Okay, let's be real. When most people think "what to do in Indiana," cornfields and basketball might be the first things that pop into their heads. I thought that too before I spent two summers road-tripping through the Hoosier State. Boy, was I wrong.
Honestly? What surprised me most was how much variety Indiana packs into its borders. You've got sand dunes that feel like ocean beaches (without the saltwater), underground caves whispering Civil War secrets, and cities buzzing with cultural gems even New Yorkers would appreciate. It's like someone took slices of different states and stitched them together.
Let me walk you through the best things to do in Indiana – the stuff that made me rethink this Midwest state completely.
Urban Adventures: Indiana's City Pulse
Indianapolis: More Than Just the 500
Look, I'm not a racing fanatic. But when I reluctantly visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ($20 general admission), the sheer scale blew me away. Standing on that track, you feel the ghost-rumbles of engines. But Indy isn't just speed demons.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis sounds like it's just for kids. Big mistake. This place (adults $28.50) is the world's largest children's museum and has exhibits that fascinate adults too – think dinosaur fossils you can touch and a planetarium that makes you dizzy in the best way. Spend at least 4 hours here.
Want something free? Walk or bike the Canal Walk downtown. Three miles of waterfront paths past museums and paddleboats. I grabbed coffee from Quills Coffee ($4-6) and watched sunset paint the skyline pink. Pure magic.
Pro tip locals won’t always share: The Garfield Park Conservatory ($2 admission) is an underrated oasis. Tropical plants in winter? Yes please.
Bloomington & IU Charm
College towns have vibes, and Bloomington radiates. Stroll Indiana University's gorgeous limestone campus – the Dunn Woods area feels like Hogwarts. Hungry? Nick's English Hut serves legendary "stews" (cheesy bread bombs) since 1927. Cheap ($10 feeds two) and messy in the best way.
Just outside town? McCormick's Creek State Park ($7 per car). Hike to Indiana's first state park waterfall. It's small but surrounded by cliffs that feel prehistoric. I saw deer drinking there at dawn.
Bloomington's Saturday farmer's market (May-Oct) is worth timing your trip around. Local honey, Amish pies... my trunk was full.
Nature's Playground: Outdoor Escapes
Indiana Dunes: Lake Michigan's Surprise
Nobody expects beaches in Indiana. But trust me, Indiana Dunes National Park ($25 per car, good 7 days) is legit. Hike the 3 Dune Challenge (1.5 miles, steep!) for insane lake views. Or lounge at West Beach ($6) feeling miles from the Midwest.
What blew my mind? The biodiversity. You pass oak savannas, marshes, and dunes in one hike. Saw a fox trotting past my picnic spot near Mount Baldy.
Crowd confession: July weekends get jammed. Go early or visit in shoulder seasons. Porter County’s Third Coast Spice Cafe makes killer post-hike sandwiches ($12).
Caves & Underground Wonders
Southern Indiana hides labyrinths. Bluespring Caverns ($19.95 adult boat tour) takes you on a river through caves. Pitch-black silence, just water dripping... spooky and cool. Saw hibernating bats!
For history buffs: Squire Boone Caverns ($16.95). Daniel Boone’s brother hid here. The underground mill is engineering genius. Felt 50 degrees down there – relief in summer!
Personal rating? Bluespring’s boat ride beats walking tours. Bring a light jacket even in August.
Seasonal Must-Dos: Indiana Through the Year
| Season | Top Activities | Local Tip | Avg Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Tulip Festival at Holland, MI (near IN border), Eagle Creek Park birding | April showers = muddy trails. Waterproof boots essential! | Festivals $10-20, Parks $5-7 |
| Summer | Dunes swimming, Indy Zoo ($32), county fairs | Book lake rentals 2 weeks ahead. July 4th fireworks over Lake Michigan! | $20-40 pp |
| Fall | Brown County foliage drives, apple picking | Peak color mid-Oct. Weekdays avoid traffic jams. | Free (drives) or $10-15 orchards |
| Winter | Paoli Peaks skiing ($65 lift), Christmas lights at Newfields | January weekdays = empty slopes. Rent gear off-site for savings. | $50-80 pp |
Fall Foliage Deep Dive
Brown County gets crowded because it's stunning. But locals whisper about Clifty Falls State Park ($7 per car). Deep ravines with waterfalls framed by maples? Yes. Hike trail 2 for postcard views.
