With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a good place to go to on a highway journey to the US. You see, it’s acquired somewhat one thing for everybody, plus it’s big. Better of all, there are heaps of the most effective locations in Indiana to go to dotted all throughout the state. Which means you’ll see a good few gems, even in case you’re not driving the northern shoreline.
After all, you’ve acquired nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally acquired completely lovely locations within the nice outdoor of Indiana. This implies you may 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 might not be 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 may 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. In my view, taking a small journey to the higher falls is so value it, particularly in case you fancy a break from driving.
As soon as right here, you may 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 beautiful right here.
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2.) Indianapolis
Simply essentially the most visited metropolis in Indiana, Indianapolis is the proper place to go to in case you’re in search of 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 situated 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 excellent place to go to or see the races in case you time it effectively. Now, they’re performing some 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 big.
Lastly, don’t overlook 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 proper stopping level in case you’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not solely that, it’s a metropolis with heaps 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 effective place to see a number of the state’s greatest performances, and so they have heaps happening. You see, it showcases skills from a spread of performers, each domestically and thru efficiency. Simply be sure to guide your tickets earlier than you arrive in Bloomington, particularly for extra fashionable exhibits.
Afterwards, head on over to the Eskenazi Museum of Artwork. That is situated at Indiana College and was established in 1941. The museum is house to about 48,000 items of artwork, most of which embrace 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 do-it-yourself 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 do-it-yourself coleslaw is unbelievable.
Now, it’s value noting that Nappanee may be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means visits received’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 principle driving route between Indianapolis and Chicago (in Illinois), Lafayette is a metropolis that’s not simply in regards to the metropolis. If that is sensible?
You see, Lafayette has a number of the greatest locations in Indiana to go to in case 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 do-it-yourself icing is so good. Additionally, you might 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 overlook to go to the Haan Museum of Indiana Artwork. It’s a good way to be taught 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 duplicate picket reconstruction of what was as soon as constructed centuries in the past by French colonialists.
Lastly, bear in mind what I stated about Lafayette is not only in regards to the metropolis? Properly, the good outdoor 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 in case you fancy spending a while exterior town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as scrumptious because it sounds! Properly, primarily as a result of I stored calling it Caramel on our journey by way of Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is very easy to go to in case you’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply exterior of town limits itself. Although to be trustworthy, it seems prefer it’s all one large 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 ‘Massive Ugly burger’ that’s completely gigantic and so tasty. Although, you received’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 overlook to comply with a number of the trails and boardwalks across the nationwide park – they’re beautiful.
8.) Fort Wayne
You may simply spend an evening or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s an excellent stopping level in Indiana if you’re trying to drop off the automobile and stroll 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 soothing 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 case you love fashionable artwork. Plus, their Americana and basic 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 really in Coney Island. Their sizzling 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 unhealthy, however it’s not someplace you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
As soon as right here, be sure to walk the principle county courtroom 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
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 sufficiently big 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 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 value visiting for an in a single day journey in Indiana. It’s a full of life 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 excellent spot to discover classic automobiles and historical past (and truly actually attention-grabbing even in case you’re not into automobiles).
Additionally, it’s important 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 somewhat tangy) sauce. Additionally, their mini-tips and catfish is nice, too.
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