Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re looking for a state that’s got it all, history, nature, sports, and some seriously cool vibes, Indiana’s calling your name. Known as the Hoosier State, it’s packed with hidden gems that’ll make your road trip or weekend getaway unforgettable.
Best Places to Visit in Indiana
From stunning parks to bustling cities, I’ve rounded up the 20 best places to visit in Indiana that’ll have you planning your next adventure ASAP. Let’s dive into this Midwest treasure trove and explore what makes it so special!
1. Indianapolis
Start your Indiana journey in the state capital, Indianapolis, a city that’s got big energy and small-town charm. Known for the Indy 500, this place revs up every May with racing fever at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Beyond the track, check out the Children’s Museum, one of the coolest spots for kids and adults alike. Stroll the Canal Walk downtown, grab some grub at local joints, and soak in the urban buzz. It’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern fun.
2. Brown County State Park
If nature’s your thing, Brown County State Park is a must-see. Tucked in southern Indiana, it’s like the Midwest’s answer to the Smoky Mountains. With over 16,000 acres of rolling hills, hiking trails, and killer fall foliage, it’s a hiker’s paradise.
Rent a cabin, ride some horses, or just kick back with a picnic. The views from the fire tower? Unreal. It’s peaceful, wild, and totally Instagram-worthy.
3. Indiana Dunes National Park
Up near Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a stunner. Picture sandy beaches, towering dunes, and trails that wind through forests and wetlands. You can swim, hike, or just chill by the water.
Dune Succession Trail gives you a front-row seat to nature doing its thing, from sand to woods in one walk. It’s a slice of coastal beauty right in the Midwest, perfect for a summer day or a quiet escape.
4. Santa Claus
Yeah, you read that right, Santa Claus, Indiana, is a real place! This quirky little town lives up to its name with holiday vibes all year round.
Hit up Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari for roller coasters and water slides that’ll thrill the whole crew. The Santa Claus Museum dives into the town’s festive history, and the candy shops? Pure sweetness. It’s a fun, family-friendly stop that’s got Christmas spirit 365 days a year.
5. French Lick
Step back in time in French Lick, a charming spot with a big resort legacy. The French Lick Springs Hotel is the star, think grand architecture, plush spas, and a vibe that screams old-school luxury.
Hit the golf course, sip some mineral water, or take a scenic train ride nearby. It’s got a laid-back feel with just enough fancy to make you feel special. Perfect for a weekend of relaxation or a romantic getaway.
6. Bloomington
Home to Indiana University, Bloomington’s got that college-town energy mixed with artsy flair. Explore the Eskenazi Museum of Art, catch a show at the IU Auditorium, or wander the B-Line Trail for some fresh air.
The food scene’s on point too, think cozy cafes and farm-to-table eats. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and packed with enough to do to keep you busy all day. A great spot for culture lovers and foodies alike.
7. Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is a rugged beauty in western Indiana. With deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, and trails that’ll test your legs, it’s a nature lover’s dream.
Hike through Ladder Trail for some adventure, or paddle along Sugar Creek for a chill vibe. The historic inn’s a cozy spot to crash after a day outdoors. It’s raw, real, and one of those places that makes you feel alive.
8. Madison
Perched along the Ohio River, Madison’s a postcard-perfect town with historic charm. Its downtown is packed with 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, and tasty eats.
Check out Clifty Falls State Park nearby for waterfalls and epic views. The riverfront’s great for a sunset stroll, and the vibe here is pure small-town USA. It’s a chill escape with a side of history you won’t forget.
9. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne’s got that big-city feel with a friendly twist. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a hit for families, think giraffes, lions, and kangaroos up close.
Dive into history at The History Center, or stretch your legs at Headwaters Park. The food scene’s popping with local brews and hearty Midwest eats. It’s a solid pick for a weekend trip with something for everyone.
10. Columbus
Not Ohio, Indiana’s Columbus! This place is an architecture nerd’s dream, with buildings designed by big names like Eero Saarinen. Take a guided tour to see the standout spots, like the Irwin Union Bank.
