The Midwestern state of Indiana is primarily famous for its Indianapolis 500 auto race. However, a little scratching below the surface will reveal many interesting cities and small towns which boast excellent cultural, historical and recreational facilities. Starting in the north on the shores of Lake Michigan you will find the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, home to some wonderful beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Indianapolis
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
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, the Studebaker National Museum and the Hannah Lindahl Children’s 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. Things to Do in South Bend
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3.Bloomington
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. Things to Do in Bloomington
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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 Botanical Gardens and the Kock Family Children’s Museum. Next read: Best Day Trips in Indiana and Things to Do in Evansville
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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, the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Auto Museum. 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. Things to Do in Fort Wayne
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6.Brown County
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.
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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.
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8.Chesterton
Located close to the southern shore of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes, the city of Chesterton 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 or visiting the Westchester Township History Museum, located in the 1885 historic Brown Mansion. 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 campground are available.
9.Columbus
Located just 40 miles south of Indianapolis, Columbus is widely recognized as a Mecca 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 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.
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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.
11.French Lick
The Orange County resort town of French Lick West Baden has been welcoming new and returning visitors for over 100 years. People love visiting French Lick because there is so much to see and do – everyone in the family is guaranteed a memorable vacation. The French Lick Resort has two historic luxury hotels but there are also several less expensive options including motels, cabins, B&B’s and campsites. The list of exhilarating activities is exhausting – you can visit the year-round water park, take a ride through Hoosier National Forest on the French Lick Scenic Railroad, try zip-lining, hiking, cycling, horse-back riding and golfing in summer and a full range of snow sports in winter. The resort offers great dining, shopping, a spa, lake cruising and much more.
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12.Gary
The city of Gary is located along the south shore of Lake Michigan, just a short drive from downtown Chicago and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, making it a popular weekend getaway destination. There are two Casinos located at Buffington Harbor if you enjoy gambling and there are several marinas where you can launch your boat for a day on fun on Lake Michigan. You can also arrange a charter fishing trip, rent equipment for sail boarding or wind surfing or simply relax on the beach and soak up some sun. Marquette Park is a great outdoor area which has walking trails, a beach area and a children’s playground.
13.Hoosier National Forest
Located in southern Indiana, the massive Hoosier National Forest covers over 200,000 acres of recreational land. The forest is a popular getaway destination for active adventure seekers who come to enjoy over 260 miles of trails and many other recreational facilities. There are several campsites where you can park your RV or pitch your tent and get thoroughly back to nature for a few days. Other than hiking you can enjoy wildlife watching, horse-back riding and camping, rock climbing and many water-based activities. There are suitable areas in the forest for both motorized and non-motorized water craft and the fishing is rumored to be great. You can even take a trip through part of the forest on the French Lick Scenic Railroad.
Hoosier National Forest, 811 Constitution Ave, Bedford, IN 47421
14.Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Stretching for over 15 miles along the southern-most shores of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offers endless possibilities for a lakeside back-to-nature escape. Hikers can explore over 50 miles of trails which will lead you beyond the sandy beaches to uncover rugged sand dunes, wetlands and diverse habitats which provide breeding grounds for large numbers of endemic and visiting birds. It is a good idea to start your visit at the Visitor’s Center where you can pick up trail maps and get expert advice on planning your day. Camp sites are available at the Dunewood Campground – (no electrical hook-ups) and there is a wide selection of other accommodation available in the surrounding towns of Porter and Chesterton.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, 1100 North Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304
15.Jeffersonville
Located along the banks of the Ohio River in Clark County, Jeffersonville is a great place to spend a few days soaking up the small-town southern Indiana atmosphere. Jeffersonville is surrounded by rolling hills and delightful rural landscapes which beckon visitor to take a scenic drive or explore on foot or by bicycle. In downtown Jefferson you will find a substantial historic district lined with homes and businesses which date back to the mid to late 1800’s. Town highlights include the Big Four Bridge over the Ohio River, the Jefferson Aquatic Park (which includes a skate park and walking trail) and the Ohio River Greenway where locals and visitors can walk, cycle or simply relax and enjoy the views.
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16.Kokomo
The Indiana city of Kokomo (named after a particularly brave Indian Chief) is located in Howard County where it offers a number of interesting attractions for visitors. If you are interested in history you join a Historic Downtown Architecture Walking Tour (one of the oldest city monuments is the Giant Sycamore Stump which has a massive 57 foot diameter), visit the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Grissom Air Museum. If you prefer arts to history you can make your way to the Kokomo Arts Pavilion and the Solstice Art Gallery. Recreational activities include canoeing and kayaking at Kokomo Reservoir Park, water fun at the Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center and hiking and biking several city trails.
17.Lafayette
The twin cities of Lafayette and West Lafayette are home to Purdue University, three exciting village districts and a host of local attractions just waiting to be discovered. Start your visit by soaking up the lively atmosphere in Chauncey Village District and the Wabash Riverfront District. For museums, galleries and quaint boutiques you need to visit the Arts and Market District before exploring vibrant Downtown. There are many fun attractions for families starting with the Colombian Park Zoo and Wolf Park, as well as Exploration Acres Corn Maze, the Five Points Fire Station Museum and the hands-on Imagination Station children’s museum.
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18.Madison
Surrounded by rolling hills and limestone cliffs, Madison is an ideal place to stop and smell the roses as you take a scenic drive along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Along with a welcoming small-town vibe Madison offers a variety of interesting attractions including historic sites, galleries, wineries, craft breweries and great antiquing. If you visit in July you can join the locals as they host several summer festivals and free music concerts in the park. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend a few days camping in Clifty Falls State Park which offers hiking, biking, boating, fishing and more against a beautiful backdrop of gorges and waterfalls. Try and be in Downtown on the Fourth Friday of each month for great shopping, dining, music, trolley rides and other entertainment.
