With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a good place to go to on a highway journey to the USA. You see, it’s received a bit one thing for everybody, plus it’s enormous. Better of all, there are heaps of the perfect locations in Indiana to go to dotted all throughout the state. Which means you’ll see a good few gems, even in the event you’re not driving the northern shoreline.
In fact, you’ve received nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally received completely lovely locations within the nice outdoor of Indiana. This implies you’ll be able to go to Indiana’s cities however simply dip into locations just like the Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park and so many extra.
So, to get essentially the most out of your journey to Indiana, I’m sharing my favorite locations you don’t wish to miss. You’re going to have an incredible time exploring Indiana. Have enjoyable.
1.) Cataract Falls
It is probably not one of many tallest waterfalls in Indiana, that accolade goes to Williamsport Falls, however Cataract Falls and the broader state park is gorgeous to go to.
Now, you’ll be able to simply attain Cataract Falls by automobile, and there’s parking subsequent to the falls itself. This makes it an excellent stopping level while exploring a number of the greatest locations in Indiana to go to. For my part, taking a small journey to the higher falls is so price it, particularly in the event you fancy a break from driving.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to discover Little Sisters Falls, Higher Cataract Falls and go to Decrease Cataract Falls. The falls themselves aren’t the very best, however the trails are gorgeous right here.
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2.) Indianapolis
Simply essentially the most visited metropolis in Indiana, Indianapolis is the right place to go to in the event you’re searching for a metropolis break whereas travelling the state. You may simply spend two nights right here, and also you’ll get a superb style of the town and see heaps of the sights.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Artwork. This Museum is positioned on the entrance to White River State Park and is very easy to go to. Plus, it has many collections of art work, largely assembled by Harrison Eiteljorg.
Afterwards, head over to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s an excellent place to go to or see the races in the event you time it effectively. Now, they’re performing some work on the museum (so double-check that it’s open once you plan to go to), however going for the monitor tour is worth it.
Getting hungry? Head over to Shapiro’s Delicatessen. It’s an unfussy spot, they usually’ve been going robust in Indianapolis for many years. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Simply be certain that to reach hungry because the sandwiches are enormous.
Lastly, don’t overlook to walk the Indianapolis Canal Stroll. It’s proper within the coronary heart of Indianapolis and you’ll even hire paddleboards on heat sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the right stopping level in the event you’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not solely that, it’s a metropolis with tons to see and do, and you’ll simply spend an evening or two within the metropolis centre.
As soon as you’re right here, be certain that to see a present on the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Buskirk Theater is an effective place to see a number of the state’s greatest performances, they usually have heaps occurring. You see, it showcases abilities from a spread of performers, each regionally and thru efficiency. Simply be certain that to guide your tickets earlier than you arrive in Bloomington, particularly for extra well-liked exhibits.
Afterwards, head on over to the Eskenazi Museum of Artwork. That is positioned at Indiana College and was established in 1941. The museum is house to about 48,000 items of artwork, most of which embody the works of Pablo Picasso, Monet, Pollack, and a few African artefacts. Additionally, the constructing itself is completely lovely.
Lastly, be certain that to cease by the Runcible Spoon for brunch. They make one of many tastiest corned beef hash and have home made pies to select from. It’s so good.
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4.) Nappanee
Nappanee is a comparatively small metropolis in Indiana, simply south of Elkhart and an excellent little stopping level as you drive south to Indianapolis.
Now, Nappanee has loads of Amish influences throughout the small metropolis itself. It’s additionally house to many historic and tour-worthy locations, together with the Spherical Barn, Coppes Commons, the Nappanee Middle, Amish Acres, and Antiques on the Squares.
Bear in mind to seize a chunk to eat at Dutch Village Restaurant. Their large tenderloin sandwiches are so good, and their home made coleslaw is unbelievable.
Now, it’s price noting that Nappanee will be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means visits gained’t take longer than half-hour, however it’s a straightforward cease to make in your drive south in Indiana.
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5.) Lafayette
On the primary driving route between Indianapolis and Chicago (in Illinois), Lafayette is a metropolis that’s not simply concerning the metropolis. If that is smart?
