8 Most Unconventional Towns In Indiana

Indiana may not be on everyone's list of must-see travel destinations, but the Hoosier state holds plenty of surprises within its borders. At Lake Michigan's southern tip, Indiana, is where America's farmland and rust belt converge, a reminder of a time when this area was a manufacturing powerhouse.

Indiana is a state whose culture is steeped in sport. It hosts the world-famous Indianapolis 500, and its nickname, "The Hoosier State," is a reminder of the University of Indiana and Hoosiers basketball. However, Indiana is no stranger to unconventional towns. Offering unique landmarks, historic sites, and surprising views, this midwestern state has plenty of small-town options that highlight both community and the unconventional.

French Lick

This town is every bit as unique as its name. French Lick is known for many things, but two of the most popular are boasting about being the home to one of the greatest basketball players that ever lived, Larry Bird, and mineral springs.

Larry Bird called French Lick his hometown growing up, so you can travel in his footsteps at the French Lick West Baden Museum. Located on Maple Street, you will learn not only the story of the basketball legend but also other interesting facts about French Lick, like the tales of illegal gambling and gangsters who hid in the area. The other unique part of French Lick is the mineral springs. The area's natural springs have made the town long sought after for spa vacations, including French Lick Resort, a 27,000-square-foot spa. End the day with some German fare at the German Cafe on Maple Street.

Corydon

If history is your reason for a getaway, few small-town locations across the Midwest will beat Corydon. This tiny town of just over 3,000 people was once the Indiana state capital until 1825. You can check out the centuries-old buildings, like the Corydon Capital State Historic Site, to see the state's first capitol building. You can also see Constitution Elm on High Street, where the state's first constitution was drafted. Finally, visit the Battle of Corydon Historic Site, which was the site of the only Civil War battle on the state's soil.

For the more adventure-seeking visitors, you can explore the Indiana Caverns, just minutes from downtown Corydon and I-64. Here, you can take scenic tours starting at 9:00 am, including a boat ride through the 7th largest cave system in the United States.

Wabash

Wabash is a perfect example of a small town that does more with less. With just over 10,000 residents, it boasts a unique history and impressive stature among the business world. Wabash claims to be the first electrically lighted city in the world, even if it was just one courthouse! Also, the Honeywell corporation was founded in the 1880s in Wabash and still maintains a presence in this small town.

If you visit during the summer, you can step back, or drive back, in time by going to a drive-in movie at the 13-24 drive-in theater, which runs movies on Friday and Saturday nights. Or, if you're looking for something more modern, you can visit the Honeywell Center-Ford Theater, a 75,000-square-foot complex hosting special events and conventions.

Huntingburg

When you think of Indiana, the first thing that probably comes to mind isn't Hollywood. But if you visit Huntingburg, that might change. Dubbed the "Hollywood of the Midwest," this town of around 6,000 residents has been the setting of numerous movies, including A League of Their Own, Hard Rain, and Soul of the Game, which were all filmed in Huntingburg. You can check out League Stadium, whose grandstand was renovated by Columbia Pictures.

Huntingburg isn't just known for film history; you can also visit 4th Street, which is home to over two dozen local businesses, restaurants, gift shops, and more. Also, a unique fact about this town, thanks to the residents, was that Huntingburg switched back to the Eastern Time Zone in 2007 because residents were sick of it getting dark at 4:30 p.m. during the winter months.

Danville

Danville couldn't let its small-town Indiana brethren, Huntingburg, take all the Hollywood limelight. This unique Indiana town of almost 11,000 people has a passion for the Andy Griffith Show, so if that's one of your favorite shows, Danville is the place for you. Take a trip to Mayberry Cafe in downtown Danville on West Main Street.

If Andy Griffith doesn't interest you, there is the Hendricks County Historical Museum and Old County Jail on Washington Street. Here you can view artifacts dating back to 1866, see Second Empire Style architecture, and see what a 1950s kitchen looked like. This museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Vincennes

While Vincennes only boasts around 16,000 residents, there are plenty of unique activities and places to visit in this Indiana town. You'll be entertained by exploring the sites dedicated to a comedy great, the largest national monument outside of Washington D.C., and a military museum with can't miss artifacts.

Red Skelton was one of the most famous comedians of his time, and when you visit Vincennes, you can relive all his best work. Stop by the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, where you can take a trip back to some of his TV shows and memorabilia from his personal life.

A must-visit site is the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. This is the largest national monument outside of Washington D.C., and it features relaxing paths near the Wabash River, surrounding the monument commemorating the capture of Fort Sackville from the British. Finally, Vincennes is home to the Indiana Military Museum, where you can view WWI and WWII artillery, vehicles, and more.

Madison

This small town along the Ohio River has 12,000 residents in the city limits; however, over 60,000 people live within 15 miles of downtown Madison. Because of this, there is no shortage of unique attractions to see when visiting. There is so much to see and do that Madison's downtown area was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006, with 133 blocks of the downtown area known as the Madison Historic Landmark District.

You can also visit the famous James Franklin Doughty Lanier home, built in 1844 as a Greek revival home. The popular spiral stairway is the centerpiece of the memorable home. After the iconic home, one can take in natural charm at Hanging Rock, home to a cascading waterfall perfect for some photos.

Paoli

Paoli is a small town of 3,600 in southern Indiana. It harkens back to an important part of the Underground Railroad and was essential in moving freed slaves from the South to Canada. Now, this Hoosier town is known for its various styles of architecture, which are evident throughout the homes in Paoli. The town showcases Victorian, Greek Revival, and Italianate architecture.

Because of the location near wooded areas of southern Indiana, you can take part in skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Paoli Peaks during winter. To keep the thrill-seekers entertained, you can also visit Wilstem, a wildlife park and resort in Paoli that has zip-lining, drive-thru safaris, and wildlife interactions in the zoo portion of the resort. End the day back in town with a Mexican meal at the local favorite, El Compadre.

Final Thoughts

While Indiana is known as a strong state for sports, with its deep basketball tradition, the Indianapolis 500, and Indianapolis as a merging point for so many national sporting events, this state boasts more eclectic interests than most imagine. History dating back to the Civil War marks points to visit across these small towns throughout the Hoosier State. The varied architecture, surprising connection to Hollywood film and TV, and crossroads of geography showcase these unique towns, making them reasons to mark these locations on your visit list.