7 Cutest Small Towns In Indiana To Visit In 2024
Located in the Midwestern United States, Indiana is known for its legendary basketball and motorsports. However, there is more to The Hoosier State than its epic sports settings. Diverse natural scenery throughout the state sets the backdrop for some of the most welcoming small towns in the entire Midwest. From river towns like Jasper and Whiting to the "Little Smokies" of Nashville, Indiana's cutest small towns are bursting with heritage, charm, and picturesque natural beauty.
Jasper
With approximately 17,000 residents, Jasper is the perfect combination of bustling downtown charm and scenic small-town appeal. Located in Dubois County, the scenic Southern Indiana gem offers visitors plenty of outdoor recreation throughout its beautiful parks and trail systems, including The Jasper Riverwalk & Dave Buehler Plaza, where visitors can enjoy a trek along the picturesque 2.1-mile riverwalk and The Parklands of Jasper, complete with woodlands, walking trails, a wetland area, a 9-hole golf course, and more. Visitors can also take a road trip to the Patoka Lake & Recreation Area or Ferdinand State Forest, both located less than 30 minutes east of Jasper.
Jasper’s downtown area also has plenty of historical and cultural attractions. Visit the Jasper Train Depot, a lovingly restored piece of the town’s history, before taking a scenic train ride on The Spirit of Jasper; head to “Old Jasper” and the Jasper City Mill alongside the Patoka River; or explore the Geode Grotto, a peaceful spot inspired by France’s Grotto of Lourdes. History buffs will love the DuBois County Museum, the beautiful St. Joseph Church, and the Alexander School House. At the same time, in nearby Ferdinand, the Monastery Immaculate Conception, aka “The Castle on the Hill,” is also worth a visit.
Angola
Angola is located in the heart of picture-perfect Steuben County. Also known as Northern Indiana Lake Country, the area boasts over 100 natural lakes and nearly endless recreation opportunities. Pokagon State Park—often considered one of Indiana’s most beautiful state parks—includes lovely Lake James, horseback riding, hiking trails, panoramic views, a nature center, historic Potawatomi Inn, and the only toboggan park in the state. Nearby, the Trine State Recreation Area also has scenic trails that loop through varied landscapes, including woodlands and wetlands. The Indiana Rail Experience is another fun area activity that includes themed and seasonal train excursions aboard historic trains from the 1940s and ‘50s. Looking for a unique outdoor activity? Then head to nearby Fremont, home of the Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, a vast, 400-acre prairie land home to hundreds of bison. Wild Winds also offers open-air tours as well as lodging. Visitors looking for a night out will also enjoy other popular Angola activities, such as the Angola Motorsport Speedway and the Brokaw Movie House.
Nashville
Indiana’s Brown County is known for some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery, and the lovely small town (and county seat) of Nashville is right at its heart. Centrally located amid forested landscapes, Nashville is home to Brown County State Park. Nicknamed “The Little Smokies” because of its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, the picturesque, rugged landscape is home to scenic trails (biking, hiking, and horseback riding), camping, a fire tower, and camping. Be sure to visit the park’s seven scenic vistas for some of the area’s most spectacular views and Browning Mountain, home to “Indiana’s Stonehenge.” The town’s Deer Run Park also offers fishing, trails, canoeing, kayaking, and other recreational opportunities.
Nashville also has its share of history—music history, that is. Often referred to as “Little Nashville,” the town was home to Little Nashville Opry for over 25 years. Celebrate the area’s musical heritage with a visit to the Bill Monroe Bluegrass Hall of Fame or a show at the Historic Brown County Playhouse. Nashville’s central location also makes it the perfect starting place for a Brown County road trip, including day trips to nearby Story, home of Stone Head Nature Preserve, and Beanblossom, an off-the-beaten-path small town along State Road 135.
Madison
Madison is a scenic small town along the Ohio River's banks. Surrounded by Clifty Falls State Park, the Jefferson County seat is known for its beautiful setting and many outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife watching. The popular state park is also home to some of the area’s most breathtaking scenery, with everything from rugged, steep gorges to plunging waterfalls. Take the Heritage Trail from downtown for some of the park’s best vistas. The Ohio River Scenic Byway also runs through Madison and the riverside trek is ideal for both roadtrippers and bikers alike. The nearby Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is another stunning spot for nature lovers.
