9 Most Historic Small Towns To Visit In Indiana
The Hoosier state has been the main character appearing in everything from movies to music. Kurt Vonnegut once remarked that he "didn't know what it was about someone born in Indiana, but wherever they go, they go on to do great things." Perhaps it is the result of the team mentality ingrained from birth. As Coach Dale says in the movie Hoosiers,"' if you work as a team, you can achieve anything." Indiana's storied past is built upon the hopes of Indigenous tribes, humble faith-led Amish pilgrimages, and dedicated laborers. No more is this evident than in its small towns. Technicolor landscapes border European-stylized buildings and cobblestone streets, each offering its unique narrative on midwestern heritage. Here are just a few.
Madison
Recently named one of the Top Ten Midwestern Towns by USA Today, Madison is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country. Its history is rooted in indigenous culture, and it was one of the most important stops along the Underground Railroad.
19th-century architecture makes this town a feast for the eyes. The Lanier Mansion State features a Greek Revival aesthetic and a garden reminiscent of Versailles. It is one of the twelve locations featured in the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. First, Second, and Third Streets in the historic district are lined by mid-nineteenth-century estates. Additionally, The Shrewsbury Windle House and Schroeder Saddletree Factory are not to be missed for their unique designs.
The visitors center provides self-guided driving tours that follow the path of the Underground Railroad's Freedom Trails. Take in the beautiful landscapes at Clifton Falls State Park. The canyons, waterfalls, and lush forests are even more majestic when contrasted with the yellow cornucopia of cornfields of nearby farmlands. Trails that can accommodate beginners or experienced hikers provide stunning panoramic views of one of the Midwest's most legacy-filled hamlets.
Shipshewana
Indiana is home to the second-largest Amish community after Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Although Shipshewana has a relatively small population of Amish and Mennonites, it is an open-air testament to their modest but dedicated lifestyles. Buggy Lane Tours allows visitors to experience this up close and personal. Guests can tour the land and have an authentic Amish meal from one of the host families.
Dutch Cream Farm and Animal Park offer an immersive adventure. Visitors can take part in a working farm, learn the diverse histories of its residents, and experience hands-on opportunities to milk cows and pick fruits and vegetables. Hop on the town's preferred mode of transport, a century-old horse and buggy, to see acres of cultivated farmland.
The Meno Hof Community Center provides detailed information on the Amish faith and a fascinating look into their pilgrimage from Europe to the new nation in the late 17th century.
No visit to Amish country is complete without the chance to bring back authentic treats and crafts. Harrison Street in Downtown Shipshewana is lined with mercantile and specialty shops stocked with local goods.
New Harmony
Initially settled by Lutheran pioneers, this unassuming hamlet had an incredible impact on how communities in the United States operate today. Initially conceptualized as an entirely self-reliant town, its organic approach to operations ended up causing division, resulting in the village breaking apart into smaller neighborhoods. The surviving community was called New Harmony. Today, institutions like public libraries and schools have adopted elements of their founders' core ideologies.
There is no doubt that this town was built upon an overall sense of spirituality. With all religions welcomed, respect for faith is the common thread in its many attractions. The Roofless Church is, as one would expect, an open-air temple designed by Philip Cortelyou Johnson. It is an ideal setting for meditation, reflection, and those Instagram-worthy reels. Harmonists created the Labyrinth to represent the challenges of creating true unity. This botanical maze provides a tranquil opportunity for a relaxed stroll in the heart of the downtown. Not content with just one, the town also has a Cathedral Labyrinth. More architectural with fountains and structural features, it sits on the grounds of the Atheneum.
Designed by legendary architect Richard Meier, The Atheneum pays homage to New Harmony's legacy. Visitors navigate three levels of exhibits about its history and exit out to the entrance of the town for them to experience it in as it was envisioned.
Vincennes
Founded by French fur traders in the early 1700s, it is one of the oldest settlements in the territory. Preceded by Indigenous tribes who viewed the land as sacred burial sites, it is popular for its nutrient-rich soils. Its location along the Wabash River just across from Illinois attracts commuters due to its lower tax rates.
This midwestern town played an integral role in America's battle for Independence. The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is the site where British General Hamilton surrendered to Colonel George Clark, ultimately shutting down the Redcoats' ability to move further west. The Indiana Military Museum provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's role in historical battles from the Civil War to the present.
