With its shores on Lake Michigan, Indiana is a good place to go to on a street journey to the USA. You see, it’s obtained a bit of one thing for everybody, plus it’s large. 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 when you’re not driving the northern shoreline.
In fact, you’ve obtained nice cities to go to, like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, however you’ve additionally obtained completely lovely locations within the nice outdoor 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 probably 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 a tremendous 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 ideal 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 value it, particularly when you 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 probably the most visited metropolis in Indiana, Indianapolis is the proper place to go to when you’re in search of a metropolis break whereas travelling the state. You may simply spend two nights right here, and also you’ll get an excellent style of the town and see heaps of the sights.
As soon as right here, ensure that 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 really easy to go to. Plus, it has many collections of paintings, principally assembled by Harrison Eiteljorg.
Afterwards, head over to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s an ideal place to go to or see the races when you time it properly. Now, they’re performing some work on the museum (so double-check that it’s open if 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, and so they’ve been going robust in Indianapolis for many years. Their Pastrami Sandwich is so good. Simply ensure that to reach hungry because the sandwiches are large.
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 when you’re driving south from Indianapolis. Not solely that, it’s a metropolis with tons 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 that to see a present on the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The Buskirk Theater is an efficient place to see a few of the state’s greatest performances, and so they have heaps occurring. You see, it showcases abilities from a variety of performers, each domestically and thru efficiency. Simply ensure that to ebook your tickets earlier than you arrive in Bloomington, particularly for extra well-liked 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 house 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 lovely.
Lastly, ensure that to cease by the Runcible Spoon for brunch. They make one of many tastiest corned beef hash and have do-it-yourself 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 ideal little stopping level as you drive south to Indianapolis.
Now, Nappanee has loads of Amish influences inside the small metropolis itself. It’s additionally house to many historic and tour-worthy locations, together with the Spherical Barn, Coppes Commons, the Nappanee Middle, 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 do-it-yourself coleslaw is unbelievable.
Now, it’s value noting that Nappanee could be fairly relaxed and quiet. Which means that visits received’t take longer than half-hour, however it’s a straightforward 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 when you’re a foodie. You see, they’ve obtained a few of the greatest doughnuts in all of Indiana at Mary Lou Donuts. They’re so fluffy, and the do-it-yourself 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 study extra about Indiana’s unbelievable artists, and the constructing is properly 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 stated about Lafayette isn’t just in regards to the metropolis? Nicely, the nice outdoor surrounding Lafayette are beautiful, too. You’ve obtained the Celery Bathroom Nature Space, which is nice for a stroll. Plus, you’ve additionally obtained Prophetstown State Park, which is nice when you fancy spending a while outdoors the town.
6.) Carmel
Carmel is as scrumptious because it sounds! Nicely, primarily as a result of I saved calling it Caramel on our journey by Indiana.
Anyway, Carmel is very easy to go to when you’re in Indianapolis, because it’s simply outdoors of the town limits itself. Although to be trustworthy, it seems prefer it’s all one large metropolis with no clear boundaries if 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 that 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 greatest 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 overlook to comply with a few of the trails and boardwalks across the nationwide park – they’re beautiful.
8.) Fort Wayne
You may simply spend an evening or two in Fort Wayne, and it’s an ideal stopping level in Indiana if you’re trying to drop off the automobile and stroll the town.
As soon as right here, ensure that to go to Lindenwood Nature Protect. It’s obtained 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 when you love trendy 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, however it’s not someplace you’ll spend 3-4 days in.
As soon as right here, ensure that 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
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 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 time 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 lovely because the displays.
For a few of the greatest tacos in Indiana, head to 3 Amigos Mexican Grill. In addition 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 obtained heaps occurring.
When you arrive in South Bend, ensure that to go to the Studebaker Nationwide Museum. It’s an ideal spot to discover classic vehicles and historical past (and truly actually attention-grabbing even when you’re not into vehicles).
Additionally, you need to cease off at Frankie’s BBQ. It’s among the best 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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