9 Indiana Towns that Were Ranked Among US Favorites in 2024
Sitting between Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, the Hoosier state of Indiana has more than earned its reputation as the Crossroads of America. The state is well known for driving, with the Indy 500 being one of the biggest car races in the world. As travelers pass through Indiana, they will also find many excellent small towns with interesting history, attractions, and picturesque parks and forests. In particular, you will find everything from the first electrically powered town to a place where it's Christmas year-round to a former utopian community, and more. If you take the time to explore, you will find treasures in these Hoosier small towns, which is why they often rank among the United States’s favorites.
French Lick
This small town is a tourist's dream, renowned for its gorgeous hotels. The 1901 West Baden Springs Hotel is an architectural marvel, built with a 200-foot atrium, dome, castle towers, and a picturesque landscape to explore. It was once named the "Eighth Wonder of the World," making it a must-visit. The nearby French Lick Springs Hotel was built in 1845 and features a top-rated spa. Furthermore, the French Lick Casino is a short walk away, offering endless entertainment via poker, slots, and roulette for adults looking to make some cash.
Besides the hotels, there are other great attractions in town to explore. History enthusiasts visit the French Lick West Baden Museum to learn about basketball star Larry Bird or the Pluto Water that made the area famous. If you'd like to get out in nature, take a trip on the French Lick Scenic Railway or hike at the Buffalo Trace Trailhead in the Hoosier National Forest.
Madison
This charming Indiana river town is a top spot in Southern Indiana, and it's easy to see why. Madison is a picturesque town with a rich history and great attractions. For one, you can get a great hike through nature at Clifty Falls State Park, renowned for its beautiful waterfalls. Speaking of water, visitors adore the Point at the nearby Hanover College, where one can see the three bends in the Ohio River.
There are also many historic buildings in Madison, including the 19th-century Lanier Mansion and Eleutherian College, which was founded by anti-slavery activists in 1848. If historic cemeteries are your cup of tea, the picturesque Springdale Cemetery is another hotspot, featuring many monuments, statues, and historic markers.
Wabash
Wabash claimed its spot in world history in 1880 when it became the first city in the world to be lit up by electric lights. Despite this glamorous reputation, Wabash has a small-town vibe and charming atmosphere. You can learn about Wabash's history by visiting the Wabash County Historical Museum or Paradise Spring Historical Park, which features many cabins from the pioneer days. Speaking of parks, there are several relaxing nature preserves in town, including the Asherwood Nature Preserve and the Salamonie Reservoir, connected to the Lost Bridge State Recreation Area. These sites offer tons of outdoor opportunities, from hiking trails through thick forests to 300+ species of flora for the botanists in town. For louder attractions, one can see a concert at the Honeywell Center or a show at the Historic Eagles Theater, originally built in 1906.
Porter
While Porter may not be a household name, it hosts a major attraction that is a must-see for National Park completionists: The Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. Running for miles along the shore of Lake Michigan, The Indiana Dunes State Park has 2,182 acres to explore. Outdoor lovers can hike on the dunes themselves, which rise nearly 200 feet above the lake, or dip their toes in the beach area of Lake Michigan. The park is also famed for its lovely campground, which was rebuilt in 2004 and now boasts 140 campsites with drinking water, electrical hookups, and easy park access so anyone can enjoy a night under the stars.
Other than the dunes, those visiting Porter can also visit the Porter County Museum, first built in 1916, or enjoy a show at the Porter County Memorial Opera House from 1893. No matter how you spend your day, end it at one of many local restaurants, including Leroy's "Hot Stuff," Wagner's Ribs, and the Village Tavern.
New Harmony
The land around New Harmony was so attractive that it became the home for not one but two utopian communities in the early 1800s. George Rapp and the Harmony Society first purchased the area in 1814 intending to establish a perfect Christian community. The society later sold the group to Robert Owen, who also tried to set up a utopian society. Although both societies disappeared long ago, their influence is still viable in the many attractions in town.
