With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a superb place to go to on a highway journey to the USA. You see, it’s received a bit of one thing for everybody, plus it’s large. 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 if you happen to’re not driving the northern shoreline.
After all, you’ve received nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally received completely lovely locations within the nice open air of Indiana. This implies you possibly can 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 need 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 possibly can simply attain Cataract Falls by automotive, and there’s parking subsequent to the falls itself. This makes it a fantastic stopping level while exploring a few 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 if you happen to fancy a break from driving.
As soon as right here, you possibly can 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 probably the most visited metropolis in Indiana, Indianapolis is the right place to go to if you happen to’re searching for a metropolis break whereas travelling the state. You may simply spend two nights right here, and also you’ll get a great style of 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 really easy to go to. Plus, it has many collections of art work, principally assembled by Harrison Eiteljorg.
Afterwards, head over to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s a fantastic place to go to or see the races if you happen to time it effectively. Now, they’re doing a little work on the museum (so double-check that it’s open while 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, and so they’ve been going robust in Indianapolis for many years. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Simply be sure to reach hungry because the sandwiches are large.
Lastly, don’t neglect to walk the Indianapolis Canal Stroll. It’s proper within the coronary heart of Indianapolis and you may even lease paddleboards on heat sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the right stopping level if you happen to’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not solely that, it’s a metropolis with tons to see and do, and you may 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 few of the state’s greatest performances, and so they have heaps occurring. You see, it showcases skills 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 common reveals.
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 lovely.
Lastly, be sure 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 a fantastic 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 chew to eat at Dutch Village Restaurant. Their big tenderloin sandwiches are so good, and their home made coleslaw is unbelievable.
Now, it’s price noting that Nappanee may be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means visits gained’t take longer than half-hour, but it surely’s a simple cease to make in your drive south in Indiana.
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5.) Lafayette
On the principle 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 few of the greatest locations in Indiana to go to if you happen to’re a foodie. You see, they’ve received a few 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 could have 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 be taught extra about Indiana’s unbelievable artists, and the constructing is effectively over 100 years outdated. Oh, and don’t neglect to identify Fort Ouiatenon. It’s a duplicate wood reconstruction of what was as soon as constructed centuries in the past by French colonialists.
Lastly, bear in mind what I stated about Lafayette isn’t just concerning the metropolis? Effectively, the good open air 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 if you happen to fancy spending a while exterior town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as scrumptious because it sounds! Effectively, 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 if you happen to’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply exterior of town limits itself. Although to be trustworthy, it sort of feels prefer it’s all one massive metropolis with no clear boundaries while 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 ‘Large 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations in Indiana to go to as you drive the northern shoreline. It’s completely attractive, and you may simply spend an entire 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 few 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 a fantastic stopping level in Indiana in case you are trying to drop off the automotive and stroll town.
As soon as right here, be sure to go to Lindenwood Nature Protect. It’s received heaps of boardwalks and it’s such a soothing spot within the metropolis itself. Additionally, don’t neglect to pop into Fort Wayne’s Museum of Artwork that’s nice to go to if you happen to love fashionable artwork. Plus, their Americana and traditional toys exhibitions are so good.
Oh, and ensure to seize a chew 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, but it surely’s not someplace you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
As soon as right here, be sure to walk the principle county court docket space of 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 large enough to probe for a couple of days, too.
For a soothing day, head to Highland Park. It’s an enormous park and so pretty on a heat summer time 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 lovely because the reveals.
For a few 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 vigorous metropolis and it’s received heaps occurring.
When you arrive in South Bend, be sure to go to the Studebaker Nationwide Museum. It’s a fantastic spot to discover classic vehicles and historical past (and really actually fascinating even if you happen to’re not into vehicles).
Additionally, you must cease off at Frankie’s BBQ. It’s among the best 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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