6 Best Places To Explore In Indiana

Indiana is much more than just rows of corn! Here are some of the best places to visit in Indiana, whether you’re just traveling through or making a vacation out of this family-friendly Midwestern destination.

# Indianapolis

Indianapolis is the most well-known city in Indiana and a logical starting point for many visitors to the state. Top things to see and do here include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famous Indy 500 and Brickyard races, the Lucas Oil Stadium where the Indianapolis Colts NFL team plays, and Conseco Fieldhouse where the Indianapolis Pacers NBA team plays. So during the right seasons, Indianapolis is a must-visit destination for sports fans. If you’re traveling with kids, you simply must spend a day at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. By far, this is one of the best children’s museums in the U.S., and fun for adults too. There’s an IMAX theater and tons of exhibits to make learning fun and exciting for everyone.

# Richmond

Thistlewaite Falls, pictured here, is a wonderful reason to visit the Richmond area of Indiana. This small city once battled for the status of the county seat, but secured that role when it got its own railroad station and drew in more residents. Richmond is an all-American city that is a great place to shop for antiques. Don’t miss the Old Book Shop, High Hats Antique Mall, and Larry’s Antiques. It also has a place in history for recorded jazz music. The Starr Piano company was based here, as well as the Gennett Recording Studio.

# Nashville

This Brown County farmhouse is located just outside of Nashville and gives a glimpse into life in Indiana during a simpler time of the past. Another great reason to visit Nashville, Indiana is Brown County State Park, which is nearby and offers lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. This is the largest state park in Indiana and a great place for hiking. A popular weekend destination in Indiana, outdoor activities that are popular here include horseback riding, mountain biking, and zip-lining. Come in the fall to see the colorful leaves, and spend time checking out the area’s covered bridges. Nashville is an artist colony as well and a great place to browse for locally made art, crafts, and souvenirs.

# Madison

Head to Clifty Falls State Park near Madison to hike through an abandoned railroad tunnel (pictured here) that was never completed. Keep in mind that the tunnel is typically closed between November and April to protect the hibernating bat population that lives inside. The best time to hike around Clifty Falls is right after a good rainfall because the falls are glistening with droplets when the sun comes back out. Then check out downtown Madison, which has many antique stores, ice cream shops, theaters, and specialty food restaurants. You can tour the Lanier State Historic Site in Historic Madison, which is the former mansion of a frontier banker. Other visitors simply enjoy going on a scenic drive along the Ohio River. The hydroplane boat race takes place in July, and the Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art is in late September.

# Kokomo

Small Midwestern towns are often known for having the largest of something completely random that you’d never think about. Well, Kokomo, Indiana is “famous” for having the largest sycamore stump in the world. This is also a nice place to shop and go out to eat while traveling through Indiana. Something unique to do in Kokomo is tour Kokomo Opalescent Glass, which is America’s oldest glass company that dates back to its 1888 factory. You can watch glass blowing demonstrations and glass bead making before browsing the gift shop to pick up a beautiful souvenir to take back home. Half Moon Restaurant and Brewery is a great place to sample local beers and chow down on burgers and barbecue.

# Lafayette and West Lafayette

Feast of the Hunter’s Moon in West Lafayette Indiana, pictured here, recreates the annual fall gathering of the French and Native Americans. Fifers and drummers march in a parade and teach locals and visitors about the area’s interesting history. Both Lafayette and West Lafayette are fun places to check out for nightlife and live music venues. In Lafayette, other top things to do include Clegg Memorial Gardens, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, Columbian Park Zoo, and the Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana art. Don’t miss the Wildcat Creek Winery, which offers outstanding wines and service in a small winery setting with outside tables for enjoying wine and cheese. You can find dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, and fruit wines here.