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Logan County Tourism Bureau holds
first listening session in Elkhart
[May 29, 2026]
The Logan County Tourism Bureau
invited Elkhart residents, business owners, and community leaders to
attend a community listening session this week as part of their
strategic planning process. At the listening session, President
Molly Pickering took a few moments to explain the Bureau’s process.
She began by discussing the results of their county-wide tourism
survey. There were 65 participants, most of those were from Lincoln,
however, they are trying to bring tourists to communities across
Logan County.
She detailed what was learned from
the survey and noted that Logan County has strong tourism assets, a
rich history, some visitor experiences, and under-promoted “hidden
gems”. Pickering explained that the survey identified Logan County’s
areas of opportunity, such as connecting tourism assets into a clear
visitor experience, stronger collaboration among tourism businesses,
lodging, and infrastructure, expanding family-friendly attractions
and activities, and strengthening festivals, events, and year-round
tourism opportunities. Pickering explained that grants are available
to help fill these gaps.
Elkhart Village President Lyle Fout,
several members of the Elkhart Historical Society, and a few
citizens were in attendance. Wanda Lee Rohlfs and Karen Conn were
also in attendance. Rohlfs is the Executive Director of the Logan
County Tourism Bureau, and Conn was representing the Bureau and the
Village of Elkhart.
One of the main events the representatives from the historical
society and Mr. Fout hope will receive more promotion is the Elkhart
Homecoming, which will take place on July 18th. They have arranged
for Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” to go through during their opening
ceremony. There will also be a band and several other
family-friendly events.
They are looking for more ways to capture the attention of drivers
participating in the Hot Rod Power tour on June 10th, when over
5,000 cars are set to drive through Elkhart on Route 66 on their way
from Joliet to Tulsa. One participant inquired about the condition
of Route 66 and whether the Bureau can assist. Pickering made note
of the recommendation.
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Karen Conn acknowledged a lack
of communication and collaboration between communities. She
suggested that the Bureau create a sub-committee with a
representative from each community. This could address the
communication gap and boost each community’s tourism. Conn also
suggested the renovation of the Hunter House as a potential for
a visitor’s center.
The group then brainstormed several
ideas regarding trails, historical markers, and monuments. One
citizen suggested the Latham Cabin site as a historical marker. They
discussed a bike trail that might run between Williamsville,
Elkhart, and Lincoln, as Elkhart sees many bikers each year. They
discussed tourist stops like Elkhart Hill Farm, St. John the Baptist
Chapel, and Elkhart Cemetery. They also brainstormed ways to bring
more people to their town's events, such as the wildflower and bird
walks, their firefly walk, and their Christmas events. One of the
largest barriers to tourism for Elkhart is the lack of lodging, as
there is only one Airbnb in town.
The Logan County Tourism Bureau is hosting four more listening
sessions.
Mt. Pulaski: was May 28, 6:00 PM- The Brickyard (back room) S.
Lafayette Street
Atlanta: May 29, 6:30PM- location TBA
New Holland: June 2, 6:00PM- Community Center, 109 W. Lincoln St.
Hartsburg: TBA
To register for the event or learn more about the Tourism Bureau,
visit their Facebook
page.
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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