8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Indiana

Sandwiched between the Ohio River in the South and Lake Michigan in the North, Indiana is a state that sits at many crossroads. In fact, the state's motto is the Crossroads of America for its many roads that lead to the West, South, East, and North. However, Indiana is far from a transient state, as many people have put down roots in the Hoosier state. As a result, there are many quirky towns that are perfect for travelers and locals alike to explore. These towns hide many treasures, from a Christmas village to a wolf habitat to a utopian community. Here are 8 of the most whimsical towns in Indiana to visit.

Brookville

Within the Whitewater River Valley, Brookville's motto is the Rush of Relaxation, which fits its chill yet exciting vibe. This town has one of the most interesting animal habitats in Indiana: Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue. At this retreat, you can view wolves in their natural habitat while enjoying Native American music or spend the night at a cabin. Brookville is a wonderful place to enjoy an outdoor adventure, with several trails to explore, including the Whitewater Canal Trail, Mounds State Recreation Area, and Brookville Lake & Beach. The lake, in particular, is a great spot to enjoy canoeing, fishing, or other water sports. There are also several unique boutiques and shops in town, including The Wooden Apple Floral & Gift Shop and La-Di-Da Boutique & Unique Design.

Madison

This pretty town is home to intriguing historical sites, great spots to eat, beautiful parks, and much more. On the shores of the Ohio River, Madison has many pretty historic buildings to check out, including the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, a Greek Revival structure built in the 1840s. Madison has many places to go for a walk, ranging from the Milton-Madison Bridge, which goes to Kentucky across the Ohio River, to Clifty Falls State Park, a scenic locale with waterfalls spread throughout the area. By visiting nearby Hanover College, you can see The Point, which features the three bends in the Ohio River. Another intriguing site in Madison is the Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum, a restored-19 century factory with belt-powered woodworking machines.

Angola

Angola is an adorable small town in Steuben County that keeps the spirit of Indiana alive with racing, Hoosier hospitality, and picturesque parks. For racing fans in particular, the Angola Motorsport Speedway is a great spot to go and watch a heart-pounding race. Another big area of note is Pokagon State Park on the shores of Lake James. This 1,260-acre park has multiple hiking trails and a refrigerated toboggan, which you can rent for a fun day riding down the hills. Speaking of fun days, Ridenour Acres is a blast to visit, with its 11-acre corn maze, hayrides, barrel train, corn pits, and more. Downtown Angola is a treat to visit, from the local farmer's market to The Gallery, which has works from more than 20 local and regional artists.

Santa Claus

You won't find many whimsical towns quite like Santa Claus. Named after the famed Father Christmas, Santa Claus takes pride in both St. Nick and its history. At the Sant Claus Museum & Village, visitors can see some of the original town buildings from the mid-19th century and onward, including the 1880 Santa Claus Church, a 1935 Santa Statue, and a post office where you can send a letter to Santa. The Santa Claus Christmas Shop is another great spot in town for Christmas treats year-round. This town is home to the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, which has many roller coasters and rides for both adults and children. To get the most out of your visit to Santa Claus, consider visiting the nearby community of Lincoln City, where the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is located, the spot where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years.

New Harmony

If you want to visit a unique spot in Indiana, New Harmony is certainly one to check out. The town's history goes back to the early 1800s when a religious community from Germany called the Harmonists set up shop to attempt to install a perfect Christian utopia. They later sold the land to Robert Owen, head of the Owenites, who also aimed for a utopian community based on science and tolerance. Today, New Harmony prides itself on its unique architecture and outdoor attractions, which reflect the original utopian vision. These attractions include the Harmonist Labyrinth, The Roofless Church, the Atheneum Visitor's Center, and much more. Walking tours offer a full view of the historic buildings in town, including the Owen Granary and various meeting houses. If you'd like to get out for a walk by the Wabash River, the Harmonie State Park is also nearby.

Nashville

Nashville is a fun town known for its outdoor activities, artists, galleries, and more. Located within Brown County, Nashville is home to the idyllic Brown County State Forest. This forest has plenty of trails to walk, lakes to boat or fish in, and other outdoor activities, including horse riding. Nashville has a lot of small-town charm, especially in the Little Nashville village, complete with several cute shops ranging from Sweetea Tea Shop, Brown County Pottery, and Kiss the Cook. Nashville has a number of quirky nooks and crannies as well to explore. One of the best-kept secrets is Story Inn, known as the world's most inconvenient inn, located in the middle of the Brown County State Forest. If you're brave enough to stay, you just might run into one of the rumored "ghosts" to inhabit the inn, according to local tales.

Vincennes

Vincennes is the oldest city in the entire state, founded not by the English but by the French military officer Francois Marie Bissot-Sieur de Vincennes in 1732 as a military post. When the area passed into British and then American hands later on, Vincennes became the capital of the Indiana Territory in 1800. As a result, you will find some of the oldest structures in the Midwest in Vincennes, such as the Grouseland, the home of the first territorial governor and U.S. President William Henry Harrison. Other historic buildings include Jefferson Academy, built in 1801, and the Indiana Territorial Capitol Building. There are many unique museums in town, such as the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy and the Indiana Military Museum. Vincennes is also famous for the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, which has the largest memorial monument to the west of Washington D.C.

Corydon

No list of whimsical Indiana towns would be complete without mentioning Corydon. This town is proud of its history, being the original state capitol from 1816 to 1825 until it was moved to Indianapolis. This history is baked into the scenery of Corydon, from the Capitol Building to Governor Hendricks' Headquarters to the Constitutional Elm, where the first state constitution was drafted. The town was also the place where the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana took place. You can learn about all of this history at the Harrison County Discovery Center. Beyond these historic sites, Corydon has beautiful parks and caverns ranging from Buffalo Trace Park to the Indiana Caverns. Make sure to check out the Harrison County Fairgrounds as well since it is home to the oldest county state fair in the state.

Discover the Whimsy Side of Indiana

While Indiana isn't as well-known of a state as New York or California, it makes up for it with a multitude of intriguing small towns. By visiting these small towns, you will be treated to the whimsy of Christmas, no matter the season or the gentle winds inside an idyllic state park. Whether you are interested in fishing, hiking, exploring historic sites, or just spending a relaxing day downtown, these small towns will be an excellent place for you to explore. And if you're lucky, you'll take some of that whimsy back home with you.