With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a good place to go to on a street journey to the US. You see, it’s bought slightly 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 for those who’re not driving the northern shoreline.
In fact, you’ve bought nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally bought completely stunning locations within the nice open air of Indiana. This implies you’ll be able to 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 need to miss. You’re going to have an incredible time exploring Indiana. Have enjoyable.
1.) Cataract Falls
It will 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’ll be able to 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 few of the finest locations in Indiana to go to. For my part, taking a small journey to the higher falls is so value it, particularly for those who fancy a break from driving.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to 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 right place to go to for those who’re searching for a metropolis break whereas travelling the state. You possibly can simply spend two nights right here, and also you’ll get a superb style of town and see heaps of the sights.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 really easy to go to. Plus, it has many collections of paintings, largely 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 for those who time it properly. 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, they usually’ve been going robust in Indianapolis for many years. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Simply ensure to reach hungry because the sandwiches are big.
Lastly, don’t neglect to walk the Indianapolis Canal Stroll. It’s proper within the coronary heart of Indianapolis and you may even hire paddleboards on heat sunny days.
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3.) Bloomington
Bloomington is the right stopping level for those who’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, ensure to see a present on the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Buskirk Theater is an effective place to see a few of the state’s finest performances, they usually have heaps occurring. You see, it showcases abilities from a spread of performers, each regionally and thru efficiency. Simply ensure to e book your tickets earlier than you arrive in Bloomington, particularly for extra fashionable reveals.
Afterwards, head on over to the Eskenazi Museum of Artwork. That is situated at Indiana College and was established in 1941. The museum is dwelling 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, ensure 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 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 dwelling to many historic and tour-worthy locations, together with the Spherical Barn, Coppes Commons, the Nappanee Heart, Amish Acres, and Antiques on the Squares.
Bear in mind to seize a chew to eat at Dutch Village Restaurant. Their large tenderloin sandwiches are so good, and their home made coleslaw is unbelievable.
Now, it’s value noting that Nappanee could be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means visits received’t take longer than half-hour, nevertheless it’s a simple 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 concerning the metropolis. If that is smart?
You see, Lafayette has a few of the finest locations in Indiana to go to for those who’re a foodie. You see, they’ve bought a few of the finest 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 neglect to go to the Haan Museum of Indiana Artwork. It’s an effective way to study extra about Indiana’s unbelievable artists, and the constructing is properly over 100 years previous. Oh, and don’t neglect 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, keep in mind what I stated about Lafayette is not only concerning the metropolis? Nicely, the nice open air surrounding Lafayette are beautiful, 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 for those who fancy spending a while outdoors town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as scrumptious because it sounds! Nicely, primarily as a result of I stored calling it Caramel on our journey by means of Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is very easy to go to for those who’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply outdoors of town limits itself. Although to be sincere, it sort of feels 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, ensure to cease off at Bub’s Burgers. They’ve a ‘Large Ugly burger’ that’s completely gigantic and so tasty. Although, you received’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 finest locations in Indiana to go to as you drive the northern shoreline. It’s completely beautiful, and you may 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 Seaside inside Indiana Dunes Nationwide Park. It’s so beautiful, and it has a very nice sandy stretch. Additionally, don’t neglect to comply with a few of the trails and boardwalks across the nationwide park – they’re beautiful.
8.) Fort Wayne
You possibly can simply spend an evening or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s an excellent stopping level in Indiana if you’re seeking to drop off the automobile and stroll town.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 neglect to pop into Fort Wayne’s Museum of Artwork that’s nice to go to for those who love fashionable artwork. Plus, their Americana and traditional toys exhibitions are so good.
Oh, and ensure to seize a chew to eat at Fort Wayne’s Well-known Coney Island. And simply an FYI, it’s not truly in Coney Island. Their scorching 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, nevertheless it’s not someplace you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
As soon as right here, ensure 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
One among my favorite smaller cities in Indiana might be Kokomo. You see, it’s sufficiently small to see in a day (or a day) however large enough to probe for a number 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 neglect to go to Seiberling Mansion, which is now a museum. The constructing dates again to the 1800s and is simply as stunning because the displays.
For a few of the finest 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 properly value visiting for an in a single day journey in Indiana. It’s a vigorous metropolis and it’s bought heaps occurring.
When you arrive in South Bend, ensure to go to the Studebaker Nationwide Museum. It’s an excellent spot to discover classic automobiles and historical past (and truly actually fascinating even for those who’re not into automobiles).
Additionally, it’s important to cease off at Frankie’s BBQ. It’s probably the greatest 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 slightly tangy) sauce. Additionally, their mini-tips and catfish is nice, too.
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