9 Close-Knit Towns To Visit In Indiana
Indiana, the 19th State to be ceremoniously admitted to the Union on December 11, 1816, is a delightful American Midwestern State and one out of the eight US States that constitute the Great Lakes region of Northern America. From the billowy Indiana Dunes to the numerous limestone caves, Indiana, besides boasting some extraordinary natural wonders is full of treasures worth seeing. Even though congested urban centers such as Fort Wayne, Evansville, Bloomington, and the state capital Indianapolis get the most attention, the numberless closely allied settlements are iteratively bypassed by a majority of excursionists. These tightly bonded towns accurately mirror the true ‘heart and soul’ of the Hoosier State and justly deserve prime spots on your vacation agendas.
Corydon
Currently the administrative headquarters of Harrison County and previously the Indiana Territory capital and the state capital, Corydon is located north of the Ohio River in Harrison Township, roughly 25 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky. The Downtown Historic District of this preferent holiday spot in southern Indiana comprises thousands of invaluable buildings such as the Kintner-McGrain House, Constitution Elm Memorial, the foremost statehouse (Old Capitol), Old Treasury Building, and other sites associated with the legendary Battle of Corydon. Partake in hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and ziplining activities at the O’Bannon Woods State Park and the Hayswood Nature Reserve; while revelers must be present at the annual Halloween parade, the Battle of Corydon reenactment, bluegrass music performances, Friday night band concerts, and Harrison County Fair.
Franklin
Johnson County’s seat of government, this well-known town called after Benjamin Franklin - the American polymath, is situated approx. 20 miles south of the state capital. Travelers on a tour of Franklin must not miss the unspoiled old brick buildings and classic Victorian properties including the Johnson County Courthouse, Johnson County Museum of History, Artcraft Theatre, etc., in addition to an overflow of antique stores like Vintage Whimsy, boutiques like BYTAVI Boutique, toy store like South Side Toys & More, and diners like Court Street Café and Ann’s Restaurant suiting all palates. The Franklin Parks & Recreation Department maintains endless miles of walking trails throughout the town joining the various community centers, parks, libraries, and public pools.
Angola
Home to 9,340 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, this darling town in the Pleasant Township of Steuben County was established on June 28, 1838, by Cornelius Gilmore and Thomas Gale. Located in the extreme northeastern corner of the state, Angola’s greatest asset is its downtown traffic circle - called “The Mound,” at the kernel of which stands a 67-foot-tall monument in commemoration of every person from the County who battled in the American Civil War. Lining the endearing pathways of Angola’s Downtown are the around 49 contributing structures such as the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Steuben County Courthouse, Angola City Hall, Steuben County Jail, etc., along with scores of small locally-owned businesses. The 1,260-acre Pokagon State Park, located exactly 5 miles north of Angola alongside the crystal-clear Lake James is a shangri-la for nature enthusiasts.
Aurora
Aurora, a bewitching community baptized after the Goddess of Dawn in Roman polytheism, is located by the side of the Ohio River in the southeastern corner of Indiana in Dearborn County’s Center Township. Bynamed “The City of Spires,” Aurora’s commended downtown district features countless properly maintained traditional properties including the Aurora First United Methodist Church, Aurora City Hall, Aurora Public Library, First Evangelical United Church of Christ, George Street Bridge, the ornamented Hillforest mansion, etc. Different parks like Aurora City Park, Lesko Park, Aurora Recreation Community Center, Mary A. Stratton Park, Gabbard Riverfront Park, etc., provide premium quality walking trails and bountiful outdoor entertainment for thrill-seekers. The Aurora Farmers Fair - one of the oldest festivals of the state is celebrated with a lot of fanfare every October.
