8 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Indiana in 2024
Indiana's primary reputation lies with its roads, with its central location earning it the nickname crossroads of America. This is also reflected in its biggest event: the Indy 500, which takes place annually in its capital of Indianapolis. With its many roads crisscrossing through the state, you'll also be able to find many great small towns if you take the time to explore. These small towns have rich cultural traditions, great attractions and friendly residents. In fact, many of them have a reputation for Hoosier hospitality. Here are 8 of the friendliest towns in Indiana to visit in 2024.
Wabash
Wabash has been making headlines since 1880, when it became the first city in the world to be lit up by electric lights. Today, its residents offer Hoosier hospitality with both natural and "lit-up" attractions in town. The Honeywell Center is perfect for seeing a live concert or art exhibit, while the Historic Eagles Theatre provides concerts, classic movies, and comedy performances. Golfers appreciate the Honeywell Golf Course, a not-for-profit venue that is cheaper than other golfing locations. Learn more about Wabash at the Wabash County Historical Museum or Paradise Springs Historical Park, which features several historic cabins. If you're in the mood for a good hike, the Asherwood Nature Preserve is a beautiful place with both trails and more than 140 species of birds to see. This historic Indiana town is definitely worth exploring.
Nashville
Nashville is one of the best-kept secrets in Indiana, and not just because it shares the same name as the country music capital of the world. The town, located within Brown County, is a picturesque place with gently rolling hills on full display in its many parks, including Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, Lake Monroe, and other spots. Nashville is also known as the artist colony of the Midwest for its antique and craft stores, including but not limited to Moonshine Leather Co., Sweetea Tea Shop, Men's Toy Shop, Mulberry Cottage, and more. There are also many art galleries in town, such as Spears Gallery and Anabel Hopkins Fine Art. Lastly, if you want Hoosier hospitality in an unusual place, consider exploring the world's most inconvenient inn: Story Inn, located next to an old ghost town.
French Lick
French Lick is one of the best places to experience Hoosier hospitality due to its world-famous hotels. There are two hotels in town that are world-famous: West Baden Springs and French Lick Springs. West Baden Springs has an atrium that spans 200 feet, along with medieval-style towers. French Lick Springs, meanwhile, was constructed in 1845 and features a spa that was constructed in 1901. There's also a museum inside West Baden, which features artifacts of basketball star Larry Bird, gangsters, and more. For other spots in town to see, take a tour of the area on the French Lick Scenic Railway or sip some local wine from the French Lick Winery. There are also a few trails located near the hotel that you can take to get a break in nature.
Noblesville
Noblesville is a cute Indiana town located within Hamilton County on the White River with plenty of quaint and cute attractions to try out. Residents are particularly proud of Potter's Bridge Park, the site of the county's only covered bridge, which was built in the early 1870s and was restored in 1999. The town is great for outdoor adventures, whether that's going for a canoe ride with the White River Canoe Company, going on a classic carousel at Forest Park, or trying your hand at a zipline course at Koteewi Aerial Adventure. Don't forget to explore the town's historic downtown area and visit a few shops, such as Mercantile 37, which offers local and vintage home décor.
Madison
This friendly town has a reputation for both natural and architectural beauty. Nestled along the Ohio River, there's so much to see in Madison, and a lot of it doesn't cost a dime. For example, you can walk across the Milton-Madison Bridge to Kentucky or see picturesque waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park. Madison also has beautiful architecture at spots such as Historic Eleutherian College or Springdale Cemetery, with many beautiful monuments to historical figures in Madison's history. After you are done hiking, relax at one of the many locally-owned cafes and restaurants, such as The Attic Coffee Mill Café or the New Madison Brewing Company.
Corydon
Corydon's residents are a friendly bunch who are proud of their town's history. They have every reason to be proud, as Corydon was the original state capital of Indiana from 1816 to 1825, prior to it being moved north to Indianapolis. Locals will proudly show you around the many historic sites ranging from the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site to the Constitution Elm, where Indiana's constitution was signed. Civil War buffs will be happy to know this is the site of the only American Civil War battle fought in Indiana. For outdoor adventurers, there's plenty to see both above ground at O'Bannon Woods State Park and below ground in Indiana Caverns, which also provides boat tours in an underground river.
New Harmony
New Harmony has a long reputation for drawing in hopeful people, as it was the site of two utopian communities in the early 1800s, the Harmonists and the Owenites, who aimed to create model societies in this cute Indiana town. New Harmony's architecture and outdoor facilities reflect this dedication to order and beauty, such as The Roofless Church open-air cathedral or The Labyrinth State Memorial. You can learn more about New Harmony at the Atheneum Visitor's Center or take a historical tour through town to see many buildings from the original utopian founders. For shoppers, there are loads of antique stores in town, ranging from Firehouse Antiques & Advertising to artifacts. New Harmony's locals will be happy to show you around this historic town.
Shipshewana
Before you leave the Hoosier state, make sure to visit the hidden gem of Shipshewana, home to one of the largest Amish communities in the U.S. Although often regarded as isolationist, the Amish are quite hospitable hosts, which you can experience at the many restaurants in town, ranging from Shipshewana Auction Restaurant to Woodside Diner. You can learn about this community's lifestyle at the Menno-Hof Interpretative Center or visit one of the more than 120 Amish cottage shops. If you really want to see a different side of Shipshewana, take the Pumpkvine Nature Trail, which guides you through beautiful forests, farms, and local businesses. Shipshewana is also renowned for its quilts, which you can see on display by driving on the Barn Quilt Trail.
Despite its location in the Midwest, Indiana is often described as having a strong Southern culture, which is on display in many of these friendly towns. Locals will happily show you around the many attractions in their towns, whether you want to see a battleground, a great spot to eat, or a beautiful park. These towns offer a variety of views, such as the waterfalls of Madison and the state parks of Nashville. These friendly towns are just the place to relax and kick back in Indiana.
