10 Most Underrated Towns In Indiana
Indiana, the 13th-smallest state in the US, is naturally gifted with immense sand dunes, mountains, and a coastline. Established in the early 19th century, the Hoosier State story originated when a stranger pioneer would hail a settler's cabin and hear response, "Who's yere?" Indianapolis is often regarded as an underrated capital in the country that, once you stumble upon it, reveals unexpected charm. The surrounding towns, ten times as charismatic, will leave stupendous impressions with cultural attractions, traditional hospitality, and a whole other natural world.
These underrated towns demand a visit into an undulating paradise of crowdless discoveries for any taste. Immerse yourself in a small-town atmosphere along decadently crowd-free decorated streets where citizens will gladly share a drink, the best sights, and hotspots. Feel rejuvinated in fresh nature along the most pristine shores with sandy beaches and clear water, or explore the hillsides of the craggy mountains and nature reserves.
Brookville
The Franklin County town of Brookville is a happy lakeside community full of welcoming people who do not mind sharing the shores. Seek the warm vibe along the banks on a stroll under the pleasant sun or have a picnic spread there. Venture into downtown for the galore of cute cafes and neat shops, or stay lakeside and dine with a sunset view over the waters at one of the restaurants. The Brookville Lake offers fantastic boating, swimming, or lounging in pure bliss as a respite from the city.
The pretty town with a true Midwestern soul encourages you to explore every corner along the glorious rolling hills of the Whitewater River valley. It is home to a fun-loving family environment, rejuvenating outdoors, and the all-encompassing charm of small towns. Rev up your activity level and tame the Whitewater River's rapids, or trek through the landscape’s endless wooded trails. The downtown is lined with retail, festival streets, and dotted historic sights, making for a unique time spent in charmingly unheard-of Brookville, the lakeside paradise.
Beverly Shores
The beach town of Beverly Shores is definitely a surprising appearance on the list of underrated towns where you can expect scenic dining at sunset, boat rides, and waterside recreation on a decadent weekend getaway from the city without resort prices. The town sits uniquely embraced by the Indiana Dunes National Park with many incredible attractions like the Indiana Dune and the quirky World's Fair Houses exhibit. The scape is an architectural feat that juxtaposes wild nature around Lake Michigan and started with five contemporary-designed Century of Progress Homes at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. They were built to wow citizens and withstood the test of time and transportation to establish the resort community of the day. Try the fairytale-inspired cafe "Goblin and the Grocer" or stroll to one of the aroma-emanating food trucks for a quick bite near the camp store and head back to the beckoning shore.
Beverly Shores is home to iconic sights like the train station, together with the Beverly Shores Museum and Art Gallery that will hold the interest of the entire clan. Trek the scenic hiking trails with bird-watching opportunities at the wonderful Great Marsh Trail and seek more history amidst the Century of Progress. The Lake Front Drive is perfect for a stroll with diverse lake scenery in every season and a lunch spread at the Lake View Picnic Area, right by the sandy beach. Join the renowned annual tour in October around the town's magnificent architecture. The "One Beverly Shores Place" comes with a private, secluded beach and is rated top-clean for its natural habitat. Other memorable experiences in town include a theater, gambling, and endless trails along Lake Michigan to enjoy in any way you like.
Chesterton
Chesterton boasts an idyllic location with instant access from Chicago via a scenic coastal drive. It is a desirable place to live and a lesser-known tourist destination with worthy attractions at small-town prices, which makes it a perfect road-trip stop. While Valparaiso takes the hotspot of the region around, the charm of Chesterton is imbedded in a fairytale setting, nestled gloriously in northwest Indiana.
Revel in a galore of unique pursuits, like dozens of parks and recreation spots with most-scenic trails through the Dunes. Some parks feature movie nights for an unforgettable experience with a close group or someone special in at nature's mercy at dusk. Chesterton also boasts easy access to Valpo and is just a quick drive to the coast.
Crown Point
Unjustly underrated, Crown Point is a pretty town with a downtown square that is a big tourist trap once you hit it. Find the Old Lake County Courthouse, nicknamed the "Grand Old Lady," describing the appearance and interesting finds inside. Originally, the "Marriage Mill" was built in 1878 as, essentially, a place to elope without waiting for a marriage license. It was even utilized by Muhammad Ali, who got an instant license to get married on the spot.
Attain more valuable insights from the past on a tour, followed by a shopping spree downtown. From there, the next-door wonderful Bulldog Park is perfect for family strolls and recreation, including a summertime splash pad for the little ones and year-round events. Join a fun Crown Point Car Cruise or peruse a farmers’ market during the summer, and enjoy an atmospheric ice rink in the winter.
Michigan City
The small town is much more than just home to the state prison; it is the loudly named Michigan City La Porte, a thriving community of 32,000 with big city amenities. Many come just for the epitomized maritime sights of the region and linger for the vacation feel and significant Indiana city sights. Check out the state’s few lighthouses, visit museums, and go to the zoo. There is also the Blue Chip Casino riverboat to enjoy your favorite pursuit within the scenery, along with an art center and surrounding Indiana Dunes for culture fans and naturalists.
