Are you planning a visit to Indiana soon? If yes, then you have come to the right place! In this guide, we have prepared a list of the best places to visit in Indiana that you should add to your bucket list.
Indiana, popularly known as the Hoosier state, offers a lot of amazing places and activities for you to try in the Great Lakes region.
From visiting the cute towns in Indiana such as Bloomington, Lafayette, Indianapolis, etc. to enjoying the outdoors, there is a lot to do here.
Plus, this state is home to many amazing museums where you can have fun while learning about new things.
The WonderLab Science Museum, the Studebaker National Museum, etc. are a few must-visit museums here.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Indiana, then you can try hiking, camping, etc. in the many national and state parks here. In short, you will find something for all ages here.
So, if you are visiting Indiana soon and confused about what to do here, then we have you covered. Check out this list of the 15 best places to visit in Indiana to add to your bucket list.
15 Places to Visit in IN for Your Bucket List
West Beach & Dunes Succession Trail – Indiana Dunes National Park
Looking for an amazing hiking trail in Indiana? If yes, then you should check out West Beach & Dunes Succession Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park.
This is an amazing tourist attraction in Indiana that offers you stunning views of Lake Michigan and allows you to relax and play on the beach for some time.
This hiking trail is 1-mile-long that involves climbing over 250 steps. Admire the view of Long Lake and Chicago city from the top.
The highlight of this place in Indiana is that it takes you through the dune development area so you can witness the formation of dunes.
If you are looking for a short and easy hike in IN, then this is one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
Westport
Westport is another top tourist attraction in Indiana that you cannot afford to miss.
This small town in Indiana receives visitors from all over the world due to the pretty Westport Covered Bridge that can be found here.
Built in 1880 and spanning 115 feet, this white and green bridge in Westport is one of the best places in Indiana for a short visit.
From here, you can also head to the gorgeous Anderson Falls via a short hike. It is located in a bog and there are many hiking trails to reach here. You can climb the rocks, try fishing, or simply take a dip in the cool water of the falls.
With so many scenic attractions in Westport, it is one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is another great attraction in Indiana to add to your bucket list. This state park of Indiana is quite unique and one of the best spots for a weekend getaway in Indiana.
One of the best Indiana attractions for camping, the park features around 213 campsites for visitors to enjoy. If you don’t like the outdoors, don’t worry. There are many rooms and cabins that you can reserve here as well.
Apart from camping, there are many fun things to do at this park such as hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and so on. There are also a few historical sites and buildings that you can explore around here.
Overall, this is one of the best places to visit in Indiana for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.
Fort Harrison State Park Is One Of The Best Places To Visit In Indiana
For nature lovers, one of the best places to visit in Indiana is Fort Harrison State Park. It is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis, regardless of which season you visit.
If you plan a trip in spring, then you can enjoy the hiking trails that are filled with wildflowers. On the other hand, a summer trip means enjoying a canoe trip or swimming in the state park. Finally, a visit in winter means that you can experience skiing or ice fishing here.
Apart from these fun activities, there is also the Museum of the 20th Century where you can learn about the soldiers who earlier worked at Fort Harrison.
Trust me, this is one of the top tourist attractions in Indiana that you cannot skip.
Bloomington
Bloomington is one of the most beautiful places in Indiana where you will find both historic sites and outdoor attractions to explore. There are so many things to do in Bloomington!
This is one of the best tourist attractions in Indiana that is home to Wylie House, a museum that features an heirloom garden and period furnishing.
You can also visit the Indiana University Eskenazi Museum of Art to observe artworks from around the world.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Indiana, then Bloomington also features Charles C.Deam Wilderness, part of the Hoosier National Forest.
Here, you can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, and so much more to enjoy the landscapes.
If you want history plus outdoor fun, then Bloomington is one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
Purdue University
One of the top Indiana tourist attractions to visit, Purdue University is located in West Lafayette and was founded in 1869.
The university is popular for its satellite programs, community, and culture. There are a lot of fun events to attend here such as boilermakers sporting events, The Purdue Grand Prix, Spring Fest, and so on.
If you are a sports enthusiast, then you can always catch a game at Ross-Ade Stadium or Mackey Arena too.
One can take a tour of the campus of this university to learn about its history and the values imbibed here.
You will also find many amazing restaurants in West Lafayette, close to the university to try with your friends and family members.
Honestly, this is one of the best things to do in Lafayette and you should definitely include this in your bucket list of the best places to visit in Indiana.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Is Definitely One Of The Coolest Places To Visit In Indiana
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the top Indiana tourist attractions that you must visit in Indianapolis.
One of the best things to do in Indianapolis is watching an Indy 500 race through the track and witness the place where historic races have been conducted in the past years.
It is the third oldest automobile race track in the world and the world’s largest sports venue too.
This Indiana attraction was built in 1909 and has served as a host for Formula 1 and NASCAR races. If you are lucky, you will be able to witness a live race here.
Apart from that, you can also take a guided tour of the race track and the garage here. You can later enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Indianapolis.
For sports enthusiasts, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
Renovated 200 Year Old Cabin
Wondering what to do in Indiana? Don’t worry, we have you covered. If all these places and activities sound a bit much, then you can always enjoy a few days off in a cabin rental.
