• Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bloomington ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bloomington
© Shelley/stock.adobe.com

2. Bridgeton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bridgeton
© wildnerdpix/stock.adobe.com

3. Brown County State Park

Category: Activities
Brown County State Park
© Michele/stock.adobe.com

4. Corydon

Corydon
© Richard/stock.adobe.com

5. Farmland

Category: Activities
Farmland
© francescodemarco/stock.adobe.com

6. Franklin

Franklin
© Discover Downtown Franklin

7. Indiana Dunes National Park

Category: Activities
Indiana Dunes National Park
© EJRodriquez/stock.adobe.com

8. Knightstown

Knightstown
© Town of Knightstown

9. Madison

Madison
© simonwhitehurst/stock.adobe.com

10. Marengo Cave

Marengo Cave
© Nick/stock.adobe.com

11. Merom

Merom
© Merom Camp and Retreat Center

12. Munster

Munster
© milanares/stock.adobe.com

13. Nashville

Nashville
© IRStone/stock.adobe.com

14. New Harmony

New Harmony
© Visit New Harmony

15. Paoli Peaks

Category: Activities
Paoli Peaks
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

16. Patoka Lake

Category: Activities
Patoka Lake
© jarupan/stock.adobe.com

17. Pokagon State Park

Category: Activities
Pokagon State Park
© alyssamaephoto/stock.adobe.com

18. Santa Claus

Santa Claus
© Sue Smith/stock.adobe.com

19. Shipshewana

Shipshewana
© Branden/stock.adobe.com

20. Spencer

Spencer
© Africa Studio/stock.adobe.com

21. Tippecanoe River State Park

Category: Activities
Tippecanoe River State Park
© Nancy Mae/stock.adobe.com

22. Vincennes

Vincennes
© SNEHIT/stock.adobe.com

23. Williamsport

Williamsport
© Kenneth Keifer/stock.adobe.com

24. Yorktown

Yorktown
© Town of Yorktown Indiana-Community

25. Zionsville

Zionsville
© Zionsville, Indiana - Town of Zionsville

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

From the extensive caves of Southern Indiana to the Great Lakes of the north and northeast, Indiana has no shortage of destinations that can be easily accessed as a day trip from Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati or Chicago. Explore historic early 19th century townships, including the childhood home of President Lincoln, spend a day immersed in Amish culture, or browse some of the Midwest’s best antique marts and flea markets.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.