For apple cider donuts:
- Huber's Orchard (Starlight): Classic, busy, worth it ($8/dozen)
- Anderson Orchard (Mooresville): Smaller, homier vibe ($7/dozen)
Drove the Ohio River Scenic Byway last October. Crimson hills reflecting in the river... no filter needed.
History Comes Alive
Amish Country around Shipshewana fascinated me. But do it respectfully – no intrusive photos. Das Dutchman Essenhaus serves family-style chicken dinners ($22) that’ll put you in a food coma. Their pie? Life-changing.
Conner Prairie ($24 adult) near Fishers is history made fun. 1836 prairie town with blacksmith demos. I tried churning butter – harder than it looks! Kids go nuts here.
Civil War buffs: Visit Corydon, Indiana's first capital. The Battle of Corydon site has eerie trenches. Free to roam.
Foodie Trails: Must-Eat Indiana
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: Indiana's official sandwich. Nick's Kitchen in Huntington ($9.50) makes it old-school – bigger than the plate!
- Sugar Cream Pie: Wick's Pies (sold statewide, $8-12). Like vanilla custard in crust. Warning: addictive.
- Craft Beer: Three Floyds Brewing (Munster) – famous Dark Lord stout ($25/bottle). Or Sun King (Indy) for easier finds.
Farmers markets are gold. South Bend’s St. Joe Farmers Market (Sat am) had heirloom tomatoes so good I ate them like apples. Try Amish pretzels ($4) – chewy perfection.
Kid-Tested Attractions
Beyond Indy’s Children’s Museum:
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari ($69.99 online) in Santa Claus (yes, real town!). Free soda/sunscreen! The water coasters beat Disney lines. My nephew rode Thunderbird 6 times.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo ($18 adult): Voted nationally top 10. The African Journey feels like safari-lite. Feed giraffes for $3 extra – slobbery but worth it.
Budget hack: Evansville’s Mesker Park Zoo cheaper ($12.50) with cool Amazon exhibit.
Hidden Gems Most Miss
Southern Indiana’s West Baden Springs Hotel. Wander the atrium – 200-foot dome! Even if not staying ($250+/night), grab tea ($8) and gawk at the architecture.
Shades State Park ($7) has "Devil's Punchbowl" canyon. Feels like Appalachia snuck into Indiana. Barely saw another soul on a Tuesday.
Industrial history? Vincennes, Indiana’s oldest town. George Rogers Clark Memorial is imposing... and free.
Practical Indiana Intel
Getting Around
- Rent a car. Public transport outside cities is non-existent.
- Interstates (I-70, I-90) get tolls ($2-12). Have coins handy.
- Indianapolis airport (IND) usually cheapest flights.
Where to Stay
| Area | Budget Pick | Splurge Pick | Avg Night Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis | La Quinta Downtown ($89) | Bottleworks Hotel ($249) | $80-$300 |
| Dunes Area | Dunes Walk Inn ($115) | Brewery Lodge ($195) | $100-$250 |
| Brown County | Abe Martin Lodge ($129) | Cabins at Salt Creek ($325) | $120-$350 |
Camping tip: State park sites ($20-35/night) book months ahead for summer. Chain hotels cluster near highway exits – generic but reliable.
Indiana Travel FAQs
Q: What are the absolute must-dos for a weekend trip?
A: Focus! Indy highlights (Children's Museum/Canal Walk) + one nature spot (Dunes or Brown County). Don't try to cross the whole state.
Q: Is Indiana Dunes worth it over Michigan beaches?
A: Different vibe. Less developed, fewer crowds. Unique ecosystems. Yes if you combine with hiking.
Q: What’s overrated?
A: Hard truth? The Indy 500 Museum if racing bores you. Winery tours in July (vineyards look sad).
Q: Best small-town charm?
A: Madison (historic Ohio River town) or Nashville (Brown County art shops). Wander without agendas.
Q: What surprised you most?
A: The geography diversity! Southern hills feel like Kentucky. Dunes like Michigan. And the food... so much more than corn.
Final Tips from an Indiana Convert
- Talk to locals. Hoosiers are friendly – got my best pie recommendation chatting at a gas pump.
- Pack layers. Weather swings fast – 70°F mornings can become 50°F thunderstorms.
- Check state park event calendars. Guided night hikes or owl prowls are memorable.
- Get off interstates. State roads like SR 46 reveal barn quilts, farm stands, and slower rhythms.
After two trips, my "what to do in Indiana" list keeps growing. It won't shout like New York or have mountains like Colorado. But it whispers adventures – if you know where to listen.
Comment