You see, Lafayette has a number of the greatest locations in Indiana to go to in the event you’re a foodie. You see, they’ve received a number of the greatest doughnuts in all of Indiana at Mary Lou Donuts. They’re so fluffy, and the home made icing is so good. Additionally, you’ve gotten spots like Triple XXX Household Restaurant, that’s a correct retro Indiana-style spot that’s so good. Their ‘Bert burger’ is so yummy.
Don’t overlook to go to the Haan Museum of Indiana Artwork. It’s an effective way to study extra about Indiana’s unbelievable artists, and the constructing is effectively over 100 years previous. Oh, and don’t overlook to identify Fort Ouiatenon. It’s a reproduction picket reconstruction of what was as soon as constructed centuries in the past by French colonialists.
Lastly, bear in mind what I mentioned about Lafayette isn’t just concerning the metropolis? Effectively, the good outdoor surrounding Lafayette are gorgeous, too. You’ve received the Celery Lavatory Nature Space, which is nice for a stroll. Plus, you’ve additionally received Prophetstown State Park, which is nice in the event you fancy spending a while exterior the town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as scrumptious because it sounds! Effectively, primarily as a result of I stored calling it Caramel on our journey by Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is very easy to go to in the event you’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply exterior of the town limits itself. Although to be trustworthy, it seems prefer it’s all one huge metropolis with no clear boundaries once you’re visiting.
For one thing quirky, pop by the Museum of Miniatures. It’s as eclectic because it sounds and fairly cute to go to. Additionally, be certain that to cease off at Bub’s Burgers. They’ve a ‘Large Ugly burger’ that’s completely gigantic and so tasty. Although, you gained’t be capable of end it alone.
7.) Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park is among the greatest locations in Indiana to go to as you drive the northern shoreline. It’s completely beautiful, and you’ll simply spend a complete afternoon (or for much longer) within the park itself.
Fancy a dip in the summertime months? Then, head over to West Seaside inside Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park. It’s so pretty, and it has a extremely nice sandy stretch. Additionally, don’t overlook to comply with a number of the trails and boardwalks across the nationwide park – they’re gorgeous.
8.) Fort Wayne
You may simply spend an evening or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s an excellent stopping level in Indiana in case you are seeking to drop off the automobile and stroll the town.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to Lindenwood Nature Protect. It’s received heaps of boardwalks and it’s such a calming spot within the metropolis itself. Additionally, don’t overlook to pop into Fort Wayne’s Museum of Artwork that’s nice to go to in the event you love trendy artwork. Plus, their Americana and traditional toys exhibitions are so good.
Oh, and ensure to seize a chunk to eat at Fort Wayne’s Well-known Coney Island. And simply an FYI, it’s not truly in Coney Island. Their scorching canines and baked beans are so scrumptious.
9.) Columbia Metropolis
A small metropolis in Indiana, Columbia Metropolis is extra of a stopping level than a vacation spot. That’s to not say it’s dangerous, however it’s not someplace you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
As soon as right here, be certain that to walk the primary county courtroom space of the town, the place you’ll discover heaps of native eating places and cafes. Cease by Pickles Cafe for brunch. Their French toast is so yummy.
10.) Kokomo
Considered one of my favorite smaller cities in Indiana might be Kokomo. You see, it’s sufficiently small to see in a day (or a day) however large enough to probe for a couple of days, too.
For a calming day, head to Highland Park. It’s an enormous park and so pretty on a heat summer time day. Additionally, don’t overlook to go to Seiberling Mansion, which is now a museum. The constructing dates again to the 1800s and is simply as lovely because the reveals.
For a number of the greatest tacos in Indiana, head to 3 Amigos Mexican Grill. Additionally they make an unbelievable enchilada, too.
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11.) South Bend
Not too removed from the state border with Michigan, South Bend (and neighbouring Notre Dame) is effectively price visiting for an in a single day journey in Indiana. It’s a energetic metropolis and it’s received heaps occurring.
When you arrive in South Bend, be certain that to go to the Studebaker Nationwide Museum. It’s an excellent spot to discover classic vehicles and historical past (and really actually attention-grabbing even in the event you’re not into vehicles).
Additionally, you need to cease off at Frankie’s BBQ. It’s top-of-the-line BBQ eating places in all of Indiana (shh, don’t inform the others). It’s a casual place to eat, and their ribs and sticky (and a bit tangy) sauce. Additionally, their mini-tips and catfish is nice, too.
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