Spend the morning at the skatepark and head for the beaches or Washington Park, a glorious place for group recreation, romantic strolls, and simple relaxation in nature's embrace. Claim a spot along the Lake Michigan shore and enjoy diving, boarding, and boating, or building your own sandy masterpieces in company. The park with the Great Lake is an enticing corner of Northern Indiana with high-speed boat races. Find nearby restaurants, a top-notch casino, and stores with boutiques. The Indiana Dunes National Park to the west is a real dream escape into a whole other natural world just a hand's reach away.
Nashville
Ironically, the most famous as most underrated, Nashville boasts beautiful scenery to discover before the word spreads about this Brown County's only incorporated town and center of Art Colony. Enjoy the immense outdoors at Brown County State Park with trails through woodlands, just as glorious amid the fresh spring air when nature awakens as during the leaf-peeping season. The county, scenically nicknamed the "little smokies," shares features with the Great Smoky Mountains, including the traverse-worthy 16,000 acres of rolling hills, ridges, and valleys.
Take a day trip to the nearby Lake Monroe, Indiana’s largest, and return to Nashville for the most delectable cuisine at suppertime. Reserve an afternoon for downtown strolls, replete with shops and a wealth of art and music. Stay sharp and focused with intermittent caffeine breaks at cute cafes for the prowess to secure envied items like original watercolor paintings, sculptures, stained glass art, solid wood furniture, handblown glass, custom jewelry, and much more.
New Harmony
The beautiful town with a complacent name sits unjustly underrated in southern Indiana, in the midst of picturesque landscape. Find a downtown full of attractions, complete with a quaint historic district that inspires a morning stroll through beautiful and interesting sights. New Harmony is a wonderful year-round destination with a laid-back atmosphere that calls for relaxation and scenic recreational pursuits.
You can also sit at a bar, hardly moving a muscle, and consume local whisky while hearing about the Harmonists. The town started as a religious utopia, hence the name, that prospered with community stewardship. Although the lofty goals never played out, New Harmony retained its tranquil vibe into the 21st century. Seek various sides of the wannabe utopia through fine architecture, public art, and museums, or embark on a nighttime ghost tour.
Rising Sun
The gorgeous little town with a name that emanates pleasant vibes spreads idyllically along the Ohio River. Rising Sun boasts a ton of outdoor sculptures along with a history museum, two casinos, and the Riverfront Park with second-to-none views of the vast Ohio River. The artistic town of 2,271 people comes adorned with the most beautiful murals, including one over a bridge.
Discover the wondrous, safe haven of the Red Wolf Sanctuary on a free visit to interact and bond with the animals. The kids are thrilled by the wild experience while learning something new during wholesome, fun family time without spending a cent. Adrenaline junkies get their doze over a flying course at the Bay and Dagaz Acres Zipline Adventures.
Wabash
Wabash is the world-renowned, first electrically lighted city ever, claiming fame in 1880, and the county seat of Wabash County. It is a perfectly underrated city for a fun date night or family time in a small-town atmosphere. Stay at the historic Charley Creek Inn and enjoy crowdless experiences for any taste. Catch a show at the Honeywell Center on a stroll through the pretty downtown. Find the streets brimming with attractions and history museums like the Dr. James Ford Historic Home and the Wabash County Historical Museum.
Venture into nature and feel embraced by the lush parks, like the Paradise Spring Historical Park, which combines natural and historical sights through a sprinkling of historic buildings along beautiful trails. The 160 acres of Asherwood Nature Preserve house incredible flora and fauna along scenic trails to exercise on in-between taking memorable Instagram shots. Come in time for the eclectic annual events or any weekend for the scene of restaurants, markets, wineries, and breweries, as well as varied shopping opportunities in this cool town that does not disappoint.
Vincennes
The unheard-of town of Vincennes is one of Indiana's most history-ridden enclaves and the state's first established city. Enjoy nature over history just like your ancestors at the beautiful George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, home to the nation's second-largest national monument after Washington, D.C. Take a snapshot by the gorgeous white-columned George Rogers Clark National Memorial masterpiece to reflect back on the significant landmark.
The photogenic city of Vincennes is the perfect getaway for history enthusiasts, with crowd-free streets strewn with sights and attractions like the Indiana Military Museum, which overflows with US military artifacts. Don't skip the chance to visit the unique Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy in honor of the man who lived in town.
Discover these glorious towns, each with a unique twist and many renowned sights that you would never call underrated. Visit during any season for varied nature and year-round events, and share your impressions of the seemingly modest town with a wealth of pursuits. Choose a location near the beachside, mountains, or wooded trails through nature and state parks.
Trek the pristine sand dunes and enjoy the uncrowded, friendly streets on a stroll or a bike-through. The small towns are replete with museums, galleries, and attractions for every taste, including fabulous food, local bars, and boutique shopping. You will leave with a lifetime of memories about the best time spent with loved ones while discovering something new together.
