8 Most Charming River Towns in Indiana
A visit to any of these charming river towns in Indiana will offer a mix of small-town charm, history, arts and culture, and natural beauty to enjoy. Skip the big city for communities that live and breathe the great outdoors.
Madison
Madison is a charming town of around 12,200 residents on the northern banks of the Ohio River. It has a rich cultural history and was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Currently, it is home to an eclectic arts community and is one of Indiana’s six Cultural Districts. There are also numerous trails in and around town such as Heritage Trail or Hatcher Hill Trail where you can explore the magnificent terrain and take in the attractive sights of the outdoors.
Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville is a city just north of the Indiana/Kentucky border. It sits on the northern banks of the Ohio River, just north of the city of Louisville Kentucky, which is on the south side of the riverbank. It has a population of approximately 50,300, with a plethora of charming things to do while in town. There is a cultural district to explore, an arts center, museums, historic buildings, a wonderful culinary scene, and of course an opportunity to hike, bike, or stroll along the scenic riverbank.
Roanoke
Roanoke is a river town in Indiana that oozes small-town charm. Located in Huntington County in the northeastern part of the state, just west of Little River, there are several smaller waterways that run through the town. There is also camping, ziplining, farmers markets, and other outdoor adventures. When visiting, make sure to stop by for one of the numerous annual events put on in town. There are town-wide garage sales, hog roasts, carnivals, a car show, and much more. The town also has a historical museum and a public park that has multiple soccer fields, two baseball diamonds, a playground, a pavilion, and even more sports fields to play on.
Middlebury
Middlebury, Indiana is a river town on the banks of the Elkhart River. There is a notable Amish population that resides on the rich farmland in the area, as well as the top-ranked trail in Indiana, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. The breathtaking natural beauty is therefore a notable reason to visit this whimsical destination which depicts Midwestern Americana perfectly. There is more than one nature trail at your disposal when visiting this unassuming spot in rural Indiana, so you can explore different paths daily while hiking through the wilderness. There is even a Riverfest that takes place annually in August. It is an educational event that highlights the value and importance that the Elkhart River brings to the community.
Bristol
The town of Bristol is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in Elkhart County, Indiana. It is a visually immaculate river community that is one of the oldest townships in the county. There are tons of watersports available such as kayaking, canoeing, and other forms of paddling. There are also seven miles of hiking trails to wander through, as well as an old flour mill and historical museum where you can take in the sights of what life would have looked like for the residents of past times. The town itself also has interesting and one-of-a-kind shops for you to discover with an array of hidden gems for sale inside.
Newburgh
Newburgh is yet another lively community along the banks of the mighty Ohio River. It is right outside of the nearest city, Evansville. Known for its historic downtown district with picturesque old buildings Newburgh will take you back in time to the early days of Midwestern America. Today, you can find cool shops and other businesses in the district, along with impressive dining options with views of the river, a must during the end-of-the-day sunset hours. The numerous historic sites offer a glimpse into the aesthetic of earlier times while learning the local history and significance of each building.
Evansville
While in the area exploring Newburgh, pop by for a visit to the neighboring larger town of Evansville. It is also located on the Ohio River and is home to the Angel Mounds State Historic Site which was once home to prehistoric Native Americans who harvested corn and lived there from 1000 to 1450 CE. There is a walking trail throughout the site and the organization also hosts a regular lecture series that discusses and explores the way of life of the Native Americans of this region known as the Mississippian Culture. There are also wetlands, outdoor hiking trails, and more to explore in the area.
Rushville
Rushville Indiana is a river community between Cincinnati and Indianapolis. The town is home to the Flatrock River, which received the Stellar Community award, a recognition granted to only 12 communities in the area. The town prides itself on its friendly small-town feel and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. There are 40 acres of parks in town, including Riverside Park and Amphitheatre, which holds annual concerts in the summer months. Watersports are popular along the riverbanks, as well as hiking and biking the trails. Major community revitalization efforts, make Rushville one of the most charming river towns in Indiana.
These river towns in Indiana radiate quaint, small-town charm while taking you into a world of the great outdoors. You can explore the magnificent natural sights and sounds of the trails and natural parks in the area while enjoying the lesser-known nooks of this Midwestern state with a plethora of gorgeous rivers to explore.
