2024's 8 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Indiana
Indiana extends from the Ohio River on its southern border to the shores of Lake Michigan to the north, with its capital and biggest city, Indianapolis, in the middle. As a midwestern state, Indiana has a large agricultural sector, yet there is much more than just endless farmland in the “Hoosier State.” In fact, Indiana has one of the best collections of small towns in America, shaped by generations of immigration, industry, commerce, and culture. From the riverside town of New Harmony to the historical town of Corydon, check out our list of 2024’s most beautiful small towns in Indiana.
New Harmony
With New Harmony’s picture-perfect location along the Wabash River in southwestern Indiana, it is easy to see why the Harmonists, a utopian group from Pennsylvania, founded their new town there in 1814. About ten years later, the Owenists, another utopian group, tried to establish their perfect society in New Harmony. While these utopian experiments failed, the well-preserved and restored New Harmony Historic District showcases the unique history and legacy of this small community. New Harmony’s impressive visitor’s center, the Atheneum, is the starting point for walking tours of town as well as information on boating and recreation on the Wabash River.
Madison
When founded in the early 1800s, Madison was intended to compete with the Ohio River ports of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky, both located within 70 miles. Madison’s failure to become a major city has a silver lining, though, as it is a beautiful riverfront town of 12,000 that has preserved much of its historic character. Downtown Madison has America’s largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District, with block after block of lovingly-maintained 1800s structures. The Madison area is also blessed with ample natural beauty, most notably at Clifty Falls State Park, home to Clifty Canyon and several waterfalls.
Angola
Named by early settlers from Angola, New York, the northeastern Indiana town of Angola is laid out around a central green space, which has been dominated since 1917 by the 67-foot-tall Steuben County Soldiers Monument. The county courthouse and other key community buildings surround the green and face the monument, and the nearby shopping district is known for its collection of antique stores. Angola’s 9,000 residents and thousands of annual visitors also enjoy easy access to nearby Pokagon State Park, which sits along beautiful Lake James and offers numerous options for outdoor recreation.
French Lick
Longtime basketball fans may know French Lick as the hometown of Hall of Fame legend Larry Bird, but generations of Hoosiers have known it as a resort destination. The presumed health properties of the area’s mineral springs led to the creation of grand spa resorts, most notably the grand French Lick Resort and Casino (1897) that overlooks downtown. On the other side of town, the equally opulent West Baden Springs Hotel boasts an amazing 1902 atrium with a 200-foot wide dome. Warm weather offers boating on nearby Patoka Lake, while winter weather opens the ski slopes at Paoli Peaks, a little more than ten miles away.
Paoli
There are only two ski resorts in the mostly-flat state of Indiana, one of which is Paoli Peaks, outside the town of Paoli. But you do not need to be a skier to appreciate this lovely little town of 3,500 that boasts a classic town square and historic county courthouse. A walking tour reveals Paoli’s connections to the Underground Railroad, which helped guide escaped slaves to freedom in Canada. Paoli is also home to Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest, one of the last remnants of the virgin oak forests that used to cover southern Indiana.
Metamora
Like the river town of Madison, Indiana’s canal town of Metamora may have benefitted from its failure to economically thrive as anticipated. Metamora emerged during Indiana’s canal-building craze of the 1830s and the arrival of the railroads that soon followed, and this tiny community of about 200 residents looks and feels much as it did in that era. Metamora has numerous well-maintained historic structures, including a still-operating gristmill, and visitors can float down a preserved section of the Whitewater Canal or ride along the scenic railway that follows the canal path. It is a true-to-life living history museum!
Shipshewana
Indiana has the third largest Amish community in the U.S., and Shipshewana is the economic hub for the approximately 15,000 Amish who live in northern Indiana’s LaGrange County. Due to its convenient location near the Indiana Toll Road and not far from the cities of South Bend and Fort Wayne, Shipshewana is a popular tourist destination for those seeking a glimpse of the simplicity of Amish life. Tourists flock to the Blue Gate Restaurant to sample Amish cuisine and entertainment and shop at Shipshewana’s giant summertime flea market (with over 700 vendors) to pick up Amish crafts and much more.
Corydon
Tiny Corydon, located along the Ohio River in far southern Indiana, does not stand out on a map, yet it is full of historic significance. Corydon served as Indiana’s capital from the beginning of statehood in 1816 until 1825, and visitors can still check out historic structures like the Old Capitol Building and Governor’s Residence. Not far away, the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park commemorates the only Civil War skirmish that took place in the Hoosier State. And, just a few miles from downtown, Indiana Caverns boasts both the largest cavern system in the state and an adjacent adventure park.
One of Indiana’s nicknames is the “Crossroads of America,” due to its central location in the Midwest and the numerous major highways that intersect within its borders. But make sure that you exit the big highways and explore the country roads when you arrive in Indiana. In addition to the eight beautiful towns listed here, you will uncover even more gems to add to your own personal “must-visit” list. So get started on your 2024 travel plans today!
