With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a superb place to go to on a street journey to the US. You see, it’s bought a bit of one thing for everybody, plus it’s big. Better of all, there are heaps of the perfect locations in Indiana to go to dotted all throughout the state. Which means that you’ll see a good few gems, even should you’re not driving the northern shoreline.
After all, you’ve bought nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally bought completely stunning locations within the nice outside 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 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 may simply attain Cataract Falls by automotive, and there’s parking subsequent to the falls itself. This makes it an important 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 should 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 best, however the trails are gorgeous right here.
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2.) Indianapolis
Simply essentially the most visited metropolis in Indiana, Indianapolis is the proper place to go to should you’re searching for a metropolis break whereas travelling the state. You’ll be able to simply spend two nights right here, and also you’ll get a superb style of the town and see heaps of the sights.
As soon as right here, make certain 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 very easy to go to. Plus, it has many collections of art work, largely assembled by Harrison Eiteljorg.
Afterwards, head over to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s an important place to go to or see the races should you time it effectively. Now, they’re doing a little work on the museum (so double-check that it’s open once you plan to go to), however going for the observe tour is worth it.
Getting hungry? Head over to Shapiro’s Delicatessen. It’s an unfussy spot, they usually’ve been going sturdy in Indianapolis for many years. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Simply make certain 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 may even lease paddleboards on heat sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the proper stopping level should you’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not solely that, it’s a metropolis with heaps to see and do, and you may simply spend an evening or two within the metropolis centre.
As soon as you’re right here, make certain to see a present on the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Buskirk Theater is an effective place to see a few of the state’s greatest performances, they usually have heaps happening. You see, it showcases abilities from a spread of performers, each domestically and thru efficiency. Simply make certain to guide 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 residence 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 stunning.
Lastly, make certain 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 an important little stopping level as you drive south to Indianapolis.
Now, Nappanee has loads of Amish influences inside the small metropolis itself. It’s additionally residence to many historic and tour-worthy locations, together with the Spherical Barn, Coppes Commons, the Nappanee Heart, Amish Acres, and Antiques on the Squares.
Keep in mind to seize a chunk to eat at Dutch Village Restaurant. Their large tenderloin sandwiches are so good, and their home made coleslaw is unimaginable.
Now, it’s price noting that Nappanee will be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means that visits gained’t take longer than half-hour, however it’s a simple cease to make in your drive south in Indiana.
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5.) Lafayette
On the primary 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 few of the greatest locations in Indiana to go to should you’re a foodie. You see, they’ve bought 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 will 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 unimaginable artists, and the constructing is effectively over 100 years outdated. Oh, and don’t overlook to identify Fort Ouiatenon. It’s a reproduction picket reconstruction of what was as soon as constructed centuries in the past by French colonialists.
Lastly, bear in mind what I mentioned about Lafayette isn’t just in regards to the metropolis? Effectively, the nice outside surrounding Lafayette are gorgeous, too. You’ve bought the Celery Bathroom Nature Space, which is nice for a stroll. Plus, you’ve additionally bought Prophetstown State Park, which is nice should you fancy spending a while outdoors the 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 Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is very easy to go to should you’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply outdoors of the town limits itself. Although to be trustworthy, it sort of feels prefer it’s all one huge metropolis with no clear boundaries once 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, make certain to cease off at Bub’s Burgers. They’ve a ‘Massive Ugly burger’ that’s completely gigantic and so tasty. Although, you gained’t have the ability 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 beautiful, 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 beautiful, and it has a very nice sandy stretch. Additionally, don’t overlook to comply with a few of the trails and boardwalks across the nationwide park – they’re gorgeous.
8.) Fort Wayne
You’ll be able to simply spend an evening or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s an important stopping level in Indiana if you’re seeking to drop off the automotive and stroll the town.
As soon as right here, make certain to go to Lindenwood Nature Protect. It’s bought heaps of boardwalks and it’s such a calming spot within the metropolis itself. Additionally, don’t overlook to pop into Fort Wayne’s Museum of Artwork that’s nice to go to should you love fashionable artwork. Plus, their Americana and traditional 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 dangerous, however it’s not someplace you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
As soon as right here, make certain to walk the primary county court docket space of the 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 calming day, head to Highland Park. It’s an enormous park and so beautiful on a heat summer season 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 stunning because the reveals.
For a few of the greatest tacos in Indiana, head to 3 Amigos Mexican Grill. In addition they make an unimaginable 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 bought heaps happening.
When you arrive in South Bend, make certain to go to the Studebaker Nationwide Museum. It’s an important spot to discover classic automobiles and historical past (and truly actually attention-grabbing even should you’re not into automobiles).
Additionally, it’s a must to cease off at Frankie’s BBQ. It’s among the finest 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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