Indiana often remains an enigma to many. It’s that state that Americans drive through to get to another state; a mere passageway between more famous destinations. Its identity often distilled down to a trio of facts: Indianapolis, the capital, the Pacers, its beloved basketball team, and the legendary Indy 500 car race. Beyond this, the state’s hidden treasures and unique culture often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the impression of endless farmland.
As a native Hoosier, I can attest that Indiana’s true essence extends far beyond these three elements. Envision lush, youthful forests adorned with pristine springs, boulders, and concealed caverns. Picture radiant sun-drenched days transitioning into the serene, pink and purple hues of twilight. Imagine the expansive openness, ideal for a romantic evening beneath the starry night sky. And with all the open fields and hills to choose from, you don’t have to go far to find a perfect place. I never truly knew how amazing stargazing was in Indiana until I left and came back.
Indiana is about nature. Living in it, playing with it, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within it.
Little house on the Indiana hillside
Indiana embodies a lifestyle deeply intertwined with the natural world that surrounds us. Our houses rise from the very woodlands that envelop us, we hunt and gather for the local food that the forest supplies, and we enjoy swimming and drinking from the waters nearby. Almost every single hobby or recreational activity we are a part of, is in one way or another connected to the environment around us.
To me, this is the genuine Indiana. It’s the Indiana I want you to witness and immerse yourself in, to understand and carry with you. This is why I’ve put together this post – to introduce you to my Indiana.
Things to know before you go…
- Indianapolis, as already mentioned, is the state capital, but it’s also home to Indiana’s largest international airport, IND.
- Flights from IND tend to be approximately $100 more expensive compared to the less crowded SDF airport in Louisville, KY. So, if you’re seeking more budget-friendly airfare options, be sure to consider SDF as well.
- To enjoy Indiana, you need to be able to move around freely and to do that you’re going to need a car.
- Public transport is lacking here, especially when it comes to Intercity transport. – It exists and it’s possible to do, but you’re better off with your own vehicle, trust me.
- We’re roadragers, so if you’re driving slower than we think you should be, we’ll either:
- passively aggressively tailgate you until you allow us to pass
- aggressively tailgate you until you allow us to pass
- wait until we can finally pass and then give you the bird
- There will always be road construction somewhere. Watch out for potholes!
- Watch your speed, there are unidentified police cars are everywhere.
- All the best known wines from this state are sweet.
- We fry and bread everything and portion sizes are large.
- Barbeque means something different here.
Best time to visit Indiana?
Indiana is most enjoyable March-May or August-October.
- If you go early March, you’ll have some of the most green and floral visuals.
(My mother’s favorite time of year.) - September/October is my favorite time of year to visit the state. The weather is perfect. Long sunny days, warm enough to wear whatever you want, cooler by night, making it the perfect time of the year to have a bonfire. And this is the best time to see Indiana’s highly talked about fall foliage.
While summer wasn’t mentioned as an ideal time to go, mostly because of the high temperatures and humidity, late May/early or late August is the perfect time to visit if you fancy spending your time at one of Indiana’s 135 lakes. (The weather during this time of year is much more agreeable as opposed to the main summer months.)
How many days do you really need to have a genuine Indiana experience?
For a satisfyingly enriched experience, you’ll need at least 4-5 days.
How to experience the real Indiana
If you’re arriving by air, I highly recommend beginning your journey at IND airport. Even if you’re not flying in, starting in the Indianapolis area and working your way down through the state until you reach Louisville, a significant city in Kentucky bordering the southernmost part of Indiana, is a great way to experience the region.
This guide intentionally bypasses much of the northern part of the state because there’s so much more to Indiana than flat land and cornfields, as promised!
Pro Tip: If you have both the time and budget, consider commencing your adventure in Chicago at the ORD airport. This way, you can explore a bit of the vibrant Windy City before heading south.
Exploring the Heartland: A 4-5 Day Journey Through Indiana
Day 1: Explore the state’s capital
My suggestion? Choose 2-3 of the activities below to start
- Wander through Indy’s largest park at Eagle Creek (also ranks as one of the largest municipal parks in the US)
- Check out the famous strip of Broad Ripple (known for unique shops, dining, and nightclubs)
- Rekindle your inner child at the Children’s Museum of Indy (the largest of its kind in the world)
- Visit Monument Circle (the heart of Indy – climb to the top for a beautiful view over the city)
- Stroll around the Indy City Market
- Spook yourself out at the Market Street Catacombs
- Located under the City Market, making it easy to combine the two
- Relax at the Indianapolis Salt Cave
Food and drink:
- Fountain Square Rooftop Cocktail (great view of Indy)
- St. Elmo’s Steakhouse (if you’re looking for some of the state’s most elegant fine-dining experience)
- The Garden Table (new American fare)
- Cafe Patachou (fair-trade coffees and daily dishes)
- FortyFive Degrees (sleek Japanese dining)
Day 2: Discovering Indianapolis Beyond the City Limits
- Head to Turkey Run State Park for a day of outdoor exploration.
- Hike along some of the park’s renowned trails, taking in the stunning natural beauty.
- Recharge with a hearty meal at Granny’s Farm and Breakfast within the park.
