With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a great place to visit on a road trip to the United States. You see, it’s got a little something for everyone, plus it’s huge. Best of all, there are heaps of the best places in Indiana to visit dotted all across the state. This means that you’ll see a fair few gems, even if you’re not driving the northern shoreline.
Of course, you’ve got great cities to visit, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, but you’ve also got totally beautiful places in the great outdoors of Indiana. This means you can visit Indiana’s cities but easily dip into places like the Indiana Dunes National Park and so many more.
So, to get the most out of your trip to Indiana, I’m sharing my favourite places you don’t want to miss. You’re going to have an amazing time exploring Indiana. Have fun.
1.) Cataract Falls
It may not be one of the tallest waterfalls in Indiana, that accolade goes to Williamsport Falls, but Cataract Falls and the wider state park is stunning to visit.
Now, you can easily reach Cataract Falls by car, and there’s parking next to the falls itself. This makes it a great stopping point whilst exploring some of the best places in Indiana to visit. In my opinion, taking a small trip to the upper falls is so worth it, especially if you fancy a break from driving.
Once here, you can explore Little Sisters Falls, Upper Cataract Falls and visit Lower Cataract Falls. The falls themselves aren’t the highest, but the trails are stunning here.
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2.) Indianapolis
Easily the most visited city in Indiana, Indianapolis is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a city break while travelling the state. You can easily spend two nights here, and you’ll get a good taste of the city and see heaps of the sights.
Once here, make sure to visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art. This Museum is located at the entrance to White River State Park and is so easy to visit. Plus, it has many collections of artwork, mostly assembled by Harrison Eiteljorg.
Afterwards, head over to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s a great place to visit or see the races if you time it well. Now, they are doing some work on the museum (so double-check that it’s open when you plan to visit), but going for the track tour is worthwhile.
Getting hungry? Head over to Shapiro’s Delicatessen. It’s an unfussy spot, and they’ve been going strong in Indianapolis for decades. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Just make sure to arrive hungry as the sandwiches are huge.
Finally, don’t forget to stroll the Indianapolis Canal Walk. It’s right in the heart of Indianapolis and you can even rent paddleboards on warm sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the perfect stopping point if you’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not only that, it’s a city with lots to see and do, and you can easily spend a night or two in the city centre.
Once you’re here, make sure to see a show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Buskirk Theater is a good place to see some of the state’s best performances, and they have heaps going on. You see, it showcases talents from a range of performers, both locally and through performance. Just make sure to book your tickets before you arrive in Bloomington, especially for more popular shows.
Afterwards, head on over to the Eskenazi Museum of Art. This is located at Indiana University and was established in 1941. The museum is home to about 48,000 pieces of art, most of which include the works of Pablo Picasso, Monet, Pollack, and some African artefacts. Also, the building itself is totally beautiful.
Finally, make sure to stop by the Runcible Spoon for brunch. They make one of the tastiest corned beef hash and have homemade pies to choose from. It’s so good.
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4.) Nappanee
Nappanee is a relatively small city in Indiana, just south of Elkhart and a great little stopping point as you drive south to Indianapolis.
Now, Nappanee has plenty of Amish influences within the small city itself. It’s also home to many historical and tour-worthy places, including the Round Barn, Coppes Commons, the Nappanee Center, Amish Acres, and Antiques on the Squares.
Remember to grab a bite to eat at Dutch Village Restaurant. Their giant tenderloin sandwiches are so good, and their homemade coleslaw is incredible.
Now, it’s worth noting that Nappanee can be quite relaxed and quiet. This means that visits won’t take longer than 30 minutes, but it’s an easy stop to make on your drive south in Indiana.
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5.) Lafayette
On the main driving route between Indianapolis and Chicago (in Illinois), Lafayette is a city that’s not just about the city. If that makes sense?