Beyond the design, it’s a chill town with parks, coffee shops, and a welcoming vibe. It’s artsy, unique, and a cool detour off the usual path.
11. Evansville
Down in southwest Indiana, Evansville blends riverfront charm with urban grit. The Angel Mounds historic site takes you back to Native American days, while the Evansville Museum mixes art, history, and science.
Stroll the Riverwalk, hit up a local diner, or catch a game at Bosse Field, one of the oldest ballparks around. It’s got a down-to-earth feel with plenty to explore.
12. Nashville City
Nope, not Tennessee! Indiana’s Nashville is a cozy artsy haven in Brown County. Think quaint streets lined with galleries, handmade crafts, and little cafes serving up comfort food.
It’s a stone’s throw from Brown County State Park, so you can pair it with some outdoor fun. The vibe’s laid-back and creative, a perfect spot to unwind and soak in some local flavor.
13. West Baden Springs
Right by French Lick, West Baden Springs is home to a jaw-dropping hotel with a massive atrium, seriously, it’s like stepping into a Gilded Age dream. The West Baden Springs Hotel offers luxe stays, spa days, and a dose of history.
Wander the gardens, sip a cocktail, or just marvel at the dome. It’s fancy without being stuffy, and the whole place feels like a step back in time.
14. Lafayette
Lafayette’s got that college-town buzz thanks to Purdue University. Check out the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Samara House, or hit Prophetstown State Park for some nature vibes.
The downtown’s alive with breweries, shops, and a farmer’s market that’s pure Midwest goodness. It’s a lively spot with a mix of brainy charm and outdoor fun, great for a day trip or more.
15. South Bend
Football fans, South Bend’s your spot, home to Notre Dame and its iconic stadium. Tour the campus, catch the Fighting Irish in action, or visit the Basilica for some quiet awe.
Beyond the gridiron, the Studebaker National Museum dives into car history, and the riverwalk’s perfect for a casual stroll. It’s got spirit, history, and a college vibe that’s hard to beat.
16. Corydon
Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital, and it’s dripping with history. The Corydon Capitol State Historic Site lets you peek into the past, while the town square’s full of cute shops and eateries.
Nearby, caves like Squire Boone Caverns add some underground adventure. It’s small, quiet, and packed with stories, a great stop for history buffs.
17. Michigan City
CityUp by Lake Michigan, Michigan City’s got beaches, a lighthouse, and a chill coastal feel. The Washington Park Zoo’s a fun family stop, and the outlet mall’s a shopper’s dream. Hit the pier for sunset views or hike the nearby dunes.
It’s a laid-back getaway with a mix of nature and small-town perks, perfect for kicking back.
18. New Harmony
New Harmony’s a tiny utopia with a big past. Founded as a 19th-century experiment in communal living, it’s now a peaceful retreat. Wander the Labyrinth, visit historic sites like the Roofless Church, or just enjoy the quiet streets.
Gardens and art installations give it a quirky edge. It’s serene, weird, and totally worth a visit.
19. Parke County
Parke County’s the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” with over 30 of these beauties to explore. Drive the scenic routes, snap some pics, and hit the Covered Bridge Festival in fall for extra fun.
The countryside’s gorgeous, and the small towns like Rockville feel like a step back in time. It’s rustic, charming, and pure Americana.
20. Shipshewana
Last up, Shipshewana’s your ticket to Amish country. This northern Indiana gem’s got flea markets, homemade goodies, and horse-drawn buggies rolling by.
The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is a treasure hunt, and the Mennonite history museum adds depth. Grab some pie, shop for crafts, and soak in the slow-paced life. It’s a unique slice of Indiana you won’t find anywhere else.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it, folks, the 20 best places to visit in Indiana that’ll make you fall in love with the Hoosier State. Whether you’re chasing nature, history, or just a good time, this list has you covered.
Each spot’s got its own flavor, from the wild trails of Turkey Run to the festive quirk of Santa Claus. So grab your keys, hit the road, and see why Indiana’s more than just a flyover state, it’s a destination worth exploring. Where you headed first?
