State Of Indiana
From thriving cities like Indianapolis to quiet, small towns like West Baden Springs, a scenic resort town tucked away near the Hoosier National Forest, Indiana is a family-friendly tourist destination fun for adults and kids alike.
This midwest state is home to both bustling cities like Indianapolis and charming, small towns like Franklin and West Baden Springs. People visit the Hoosier State to catch an IndyCar or NASCAR Cup race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (nicknamed the Brickyard) or a football game at the University of Notre Dame. But visitors looking for a quieter scene can enjoy the plethora of museums, botanical gardens, and stunning state parks Indiana has to offer. Catch a train on the French Lick Scenic Railway, which runs through Hoosier National Forest, or, learn about the Amish community of Shipshewana.
Families have a wide range of activities and kid-friendly tourist destinations to choose from, like the Indiana Caverns in Corydon or the Children's Museum of Indianapolis––the largest children’s museum in the world.
With stunning nature preserves, state parks, and over 80 lakes, outdoor lovers will have fun exploring the many recreational activities available in Indiana. Whether you’re a family looking for entertainment everyone can enjoy, or you’re a couple looking to explore quaint Main streets and bed & breakfasts, Indiana has something for everyone.
Best Places to Visit in Indiana
Indianapolis
The state capitol, “Indy” is a small city but packed with fun things to do for all types of visitors.
Indianapolis Zoo: Located in White River State Park, the zoo houses over 3,800 animals and more than 320 species and subspecies.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Home to the Indy 500 and NASCAR Cup Series, this famed race track features a 2.5-mile oval track and a museum.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: The world’s largest children’s museum features 500,000 square feet of exhibits, activities, and a theater with live entertainment.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art: Browse the extensive collection of art and cultural objects from the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Cities in Indiana
South Bend: The fourth largest city in Indiana is known for the adjacent University of Notre Dame and the Studebaker National Museum.
Fort Wayne: Visit the Fort Wayne Museum of Art or the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, which features indoor tropical and desert gardens.
Bloomington: Home to Indiana University, this midwestern town is also known for its proximity to hiking trails in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area of Hoosier National Forest.
Indiana State and National Parks
Indiana Dunes National Park: Hugging 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this 15,000-acre national park has 50 miles of hiking trails over rugged dunes, wetlands, prairies, rivers and forests.
White River State Park: The 250-acre park on the edge of downtown Indianapolis is a unique blend of green space, trails, waterways and cultural and educational attractions.
Brown County State Park: The largest of Indiana’s 24 state parks at 15,776 acres, Brown County is located in the town of Nashville.
Turkey Run State Park: This popular park features rugged hiking trails, a nature center, and a suspension bridge that crosses Sugar Creek.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Antique Alley
Browse over 1,200 unique antique dealers throughout the small towns of Indiana.
Antique Alley: Two trails weave through Eastern Indiana’s highways and byways across more than 900 antique shops and dealers.
Cambridge City Antique Shops: Explore the Historic National Road, a National Scenic Byway, while checking out more than 10 shops within two blocks in Cambridge City.
Historic Richmond Depot District: This charming small town features over 25 unique antique shops and malls in addition to trendy restaurants.