factories across the region. Over the past century, the mansion has served as a private residence, a university, and now a wonderfully restored historic landmark.
Address: 1200 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-452-4314
Explore Elwood Haynes's inventions at the Elwood Haynes Museum
The Elwood Haynes Museum is a place for both visitors and locals alike to learn about Elwood Haynes, a notable inventor” and explore more about the “City of Firsts.” In 1894, Haynes invented the country’s first “commercially successful gasoline-powered automobile,” which was referred to in early advertising as “America’s First Car.” He also thought of the idea of the “Horseless Carriage.” Visitors can now tour Elwood Haynes’s former home and see the revolving exhibit of Haynes automobiles in the very spacious garage.
Address: 1915 S Webster St, Kokomo, IN 46902, Phone: 765-456-7500
Feel the adrenaline at the Kokomo Speedway
The Kokomo Speedway has played host to a thrilling night of dirt track racing every Sunday since 1947 and is still going strong today. The family-oriented racetrack offers a place for people of all ages to enjoy racing action in Indiana, providing a designated family section of seating that doesn’t permit alcohol in the north half of the Kokomo Speedway’s front stretch grandstands. The speedway also includes a beer garden located in both the backstretch and frontstretch areas, permanent restroom facilities, full-service concession stands, closed circuit television screens, and a souvenir shop. There is also an on-site campground.
Address: 2455 N Davis Rd, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-459-3877
Watch a baseball game at the Kokomo Municipal Stadium
The Kokomo Municipal Stadium, situated in the downtown district of Kokomo, Indiana, is just a short walk away from several art galleries, shops, and local restaurants. Home to the city’s baseball team, the Kokomo Jackrabbits, the stadium is conveniently located for a great day out for people of all ages, both local residents and visitors alike.
Address: 400 S Union St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-457-5000
See Old Ben - World's Largest Steer & Giant Sycamore Stump
Old Ben, the “World's Largest Steer,” and the Giant Sycamore Stump are two unique attractions in the city of Kokomo, Indiana. At birth, Old Ben weighed in at 125 pounds in 1902, and when he died in 1910, he weighed between 4,585 and 4,720 pounds. In 1968, Old Ben was featured in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” and can now be found in a pavilion within Highland Park. Also located in the same pavilion is the Giant Sycamore Stump, which measures fifty-seven feet in diameter. The landmark was once used as a massive phone booth.
Address: 1402 West Defenbaugh Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, Phone: 765-456-7275
Learn about local history at Howard County Historical Society
The campus of the Howard County Historical Society in Kokomo consists of the Elliott Mansion, two carriage houses, and the stunning Seiberling Mansion. The Seiberling Mansion has been beautifully restored and now houses the Howard County history museum, while the Elliott Mansion, another relic of Indiana’s gas boom era, primarily serves as a facility for events. During the holiday season, visitors can see the Seiberling Mansion decorated for Christmas. Both the county museum and the Howard County Historical Society were established during the state’s centennial celebration in 1916, although the museum was originally housed elsewhere.
Address: 1200 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901, Phone: 765-452-4314
Admire stunning glass art at Kokomo Opalescent Glass
In continuous operating since 1888, Kokomo Opalescent Glass is still located in their original premises where they have been producing beautiful and functional glass art which adorns many homes and offices throughout the country. Products include a wide variety of household items including vases, beautiful and original pendant lights, bowls, plates, platters and much more. If you would like to take a peep behind the scenes you can join a public tour of the facility on Tuesday, Wednesdays or Thursdays at 11am. In addition to tours, Kokomo also offers lessons for anyone interested in making glass art a hobby or a profession.
Address: Kokomo Opalescent Glass, 1310 S. Market Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, 765 457 1829
Take the kids to Gravity Trampoline Park
Gravity Trampoline Park is an 18,000 square foot high-energy entertainment venue which will provide hours of active entertainment. The park is divided into several separate areas, each of which is designed to offer safe jumping for visitors of various ages and abilities. While more proficient jumpers will love honing their skills on the High Performance Trampolines, those still finding their feet can have fun on the Airbag and in the Free Style Jumping area. Family fun games include the Battle Beams, Neon Climbing Walls, Extreme Dodgeball and Extreme Dunk Basket Ball. Younger visitors can have fun on the Toddler Tower while spectators can watch all the fun from the viewing deck.
Address: Gravity Trampoline Park, Markland Mall, 1201 South Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, 765 450 3291
