Things To Do In Indiana flickr photo by Onasill – Bill Badzo – Be Happy shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-SA) license
Indiana Uncovered: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the Best of the Hoosier State
Explore the Great Outdoors
Hike through the Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast. The park offers miles of hiking trails that wind through towering sand dunes, dense forests, and pristine beaches.
For a challenging hike, try the 3 Dune Challenge trail that takes you up and over three of the tallest dunes in the park. If you’re looking for something more leisurely, take a stroll along the beach and watch the waves crash against the shore.
Go fishing or boating on Lake Monroe
Lake Monroe is Indiana’s largest lake, offering plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating. With over 10,000 acres of water to explore, there’s always a new spot to discover.
Anglers can try their luck at catching bass, catfish, and bluegill while boaters can enjoy watersports like tubing or wakeboarding. If you don’t have your own boat or fishing gear, rentals are available at several locations around the lake.
Take a scenic drive through Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is known for its stunning fall foliage but it’s worth visiting year-round for its beautiful scenery. Take a drive down one of the park’s winding roads and marvel at the rolling hills covered in trees. You can also stop at one of several overlooks for panoramic views of southern Indiana.
For an even closer look at nature, take a hike on one of Brown County’s many trails that wind through woods teeming with wildlife like deer and wild turkeys. Whether you prefer hiking up sand dunes or cruising on a boat in clear blue waters – Indiana has something to offer every nature lover out there!
Visit Historic Sites and Museums
Tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Race fans, take note! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone coming to Indiana. Located near the famous speedway, this museum showcases the history of the Indy 500 as well as other races held at the track.
There are over 75 cars on display, including vintage vehicles that date back to the early years of racing. You can learn about the famed drivers who have competed at Indy, and even see a replica trophy from one of the first races in 1911.
Learn about Native American History at Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Indiana has a rich Native American history, and one of the best places to learn about it is Angel Mounds State Historic Site. This archaeological site was once home to a thriving Mississippian culture more than 600 years ago.
Today, visitors can explore reconstructed dwellings and see artifacts from daily life such as tools, pottery and jewelry that were discovered on site. The museum here also features exhibits on Native American history throughout Indiana.
Visit the Indiana State Museum for a Comprehensive Look at State History
If you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of Indiana’s history, look no further than the state museum in downtown Indianapolis. Here you’ll find exhibits covering everything from prehistoric times through present day.
Learn about early settlers in Indiana, explore life during wartime eras like World War II or Vietnam War era, or marvel at natural wonders like Hoosier dinosaurs and mammoths that once roamed these lands long ago! Kids will love hands-on activities like digging for fossils or driving an Indy race car simulator – but be warned: adults may also get caught up in all this fun!
Enjoy Local Food and Drink
Indiana’s Iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
If you’re in Indiana, you absolutely must try a pork tenderloin sandwich. This Indiana favorite is made with a flattened and breaded pork loin that’s fried to crispy perfection.
The sandwich is typically served on a soft bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Some places even serve it with mustard or mayonnaise.
One of the best places to try a pork tenderloin sandwich is Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington. This restaurant has been serving up delicious sandwiches for over 100 years!
Their signature sandwich is made with hand-cut pork loin that’s pounded thin and fried to crispy perfection. There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy pork tenderloin sandwich while enjoying the cozy ambiance of Nick’s Kitchen.
Craft Beer at Sun King Brewery
If you’re a beer lover, then you’ll definitely want to visit Sun King Brewery in Indianapolis. This local brewery has won numerous awards for their craft brews and has become one of the most popular breweries in Indiana.
They offer a wide range of beers from light pilsners to rich stouts, so there’s something for everyone. One of their most popular beers is called “Wee Mac,” which is a Scottish-style ale that has notes of caramel and toffee.
Another fan favorite is called “Osiris,” which is an American Pale Ale that has hints of grapefruit and pine. You can take a tour of the brewery or just come by for a tasting flight.
Indulge in Homemade Pies at Wick’s Pies
If you have a sweet tooth, then you’ll definitely want to check out Wick’s Pies in Winchester. This family-owned bakery has been making delicious pies since 1944! They use only the freshest ingredients and have a wide variety of flavors to choose from.
Their most popular pie is the classic apple pie, which is made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a flaky crust. They also have unique flavors like peanut butter pie, cherry rhubarb pie, and even sugar-free options.
You can buy a whole pie to take home or just grab a slice for a sweet treat on-the-go. Indiana has plenty of delicious food and drink options that you won’t want to miss out on.
