In the heart of the Midwest, discover Indiana, where you’ll come across incredible natural wonders, creative culinary experiences, thrilling adventures and genuine hospitality no matter where you go.

North

In the early part of the 20th century, a group of conservation-minded scientists and nature lovers banned together to protect the Indiana Dunes from industry, an effort you will no doubt appreciate when strolling miles of beaches alongside Lake Michigan, ascending towering sand dunes with incredible views, hiking and biking numerous trails, and spotting migrating birds. The area, which includes a state park and a national park, encompasses thousands of acres ripe for exploring. You’ll also enjoy lounging on the beach, flying kites, visiting the nature center or renting a boat.

Whiting’s quirky Mascot Hall of Fame could be the most unique museum you ever visit, using STEAM-focused exhibits and programs to celebrate those lovable furry creatures at sporting events nationwide. Or maybe you and your herd would like to learn about modern farming methods and how food ends up on your table at Fair Oaks Farms, a top agrotourism destination. Explore the Dairy, Pig and Crop Adventures or romp around in play-packed Mooville. Later, swing into the Cowfé or Dairycatessen for a homemade ice cream snack. 

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East Race Waterway

In South Bend, find your adventurous side on the rapids at East Race Waterway, meet lady luck at Four Winds Casino, head downtown to enjoy River Lights and be sure to get some sweets at South Bend Chocolate Company. AAA Four Diamond award-winning LaSalle Grill is also a must-try for contemporary fine dining and craft cocktails. 

A trip through Indiana’s Amish country will introduce you to delicious made-from-scratch meals, amazing craftsmanship, delightful theater works, tons of shopping and horse-drawn carriage rides. Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market is home to the Midwest’s largest outdoor seasonal flea market, where 700 vendors cover 40 acres of land, selling everything from home decor and clothing to plants and tools. See the sights from a horse-drawn carriage before being served homestyle Amish favorites and over 29 kinds of pie at the Blue Gate Restaurant. Close out the night with a performance at the Blue Gate Theater, which hosts hundreds of shows and award-winning artists. There’s no bad seat in the house.

Central

Known as the Circle City, there is something for everyone in Indianapolis. Take a spin around the Canal Walk via surrey bike or paddleboat or walk the 3-mile loop, passing several museums, parks and monuments. Refuel with a mile-high Reuben or pastrami sandwich at Shapiro’s Delicatessen or feast at St. Elmo Steak House in the heart of downtown. This longtime local favorite has been in business for over a century and was named an “America’s Classic” by the James Beard Foundation.

Five floors of interactive exhibits and displays await at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest. Everything promotes learning and discovery in a fun way, like trying on astronaut gear in Beyond Spaceship Earth. New this year is a fully revamped Dinosphere, complete with real fossils the Children’s Museum team helped unearth, along with an ocean-themed area and a fossil-prep site.

Then, dust off your hiking boots, grab your maps and set a course to McCormick’s Creek State Park, where more than 10 miles of trails crisscross through a limestone canyon and past picturesque waterfalls. Whether you’re more of a leisurely, fair-weather ambler or a rugged outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of healing hiking territory. 

If you’re hungry for inspiration, Columbus will feed your creative soul. Tour the city’s dynamic public spaces, created by the most well-known architects and designers of the mid-20th century. The most impressive stretch of town is known as “The Avenue of Architects”, where you can see a collection of   modernist buildings and structures in this open-air museum of sorts. You can also browse eclectic shops and tour beautiful gardens.

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South

Find big thrills and chill out at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. This holiday-centered theme park in Santa Claus celebrates Christmas, 4th of July, Halloween and Thanksgiving all season long. Enjoy roller coasters such as The Voyage and Thunderbird for a fast-paced joyride, or hit up the wave pool, lazy river and water slides, which are perfect for hot summer days.

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Wander historic towns along the Ohio River or paddle a lake surrounded by acres of dense forests. Stretching from Mt. Vernon to Lawrenceburg, the Ohio River Scenic Byway is Indiana’s ultimate road trip. The winding, 300-mile route takes you to some of the state’s oldest river towns, historic homes and landmarks, forests and natural wonders, shopping districts and locally beloved restaurants. 

Madison has quietly become Indiana’s Music City, where, on a given night, nearly a dozen venues host live shows. After a day of exploring this historic Ohio River town, settle in for an evening of entertainment by acts playing blues, rock, folk, covers – a range of genres in an equally varied mix of venues – hotels, breweries, ice cream shops and more.

Head below the earth to discover Ice Age-era landscapes along the Indiana Cave Trail. Whether it’s kayaking through America’s longest navigable underground river at Bluespring Caverns in Bedford, spelunking through the challenging Deep Darkness Expedition at the Indiana Caverns in Corydon, touring the Crystal Palace or mining for gems yourself at Marengo Cave in Marengo or exploring the waterfalls, rock formations and vibrant ecosystem of the Squire Boone Caverns in Maukport, each cave offers something unique.

There’s more to discover in Indiana, go to VisitIndiana.com