25 Best Things to Do in Indiana

Indiana is a state full of surprises, with a wide variety of attractions for all ages and preferences. From the Eiteljorg Museum of American and Western Indian Art in Indianapolis to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana State Museum, the White River Gardens, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the small town of Columbus, there is something for everyone. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers tours and races. The Lincoln National Children's Memorial is a great place to learn about Abraham Lincoln's formative years in Indiana.

New Harmony is a small and sophisticated town located on the banks of the Wabash River, with two attempts at utopian communities. Bloomington is home to Indiana University and its large student body, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. The Spirit of Jasper train allows you to travel in style to French Lick, Indiana or any of its organized tours. The Indiana Dunes State Park has more than 15 miles of shoreline, 70 miles of hiking trails and more than 300 species of birds.

Wolf Park offers seminars on wolf behavior, wolf mythology and more. And for motorcycle enthusiasts, the Motorcycle World Museum is a must-see. The Eiteljorg Museum of American and Western Indian Art is located at the entrance to White River State Park, in central Indiana. It contains the extraordinary collection put together by Indianapolis businessman Harrison Eiteljorg. If I were to rank Indiana's attractions in terms of importance, the Eiteljorg Museum would definitely be at the top of the list. The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the best places to go with the family in Indiana.

There are numerous adventures that people of all ages can embark on at the Indianapolis Zoo. Spend the day walking around the different exhibitions on your own or try a new experience, such as swimming with dolphins. A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo will be a unique experience for the whole family, as you will have the opportunity to explore a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden, all under one roof. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the IndyCar Series, NASCAR Cup Series and other major races, is a must-visit for those looking for an adrenaline rush. After some time on the track, take an IMS tour offered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

You'll have behind-the-scenes access to important racetrack landmarks, including a detailed history of the resort. The small town of Columbus, located approximately 40 miles (60 kilometers) south of Indianapolis, is home to a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures. Since the 1940s, phenomenal public and private buildings and works of art have emerged in the city, earning it the nickname “Athens on the Prairie”. Visitors can learn all about these achievements at the Athenaeum, an impressive corner building that acts as the city's visitor center.

Bloomington

, home to Indiana University's main campus, has a lively and youthful atmosphere. When game day arrives, fans crowd into its 77,000-seat stadium, which is surprisingly presided over by a 40-meter-high mural known as Touchdown Jesus.

Bloomington also has plenty of excellent art galleries and museums for visitors to visit.

Fort Wayne

, founded in 1794 by the United States Army, has flourished into a major city with striking architectural styles seen all over it. Two of its most impressive monuments are the imposing Lincoln Bank Tower and the spectacular Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Paul. The Spirit of Jasper train departs from the historic Jasper Depot and allows you to travel in style to French Lick, Indiana or any of its organized tours. You can even take a romantic train for dinner: food and drinks are offered locally and the train takes you on a relaxing ride through rural Indiana.

Indiana Dunes State Park

is located at the southern end of Lake Michigan and has more than 15 miles of shoreline, 70 miles of hiking trails and more than 300 species of birds.

It attracts millions of visitors every year for a myriad of reasons: whether you're a beach bum, a hiker or a wildlife enthusiast.

Wolf Park

, located just outside North Judson, Indiana offers seminars on wolf behavior, wolf mythology and more with plenty of opportunities to interact directly with wolves. The seminars range from 5 to 3 days and also include artist and photography seminars.

Motorcycle World Museum

, located just outside North Judson, Indiana occupies a space of 40,000 square feet that is filled with all types and ages of motorcycles. Indiana has something for everyone: from art lovers to adrenaline junkies; from history buffs to nature enthusiasts; from families looking for fun activities to couples looking for romantic getaways; from motorcyclists looking for adventure to those looking for relaxation; from children looking for educational experiences to adults looking for entertainment; there is something here for everyone!.

Rickie Koning
Rickie Koning

Freelance tv enthusiast. General travel scholar. Certified coffee advocate. Devoted beer fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast.