Honestly, most people think they know Kokomo because of a Beach Boys song. I hate to break it to you, but that tropical paradise with the "sandy beaches" is a fictional place in the Caribbean. The real Kokomo is a gritty, innovative, and surprisingly charming city tucked away in North Central Indiana. It’s known as the "City of Firsts," and while that sounds like a dry marketing slogan, it’s actually true. This is where the first commercially successful gasoline car was invented. It’s where stainless steel was born.
If you’re looking for things to do in Kokomo, don't expect a sleepy Midwest town. It’s more of a weird, wonderful mix of industrial muscle and high-end Victorian elegance. You’ve got giant metal insects in the streets and world-class art glass being poured into furnaces at 2,500 degrees. It’s a place that rewards the curious.
🔗 Read more: Oves Restaurant Ocean City New Jersey: What Most People Get Wrong
The Glass and the Gilded Age
You can't talk about this city without mentioning the glass. Back in the late 1800s, Indiana had a massive gas boom. It brought industry, money, and a lot of fire. Kokomo Opalescent Glass is the oldest art glass company in America, and they’ve been in the same spot since 1888.
Walking into the factory feels like stepping back 130 years. It’s hot, loud, and incredible. You can actually stand a few feet away from workers ladling molten glass that eventually ends up in the Vatican or Disney World. Seriously. If you go, wear closed-toe shoes. They won't let you in without them for obvious "molten glass on your toes" reasons.
Just down the road is the Seiberling Mansion. If the glass factory is the sweat of the city, this is the sparkle. It was built by Monroe Seiberling in 1891, and it is a Victorian fever dream. We're talking hand-carved woodwork and stained glass windows that make modern houses look like cardboard boxes. During the holidays, the "Christmas at the Seiberling" event turns the whole place into a light show that’s honestly worth the drive from Indy alone.
Quirky Landmarks You Won't Find Anywhere Else
Let’s get weird for a second. Every town has a park, but Kokomo has Highland Park, which is home to Old Ben. Who is Old Ben? He’s the world’s largest steer. Or he was, back in 1910. Now he’s taxidermied and lives in a glass enclosure next to a giant Sycamore tree stump that’s so big you could probably fit a small car inside it.
Is it a little morbid? Kinda. Is it a classic Indiana roadside stop? 100%.
While you're hunting for oddities, keep an eye out for KokoMantis. It's a 17-foot-tall praying mantis sculpture made entirely of scrap metal and car parts. It sits downtown and basically serves as the unofficial mascot for the city's "make it yourself" attitude. It’s the perfect spot for a selfie that’ll make your friends ask, "Where on earth are you?"
Where to Eat and Hang Out in the Depot District
The Depot District is where the vibe really shifts. It’s centered around the old Lake Erie and Western Train Depot. Basically, it’s the heart of the local food scene.
- Sun King Kokomo: This is the local outpost of the famous Indiana brewery. It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly, and usually has a solid rotation of small-batch brews you won't find at their other locations.
- Marble The Steakhouse: If you’re feeling fancy or need a date night spot, this is it. It’s located inside the historic depot building. The steaks are hand-cut and the atmosphere is "modern industrial meets high-end dining."
- The Coterie: Look for a nondescript door and head upstairs. It’s a bit of a hidden gem. They serve killer burgers and craft cocktails, and they frequently have live music. It feels like a speakeasy without the pretension.
- SUTE Korean BBQ House: This place is a surprise for a town this size. Authentic flavors, great atmosphere. It’s a nice break from the typical "tenderloin and fries" (though Kokomo does those well too).
Speaking of tenderloins, you have to hit Artie’s Tenderloin. You aren't officially in Indiana until you’ve eaten a piece of fried pork that is three times the size of the bun it’s served on. It’s a local law. Probably.
Speed, Sports, and Summer Festivals
If you like things loud, the Kokomo Speedway is legendary. It’s a 1/4-mile dirt track that’s been around for over 60 years. On Sunday nights, the air smells like dirt and racing fuel. It’s raw, it’s fast, and it’s one of the best dirt tracks in the Midwest.
For something a bit more relaxed, the Kokomo Jackrabbits play at the Municipal Stadium. It’s a beautiful park for summer baseball. In the winter, they actually turn the stadium into The Frozen Sandlot, a massive outdoor ice skating rink.
If you happen to visit on the first Friday in June, you’ll hit the Kokomo Strawberry Festival. It’s the official kickoff to summer. Thousands of people crowd downtown for strawberry shortcake, food trucks, and "Artsapalooza." It’s a massive community party that basically shuts down the streets.
Getting Around on Two Wheels
One of the coolest things about the city is the Industrial Heritage Trail. It’s a rail-to-trail conversion that cuts through the heart of the city. If you didn’t bring a bike, don’t worry. The Koko-Go bike share program is free (seasonally). You can grab a bike, ride the trail past historic factories and murals, and even connect to the Nickel Plate Trail, which runs for over 40 miles.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
Kokomo is about an hour north of Indianapolis. It’s an easy day trip, but if you want to see everything—especially the glass tour and the mansion—you might want to stay overnight.
- Check the Clock: The Elwood Haynes Museum and the Seiberling Mansion have somewhat limited hours (usually closed Mondays and some holidays). Always double-check their websites before you pull into the driveway.
- Factory Tours: The Opalescent Glass tours usually happen on weekday mornings. If you show up on a Saturday afternoon, you’ll miss the action.
- The DORA District: Kokomo has a "Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area." This means you can buy a drink from a participating spot in the Depot District and walk around outside with it. Look for the signs so you stay within the boundaries.
Don't let the name fool you. There are no palm trees here, but between the history, the weird roadside art, and the surprisingly deep food scene, there are plenty of things to do in Kokomo to keep you busy for a full weekend.
✨ Don't miss: Riding the Orange Line: What You Need to Know About the SEPTA Broad Street Subway Line
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Kokomo Opalescent Glass website to book a 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM tour for a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Browse the event calendar at The Coterie to see which local band is playing on Friday night.
- Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes if you plan on tackling the Industrial Heritage Trail.