8 Undiscovered Small Towns in Indiana
Affectionately known as the “Hoosier State”, Indiana is a key component of the Midwestern United States where cultural charm, fascinating history, and awesome natural beauty come together. Offering access to Lake Michigan and bordered by Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, Indiana is indeed a great place to discover real Americana. Although the major cities of Indianapolis and Gary remain the most well known, there are plenty of “undiscovered” towns in the “Hoosier State” that are also very worthy of firsthand discovery. It is indeed in these smaller communities that the real spirit of the Midwest can be experienced, and with loads of natural and cultural allure all around there is never a bad time to start one’s journey. So take to the road and come see the Midwestern USA through a trip to these awesome Indiana towns!
Connersville
One of Indiana’s oldest towns, Connersville was founded in 1813 even before the State’s admission to the Union. Today just over 13,000 inhabitants call this seat of Fayette County home which is scenically situated along the northern banks of the Whitewater River. Indeed the beauty of the outdoors is never in short supply in Connersville, and guests can enjoy such attractions like the nearby Manlove Park and the Doc-O-Lake recreation area, where cycling, jogging, boating, camping, picnicking, and calming river views are always popular. In addition as a historic community, a range of preserved 19th century landmarks continue to inspire those who visit them. These include the Canal House (1842) and the Elmhurst Mansion (1831), amongst several more that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nashville
Just under 1,300 residents call the charming town of Nashville home which also serves as the seat of Brown County. Established in the mid 1800s, this scenic community is well known within the State as a lively artists’ colony and visitors will surely find an eclectic range of galleries, antique stores, boutique shops, and other local businesses. These include the Foxfire Boutique and the Mulberry Cottage amongst many others, where the chance to bring home a piece of American art has never been easier. Indeed strolling through Main Street is a great way to discover something, all in a cute and welcoming small town ambience.
Meanwhile outdoor lovers will not want to miss out on the nearby Brown County State Park, the largest in Indiana. With stunning cycling and hiking trails, opportunities to go fishing, swimming, and even horseback riding, this is definitely one of the most scenic outings in the “Hoosier State”, that all ages of traveller can appreciate.
Vevay
Situated along the banks of the Ohio River and near the northern border with Kentucky, the town of Vevay is a most charming and scenic place that is always ready to delight. Seat of Switzerland County, the town was founded by Swiss pioneers in the early 19th century and today just under 1,800 call it home. Full of historic intrigue and cultural charm, a number of landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places continue to fascinate guests and bring them back to the eventful 1800s. Including the Hoosier Theatre (1837) and the Benjamin Schenck Mansion (1874), these are great places to immerse oneself in the past. From there explore the River History Museum, which chronicles life on the Ohio River and its role in the growth of the young America.
Finally for those visiting Vevay in the summertime, be sure not to miss the ever popular Swiss Wine Festival. Including such activities like grape stomping and wine sampling, visitors can also enjoy a range of tasty foods, live music performances, river boat rides, and a stunning fireworks show to end the day!
Crawfordsville
Seat of Montgomery County in west central Indiana, Crawfordsville is a historic centre founded in the 1820s. Scenically located along the banks of the Wabash River, just over 16,000 inhabitants call this pretty place home. Full of tons of natural beauty and intriguing historic allure, visitors with a wide range of interests can appreciate Crawfordsville. Explore a number of 19th century landmarks in the downtown, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Lane Place House (1831), the County Courthouse (1876), and the Sheriff’s Residence (1882), these preserved attractions are an intellectual and photogenic treat. From there visit the splendid campus of Wabash College (1832), for a charming and relaxing afternoon. And with stunning colors in the Fall, this is really a most beautiful place to be.
Finally one cannot forget about the nearby Shades State Park, which includes lush greenery, dramatic cliff vistas, and cute waterfalls. And with several special covered bridges, this is really raw Americana at its finest where the young and old will have something to remember.
Logansport
Settled in the 1820s, Logansport is a welcoming historic town in north central Indiana where today just over 18,000 reside. Seat of Cass County, this charming community is beautifully located along the confluence of the Eel and Wabash River where hot summers and cool winters are the norm. Enjoy scenic walks along the water’s edge, while cycling and boating in the area are a great way for all ages to take in the outdoors. Additionally as a 19th century town, Logansport’s unique character can be experienced through an exploration of several preserved landmarks. These include the Ferguson House (1895) and the Courthouse Historic District amongst others that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Add in a fine assortment of local eateries like Amelio’s on the River and the West Side Diner, and a most delightful slice of small town America comes to life for all guests.
Marion
Just under 30,000 inhabitants call the beautiful town of Marion home which was named for a general in the American Revolutionary War. Seat of Grant County and scenically situated along the Mississinewa River, Marion is undoubtedly a most picturesque place to enjoy the outdoors and encounter alluring American history. Visit the nearby Cardinal Greenway Trail where awesome opportunities to go biking, hiking, and wildlife watching are perfect ways to spend an entire in the rawness of nature. And with a hot summer and cool winter climate, visiting Marion can indeed be enjoyable throughout the year.
Meanwhile amongst the historic attractions of note include the Downtown Commercial Historic District, the County Jail (1904), and the Aaron Swayzee House (1855), amongst several others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget about the cute campus of Indiana Wesleyan University (1920), where stunning foliage and stone facades make it a most pleasing outing for all visitors.
Anderson
The seat of Madison County, Anderson was founded in the 1820s and today has grown to a sizeable town of just over 50,000 residents. Named for a Native American chief, Anderson is conveniently located just some 43 miles from the State capital of Indianapolis, and it is indeed a great place of discovery for those in the vicinity of the capital and in central Indiana. Visit the Anderson Museum of Art and its impressive collections, including the works of Indiana based artists, while the fascinating Mounds State Park commemorates the indigenous people of the area in a beautiful outdoor attraction. Meanwhile the Downtown Historic District features up to 32 landmarks included on the National Register of Historic Places, bringing visitors back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally for the adults in the travelling party, be sure to head on over to Harrah’s Hoosier Park for an assortment of fun casino games, horse racing, and other live entertainment!
New Castle
Beautifully located along the Big Blue River (a watershed of the Mississippi River), the town of New Castle can trace its modern history to the early 1820s. Today this seat of Henry County is home to just over 17,000 residents, and it remains a place where spending time outdoors and encountering American history have never been easier. Known for its hot summer and cold winter temperatures, a wide range of activities can be enjoyed here including cycling, hiking, fishing, swimming, and skating. Visit the beautiful Summit Lake State Park, or simply stroll along the aforementioned Big Blue River, New Castle is indeed a perfect spot for reflection.
Meanwhile, guests can also enjoy the town’s historic character and visiting the New Castle Commercial Historic District brings one back to the town’s foundational days. Explore such landmarks like the County Courthouse (1866) and the General Grose House (1870), amongst others on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally make sure not to miss the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame honoring the best court athletes to hail from the “Hoosier State”.
Admitted to the Union in 1816, the “Hoosier State” of Indiana is a wonderful place of cultural diversity, historic allure, and natural beauty. Indeed for anyone travelling through the Midwestern United States, a stop by Indiana is a must. With plenty of pretty towns to choose from, some of the very best of Americana is waiting to be discovered here sure to create lasting memories for all ages of guest. From the river towns of Vevay and Connersville to the historic ambience of Crawfordsville and New Castle, these delightful and “undiscovered” Indiana towns are awesome spots of adventure and fun. For some of the best of the Midwest, Indiana is a cannot miss destination and a journey through these delightful communities will undoubtedly have one planning their return trip in the very near future!
