Looking for Midwest charm, outdoor adventures, and cultural gems? These must-see places to visit in Indiana offer scenic escapes, historic landmarks, and small-town surprises you’ll love.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Places to Visit in Indiana:
1. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana’s bustling and modern capital city Indianapolis is bursting at the seams with attractions for all ages. Famously home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the largest auto racetrack in the world, the city is a must-visit destination for all motor sports enthusiasts who can take and IndyCar, pace car or shuttle tour of the facility and visit the Hall of Fame Museum.
Indianapolis draws history lovers who come to learn about the old days at Connor Prairie, the Indiana State Museum and numerous other historical sites and monuments.
There are an abundance of outdoor opportunities for walking or cycling including the eight-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the 26-mile Monon Rail Trail and many other scenic inner-city trails.
Families should visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo and the Dallara IndyCar Factory.
2. South Bend, Indiana
Home to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend Indiana has a great mix of historic, outdoor and arty attractions for visitors to explore.
There are at least twelve interesting and usual museums for you to visit including the Otis Bowen Museum, and the Studebaker National Museum.
Art lovers should not miss the eye-catching artworks on display in the five galleries of the South Bend Museum of Art.
A tour of the South Bend Chocolate Company is a must-do for everyone. South Bend also offers a variety of outdoor activities including golf, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, cycling and even white-water rafting right in the center of downtown.
3. Bloomington, Indiana
If you are looking for an ideal destination for an action-packed getaway in Indiana you will find that Bloomington ticks all the boxes. Located southwest of Indianapolis and home to the University of Indiana, Bloomington has its very own special ethos and has attracted many artists – countless galleries and studios pay homage to their talents.
The city has many excellent museums and a stroll through Downtown Bloomington will introduce you to wonderful shopping, dining and entertainment.
Outdoor enthusiasts have 200 miles of hiking and cycling trails to explore and families can enjoy the WonderLab Museum of Science or head to Monroe Lake swimming, boating and castle-building.
4. Evansville
Located along the east bank of the Ohio River, Evansville offers a good mix of historic, arty and outdoor activities for the whole family. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic ride along the completed portions of the Pigeon Creek Greenway passage, which will eventually completely surround the city, while hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts can explore the 80-acre Garvin Park which offers trails, sports fields, a swimming pool and a lake.
History lovers (and sport enthusiasts) can tour the 100-yr old Bosse Field (home to the Evansville Otters).
There are also excellent attractions for children including Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden and the Kock Family Children’s Museum.
Romantic Places to Visit in Indiana:
5. Fort Wayne
Families looking for a getaway destination in north-eastern Indiana will find plenty of activities to fill their days in Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second largest city. Fort Wayne is over 200 years old so there is a lot of history waiting to be uncovered – start your journey of exploration at The History Center in Downtown or go on a guided Downtown Walking Tour. The whole family can enjoy a great day out at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, the hands-on Science Central and Parkview Field. The city also offers a variety of water sports on the rivers – canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding – there are several outfitters to supply all you need. Less hands-on but equally enjoyable, you can go on a scenic river cruise.
6. Brown County, Indiana
Heed the call of the Great Outdoors and plan your next vacation in Brown County, Indiana, where you will find a perfect mix of wonderful outdoor activities and quirky shops, studios and galleries.
Outdoor adventures abound - Brown Country State Park, Hoosier National Forest and Yellowwood State Forest all vie for your attention. You can try zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and much more. Art lovers can browse the shops and galleries in Nashville village before getting an Arts Village Brown Country map at the Visitor’s Center and setting off to find numerous local artists’ studios.
Children will enjoy the Pioneer Village and Museum and everyone can see how fudge and popcorn is made at Carmel Corn Cottage – tastings are part of the fun.
7. Carmel
Located just a few minutes north of Indianapolis, Carmel is well-known for its arty vibe and great entertainment. The city hosts several annual festivals and events including the summer Carmel International Art Festival which is a must-see attraction for all art lovers.
There are plenty of cultural activities to enjoy in Carmel including Symphony, Jazz and the performing arts at The Palladium and plays and comedy at The Studio and The Tarkington.
Shoppers can head to Main Street or the fabulous Art and Design District, and for some exercise you can go walking, jogging or cycling the 25-mile Monon Trail or explore some of the city’s many parks and gardens.
8. Chesterton, Indiana
Located close to the southern shore of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes, the city of Chesterton, Indiana has its roots in the fur-trading industry as far back as 1650.
History lovers can spend some time admiring the old buildings in the Commercial Historic District.
Art lovers can visit the Chesterton Art Center and admire several local galleries.
However, outdoor pursuits in the wonderful Indiana Dunes State Park are Chesterton’s primary draw-card – here you can enjoy three miles of beach and over 16 miles of trails – picnic areas and campgrounds are available.
Family-friendly Places to Visit in Indiana:
9. Columbus, Indiana
Located just 40 miles south of Indianapolis, Columbus is widely recognized as a destination for lovers of art and architecture.
A short walk down Fifth Street (aka The Avenue of the Architects) will introduce you to some of the best examples of modern architecture in the US – Columbus, Indiana is ranked right up there behind cities like Chicago, New York and Washington DC when it comes to architecture, which is amazing given the small size of this city.
Around every corner you will get the chance to admire sleek buildings, a stunning garden and many outdoor art installations. The best way to ensure you see everything is to join a guided Architecture Tour.
10. Elkhart
Nestled in the heart of Amish Country along the famous Heritage Trail, Elkhart is a delightful small city with many interesting attractions to offer visitors.
Start your visit at the vibrant downtown area where you can visit several museums, take a guided walking tour, visit a craft brewery or just enjoy some shopping and dining.
Art and history lovers can visit Ruthmere Campus, where you will learn about the history of Elkhart as you tour three historic properties.
The Wellfield Botanic Gardens provide a colorful and serene escape from the city and everyone will enjoy a visit to the Nibco Water and Ice Park for skating in winter and water fun in summer.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Question: What is Indiana primarily famous for?
Answer: Indiana is primarily famous for the Indianapolis 500 auto race. -
Question: What can visitors discover beyond Indiana’s famous race?
Answer: Visitors can explore many interesting cities and small towns with excellent cultural, historical, and recreational facilities. -
Question: What attraction is located in northern Indiana along Lake Michigan?
Answer: The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. -
Question: What activities are available at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
Answer: Visitors can enjoy wonderful lake beaches, as well as miles of hiking and biking trails.
🌤 Best Time to Visit Indiana
- May to October – Pleasant temps for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring state parks.
- June to August – Peak summer with county fairs, lake days, and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway events.
- April & November – Shoulder season with fewer crowds and a mix of spring blooms or autumn colors.
- December to March – Cold and quiet, ideal for indoor attractions and small-town winter charm.
- Late October – A scenic time for fall foliage, harvest festivals, and crisp Midwestern air.
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