8 Delightful Towns to Visit in Indiana

Indiana is a state with a long and storied history. Joining the Union as the 19^th state in 1816, the state's motto is the Crossroads of America due to its central location in the Midwest. Bordering Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky, the state has a mixture of environments with many natural scenic places, museums, and other locations to check out. The Hoosier State also has many delightful small towns where you can see beautiful architecture, state parks, boutique shops, and more. Here are 8 of the most delightful small towns you can visit in Indiana today.

New Harmony

Founded by a group of utopians called the Harmonists, the delightful small town of New Harmony has a rich history of multiple groups moving into town in hopes of a bright future. The town displays its history proudly, with many older buildings, restored sites, and places built in the style of those original founders. By taking the historical tour, you can see Thrall's Opera House, the Fauntleroy House, Community House #2, and the Harmonist cemetery. New Harmony is filled with serene locations, including the Harmonist Labyrinth, which is made of concentric circles of privet hedge, and the Harmonie State Park on the banks of the Wabash River. For antique hunters, New Harmony is a delightful spot as it hosts the Firehouse Antiques & Advertising, artifacts, and much more.

Santa Claus

Named after Father Christmas himself, Santa Claus is a cute small town with big thrills and adventures. Its biggest attraction is the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Theme Park. This family-owned amusement park provides multiple wooden roller coasters, water rides, and free unlimited soft drinks and sunscreen, making it a perfect place for families and thrill-seekers alike. Santa Claus is also true to its namesake, with many Christmas-themed spots open year-round, including the Santa Claus Museum Village, Santa Claus Christmas Store, Santa's Toys, and more. At the museum, you can see a 22-foot tall statue of St. Nick, or you can try out some Christmas-themed meals such as the Grinch Pizza at S&S BBQ & Pizzeria or the Fat Santa Challenge at Fat Santa's Pizza & More.

Goshen

Named after the city in Egypt where the book of Exodus in the Bible records the Israelites living, Goshen is a town renowned for innovation and togetherness. Known as the Maple City, Goshen is a great place for sweets lovers, with restaurants such as the Canele Café, The Nut Shop, and the Goshen Brewing Company, which offers cake in addition to brews and much more. Learn about the history of Goshen at the Gosh Historical Museum or enjoy a performance at the Goshen Theater. If hiking is more up your alley, visit the Mill Race Trail, which connects the downtown area with multiple marks and neighborhoods and runs along the early hydraulic canal. Before you leave town, check out the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, renowned as the RV Capital of the world.

Lincoln City

Lincoln City is a hidden gem in the Hoosier state for one reason: it was the boyhood home of one of America's most famous presidents, Abraham Lincoln. He lived there with his family for 14 years and grew passionate about books, learning, freedom, and law. At the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, you can learn all about his life at the museum or visit the gravesite of his mother Nancy Hank Lincoln. The memorial also features a Living Historical Farm with a cabin, outbuildings, and living reenactors in clothing from the early 19th century. For hikers, the Lincoln State Park is a scenic destination, featuring a nature center, beach at Lake Lincoln, and the Lincoln Amphitheatre, which hosts events from May to October. Lincoln City is also close to Santa Claus, Indiana, so it'll be easy to see both places during one visit.

Corydon

The former state capital of Indiana is a great spot for history lovers. The small town of Corydon hosts the Battle of Corydon Historic Site, where the only Civil War battle in Indiana took place. The Corydon Capital State Historic Site and Governor Hendrick's Headquarters are both great examples of early 19th-century architecture, while the Leora Brown School preserves the history of African American Hoosier residents as one of the oldest African American schools in the state. If historic sites aren't your cup of trees, then maybe try out some natural history at Indian Caverns, which offers a 25-minute boat ride underground. Corydon also hosts O'Bannon Woods, which offers 25 miles of hiking and horseback trails.

Nashville

While the country music capital of the world may be more well-known, Nashville, Indiana, is no slacker when it comes to great places to visit. Located within Brown County, Nashville is a delightful town with a beautiful state park, quaint antique shops, and more. Brown County State Park is known as the Little Smokies for its similarity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers hiking, biking, trail rides, and spots to swim. The town has other parks, including Yellowwood State Forest and Lake Monroe Reservoir. Nashville is known as the art colony of the Midwest for its many boutique stores and galleries, such as Carmel Corn Cottage, The Emerald Pencil, The Holly Shop, Eli's Gallery and Framery, Anabel Hopkins Fine Art, and much more.

Ferdinand

Named after the Austrian Emperor, Ferdinand is a beautiful small town with a rich Catholic immigrant history. By taking the Ferdinand Historical Walking Tour, you can see many classic sites, including St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, St. Ferdinand Church Rectory, Olinger House, and more. For a truly beautiful place in town, consider staying at the Monastery Immaculate Conception or try out St. Benedict's Brew Works, the only brewery located within a nun's religious community. There are many places you go for a walk around town as well including the Ferdinand 18^th Street Park and Walking Paths and the Ferdinand State Forest, located a short drive away outside of the city limits. If you love antiques, try out the Ferdinand Antique Emporium before you leave town.

Shipshewana

Shipshewana is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the U.S., which makes it a delightful place to visit to experience all Amish country has to offer. Despite their reputation as reclusive, the Amish are deeply hospitable, and you can experience that firsthand with many Amish restaurants, including Blue Gat's Tiffany's Restaurant and Woodside Diner in nearby LaGrange. Learn about the Amish lifestyle at the Menno-Hof Interpretative Center or explore more than 120 Amish Cottage Shops in town, including Silver Star Leather and Owl Toy Craft. If you prefer to see the area on foot, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is ideal, as it provides a 17-mile trail that runs alongside multiple Amish farms, restaurants, and ice cream shops.

Indiana's Charming Towns Await Your Visit

Indiana has a reputation for vehicles, both at the Indy 500 and as a hub point for travelers going through the Midwest. However, as this list demonstrates, there are plenty of delightful places to stop and explore as well. From the historic architecture of Corydon to the beautiful state parks of Nashville to the quaint communities of Shipshewana, there's so much to see in Indiana. The next time you visit the Hoosier state, consider adding one of these 8 small towns to your itinerary.