- Spend the night at the comfortable Turkey Run Inn to fully immerse yourself in the park’s ambiance.
Optional Alternatives:
- Discover the charm of Indiana’s covered bridges, scattered throughout the region.
- If you’re a history enthusiast, take a detour to Conner Prairie, an interactive history park in Fishers, IN.
- Experience nostalgia by catching a film (or two) at a classic drive-in movie theater.
- Get up close to a pack of majestic wolves at Wolf Creek Habitat, situated between Indy and Cincinnati.
- During the summer months, cool off with a refreshing swim at White Rock Park, one of Indiana’s only legal quarries.
- For a truly unique experience, pay a visit to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center and interact with some magnificent big cats.
These additional options offer diverse experiences, allowing you to tailor your journey to your interests and preferences.
Day 3: Southern Indiana: Nature’s Beauty and Small-Town Charm
Check out of your Indianapolis accommodation and drive south towards Brown County, known for its scenic beauty and Nashville, a charming artist’s town. Explore Brown County State Park, go hiking, or enjoy the fall foliage (seasonal). Visit the local art galleries and shops in Nashville. Then spend the night in Brown County or nearby Bloomington.
TIP: If you decide to take the less scenic, faster route, Oliver Winery is a great place to take a break and stretch your legs (and your palette). Here you can have a (fairly) inexpensive wine tasting at the oldest and largest winery in Indiana. The landscape is beautiful. After tasting some of Indiana’s top-rated wines, grab a bottle or two for the night and continue driving into the city of Bloomington. You’re almost there.
Accommodation recommendations:
- Back to Nature Cabins
- extremely remote spaces.
- you need a car
- there’s no Wi-Fi or cell service available here
- hot tubs and/or small bodies of water with kayaks
- Antler Log Cabins
- hot tubs to melt in after a long day, fireplaces to gather around, and an amazing view to wake up to.
- Airbnb
- unique and funky locations
Day 4: Bloomington: A Day in the Heart of Hoosier Country
Start your day off at a park.
In Bloomington, green spaces are abundant, with 30 city parks and numerous other natural areas to explore. One standout choice is Leonard Springs Nature Park, a personal favorite. Despite its smaller size, it offers a compact showcase of Indiana’s natural wonders. Within just a mile’s walk, you can immerse yourself in lush forests, traverse steep trails, explore two caves, listen to the soothing sounds of springs, and find a serene wetland area for morning meditation. It’s a place where you’ll leave feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
Find your inner peace at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
Indiana might not be the first place you’d expect to find such a center, but the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center boasts unexpected ties to the Dalai Lama himself. This serene space is home to impressive monuments and offers a truly peaceful atmosphere.
Take a leisurely stroll around the center’s grounds and revel in the profound silence that envelopes the area. It’s a hidden gem worth exploring, showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry that Indiana has to offer.
Embrace the brunch culture
With a plethora of enticing options you won’t get bored with food here. However, during the school season, be prepared for bustling brunch spots with potentially long wait times. Arrive with a plan, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a queue.
For a comprehensive list of fare locations to choose from, read Nourish Yo’Self with this List of Bloomington’s Best Eateries & Drinkeries.
Stroll around Sample Gates and Kirkwood
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Sample Gates, one of Bloomington’s most iconic features. These beautiful limestone structures are a must-see, and it’s a tradition for everyone to have their photo taken in front of them. You can find them at the end of Kirkwood, the famous brick street that marks the transition from Kirkwood to the Indiana University Campus.
Take a leisurely stroll along the charming brick road, explore local boutiques, and discover intriguing stores in some of the town’s oldest buildings. If time allows, pass through the gates and explore a part of Indiana’s picturesque campus. While there, keep an eye out for the infamous oversized squirrels that often make appearances.
If you’re up for more exploration, consider walking down to the B-Line Trail (3.1 mile long trail), a well-known and well-traveled city trail that offers a pleasant way to continue your adventure.
Other alternatives:
- Cartop Recreation Area: An excellent place to take a morning dip or walk around the stone beach to continue your meditative morning.
- The Zoom Flume: an old abandoned waterslide that operated in 70s and 80s. Rumor has it, the ride was too fast and too furious. Ultimately leading to its demise in the 80s.
- Sunset at Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower: Charles C. Deam Wilderness is a preservation area offering more than 37 miles of trails crossing nearly 13,000 acres of land.
Day 5: Discovering Historical Elegance in French Lick
Located about 1hr and 15min southwest of Bloomington is a small speck on the map called French Lick. It’s more than likely that you’ve never heard of this place, and if you have, you probably haven’t heard enough. French Lick is full of history, ghost stories, and prime spots for stargazing.
Start your day explore the rich history at French Lick’s finest: The West Baden Dome
Start your day off here with a tour. Strolling around these historical grounds is truly fascinating.
Try out your swing at Indiana’s most expensive and most beautiful golf course.
This spot is also Indiana’s highest elevated.
Rock the night away on the front patio of the French Lick Resort or roll the dice at the casino.
Alternatives:
- Ride the antique rail trolley that runs between the Resort and the Dome
- Sip wine and drink pizza at the French Lick Winery
- Spot deer on one of the resort trails
- Stargaze at Tucker Lake
