7 Breathtaking Towns To Visit In Indiana
From the Lake Michigan shoreline in the north to the Ohio River in the south, the midwestern state of Indiana covers a varied landscape with a long history of agriculture, industry, and commerce. The “Hoosier State” has a few big cities but is primarily a state built on small towns and rural communities. While all of these little towns have their charms, some are truly beautiful places that deserve spots on your next travel itinerary.
Angola
Because of the New England and upstate New York origins of its early settlers, the town of Angola has a different look and design than most Indiana communities. The most striking feature is the central town square, with key buildings like the county courthouse overlooking the 67-foot-high Steuben County Soldiers Monument (1917). Alongside this postcard-pretty square, the Angola Historic District is perfect for sightseeing as well as shopping for antiques. Natural beauty and outdoor recreation are also close at hand at nearby Pokagon State Park, which includes the lovely Lake James.
Corydon
Indiana history is on prominent display in the tiny town of Corydon, which was the state’s first capital in the early 1800s. Beautifully-preserved architectural highlights from the 1820s include the Old Capitol Building and the Governor’s Mansion. Nearby, the Battle of Corydon Memorial Park honors another piece of history—the only Civil War skirmish to have occurred in Indiana. Corydon is also home to the amazing Indiana Caverns, the largest cave system in the state. In addition to cave tours, Indiana Caverns has an adventure park that is full of family-friendly activities.
French Lick
French Lick gained recognition in the 1980s as the hometown of basketball legend Larry Bird, but “Hoosiers” (Indiana residents) have long known the town for its mineral springs and health resorts. Built in 1897, the sprawling yet intricately designed French Lick Resort and Casino literally looms over downtown French Lick from its elevated perch. Only a mile away, the equally ornate West Baden Springs Hotel (built in 1902) boasts a famous atrium with a majestic dome that spans 200 feet. After checking out these architectural wonders, you can experience natural beauty at Springs Valley Lake and Trail.
Madison
Madison began as Indiana’s answer to the nearby Ohio River ports of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky, but never grew into a big city like those rivals. Instead—and fortunately for fans of historic charm—Madison remained a bustling but small riverfront town that preserved most of its mid-1800s core. The Madison Historic District, a National Historic Landmark, is perfect for a walking tour, and the town has must-see homes like the 1817 Schofield House and 1844 Lanier Mansion. Additional photo opportunities await at nearby Clifty Falls State Park, home to mesmerizing waterfalls, rock formations, and fall foliage views.
Metamora
Several Indiana towns have done a great job of preserving their heritage, but parts of Metamora are so unchanged from nearly 200 years ago that they almost feel like historical recreations instead of the genuine thing. Metamora briefly thrived during Indiana’s short-lived canal-building craze in the 1830s, and a still-operating gristmill and other period structures still line the preserved section of the Whitewater Canal. Whether by a walking tour, a boat cruise on the canal, or a ride on the scenic railway that runs alongside the canal, Metamora offers a picture-perfect and truly genuine look at Indiana history.
New Harmony
Something about New Harmony’s lovely location along the Wabash River makes perfection seem possible. The Harmonists, a utopian group from Pennsylvania, settled here in 1814, followed by the Owenists, another utopian society, in 1825. While both of these utopian experiments failed, they left behind quaint homes and community buildings that continue to make New Harmony uniquely beautiful. Meanwhile, the Atheneum, a prize-winning 1979 example of modern architecture that is home to New Harmony’s visitor center, stands as a conversation-starting complement (or contradiction) to the historic structures that make up the town.
Shipshewana
LaGrange County in northern Indiana is home to about 15,000 members of the Amish community, whose values of simplicity and tradition make them a subject of tourist fascination. The town of Shipshewana is a hub for both the Amish themselves and for visitors seeking a glimpse of Amish life. Tourist spots like the Blue Gate Restaurant and the summertime flea market offer a taste of authenticity, and you are sure to hear the click-clack of hooves as horse-drawn carriages pass through town. The country lanes outside of Shipshewana are dotted with timeless family farms, while the highways lead back to modern life in the nearby cities of Fort Wayne and South Bend.
One of Indiana’s unofficial nicknames is “The Crossroads of America,” but do not take this motto as an excuse to simply pass through on the way to somewhere else. Instead, view it as an invitation to take one of the many routes into Indiana and explore its distinctive charms. Give yourself time to visit a few of the historic and beautiful communities on our list, then get to work adding to your own list of breathtaking Indiana small towns. Before you know it, you will be planning your next trip to the Hoosier State!
