10 Underrated Small Towns To Explore In Indiana
Every time one thinks of vacationing in the picturesque Midwestern US State of Indiana, an image of the expanding Indianapolis - the state capital and most populous city is the foremost to flash across one’s mind. Nonetheless, outside the Hoosier State’s bustling urban agglomerations are innumerable underrated small towns scattered all over the 35,868 sq. mi. terrain that should not be overlooked by holidaymakers. Boasting astounding natural landscapes, exquisite retro architecture, vibrant yearly festivities, fabulous shopping experiences, and generous Hoosier hospitality, these quaint Indiana communities deserve top spots on your travel plans.
Nashville
The seat of south-central Indiana’s Brown County and its solitary incorporated community, Nashville, is located in Washington Township, just 40 miles south of Indianapolis. Initially christened Jacksonburg and later renamed after the more famous Tennessee capital city, this alluring town is distinguished for being the kernel of one of the most prominent art colonies of the Midwest - the Brown County Art Colony. Shutterbugs, fine artists, and tourists frequently flock here, mesmerized by the independently owned specialty shops, galleries, wineries, clothing boutiques, antique stores, entertainment venues, and restaurants like Hobnob Corner lining the downtown. The bordering Yellowwood State Forest and Brown County State Park’s bucolic settings, as well as their mind-boggling fall and spring sceneries, will surely hypnotize all nature enthusiasts. Vacationists must tour the T.C. Steele State Historic Site apart from being present at the town’s annual Harmony Valley Music Festival and Brown County Rock & Mineral Show.
Angola
Set up in 1838, this Steuben County seat of government sits at the farthermost northeastern section of the state in Pleasant Township. Angola’s noticeable site of interest is ‘The Mound’ - its downtown traffic circle, at the nucleus of which stands a monument in memory of those from Steuben County who took part in the American Civil War. Encompassing a significant portion of the town’s central business district is the Angola Commercial District, with over 49 contributing buildings, including the noteworthy Steuben County Courthouse, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Angola City Hall, and Steuben County Jail, among many others. Window-shop from the downtown’s unlimited quirky boutiques, cafes, specialty stores, antique shops, and first-class restaurants like Timbers Steakhouse & Seafood, Sutton’s Deli, etc., and spend wonderful moments with loved ones at the proximal Pokagon State Park by the unpolluted Lake James.
Corydon
Initially the capital of the Territory of Indiana from 1813 to 1816 and the state capital till 1825, Corydon, at present the seat of Harrison County, is situated in Harrison Township to the north of Ohio River, just about 25 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky. The most sought-after southern Indiana tourist retreat, Corydon’s National Register-listed downtown historic district has a number of remarkable structures such as the first statehouse (Old Capitol), Kintner-McGrain House, Old Treasury Building, Constitution Elm Memorial, and other sites linked with the Battle of Corydon. Outdoorsy types can engage in hiking, horseback riding, zooming through the canopy on a zipline, mountain biking, and birdwatching activities at the Haywood Nature Reserve and O’Bannon Woods State Park. Annually, events like the Halloween Parade, the re-enactment of the Battle of Corydon, Friday night band concerts, and the week-long Harrison County Fair draw thousands of revelers.
Williamsport
Platted in December 1828 by William Harrison, this lovely Warren County administrative center is located in Washington Township along State Road 28, near the Wabash River shores. Formerly called ‘Side-Cut City,’ Williamsport is one of the oldest active towns in the state. Placed close to the town center is the 90-foot-tall Williamsport Falls, Indiana’s tallest free-falling waterfall and Williamsport’s most conspicuous natural feature. Old-school architecture connoisseurs should check out the Warren County Courthouse, Williamsport Presbyterian Church, and Tower House, while outdoor enthusiasts get to engage in an array of water-based recreations down the Wabash River.
Aurora
Dubbed “The City of Spires” and named for the Goddess of Dawn in the Roman mythos, this teeny community in the state’s southeastern corner lies next to the Ohio River in Center Township of Dearborn County, around 35 miles west of Cincinnati. Platted in 1819 and officially incorporated in 1848, this town with 3,479 residents as per the latest US Census, is acclaimed for its historic downtown district, which features infinite pristinely kept landmark structures in different architectonic styles, including the ornamented Hillforest mansion, Aurora Public Library, Aurora City Hall, Aurora First United Methodist Church, First Evangelical United Church of Christ, George Street Bridge, etc. The distinct parks like Lesko Park, Gabbard Riverfront Park, Aurora Recreation Community Center, Aurora City Park, and Mary A. Stratton Park provide adventurists with superior-quality walking trails and lots of outdoor recreation. One of the state’s oldest festivals, the Aurora Farmers Fair is celebrated every October with street parades, food booths, rides, vendors, and two entertainment stages.
