6 Most Photogenic Towns In Indiana
As one of the leading states in America’s agricultural and industrial sectors, Indiana is not necessarily at the top of people's travel lists. However, this often-overlooked destination boasts stunning waterways and a rich history as the 19th state, making it one of the most underrated travel spots in the country. Whether exploring the charms of a historic downtown or snapping the perfect shot of a racing river, Indiana may just surprise you with how captivating it truly is. With that said, if you are looking to dabble in some off-the-beaten-path traveling in 2025, here are six of Indiana’s most photogenic towns to explore in the new year.
Madison
In southern Indiana, Madison stands out as one of the prettiest historic river towns in the United States. Founded in 1809 along the Ohio River, this former port town has since become famous for its historic preservation. Madison’s Historic District is legendary, boasting over 1,700 significant structures (including pre-Civil War homes) and two National Historic Landmarks: The Lanier Mansion and Shrewsbury-Windle Home.
After your stroll back in time, downtown spaces like Bicentennial Park offer stunning views of the river and Milton-Madison Bridge, or you can hop aboard a Rockin Thunder River Tour. Back on land, Clifty Falls State Park is another one of Madison’s best attractions, boasting four waterfalls over 60 feet tall. Along with Madison’s rich history and river views, this charming park helped the town earn the #1 spot on USA Today’s 2024 list of “10 Best Small Towns in the Midwest.”
Wabash
If waterfalls and river views are on your radar in 2025, Wabash is the perfect follow-up. Much like Madison, this charming Indiana town combines history and natural splendor with sites like Paradise Spring Historical Park. Here, the 0.75-mile Paradise Spring Riverwalk Trail offers stunning views of the Wabash River. As you stroll the paved path, you will also see historic cabins and plaques commemorating the 1826 treaty between the American government and the Potawatomi and Miami tribes.
To experience Wabash’s waterfalls, make Wabash City Park your next stop. Just ten minutes from Paradise Spring, this 30-acre park features three picnic shelters, a playground for your kids, and the star attraction: Charley Creek Falls. Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run is a great alternative for a more tucked-away waterfall view, with a stunning array of cascades and cliffs that soar up to 75-feet high. Whether you visit in winter to marvel at the frozen waterfalls or in spring to enjoy the blooming wildflowers, this preserve is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque spots in Indiana.
Crown Point
For a frozen-in-time town, Crown Point boasts some of the prettiest historic sites in the state. As you explore its Downtown Square, Crown Point’s Old Lake County Courthouse takes center stage. This "Grand Old Lady," as it is fondly nicknamed, was built in the Victorian Era-Romanesque Georgian style from 1878 to 1879. While no longer serving as a government building, the Grand Old Lady is still a fabulous point of interest. Inside its brick walls, you can find attractions like the Lake County Historical Society Museum and shops like Antique Vault and Records, Toys in the Attic, and Candy Cove.
Over on South Main Street, the Old Sheriffs House Lake County Jail is another architectural marvel transporting visitors back to the 1800s. Dubbed “The Old Jail,” by locals, the building was constructed shortly after the County Courthouse in 1882, featuring a mix of Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival styles. Visitors can tour this grand historic site to learn more about its construction and history, including the criminals it once housed. Noteworthy names include figures like John Dillinger, an infamous gangster known for robbing banks during the Great Depression.
New Albany
If we return to the Ohio River, New Albany stands as one of Indiana's most photogenic towns thanks to its waterfront parks and historic landmarks. The New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater is a laid-back place to take in river views, or you can enjoy picnics, strolls, and riverside bike rides at the town’s portion of the Ohio River Greenway, a 7.5-mile multi-use path.
For a slice of New Albany’s historic beauty, visitors can discover attractions such as the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, a striking three-story estate built in the late 1800s. Once the residence of Indiana's wealthiest man, this "Masterpiece of Victorian Artistry" is definitely worth a visit. Another notable site is the "Town Clock Church" on Main Street, now known as the Second Baptist Church. Its iconic steeple is one of the Historic District’s most eye-catching features and it once served as a guiding beacon for freedom seekers crossing the Ohio River during the Underground Railroad.
Aurora
Similar to New Albany, Aurora’s historic downtown is deeply connected to its setting on the Ohio River. Once a thriving port town, today, visitors can step back in time to Old Indiana by exploring Aurora’s best historic sites. Highlights include buildings like the Hillforest mansion, a Victorian-era beauty built in the Italian Renaissance style. This stunning preservation of Aurora’s past is located just a few blocks from the river, making it the perfect prelude to a stroll at waterfront green spaces like Lesko Park.
The remainder of Aurora’s 25-block historic district is equally picture-perfect, boasting a range of 19th and 20th-century buildings. By downloading the free PocketSights Tour Guide app, visitors can take the Aurora Historic Sites Tour. You will begin your journey at the George Street Bridge (built in 1887), followed by an array of other historic sites and landmarks, including Aurora City Hall, the Aurora Depot, and the 1878 Italianate-style Stapp Opera House.
Goshen
For simple pleasures and postcard scenes, Goshen is an ideal Indiana escape. In a 2012 assessment, it was found that half of the town's public trees were maples, leading to its nickname, "The Maple City." You can see these namesake maples all around town, including Goshen’s walkable town center. Here, Goshen’s top attractions can be explored by foot to take in historic storefronts and landmarks like the Historic Goshen Police Booth.
Whether shopping for treasures at the Goshen Antique Mall, learning more about the town’s history at the Goshen Historical Museum, or catching a live show at the Goshen Theater, Goshen’s downtown has something for everyone. Once you recharge at cafes like Embassy Coffee, a short drive will bring you to Fidler Pond Park, a lovely follow-up to your time downtown. This 100-acre park and its 80-acre pond can be explored with on-site kayak, canoe, or pedal boat rentals, or you can stroll its shores on the walking trail to breathe in the scenery.
Why Visit These Photogenic Indiana Towns?
Capturing the perfect photo may not be the main focus of your getaway, but the breathtaking beauty of these Indiana towns will certainly inspire you to keep your camera handy. But even when your camera is tucked away, the stunning historic landmarks, majestic rivers, and sparkling waterfalls in these Indiana towns will be captured in your memories for years to come. From the fabulous architecture of Crown Point to the striking cascades of Wabash, these towns—whether indoors or outdoors—are sure to leave you in awe.