19.Michigan City
Michigan City is located along the south shores of Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. The city’s close proximity to Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore make it a favorite destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Michigan City Beach is long, sandy and clean and boasts a lighthouse, some picnic areas and restrooms, while Washington Park is another popular place to soak up some sun, take a walk to the lighthouse or visit the Washington Park Zoo. Back in the city you can take a gallery tour to admire the thriving local art scene, visit the historic Barker Mansion, take on Lady Luck at the Blue Chip Casino or take a scenic cruise on the Lake Michigan.
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20.Nashville
Located in Brown County Indiana, the little town of Nashville has been attracting artists and art lovers since the early 1900’s. Today the little town is a Mecca for art lovers who can spend days browsing studios and galleries for original Indiana artworks. Start by paying a visit to the T C Steele State Historic Site, located in the famous artist’s former home and gardens, before moving on to visit Brown Country Art Gallery as well as dozens of other noteworthy artists and crafter’s studios. History lovers can tour the Brown Country Pioneer Village and see the Old Log Jail. For a break from all things arty you can go hiking or biking in the Brown County State Park or prospecting at the Copperhead Creek Gem Mine.
21.Santa Claus
The town of Santa Claus is located in the heart of southwestern Indiana and attracts scores of families who come to enjoy a variety of Christmas themed attractions in summer. Make your first stop the Santa Claus Museum and Village where you can find out how the town got its name and visit the Santa Claus Post Office to post a letter to Santa. On East Christmas Boulevard you will find the Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari Theme park where the whole family can have days of fun riding the thrilling roller coasters and hurtling down some of the world’s longest water slides. You can bring along your RV and make the Lake Rudolf Campground and RV Resort your base for exploring all the fun in Santa Claus.
22.Shipshewana
The quaint little town of Shipshewana is located in Grange County, in the heart of Amish country, where horse and buggies are still a common sight. Located on the famous Heritage Trail, Shipshewana makes a great base for exploring this historic area and is particularly suited for families. You can learn about Amish-Mennonite history and culture on an interactive tour of the Menno-Hof, before buying some original crafts to take home with you. Children will love visiting Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park and going on a horse and buggy ride, while parents can spend some time antiquing at the many flea markets and auctions.
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23.Terre Haute
Nestled along the banks of the Wabash River along the western border of Indiana, historic Terre Haute is the capital of the Wabash Valley, offering an interesting mix of attractions for the whole family. Art lovers have several galleries to explore including the Sheldon Swope Art Museum and the University Art Gallery. Museums include the Candles Holocaust Museum, the Fire Police Museum and the Native American Museum in Dobbs Park. After a busy day of galleries and museums you can support the local performing arts scene or attend the Symphony at one of several city theatres. For outdoor fun you can head to Griffon Bike Park, Deming Park (disc golf, pool and sports fields), Fairbanks Park (boating and fishing) or Dobbs Park (walking and hiking).
24.Valparaiso
Located within easy reach of all the South Shore attractions of Lake Michigan, Valparaiso makes a good base from which to explore beaches, sea-side towns and outdoor activities in northern Indiana. The city has a number of historic buildings to admire, beautiful parks for walking and good shopping opportunities. For a dash of culture you can visit the Brauer Museum of Art or catch a show at the Chicago Street Theatre. The Shrine is a unique religious sculpture park which traces the Passion of Christ along a half-mile path filled with life-size sculptures. There are two craft breweries and a winery to visit and you are within easy driving distance of all the beautiful beaches of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
25.White River State Park
Offering unrivalled opportunities for culture and recreation right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park covers a mammoth 250 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and waterways. The Visitor’s Center can tell you all about the individual park attractions as well as scheduled events and concerts. You can explore the park on foot along a number of paved walking (and cycling) trails including White River Promenade, Central Canal Walkway and historic Old Washington Street Bridge. Park highlights include the Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum (showcasing some of America’s best artists) and the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum.
25 Best Places to Visit in Indiana
- Indianapolis, Photo: Courtesy of Katherine - Fotolia.com
- South Bend, Photo: Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com
- Bloomington, Photo: Courtesy of kim - Fotolia.com
- Evansville, Photo: Courtesy of Nick - Fotolia.com
- Fort Wayne, Photo: Courtesy of Katherine - Fotolia.com
- Brown County, Photo: Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com
- Carmel, Photo: Courtesy of indygreek - Fotolia.com
- Chesterton, Photo: Courtesy of milanares - Fotolia.com
- Columbus, Photo: Courtesy of Shelley - Fotolia.com
- Elkhart, Photo: Courtesy of EdNurg - Fotolia.com
- French Lick, Photo: Visit French Lick West Baden
- Gary, Photo: Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com
- Hoosier National Forest, Photo: Courtesy of carroteater - Fotolia.com
- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Photo: Courtesy of Delmas Lehman - Fotolia.com
- Jeffersonville, Photo: Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com
- Kokomo, Photo: Visit Kokomo
- Lafayette, Photo: Courtesy of eebacon - Fotolia.com
- Madison, Photo: Courtesy of simonwhitehurst - Fotolia.com
- Michigan City, Photo: Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com
- Nashville, Photo: Courtesy of GCapture - Fotolia.com
- Santa Claus, Photo: Courtesy of Sue Smith - Fotolia.com
- Shipshewana, Photo: Courtesy of Atomazul - Fotolia.com
- Terre Haute, Photo: Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com
- Valparaiso, Photo: Courtesy of lori_lynn - Fotolia.com
- White River State Park, Photo: Courtesy of Timelapse Travels - Fotolia.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Coy St. Clair - Fotolia.com
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