8 Cozy Towns to Visit in Indiana
Formally admitted to the Union on December 11, 1816, as the 9th State, Indiana is a picturesque state in the American Midwest and one of the eight US States that make up Northern America’s Great Lakes region. Although the sprawling metropolis of Indianapolis - the state’s capital and its largest city, first comes to one’s mind whenever one thinks of touring the Hoosier State, there are innumerable cozy towns speckled all over Indiana’s 35,868 sq. mi terrain that are waiting to be discovered by travelers of all ages. Boasting incredible natural sceneries, marvelous old architecture, amazing shopping opportunities, colorful yearly festivals, and welcoming Hoosier hospitality, these quaint communities are such that tourists would wish to visit again and again.
Madison
Jefferson County’s administrative center, Madison, named after President James Madison, is a heritage river town in southeastern Indiana along the shores of the mighty Ohio River. Madison’s entire downtown is designated a National Historic Landmark District, and it comprises more than 1,700 contributing properties constructed in Federal, Greek Revival, and Italianate architectural styles. Such noteworthy structures include the Lanier Mansion, Jefferson County Historical Society Museum, Shrewsbury-Windle House, 1895 Railroad Depot, etc. Annually, over 370,000 tourists head to the nearby 1,416-acre Clifty Falls State Park, which has the gorgeous Clifty Creek Canyon apart from the waterfalls (Big Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, Little Clifty Falls, and Hoffman Falls) on the Clifty Creek. Numerous events like the Madison Regatta, Halloween Festival, Fourth of July parade & firework extravaganza, the H1 Unlimited hydroplane boat race, Mayor’s Movies In The Park, and a Very Merry Madison Christmas Celebration.
Shipshewana
Shipshewana, christened in honor of a local Potawatomi Indian Chief, is an enchanting Amish community situated in the Newbury Township of Northern Indiana’s LaGrange County, approximately 2 hours drive from Chicago. Admired for its lovely surroundings, vacationers visiting this town must indulge in horse-drawn carriage tours or walk down the downtown to observe the magnificent Victorian architecture and have a look at the scores of specialty shops, antique stores, trendy boutiques, coffee shops, and bakeries. The Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum, Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, Hosteler’s Hudson Auto Museum, Blue Gate Theatre, Shipshewana Event Center, and the Shipshewana Flea Market - one of the biggest outdoor flea markets are some impressive attractions. Take part in umpteen water-based recreations at the appealing lakes abutting the town and witness awe-inspiring handiwork at the yearly Shipshewana Quilt Festival.
Angola
This seat of government of Steuben County, founded on June 28, 1838, sits at the extreme northeastern corner of the state in the county’s Pleasant Township. The most noteworthy site of interest in this 9,340-resident town is the downtown traffic circle (“The Mound”), at the core of which is a 67-foot-tall monument in memory of all those from Steuben County who fought in the American Civil War. The National Register-listed Angola Commercial District encompassing the town’s central business district has about 49 contributing properties, including the Steuben County Courthouse, Angola City Hall, Steuben County Jail, First Congregational United Church of Christ, etc. Browse the myriad specialty stores, unique boutiques, antique shops, cafes, wineries, and finest restaurants like Sutton’s Deli and Timbers Steakhouse & Seafood that line the scenic streets of the Downtown. The 1,260-acre Pokagon State Park, situated roughly 5 miles north of Angola along the immaculate Lake James, is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Corydon
Corydon, the capital of Indiana Territory from 1813 to 1816, the state capital from 1816 to 1825, and at present the administrative center of Harrison County, is located in Harrison Township to the north of the Ohio River, approx. Twenty-five miles west of Louisville, Kentucky. The downtown historic district of this most-liked southern Indiana tourist haven features countless important buildings such as the foremost statehouse (Old Capitol), Constitution Elm Memorial, Kintner-McGrain House, Old Treasury Building, and other places linked with the famed Battle of Corydon. The Haywood Nature Reserve and O’Bannon Woods State Park offer hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, mountain biking, and birdwatching activities for the outdoorsy types. Furthermore, do attend any of the town’s events, including a yearly reenactment of the Battle of Corydon, Friday night band concerts, the annual Halloween parade, bluegrass music performances, and the Harrison County Fair held in the third week of June at the Harrison County Fairgrounds.