Check out this gorgeous and spacious 200-year-old cabin in Midwest that was renovated in 2019. Ideal for a family or a group of friends, this cabin features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large living room.
Enjoy the lake views from the numerous windows in the cabin or chill on the large wrap-around porch. The best part about this cabin is that it is away from the city but close enough to get all the necessary amenities.
So, if you are looking for a relaxing vacation, then this cabin is one of the best places to visit in Indiana.
Santa Claus
Planning a trip to Indiana during Christmas? Then, Santa Claus is one of the most amazing places to visit in Indiana.
This small town lives up to its name and kicks up the Christmas celebrations every year.
You can visit the Santa Claus Museum & Village which looks absolutely gorgeous in snow and is a great place to learn the history of the town.
One of the top tourist attractions in Indiana, this village features a 22-foot-tall Santa Claus statue with 15 smaller statues placed throughout the town.
If you have a sweet tooth, then don’t forget to visit Santa’s Candy Castle for all the amazing sweets.
If one place in Indiana looks like Christmas, it is Santa Claus! This is why it is the best place to visit for celebrating Christmas in the Midwest.
French Lick Is One Of The Romantic Places To Visit In Indiana
French Lick is one of the top historic attractions in Indiana to visit and is best-known for its mineral springs which are said to have healing properties.
Earlier it was a French trading post but it was converted into a spa destination soon.
Today, this town has some really beautiful resorts and spas which makes it a popular romantic destination in Midwest.
You can enjoy a stay in a spa and resort and stroll around the streets of this old-world town filled with historic homes and architecture.
For couples, French Lick is one of the most romantic places to visit in Indiana.
French Lick is one of the best destinations to experience fall in Indiana.
Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is one of the top attractions in Indiana owing to the fact that it is the largest state park here.
Every year, over a million people visit this park to explore and enjoy the activities here.
Named after the Commanding General, General Jacob Brown, this park is nicknamed Little Smokies as it resembles the Great Smokey Mountains.
There are over 70 miles of trails for horse riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Indiana, then you can visit this park to enjoy the scenic views here while indulging in several activities.
Make sure to stop at the rare Yellowwood tree on Trail 5 when you are hiking in this park.
With great views, fun activities, and a peaceful environment, Brown County State Park is one of the best places to visit in Indiana.
Lake Michigan
Another popular Indiana attraction to visit is the gorgeous Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes of North America.
Since this lake lies entirely in the United States, it is huge and offers many beaches that tourists can explore and enjoy.
The highlight of this lake is that it is connected to many amazing parks and camping sites in Indiana.
If you are visiting Indiana for a camping trip, then you can find amazing campsites in the Indiana Dunes State Park next to Lake Michigan.
Indiana National Lakeshore is also a great place for enjoying the beaches of this lake.
Honestly, if you are looking for fun places to explore, then Lake Michigan is one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
Cataract Falls
Another top Indiana tourist attraction to include in your bucket list is Cataract Falls in the Lieber State Recreation Area.
It is said to be the biggest waterfall by volume in Indiana and features two sets of waterfalls – Upper and Lower.
Both these waterfalls are sourced by Mill Creek River and look absolutely gorgeous during the fall season in the Midwest.
The Lower waterfalls have a 15-foot drop while the Upper waterfalls have an amazing 30-foot drop.
Visitors can hike around this park to reach these waterfalls and enjoy the views surrounding them.
If you love visiting waterfalls too, then you should head to Cataract Falls, one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
The Ohio River Scenic Byway
Still confused about what to do in Indiana? Well, how about a drive through Indiana?
The Ohio River Scenic Byway is one of the most amazing road trips in the Midwest that you can do. It runs through three states, covers over 300 miles, and includes three historic towns.
You can start your road trip from Vevay, popular as the 4th coolest small town in America. You can play in the casino, go zip-lining, etc. here.
Another highlight of this road trip is Madison which is best for trying locally made cider and hiking opportunities.
End your Ohio River Scenic Byway road trip at Newburgh where you can enjoy a walk by the river, explore unique shops, and enjoy the local dishes.
If you are looking for epic places to visit in Indiana, then do include this road trip in your bucket list.
One of the best things to see is the interesting caves in Indiana!
Monon High Bridge
Monon High Bridge is an offbeat Indiana tourist attraction to visit in the small, cute town of Delphi.
This hidden gem in the Midwest was built in 1891 and is said to be the second-highest bridge in the state.
Originally, this bridge was built to transport trains over Derry Creek but it was abandoned in 1987.
However, it is still one of the top Indiana attractions, and visitors can enjoy a walk across this bridge and explore the surrounding trails.
If you are looking for a different and adventurous experience, then Monon High Bridge is a good place to visit.
Packing List For Traveling To The Coolest Places To Visit In Indiana
If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the Midwest, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting Indiana attractions. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
his unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!
I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when traveling to the coolest places in Indiana.
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean water when you need it.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great
It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.
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Here I have listed 20 of the best places to visit in Indiana for your consideration. I hope you have so much fun discovering the Hoosier State!
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