The Ohio River Valley gem also has its share of eclectic cultural and historic attractions, including the quirky Madison treasure, the Broadway Fountain. A replica of the Philadelphia Centennial Iron Fountain, the destination makes for a great downtown photo op. After exploring Main Street, check out the town’s riverfront area, including beautiful views from the Madison-Milton Bridge walkway. The historic downtown area is also famed as the nation's largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District, where visitors can explore over 100 blocks of amazing architecture from sites like The Lanier Mansion to the Shrewsbury-Windle Home, both National Historic Landmarks.
Warsaw
Dubbed one of “America’s Most Charming Small Towns” by HGTV, the picturesque town of Warsaw has a lot to offer—from beautiful Winona Lake and village to a bustling downtown area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Winona Village also has hiking trails, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Warsaw’s location also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports. Known as the City of Lakes, the small town is home to Center Lake, Pike Lake, and Hidden Lake. Both Pike and Center Lake have lovely beaches perfect for day-trippers looking for relaxation. To soak up more of Warsaw’s natural scenery, be sure to visit the lush Gardens of Central Park or Warsaw Biblical Gardens before taking a walk on the popular Beyer Farm Boardwalk Trail and Old Chinworth Bridge Trail. The Warsaw Summer Concert Series is another popular event that brings visitors to the quaint small town every summer.
Shelbyville
Located just a short 30 minutes from Indianapolis, Shelbyville offers a small-town respite from the hustle and bustle of the state capital. However, this southeastern Indiana town is more than just a big city suburb—Shelby’s location on the Big Blue River is a beautiful backdrop for outdoor recreation. Walk, run, or bike along the Blue River Trail, or head to Sunset Park for more unforgettable river views and a summertime picnic. Located about an hour away, Whitewater Memorial State Park offers boating, swimming, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities and also makes a nice day trip from Shelbyville. Shelbyville also has its historic side, with many of its downtown buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take the self-guided Historic Architecture tour to learn more about the town’s history or stop at the Grover Center Museum and Historical Society, including the popular exhibit “The Streets of Old Shelby.” Those looking for more fun attractions in Shelbyville should also check out the vintage Skyline Drive-In Theater or visit the historic Strand Theatre.
Whiting
Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, Whiting is part of the larger Chicago metropolitan area—but don’t let that fool you. Despite its location close to the Windy City, the cozy town has not lost its small-town feel. Extremely walkable, scenic, and historic, Whiting’s downtown area has plenty to see and do, including bustling 119 Street along Lake Michigan; The Hoosier Theatre, the only movie palace left in Northwest Indiana; or the Carnegie Building, one of the town’s most beautiful buildings. Whiting is also home to its share of quirky, one-of-a-kind attractions, such as The National Mascot Hall of Fame and the world-famous Pierogi Fest held every summer.
With Lake Michigan and Chicago as its backdrop, Whiting has no shortage of natural beauty. Both Whihala Beach and Whiting Lakefront Park offer plenty of watersports and activities, including a gorgeous boardwalk, beach area, and floating water park. Additionally, Whiting is less than 40 minutes from Indiana Dunes, home to scenic trails, beaches, breathtaking vistas, and the highest dune in the state, Mount Tom. The Sand Ridge Nature Center in nearby River Forest, Illinois, is another fun road trip and a great way to explore nature while in Whiting.
Set amid some of the state's most breathtaking backdrops, Indiana's small towns are the perfect vacation destinations. Stunning natural scenery sets the stage for these welcoming spots located throughout The Hoosier State, while warm Midwestern hospitality truly sets them apart from their big-city counterparts. Home to everything from breathtaking state parks like Clifty Falls State Park, Brown County State Park, and Pokagon State Park to one-of-a-kind attractions like The Mascot Hall of Fame and the Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, Indiana's best small towns have the perfect blend of cozy charm and bustling activity.