Aurora
Named after the Roman Goddess of dawn, Aurora is an adorable community along the Ohio River in Center Township of southeastern Indiana’s Dearborn County, approx. Thirty-five miles west of Cincinnati. Nicknamed “The City of Spires,” the town is acclaimed for its downtown historic district, which comprises many well-maintained old structures in different architectural styles, including the Aurora City Hall, George Street Bridge, Aurora Public Library, Hillforest mansion, Aurora First United Methodist Church, First Evangelical United Church of Christ, etc. A large number of parks like Lesko Park, Gabbard Riverfront Park, Aurora Recreation Community Center, Aurora City Park, Mary A. Stratton Park, etc., each with exclusive walking trails, provide plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities for adrenaline junkies. One of the state’s oldest festivals - the Aurora Farmers Fair, is held every October with street parades, food booths, rides, and two entertainment stages.
New Harmony
With only 690 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, this historic town in southwestern Indiana’s Posey County is situated along the Wabash River, approx. Fifteen miles north of Mount Vernon. Established in 1814 by John George Rapp, the German Pietist preacher and founder of Harmony Society, the town became the home of Owenists after the Harmonists returned to Pennsylvania in 1824 and slowly developed into a national educational, social equality, and scientific research mecca. Holidayers visiting the New Harmony Historic District must first start their walking tours from the Atheneum Visitors Center and then proceed to witness the numerous Harmonist and Owenite properties, including George Bentel House, Ludwig Epple House, Mattias Scholle House, Amon Clarence Thomas House, etc. Additionally, survey the Harmonists Labyrinth, Roofless Church, Workingmen’s Institute & Library, Paul Tillich Park, and the adjoining Harmonie State Park. Every year, the town hosts “A Walk into The Past,” Harvest Craft Fair, Christmas in New Harmony, Kunstfest, Heritage Artisans Week, and New Harmony’s Community Halloween Party.
Goshen
Goshen, dubbed “The Maple City,” occupies northern Indiana’s Michiana region along the Elkhart River, exactly 25 miles southeast of South Bend. Aside from being home to the principal campus of Goshen College, this administrative center of Elkhart County is noted as a leading recreational vehicle and accessories manufacturing hub. Walk down through Goshen’s high-spirited downtown and browse the meticulously restored landmark structures, including the Elkhart County Courthouse, in addition to the ample gift shops, bars, authentic Mexican cafes, amusement centers, boutiques, and top-class restaurants. When in town, stop by the various city parks featuring greenways and many miles of biking/walking trails, the Elkhart County Fairgrounds that host the Elkhart County 4-H Fair annually, and the First Fridays program held on the first Friday of every month at the Downtown.
Nashville
Brown County’s seat of government and its sole incorporated town, Nashville, called after the more popular Tennessee capital city, is situated in Washington Township in south-central Indiana, around 40 miles south of Indianapolis. Founded by Banner C. Brummett in 1836 and primarily called Jacksonburg, this appealing town is widely known for being the heart of Brown County Art Colony - one of the Midwest’s most renowned art colonies. A plethora of locally-owned antique stores, specialty shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, artist studios, entertainment venues, wineries, eateries, and comfortable bed & breakfasts that fill Nashville’s Downtown cater to the visiting artists, photographers, and international tourists. Furthermore, the adjacent Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest’s bucolic settings and spectacular fall and spring sceneries will surely captivate all nature lovers. Do not forget to tour the T.C. Steele State Historic Site - located just 10 miles west of Nashville, and find time to attend any of the town’s yearly events, such as the Brown County Bluegrass Festival, Corn Maze Beer Fest, Festival of Lights, Brown County Rock & Mineral Show, and Harmony Valley Music Festival.
From Madison - having an all-encompassing National Historic Landmark District to Nashville - the nucleus of Brown County Art Colony, the 38th largest and 17th most populous state in the country, is chock-full of homey towns that vacationers must tour for an authentic Indiana experience. Exuding a distinctive allure and with plenty of historical, cultural, and natural attractions to enjoy, these lovely Indiana towns are ideal destinations for planning a memorable, fun-filled short weekend trip or extended vacations with near ones.
