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 acquired a bit of one thing for everybody, plus it’s enormous. Better of all, there are heaps of one of the best locations in Indiana to go to dotted all throughout the state. Which means you’ll see a good few gems, even when you’re not driving the northern shoreline.
In fact, you’ve acquired nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally acquired completely stunning locations within the nice open air 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 probably 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 a tremendous 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 beautiful to go to.
Now, you’ll be able to simply attain Cataract Falls by automotive, and there’s parking subsequent to the falls itself. This makes it an awesome 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 when 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 best, however the trails are beautiful right here.
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2.) Indianapolis
Simply probably the most visited metropolis in Indiana, Indianapolis is the right place to go to when you’re on the lookout for a metropolis break whereas travelling the state. You possibly can simply spend two nights right here, and also you’ll get style of the town and see heaps of the sights.
As soon as right here, be sure 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 paintings, principally assembled by Harrison Eiteljorg.
Afterwards, head over to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s an awesome place to go to or see the races when you time it nicely. Now, they’re doing a little work on the museum (so double-check that it’s open whenever you plan to go to), however going for the observe tour is worth it.
Getting hungry? Head over to Shapiro’s Delicatessen. It’s an unfussy spot, and so they’ve been going sturdy in Indianapolis for many years. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Simply be sure to reach hungry because the sandwiches are enormous.
Lastly, don’t neglect to walk the Indianapolis Canal Stroll. It’s proper within the coronary heart of Indianapolis and you’ll even lease paddleboards on heat sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the right stopping level when 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 sure to see a present on the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Buskirk Theater is an efficient place to see a number of the state’s greatest performances, and so they have heaps happening. You see, it showcases abilities from a variety of performers, each regionally and thru efficiency. Simply be sure to e-book your tickets earlier than you arrive in Bloomington, particularly for extra widespread 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 dwelling 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 stunning.
Lastly, be sure to cease by the Runcible Spoon for brunch. They make one of many tastiest corned beef hash and have selfmade 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 awesome little stopping level as you drive south to Indianapolis.
Now, Nappanee has loads of Amish influences throughout the small metropolis itself. It’s additionally dwelling to many historic and tour-worthy locations, together with the Spherical Barn, Coppes Commons, the Nappanee Middle, Amish Acres, and Antiques on the Squares.
Keep in mind to seize a chunk to eat at Dutch Village Restaurant. Their large tenderloin sandwiches are so good, and their selfmade coleslaw is unimaginable.
Now, it’s price noting that Nappanee might be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means visits gained’t take longer than half-hour, however it’s a simple 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 when you’re a foodie. You see, they’ve acquired a number of the greatest doughnuts in all of Indiana at Mary Lou Donuts. They’re so fluffy, and the selfmade icing is so good. Additionally, you have got 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 neglect to go to the Haan Museum of Indiana Artwork. It’s an effective way to study extra about Indiana’s unimaginable artists, and the constructing is nicely over 100 years outdated. Oh, and don’t neglect to identify Fort Ouiatenon. It’s a reproduction wood reconstruction of what was as soon as constructed centuries in the past by French colonialists.
Lastly, keep in mind what I mentioned about Lafayette isn’t just concerning the metropolis? Properly, the nice open air surrounding Lafayette are beautiful, too. You’ve acquired the Celery Lavatory Nature Space, which is nice for a stroll. Plus, you’ve additionally acquired Prophetstown State Park, which is nice when you fancy spending a while outdoors the town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as scrumptious because it sounds! Properly, primarily as a result of I saved calling it Caramel on our journey by way of Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is very easy to go to when you’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply outdoors of the town limits itself. Although to be sincere, it seems prefer it’s all one massive metropolis with no clear boundaries whenever 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 sure to cease off at Bub’s Burgers. They’ve a ‘Huge Ugly burger’ that’s completely gigantic and so tasty. Although, you gained’t be capable to 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 attractive, 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 Seashore inside Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park. It’s so pretty, and it has a extremely nice sandy stretch. Additionally, don’t neglect to observe a number of the trails and boardwalks across the nationwide park – they’re beautiful.
8.) Fort Wayne
You possibly can simply spend an evening or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s an awesome stopping level in Indiana in case you are trying to drop off the automotive and stroll the town.
As soon as right here, be sure to go to Lindenwood Nature Protect. It’s acquired heaps of boardwalks and it’s such a calming spot within the metropolis itself. Additionally, don’t neglect to pop into Fort Wayne’s Museum of Artwork that’s nice to go to when 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 canine 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 sure to walk the primary county court docket 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
One among my favorite smaller cities in Indiana might be Kokomo. You see, it’s sufficiently small to see in a day (or a day) however sufficiently big to probe for a number of days, too.
For a calming day, head to Highland Park. It’s an enormous park and so pretty on a heat summer season day. Additionally, don’t neglect to go to Seiberling Mansion, which is now a museum. The constructing dates again to the 1800s and is simply as stunning because the displays.
For a number of the greatest tacos in Indiana, head to 3 Amigos Mexican Grill. Additionally they make an unimaginable 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 nicely price visiting for an in a single day journey in Indiana. It’s a energetic metropolis and it’s acquired heaps happening.
When you arrive in South Bend, be sure to go to the Studebaker Nationwide Museum. It’s an awesome spot to discover classic automobiles and historical past (and truly actually fascinating even when you’re not into automobiles).
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 of tangy) sauce. Additionally, their mini-tips and catfish is nice, too.
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