12 x Best Places to Visit in Indiana
Last Updated On June 23, 2023
Indiana is located in the Midwest and Great Lakes areas and is bordered by Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, with Lake Michigan in its northwest corner. While flat plains and low-lying plateaus dominate the state's north, the south is characterized by rolling hills and valleys dotted with fascinating caves, caverns, and quarries.
Photo by Ryan De Hamer on Unsplash
Indianapolis, located in the state's heart, is the first stop for most visitors because the enormous metropolis is filled with notable monuments, memorials, and museums. Aside from its spectacular architecture, bustling arts and entertainment scene, Indianapolis is also known as the 'Racing Capital of the World,' hosting the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and NASCAR Cup Series.
1. Bloomington
Bloomington checks all the boxes for an excellent place for an action-packed trip in Indiana. Bloomington, located southwest of Indianapolis and home to the University of Indiana, has its distinct culture that has drawn numerous artists - innumerable galleries and studios pay homage to their talents. The city features several good museums, and a trip around Downtown Bloomington will introduce you to some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment areas.
2. Patoka Reservoir
One thing you may do when visiting Indiana goes on an outdoor adventure. The Patoka Reservoir in southern Indiana is one of the best spots to accomplish this. The lake is about 20,000 acres in size and is one of the most beautiful spots in the state.
If you enjoy fishing, several lakes in Indiana are stocked with fish, allowing you to catch some fantastic bass and other sorts of fish while visiting. There are several hiking paths to choose from and campgrounds to stay in a while on vacation.
3. Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is one of the best places to visit in Indiana because of its rolling hills, rustic cabins, and plenty of areas for outdoor sports. It is Indiana's largest state park, with over 15,000 acres of land, and is home to Weed Patch Hill, one of the state's highest elevations.
Brown County State Park was established in 1929. As the park's popularity rose among residents and out-of-state tourists, park officials planned and built a lodge, cottages, a swimming pool, and even a saddle barn. The Abe Martin Lodge offers excellent lodging in Indiana's wilderness all year.
4. Indiana Dunes National Park
The more than 15,000-acre Indiana Dunes National Park is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of people throughout the country. It provides many enjoyable activities such as seeing historical places, enjoying a picnic in the great outdoors, horseback riding, relaxing on a beach, boating, fishing, trekking along beautiful trails, camping, and much more.
5. Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana's vibrant and contemporary capital city, is brimming with attractions for people of all ages. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world's largest auto racetrack, is a must-see site for all motorsports lovers, who may take an IndyCar, pace car, or shuttle tour of the facility and visit the Hall of Fame Museum. History buffs flock to Indianapolis to learn about the past at Connor Prairie, the Indiana State Museum, and several other historical sites and monuments.