9 Prettiest Towns In Indiana
Indiana, known as ‘The Crossroads of America,’ is a state full of history, with rolling farmland and dense woodlands filling its landscape.
Located in the Midwest, Indiana has bustling cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne but is also full of quiet rural towns full of character.
Indiana offers a blend of opportunities for both relaxation and outdoor adventures, and you can find them in the towns that dot the land.
These nine small towns are some of the most beautiful places you will find in the state.
Albion
This quiet and peaceful town is found in Noble County, and is only about 40 minutes north of Fort Wayne.
Main Street is the heart of the town, with old trees lining the streets, and buildings showing off their 19th and early 20th-century architecture.
The Noble County Courthouse in Albion is a striking historical structure from the late 19th century. Its imposing brick façade towers over Main Street. This iconic building stands as the town's central venue for legal matters and community gatherings.
If you are in the mood for some outdoor fun, Chain O'Lakes State Park is just a short drive away. The park is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, with nine connecting lakes at your disposal.
Also, just to the southwest of town lies the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, offering educational programs and nature trails, helping people reconnect with the nature around them.
New Harmony
New Harmony is a town with a very unique story to tell.
Founded by George Rapp and his Harmonie Society in 1814, it was later bought by Robert Owen and became a social experiment. Owen wanted to create a utopian community based on principles of communal living and equality.
Now, New Harmony's look showcases this blend of ideas, and its appearance is marked by meticulously preserved 19th-century buildings, with cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks adding charm.
One of the town’s distinct attractions is the Roofless Church. Designed by Philip Johnson, it lacks a traditional roof, allowing people to connect with the open sky, and giving a unique spiritual experience.
The Wabash River weaves through the landscape to the west of town and offers peaceful walks, fishing, or just a nice place to sit down for a picnic.
Nashville
There is another Nashville worth visiting, and this one is hidden away deep in the forests of Indiana.
The Nashville in Indiana is found in Brown County, known for its rolling hills and dense thick forests, making it a fantastic option for nature enthusiasts.
Nashville Village is the heart of town and has a wide variety of stores, art galleries, and local restaurants to shop at.
The town has a long connection with the arts. The Brown County Art Gallery is home to a wide collection of regional artworks. As well, the T.C. Steele State Historic Site looks into the life of the Hoosier Group artist.
If you want some local history, the Pioneer Village is a living history museum featuring log cabins and artisan demonstrations.
Brown County State Park is in the town’s backyard, with a wide variety of opportunities for hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
French Lick
French Lick originally came to fame back in the 19th century when people flocked to the area for mineral springs, thought to have had healing powers.
In the present day, the town has a classic feel, with the streets having an old-world charm, with well-preserved buildings and vintage lampposts dotting the streets.
Both the French Lick Resort and West Baden Springs Hotel give the town a distinct personality, with the latter's iconic domed atrium earning the local nickname the 'Eighth Wonder of the World.'
The town has lush surroundings, including the Hoosier National Forest, which has over 260 miles of hiking trails.
The town is also home to the French Lick Scenic Railway, which takes passengers on a nostalgic trip through the scenic countryside.
Madison
Madison takes pride in its impressive natural landmarks, which play a significant role in shaping the town's essential character.
The timeless Ohio River flows through the town, shaping Madison's terrain with both beauty and historical importance. Cliffy Falls State Park is on the edge of town and is full of woodlands and waterfalls for visitors to explore.
Madison's architecture is a visual treat of 19th-century craftsmanship. Main Street has rows of well-preserved homes with a wide range of looks, including styles like Federal, Italianate, and Greek Revival.
Storefronts have that vintage feel of a quiet small town, while the Lanier Mansion stands proud with its white marble columns and ageless brick exterior.
The mansion is a great example of Greek Revival architecture and is the highlight of Madison's Historic District.
Goshen
One of the first things you will notice about Goshen is the Elkhart County Courthouse. Constructed in 1870, its distinctive clock tower and elaborate detailing stand as an important landmark, hosting legal proceedings within its impressive brick exterior.
The town has an interesting mix of architecture, from Victorian homes to the Romanesque buildings of Goshen College.
The Elkhart River cuts right through the heart of Goshen gives people plenty of places to sit down and relax, like Shanklin Park.
The town prides itself on both the diverse options its downtown core possesses and the feeling of community the area seems to bring.
An example of this is ‘First Fridays,' where in the downtown area, free community events are held every month.
Shipshewana
The surrounding areas of Shipshewana are full of quiet soft hills, with pastures in the distance and the occasional horse-drawn buggy trotting along.
Shipshewana offers an experience you might not find in any old place. The town has long ties to the Amish and is famous for its authentic Amish craftsmanship.
If you want to bring some high-quality products home, visit the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, which draws visitors from all over the area.
This is not your ordinary flea market, spanning over acres of land, and is one of the largest flea markets in the Midwest.
The Menno-Hof cultural center is a museum providing an interesting insight into Amish and Mennonite culture, with exhibits illuminating their distinctive place in American history.
Corydon
Corydon holds a special place in Indiana's past, acting as the first state capital from 1816 to 1825.
That feeling of legacy and history remains, notable in Corydon's town square, anchored by the Harrison County Courthouse. The courthouse was constructed in 1929, and designed in neoclassical style, with prominent columns and an iconic dome.
If you are in the mood to dive into local history, the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site looks into Indiana's early political history.
As well, the Kintner-McGrain House provides a window into the town's Civil War-era heritage.
While the town itself is beautiful, the nearby Ohio River provides a stunning natural backdrop, with gentle hills and quiet waterscapes for your enjoyment.
Only about 10 minutes away by car are Harrison County’s famous caverns, where you can choose to mine for gems or take a winding boat trip underground.
Angola
This town is located all the way in the northeaest corner of the state, only a 10 to 15-minute drive from both neighboring states Ohio and Michigan.
The most iconic location in town is the Soldiers' Monument a striking 70-foot-tall structure erected in 1917. On top is a bronze statue of a Union soldier, commemorating local veterans of the Civil War and subsequent conflicts.
The memorial, known to locals as 'the mound,' sits inside a traffic circle in front of the county courthouse and city hall.
The town is full of fun festivals to see, like 'Taste of the Town' and 'Thunder on the Lake' which both show off the town’s lively spirit.
For a quick adventure outdoors, the nearby Lake James has clear waters and a beautiful shoreline to relax on your boat, or just hook some fish.
Conclusion
These snapshots provide a quick look at the beauty Indiana's towns can offer.
From the quiet streets of Albion to the experimental spirit of New Harmony, there is something to grab visitors and residents alike.
So put your foot out the door, and come discover Indiana's towns, where these vibrant and breathing communities will extend a warm invitation to every visitor.
