If you’re planning a trip to Indiana, but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. The Hoosier state is full of beautiful scenery, charming towns, and the most unexpected surprises.
Check out these insider tips on everything you need to know about Indiana travel. Where to go, what to see, and things you definitely don’t want to miss.
1. Visit America’s Only Santa Claus Themed Town
Yes, there’s a town called Santa Claus in Indiana, and yes, it’s filled with fun and kitschy Santa Claus attractions. Explore Santa’s Candy Castle, the Santa Claus Museum, Frosty’s Fun Center, the Christmas Lake Golf Course, and much, much more. Not just for Christmas, in this town you can have year-round Santa-themed fun.
2. Immerse Yourself in Amish Countryside
Did you know that the northern part of Indiana is home to the third-largest Amish population in existence? Lagrange and Elkhart Counties are both filled with towns that will transport you to another world filled with horses, buggies, and period clothing. Stay at a local B&B to get a feel for the Amish way of life.
3. Dip Your Toes in America’s Largest Lake
Lake Michigan-Huron is an obvious go-to destination for anyone visiting Indiana, and Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect place to experience it. This vast and varied national park features sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan, hiking trails, and wetlands to explore.
4. Try Some Local Cuisine
All of your exploring will surely leave you hungry, and when it does, you’ll be in luck. You’ll want to sample the state’s famous sugar cream pie, of course, and for something more substantial, there are a number of restaurants across the state with a menu worth perusing.
5. Get Your Pulse Racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Whether you’re going to be there when the Indy 500 is in town or not, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an iconic attraction that’s worth checking out. There are several other races that run throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule to see if there’s one coming up to coincide with your visit.
6. Antique Alley in Richmond
Richmond is a small city in east-central Indiana. For antique enthusiasts, it’s truly a must-visit location.
That’s because part of the Old National Road that runs through is colloquially known as “Antique Alley”. Over 1,000 stores span over 30 miles of road, so make sure you’ve got plenty of time at your disposal.
7. Have a Romantic Weekend
Indiana may not be world-renowned for being the most romantic location imaginable, but that doesn’t mean it’s not full of places perfect for couples. From wine tasting at vineyards to spending the night on a quaint old farm, there’s plenty of charming and cute date destinations.
Your Ultimate Indiana Travel Guide
Hopefully, these Indiana travel tips will help you to see some of the amazing attractions this beautiful state has to offer.
If you’re looking for even more travel tips, don’t forget to have a look at the rest of our travel-related content.