Take a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk. Grab snacks from the food trucks lining the path and watch the boat parades pass. Nearby Ouabache Trails Park offers challenging hiking for all levels. Are you in the mood for a laugh? The Red Skeleton Museum of American Comedy is a virtual encyclopedia of one of the genre's most influential geniuses. With exhibits dating back over a century, visitors are treated to musings, movies, and memorabilia for all ages.
Goshen
This Midwestern maple mecca marries Mennonite culture with modern sensibilities. Founded in 1831 by New England settlers escaping the overcrowded Northeastern territories, European influence is carried through everything from buildings to street names. The Goshen Historic District, which encompasses Pike, Plymouth, and Cottage Counties, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
The downtown area provides a glimpse into the town's past and its founders' diverse cultures. A virtual architectural study in design, stroll along cobblestone streets lined with a variety of 19th-century aesthetics. Private family dwellings, the Simmons and Pernod Houses, reflect the Victorian influence, contrasted by the Italian style of the City Bank Building and Wickham houses. Greek Revival elements can be found at the Rowell Champion House.
Shanklin Park is the town's largest green space. Covering 90 acres, kayak and canoe rentals and swimming are the activities of choice. The nature trail is ideal for a relaxing walk to enjoy over 45 types of wildflowers, 25 species of birds, and unfiltered views of neighboring counties.
Santa Claus
With a name like Santa Claus, it should come as no surprise that the town is everything Christmas. It is the only town in the world with the legal name of this iconic figure for its postal address, resulting in thousands of letters being sent to the territory during the month of December. In 1914, the town commissioned a team of "elves" to guarantee each child gets a personalized response.
The Santa Claus Museum and Village houses a church built in 1880 and twenty two foot tall Santa Claus statue from 1935. Immerse yourself in everything Saint Nick, from letters dating back to the early 19th century to memorabilia from all over the world.
During the warmer months, spend the afternoon at The Holiday World and Water Safari. This adventure park was built in 1946 and is home to The Voyage, voted one of the best wooden rollercoasters in the world. Santa's Stables offers scenic horseback rides all year long.
Jeffersonville
With a rich shipbuilding heritage, this riverfront port town played a crucial role in the Civil War. Used as a base for Union soldiers in the West, it was one of the earliest industrialized territories west of Appalachia.
Take a step back in time at the Howard Steamboat Museum and Mansion. Perfectly preserved, this 1890 Victorian home was once the home to the most powerful shipping family in the state. Twenty-two rooms showcase steamboats and turn-of-the-century history. The Vintage Fire Museum, honoring some of the nation's first responders, highlights memorabilia and antique trucks and uniforms from over a century ago.
Downtown Jeffersonville celebrates its community with outdoor music concerts and farm-to-table dining festivals. Local chefs compete to highlight the region's delicacies, which pay tribute to Hoosier land.
Aurora
Incorporated in 1848, this hamlet is steeped in Hoosier history. Aurora is bedecked in Victorian-style charm. Aptly named for the Goddess of Dawn, its geographical position allows for extended periods of sunrise along the picturesque Ohio River. Italian architectural influence abounds at the Hillforest Victorian House Museum. Nestled on ten acres of land by the Ohio River, it was home to the Gaff family, one of Indiana's most influential families, from the mid-19th through the twentieth centuries. This private home opened to the public in 1956. Veraestau's historic home, built in 1838, incorporates the original log cabin with Greek Revival aesthetics. Both houses are on the National Historic Register.
Midwestern values abound in Aurora. Every weekend, visitors can take part in festivals and open-air markets entirely run by its residents. The Gabbard Riverfront Park Mural reflects this close-knit community. Lesko Park provides panoramic views along the Ohio River. Pack a picnic lunch and people-watch. Bike and kayak rentals can be found at the visitor center on the south end.
Indiana is a perfect tapestry of the United States. With a melange of the indigenous cultures of the west and the European impact from the East it combines to create a perfect picture of what can happen when communities come together. From the farmlands to the industrialists it is a true testament to the power of teamwork. The ideal destination for couples or families, the Hoosier state is American history just waiting to be experienced.