New Harmony
New Harmony, a lovable midwestern community founded by the Harmony Society, is located alongside the Wabash River in Posey County’s Harmony Township, exactly 15 miles north of Mount Vernon. Forming a portion of the Evansville Metropolitan Area, this 690-inhabitant town became the home of Owenists after the return of the Harmonists to Pennsylvania, progressively developing into a nationally important social equality, educational, and scientific research mecca. Tourists visiting the National Register-listed New Harmony Historic District must start their sightseeing excursion from the Atheneum Visitors Center and then head on to the district’s many renovated Owenite and Harmonist properties such as the George Bentel House, Amon Clarence Thomas House, Ludwig Epple House, Mattias Scholle House, and many more. Additionally, do discover the Harmonist Labyrinth, Workingmen’s Institute & Library, Cathedral Labyrinth, Our Lord’s Woods, Roofless Church, Tillich Park, and the nearby Harmonie State Park. Spare time from your busy schedules to attend any of the town’s yearly fun-filled events like ‘A Walk Into The Past,’ New Harmony’s Community Halloween Party, Heritage Artisans Week, and Christmas in New Harmony.
Goshen
Elkhart County’s seat of government, Goshen, occupies the state’s Michiana region by the side of the Elkhart River, approximately 25 miles southeast of South Bend. In addition to housing the principal campus of Goshen College, the town’s economy is mainly driven by its famed recreational vehicle and accessories manufacturing industries. Stop by the Elkhart County Courthouse, besides browsing the other meticulously restored landmark structures and an array of gift shops, entertainment venues, boutiques, cafes, bars, and upscale diners like Biebs & Ash and The Table @108 at the downtown. Spend quality time amidst the greens at the myriad city parks, attend the annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair in the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, and First Friday's program held in the downtown core on the first Friday of each month.
Shipshewana
An entrancing Amish community named after the Indigenous Potawatomi Indian Chief, Shipshewana is situated in Newbury Township of LaGrange County, a little more than two hours away from Chicago. Lauded for photographic views of its countryside, holidayers exploring this typical Midwestern town should take pleasure in horse-drawn carriage tours or a leisurely walk down the downtown to appreciate the impressive Victorian architecture and peruse the numerous antique shops, trendy boutiques, coffee shops, local bakeries, and specialty shops. When in town, the Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum, Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, Blue Gate Theatre, and Shipshewana Flea Market are must-visits. Adventurous souls get to partake in umpteen water-based recreations at different beautiful lakes encircling the town as well as observe outstanding handiwork at the yearly Shipshewana Quilt Festival.
French Lick
Primarily a French trading station constructed next to a spring and mineral lick, this adorable resort town in the French Lick Township of southern Indiana’s Orange County is located approx. 50 miles northwest of Louisville. The French Lick Scenic Railway offers awe-inspiring panoramas of the abutting landscapes as its winds past bewitching geological landmarks, an 1850s log cabin, and the Burton Railroad Tunnel via the Hosier National Forest. Furthermore, vacationers must unwind at the French Lick Springs Hotel, take a wine cruise at Patoka Lake, gain knowledge about the bygone years at the French Lick West Baden Museum, and play golf at the Pete Dye Course.
Franklin
Franklin, Johnson County’s administrative center labeled in honor of Benjamin Franklin - an American polymath, is situated roughly 20 miles south of the state capital and 90 miles north of Louisville. Besides being home to the well-known Franklin College, the town is noted for its carefully preserved old brick structures and several Victorian mansions like the Johnson County Courthouse, Johnson County Museum of History, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Artcraft Theatre. Stroll down Franklin’s inviting downtown filled with vintage shops, coffeehouses, locally-owned boutiques, toy stores, and many eateries, including Court Street Café, that satisfy every palate. All through the town, the Franklin Parks & Recreation Department maintains miles and miles of walking trails connecting the various parks, public libraries, community centers, and public pools.
From Nashville - the epicenter of Brown County Art Colony to Aurora - the ‘City of Spires,’ the teeny communities in the 38th largest and 17th most populous state of the nation reveal the true essence of the Hoosier State. Each of these postcard-pretty towns with its unparalleled attractiveness and a slew of natural, historical, and cultural magnets, guarantees a memorable and authentic Indiana experience for every tourist visiting either during short weekend trips or extended escapades.