Goshen
Dubbed “The Maple City,” this center of administration of Elkhart County is located along the Elkhart River banks in Northern Indiana’s Michiana region, roughly 25 miles southeast of South Bend. Apart from housing Goshen College’s principal campus, the backbone of the town’s economy is its noted accessories and recreational vehicle manufacturing industry. Saunter through downtown and browse the conscientiously restored historical buildings like the Elkhart County Courthouse and the multitudinous gift shops like Ten Thousand Villages Goshen, boutiques like The MAC Boutique, Mexican eateries like Los Primos Mexican Grill, and superb restaurants like the Maple Indian Cuisine Restaurant. Also, traverse the miles of biking/walking trails and greenways of the various city parks, apart from partaking in the Downtown’s First Fridays program held every month on the first Friday, and the yearly Elkhart County 4-H Fair at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
Shipshewana
An appealing Amish community, Shipshewana, titled after the Indigenous Potawatomi Indian Chief, is situated in the Newbury Township of LaGrange County just two hours away from Chicago. Adored for the eye-catching views of its countryside, trippers surveying this archetypal Midwestern town must enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours or stroll through the downtown and laud the Victorian-era structures and peruse the multiple antique stores like The Town Shop Antique Mall, gift shops like Shipshe General Store, stylish boutiques like The Fancy Farmgirl Boutique, coffee shops like Kitchen Cupboard Coffee House, and award-winning restaurants like Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery. The Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum, Shipshewana Event Center, Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, Blue Gate Theatre, Hosteler’s Hudson Auto Museum, and the Shipshewana Flea Market are other must-visit sites of interest. Adrenaline junkies get to participate in plenty of water-based recreation at the lovely lakes abutting the town as well as witness outstanding handicrafts at the Shipshewana Quilt Festival.
Nashville
Called after the more acclaimed Tennessee capital city, this Brown County seat of government is situated in Washington Township precisely 40 miles south of Indianapolis in the state’s south-central portion. Established by Banner C. Brummett - a county agent in 1836 and named ‘Jacksonburg,’ this settlement is noteworthy for being the nucleus of Brown Art Colony - one of the American Midwest’s most awe-inspiring art colonies. Paparazzi, artists, and vacationers from worldwide flock here many times enticed by trendy clothing stores like Foxfire Boutique, gift shops like For Bare Feet, art galleries like The Woodland Gallery, entertainment venues like Brown County Playhouse, wineries like Brown County Winery - Nashville Tasting Room, eateries like Hobnob Corner, and bed & breakfasts like Betty Lou’s Garden Guest Suite. Furthermore, nature lovers will surely be captivated by the bucolic Yellowwood State Forest and Brown County State Park, and history buffs by the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, while merrymakers must spare time from their busy schedules to be present at the Brown County Bluegrass Festival, Brown County Rock & Mineral Show, Harmony Valley Music Festival, and Corn Maze Beer Fest.
Madison
Madison, the Jefferson County administrative capital baptized in honor of President James Madison, is located by the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana. Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, Madison's whole downtown features over 1,700 contributing structures constructed in Greek Revival, Federal, and Italianate architectural styles. Some noticeable properties include the Jefferson County Historical Society Museum, Lanier Mansion, the 1895 Railroad Depot, Shrewsbury-Windle House, etc. Around 370,000 holidayers throng to the adjoining Clifty Falls State Park annually, which has a breathtaking Clifty Creek Canyon aside from the amazing waterfalls (Hoffman Falls, Big Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Little Clifty Falls) on the Clifty Creek. Yearly events such as the Independence Day parade & fireworks extravaganza, Madison Regatta, Very Merry Madison Christmas Celebration, Mayor’s Movies In The Park, Halloween Festival, and the H1 Unlimited hydroplane boat race also draw thousands to Madison.
New Harmony
This teeny midwestern town founded by John George Rapp of the Harmony Society is set alongside the Wabash River in Posey County’s Harmony Township, approx. 28 miles northwest of Evansville and 15 miles north of the county seat Mount Vernon. After the return of the Harmonists to Pennsylvania, the settlement served as the place of residence for Owenists and progressively metamorphosed into a nationally important educational, scientific research, and social equality hub. Excursionists on a visit to the New Harmony Historic District must begin their sightseeing excursion from the Atheneum Visitors Center and then pay a visit to the district’s other well-maintained Owenite and Harmonist landmark properties such as the Mattias Scholle House, Ludwig Epple House, George Bentel House, Amon Clarence Thomas House, etc. Additionally, take note of the Harmonists Labyrinth, Paul Tillich Park, Roofless Church, Workingmen’s Institute & Library, and the proximate Harmonie State Park. Annually, try to attend fun-filled events like New Harmony’s Community Halloween Party, Christmas in New Harmony, ‘A Walk into The Past,’ Heritage Artisans Week, and Harvest Craft Fair.
From Aurora - the ‘City of Spires’ to Goshen - the ‘Maple City,’ the tiny towns in the 17th most populous and 38th most extensive state of the nation reward every holidayer with unerasable impressions. Each of these strongly connected localities replete with a profusion of intriguing historical architectures, spectacular natural sceneries, and cultural inducements ensures an unforgettable Indiana experience on your extended jaunts with the ones you love.