From crispy pork tenderloin sandwiches to award-winning craft brews, there’s something for every palate in this great state. So come hungry and get ready to indulge in some of the best local cuisine that Indiana has to offer!
Attend Festivals and Events
Celebrate the Indy 500 with the Indy 500 Festival Parade
If you’re a racing fan, then the Indy 500 Festival Parade is a must-attend event. Held every May in Indianapolis, the parade celebrates the iconic Indy 500 race.
You’ll see colorful floats, marching bands, and of course, race cars! The parade ends at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis where you can grab some food or drinks while enjoying live music.
The parade also features celebrities and public figures as Grand Marshals. Past Grand Marshals include Florence Henderson (mom from “The Brady Bunch”), Donald Trump (before he was President), and even Santa Claus!
To get the best view of the parade, arrive early and bring chairs or blankets to sit on. And don’t forget to wear your checkered flag attire to show your racing spirit!
Catch live music at the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival in Bloomington
For music lovers who want to experience something unique and diverse, look no further than the Lotus World Music & Arts Festival in Bloomington. This annual event takes place every September and boasts musical acts from all over the world including Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond.
In addition to live music performances on various stages throughout downtown Bloomington, there are also workshops where you can learn about different cultures through dance lessons or cooking classes. The festival has been running for over 25 years and continues to attract visitors from all over Indiana as well as other states.
Experience small town charm at the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County
If you’re looking for a charming small town experience with a touch of history thrown in, then head to Parke County during their Covered Bridge Festival. Held annually in October across several towns including Rockville and Mansfield, the festival celebrates the county’s many historic covered bridges. You can explore the bridges on foot or by car, and there are also plenty of craft vendors, food stands, and live music performances to enjoy.
The festival has been running for over 60 years and continues to attract thousands of visitors each year. Don’t miss out on trying some of the homemade apple butter while you’re there!
Discover Unique Attractions
Indiana is home to a variety of unique attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. From underground caves to exotic animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are three of the most interesting and unusual places to visit in Indiana:
Explore underground caves at Marengo Cave National Park
Marengo Cave National Park is an incredible natural wonder located in southern Indiana. Visitors can take guided tours through the cave system and explore stunning underground formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. The Discovery Tour takes visitors on a one-hour journey through easy-to-navigate sections of the cave, while the Dripstone Trail tour offers more challenging terrain and longer-lasting views.
During your visit, don’t forget to check out the park’s other activities like hiking trails, picnic areas, and gemstone mining. It’s truly an amazing experience that you won’t soon forget!
See exotic animals up close at Wilstem Wildlife Park
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind animal experience in Indiana, look no further than Wilstem Wildlife Park. This park offers a variety of interactive animal encounters where visitors can get up close and personal with creatures from all over the world. One of the most popular experiences at Wilstem is their elephant encounter where visitors can meet and interact with elephants including feeding them snacks!
Other animal encounters include kangaroos, sloths, porcupines and more! With so many animals to see up-close-and-personal with here it’s no wonder why so many people come back year after year.
Marvel at bizarre artifacts at The House of Tomorrow in Beverly Shores
The House of Tomorrow is a unique architectural landmark located in Beverly Shores on Lake Michigan. Designed by George Fred Keck in 1933 as part of Chicago’s World’s Fair, visitors can tour the home and learn about its history, architecture, and design. This house was seen as extremely modern for its time and has many amenities that were very forward-thinking.
In addition to touring the house itself, visitors can also see bizarre artifacts from the 1930s such as futuristic appliances and furniture pieces – some of which never made it into mass production. This is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in architecture or design.
Conclusion
Indiana is a diverse state with plenty to offer visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or just looking for something unique and exciting to do, Indiana has something for everyone. From exploring the great outdoors to experiencing small-town festivals and attractions, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this wonderful state.
As you plan your next adventure in Indiana, be sure to take advantage of all the amazing experiences this state has to offer. Try some local cuisine, learn about the state’s rich history at museums and historic sites, explore natural wonders like caves and lakes, attend festivals and events that showcase Indiana culture, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you.
No matter what you choose to do in Indiana, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and start planning your trip to Indiana today!
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, there’s always something new and exciting waiting for you in this wonderful state. Soak up the sun on Lake Monroe or take a scenic drive through Brown County State Park.
Tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum or learn about Native American history at Angel Mounds State Historic Site. Whatever your interests may be, Indiana is sure to exceed your expectations with its abundance of sights and activities.