Indiana is home to many natural charms, like Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Prophetstown State Park along with many museums, high-end restaurants, beautiful cities and more. Embedded with numerous attractions and entertainment, it is hard to decide which ones to try out first.
To make your planning process easy, here is a list of the best places to visit in Indiana.
1. Fort Wayne
For a family getaway, Fort Wayne is the perfect destination. As it is the second-largest city in the state, there are tons of attractions and plenty of activities to do here.
With a history of over 200 years, the city has different popular spots for exploring such as the History Center in Downtown. You can try out the water sports on the rivers like paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking. At the end of the day, you can try the river cruise to watch the scenic sunsets.
2. Snite Museum of Art, Notre Dame
For art lovers, Snite Museum of Art is a wonderful place to visit that is located on the University of Notre Dame campus. They offer dense collections of artwork dating back to the 19th century.
Some magnificent artwork and sculptures are Native American ceramics, Mesoamerican effigies, and contemporary works of that time. Open on Tuesdays through Saturdays, you can walk around and explore for hours to end.
3. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art
Located in Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art holds a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures.
If you want to explore the wonderful works of the 19th century, you should definitely try this museum at least once. It is situated beside the White River State Park, so you can enjoy diverse collections of art and then proceed to explore the natural charm of the state.
Take a look at these famous landmarks in Indiana.
4. Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
For over 50 years, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo remains one of the favorite spots for family vacations in the state. The zoo exhibits diverse and distinct ecosystems.
Some include red pandas, Amur leopards, Komodo dragons and Tasmanian devils. This zoo offers interactional experiences with goats, ponies and giraffes. Additionally, there are also family-friendly rides.
5. Prophetstown State Park
To explore the natural and cultural history of Indiana, Prophetstown is a new addition to the Indiana State Park system, encompassing 125 acres of land for gardening, homesteading and livestock feeding. If you visit the park, you can also walk through the hiking trails to the Wabash and Tippecanoe Rivers.
6. South Bend
For visitors to explore the art attractions of Indiana, South Bend is the go-to place. It features a mix of outdoor and indoor activities and historic aspects. You can visit the Studebaker National Museum once you go here.
You can also try joining the tours to South Bend Chocolate Company and see the inside process. For activities, there are plenty of options in the area, including canoeing, golf, cycling and more.
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7. Bloomington
Bloomington is the ideal destination for an action-packed getaway in the state. With its special ethos, this city features excellent museums, attractions and wonderful shopping experiences.
For the outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers cycling and hiking trails of 200 miles. Once you are done exploring the city, you can head to enjoy castle-building, swimming, and boating in Monroe Lake.
8. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
With its unique landscapes, Indiana Dunes is truly one of a kind place in the state. Featuring lapping shores and stunning lakeside landscapes, this spot is one of the most popular among visitors.
Biking, hiking, fishing, boating and camping are some options you can try out here. During winters, you can enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
9. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the world renowned raceway in the state. Every May, the Indianapolis 500-mile race takes place here. You can enjoy the experience of watching the race if you can plan your trip in May. The museum is open year round. With its 55,000 artifacts, this museum also has over 300 cars on display.
10. Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Built in the mid-1800s, the Lanier Mansion is located in Madison. It is one of the finest buildings in the state. The house is constructed following the Greek Revival-style. Designed by architect Francis Costigan, the site features formal gardens and landscapes. For imagining the 19th century style, exploring this site will be enough.
11. Carmel
With its arty vibe and diverse entertainment, Carmel is a popular destination in Indiana. During summer, you can join the annual festivals and events that are filled with vibrant colors and fun activities.
The Carmel International Art Festival is the most celebrated festival and art lovers enjoy it the most. The city has plenty of parks and gardens. For strolling, exploring and cycling, the trails of the parks are the best option.
12. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Encompassing 29 acres of beauty, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a large and wondrous place. It is the largest children’s museum in the state where hand-on science displays are found. The museum offers a great exhibit for children of all ages. Adults can also join the tours, which include events and programs.
13. WonderLab Museum of Science
WonderLab is the ultimate spot to visit in Bloomington, Indiana. The exhibits feature science, health and technology. For STEM lovers, the museum has special talks and events every Sunday. Moreover, you can also find a coral reef aquarium here. The fun center is a must-visit spot in the museum as well. They also offer to hold birthday parties and events.
Indiana has no shortage of exciting places to visit. You can celebrate the essence of the state once you start exploring the listed best places in Indiana.