10 Best Small Towns In Indiana For A Crowd-Free Summer

Summer is a fantastic time to go out and explore new places, even in familiar states. However, it can also be overwhelming dealing with large crowds in blistering summer heat. Thankfully, you can beat the crowds by giving a small Indiana town a try. Visitors can expect to find all sorts of summer experiences in this Midwestern state, called the Crossroads of America, for being a central travel hub. Some of these include Amish carriage rides, waterfall trails, paddling in the water through an idyllic downtown area, exploring open-air architecture, or beating the heat with a drink in a beautiful monastery. Here are ten small towns in Indiana for a crowd-free summer trip.

Shipshewana

This town is used to a much slower pace of life. Home to a large Amish community, Shipshewana keeps a low profile while offering fun summer attractions. One great way to see everything Shipshewana has to offer is by going for an Amish buggy ride with Buggy Lane Tours, where you can bask in the countryside air, visit local farms, and even enjoy an Amish meal. You can also explore the countryside on foot through the fun Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, a 17-mile well-maintained rural journey. If you're in the mood to learn, the Menno-Hof Information Center is the perfect place to learn about Amish lifestyles and see an 18th-century boat their ancestors used to travel to the New World. Before you leave town, don't forget to check out one of the top-rated flea markets, not just in Indiana but in the entire country, at the Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market.

Jasper

Summer is a great time to learn about the glories of yesteryear, and Jasper has had that in spades. This town is home to a large German-American population whose ancestors moved into the area in the 1800s. One way this heritage has been preserved is through one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Midwest: the 1867 Monastery Immaculate Conception. Located just outside of Jasper proper, the monastery grounds have Romanesque domes, tranquil gardens, and even a brewery on site for anyone wanting a drink after a tour. In Jasper itself, there are other spots that preserve history, such as the Dubois County Museum, the largest of its kind in Indiana, featuring an 1890s main street, an 1885 log cabin, exhibits, and more. If getting outdoors is what you're after, spend a day at the 8,800-acre Patoka Lake for fishing, water skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Angola

Angola is a lesser-known town that sits in the heart of Lake Country. In fact, the larger Steuben County is home to more than 101 lakes. If you're looking to spend a day on the lake, then Pokagon State Park on the shores of Lake James is the best in the area. There are two swimming beaches on the coast, a beach house, 13.7 miles of trails, and a Nature Center to learn about the local wildlife and plants. Angola is also a great place to go camping during the summer, especially at Buck Lake Campground, which has RV sites and concerts all year round. If you want to get your blood pumping in the summer heat, watch a race at the Angola Motorsport Speedway, a high-octane experience without the crowds of Indianapolis. Before you leave town, go shopping at the Farmers Market right in downtown.

New Albany

Many people go to big cities for summer vacations. By giving New Albany a try, you can be close to the big city of Louisville, Kentucky, while enjoying some small-town charm. This Ohio River town has plenty of summer activities, from mansion tours to water parks and fun trails. For example, tour the grounds of the French Second Imperial style Culbertson Mansion, a 19th-century structure that sits in the beautiful Mansion Row of New Albany. Enjoy a swim at the River Run Family Water Park or go for a walk by the river, the Ohio River Greenway. After you've worked up an appetite, grab some brunch at the retro futuristic Lady Tron diner, or try out Hoosier pizza and brews at the New Albanian.

Beverly Shores

Going to the lake is one of the most enjoyable summer activities, and what better lake to visit than one of the Great Lakes! In Beverly Shores, you can see one of the best beaches on the shore of Lake Michigan, Kemil Beach. The beach is located within the Indiana Dunes National Park, named after the dunes left behind by the former shoreline of Lake Michigan. From the beach's parking lot, you can hike up the Dunes Ridge Trail, which offers a thrilling view of the nearby forests and wetlands. Beverly Shores is part of the Dark Sky Community because you can see an endless array of stars by the beachside if you come to visit at night. After a day at the beach, see local art at the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery.