Visitors can wander through the serene Cathedral Labyrinth and Harmonist Labyrinth or explore the Roofless Church, all offering a glimpse into the town's utopian past. For a more structured experience, the Atheneum Visitors Center provides tours of these historic sites, as well as the picturesque Harmonie State Park on the banks of the Wabash River.
Santa Claus
Named after St. Nick himself, Santa Claus is a charming destination for travelers, no matter the season. It keeps the spirit of Christmas alive at the Santa Claus Museum & Village, which has a variety of town buildings dating back to the 19th century, including a church and a Santa Claus statue. Children can also send a letter to Santa Claus at the original town post office. Further in town, the Santa Claus Christmas Store offers Christmas treats and ornaments all year. Whether it is to decorate your Christmas tree or just as a souvenir, the store is ideal for themed shopping.
The town also has one of the best locally-owned amusement parks in the U.S.: Holiday World & Splashing Safari, which has multiple wooden roller coasters and water rides. Lastly, if you're in the mood to learn more about history and enjoy a good hike, visit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in nearby Lincoln City, where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years. The area features a museum and Lincoln State Park with many great trails.
Nashville
Nashville is a hidden gem in Indiana, hidden away in Brown County. The best attraction in town is the Brown County State Park, known as the Little Smokies due to its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Spanning 15,000 acres, it is the largest of Indiana’s state parks, with many trails to hike, lakes for fishing, and flora to discover. The park even has a lodge and multiple campgrounds, so one can stay the night for further exploration. If the thirst for the outdoors still thrives, you are in luck, as Nashville is a treasure trove of other parks, including the Lake Monroe Reservoir and Yellowwood State Forest.
Apart from its obvious outdoor charm, Nashville is a significant artists' colony, which visitors can witness at the T.C. Steele Historic Site, Through the Looking Glass, and Eli's Gallery & Framery. Each showcases a unique angle of creativity, whether through historical tales or vibrant artwork. There are also great places to grab a bite to eat or go for a picnic, including Artists Colony Restaurant and Big Woods Brewing Pizza.
Shipshewana
If you really want to get away and enjoy some rural charm, Shipshewana is just the ticket for you. This charming small Indiana town is home to one of the largest Amish populations outside of Pennsylvania and offers plenty of places to get in touch with the community. Get lost on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, a 17-mile trail through the countryside with many spots to eat or watch Amish farms in action along the way. Back in town, visitors can learn more about how the Amish work and live at the Menno-Hof Cultural Center or enjoy some locally made Amish foods and produce at Yoder's Meat & Cheese Co., Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery, or the nearby Das Dutchman Essenhaus. Lastly, the town has one of the best flea markets in the Midwest: the Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market, an ideal spot to buy souvenirs for friends and family.
Jasper
Jasper is a gorgeous Indiana small town with a rich history of German Catholic immigration. It's an idyllic place to visit, especially for those who love traditional church architecture. You can tour the grounds of the magnificent St. Joseph Church, a Roman Catholic Church built in the late 1800s. Today, it is a pillar of history and culture with its Romanesque Revival style and intricate sandstone work. Learn more about the county at the Dubois Couty Museum or see several historic buildings by touring the Old Jasper district on the shores of the Patoka River.
Those looking for adrenaline-filled fun rejoice at the two state parks in the wider Dubois County area. These are Ferdinand State Forest and Patoka Lake State Park, both offering amazing scenery for hiking, biking, camping, and more. If you'd like to see two towns in one day, Jasper is close to Santa Claus, Indiana, making it an ideal central location for your wider Indiana trip.
Conclusion
The next time you're in the Midwest, you'll definitely want to spend some time in Indiana. You can find everything here, from beautiful lake towns to lively river towns. You can dive deep into Indiana's rich history at county museums or see where people lived at historical parks and homes. These towns offer everything from relaxing strolls through nature to thrilling amusement park rides. Consider adding these nine small towns to your travel plans in 2024.