You see, Lafayette has some of the best places in Indiana to visit if you’re a foodie. You see, they’ve got some of the best doughnuts in all of Indiana at Mary Lou Donuts. They’re so fluffy, and the homemade icing is so good. Also, you have spots like Triple XXX Family Restaurant, that’s a proper retro Indiana-style spot that’s so good. Their ‘Bert burger’ is so yummy.
Don’t forget to visit the Haan Museum of Indiana Art. It’s a great way to learn more about Indiana’s incredible artists, and the building is well over 100 years old. Oh, and don’t forget to spot Fort Ouiatenon. It’s a replica wooden reconstruction of what was once built centuries ago by French colonialists.
Finally, remember what I said about Lafayette is not just about the city? Well, the great outdoors surrounding Lafayette are stunning, too. You’ve got the Celery Bog Nature Area, which is great for a stroll. Plus, you’ve also got Prophetstown State Park, which is great if you fancy spending some time outside the city.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as delicious as it sounds! Well, mainly because I kept calling it Caramel on our trip through Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is really easy to visit if you’re in Indianapolis, as it’s just outside of the city limits itself. Though to be honest, it kind of feels like it’s all one big city with no clear boundaries when you’re visiting.
For something quirky, pop by the Museum of Miniatures. It’s as eclectic as it sounds and pretty cute to visit. Also, make sure to stop off at Bub’s Burgers. They have a ‘Big Ugly burger’ that is absolutely gigantic and so tasty. Though, you won’t be able to finish it alone.
7.) Indiana Dunes National Park
Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the best places in Indiana to visit as you drive the northern coastline. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and you can easily spend a whole afternoon (or much longer) in the park itself.
Fancy a dip in the summer months? Then, head over to West Beach within Indiana Dunes National Park. It’s so lovely, and it has a really great sandy stretch. Also, don’t forget to follow some of the trails and boardwalks around the national park – they are stunning.
8.) Fort Wayne
You can easily spend a night or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s a great stopping point in Indiana if you are looking to drop off the car and stroll the city.
Once here, make sure to visit Lindenwood Nature Preserve. It’s got heaps of boardwalks and it’s such a relaxing spot in the city itself. Also, don’t forget to pop into Fort Wayne’s Museum of Art that’s great to visit if you love modern art. Plus, their Americana and classic toys exhibitions are so good.
Oh, and make sure to grab a bite to eat at Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island. And just an FYI, it’s not actually in Coney Island. Their hot dogs and baked beans are so delicious.
9.) Columbia City
A small city in Indiana, Columbia City is more of a stopping point than a destination. That’s not to say it’s bad, but it’s not somewhere you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
Once here, make sure to stroll the main county court area of the city, where you’ll find heaps of local restaurants and cafes. Stop by Pickles Cafe for brunch. Their French toast is so yummy.
10.) Kokomo
One of my favourite smaller cities in Indiana is probably Kokomo. You see, it’s small enough to see in a day (or an afternoon) but big enough to explore for a few days, too.
For a relaxing day, head to Highland Park. It’s a huge park and so lovely on a warm summer day. Also, don’t forget to visit Seiberling Mansion, which is now a museum. The building dates back to the 1800s and is just as beautiful as the exhibits.
For some of the best tacos in Indiana, head to 3 Amigos Mexican Grill. They also make an incredible enchilada, too.
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11.) South Bend
Not too far from the state border with Michigan, South Bend (and neighbouring Notre Dame) is well worth visiting for an overnight trip in Indiana. It’s a lively city and it’s got heaps going on.
Once you arrive in South Bend, make sure to visit the Studebaker National Museum. It’s a great spot to explore vintage cars and history (and actually really interesting even if you’re not into cars).
Also, you have to stop off at Frankie’s BBQ. It’s one of the best BBQ restaurants in all of Indiana (shh, don’t tell the others). It’s a informal place to eat, and their ribs and sticky (and a little tangy) sauce. Also, their mini-tips and catfish is great, too.
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