Wabash

Wabash was the first city in the world to try out electric lights in 1880 with four lamps atop its courthouse. This small town still lights up people's lives with fun activities to do during the summer. One great stop is the Honeywell Center, where art lovers can see a rotating lineup of exhibits, catch a live music performance, or even go skating. The Wabash County Museum is another must-visit destination, packed with immersive exhibits that showcase everything from local industry and Native American history to pop culture and sports. Its hands-on displays and interactive areas make it just as fun for kids as it is informative for adults.

Visitors can also experience history outdoors at the Paradise Spring Historical Park, which includes multiple log cabins, a trail, and information on the complicated Paradise Spring Treaty, in which the Potawatomi and Miami tribes ceded land to the United States. After a day downtown, enjoy a relaxing walk on the Wabash River Trail, which goes along the Wabash River to the community of Lagro.

Corydon

Looking for a fun historic getaway this summer? Then Corydon is the place to go. This laid-back community was formerly the state capital from 1816 to 1825 and is one of the oldest founded small towns in Indiana. Much of the old architecture from that period is still standing and available for tours, from the small brick State Capitol Building to the Federal Style red brick Governor Hendrick's Headquarters and more. The Harrison County Discovery Center provides information on this history, along with the natural landscapes of Corydon. It's definitely worth exploring these natural spots for yourself. There's beauty in the 25 miles of trails at the O'Bannon Woods State Park, or an underground boat ride through the Indiana Caverns.

Winona Lake

Nothing beats spending a day on the lake in the summer heat. Winona Lake is one of the most fun lake towns in Indiana, and it's easy to see why as soon as you arrive and take in the sights of folks fishing, shopping, and strolling right on the shore. If you're eager to get into the water, go to the beach at Winona Lake Park or rent a kayak from The Lake House and put it down right in the lake itself or the waters connecting to it. If a hike is what you’re looking for, go to the Heritage Trail, which runs through the Village, the lakeside shore, and into the nearby woods, which feature several cool sculptures that honor Native Americans and famed residents like Billy Sunday. Don't leave town without stopping at the aforementioned Village, a shopping community featuring Nine Pines Apothecary, Letterwood Paper Co., and other locally owned shops.

French Lick

For a good summer getaway, you'll need a good place to stay. French Lick prides itself on providing top-notch hotel experiences with some of the most beautiful structures in the world. The West Baden Springs Hotel is of particular note with its 200-foot atrium below a freestanding dome, which used to be the largest of its kind in the world. Even if you're not staying in this hotel, it's worth taking a look at its historic 1902 grounds. French Lick itself has other fun summer activities as well, such as getting wet at the Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park, enjoying a sip of locally made wine at the French Lick Winery, or going off the beaten track on a hiking trail by the Hoosier National Forest.

New Harmony

For those who want a unique summertime experience, New Harmony is a worthy contender. Founded in 1814 by the Harmonie Society, it was crafted to be an idyllic, serene place for spiritual fulfillment. They sold the area in 1825 to Robert Owen, who had his own plans for a harmonious, equal society. Their spirit lives on in the many peaceful outdoor spaces that will grant you a fulfilling summer stroll amid a delightful Indiana town. For example, at the Jane Blaffer Owen Sanctuary, you can explore an open-air walled-in garden, featuring sculptures and fountains. You can also step into a Roofless Church, a cathedral without any rooftop featuring six sacred spaces, including a linden tree grove. There are many peaceful places to wander in New Harmony, like the Harmonist Labyrinth, a fun and peaceful maze made of privet hedge. After soaking in these spaces, you can bring a keepsake back home from the Antique Emporium.

Concluding Thoughts

If you're looking for a great summer vacation, it's good to visit less crowded places. So this summer, trade the chaos for charm by exploring these ten crowd-free Indiana towns. These small towns in Indiana offer a different kind of summer experience. You can still get in the water in Beverly Shores or Winona Lake, but you can also retreat into hidden places such as the Roofless Church in New Harmony. For your next summer vacation, consider visiting these ten small towns in Indiana.