9 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Indiana
Indiana has a rich tradition going back to its nickname: the Hoosier State. No one quite knows where this name came from, but it has stuck for a long time. Hoosiers have a lot to be proud of, from the state's world-famous race, the Indy 500, to its many pretty small towns. In these small towns, you will see stunning architecture, idyllic parks, unique labyrinths, sand dunes, Amish communities, and much more. Unearth nine of the prettiest towns to visit in Indiana.
Goshen
Known as "The Maple City," Goshen gets its name from the city in Egypt where the Bible describes the Hebrews living. First founded in 1831, this small town has big charm, which is reflected in both its local businesses and parks. It prides itself on relaxation and contemplation, which you can experience at Pathways Retreat, which offers a cabin, a labyrinth, and groups for prayers and meditation.
You can also catch a canoe ride down the Elkhart River or take your mountain bike for a spin on the Goshen Mountain Bike Trail. Go fishing at Fidler Pond Park and Pavilion, or enjoy the local restaurants in town. There is a little bit of everything here, including the Goshen Brewing Company, El Zocalo, and The Wholesome Tortilla.
Porter
Porter is home to one of the most visited destinations in Indiana: the Indiana Dunes State Park. Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, this 2,182-acre park's most prominent feature is its beautiful sand dunes. You can hike the dunes on trails ranging from around 1 to 5 miles in length, or dip your feet in the clear water of Lake Michigan.
You can also rent the Dunes Pavilion for any events you would like to host. Within the town of Porter itself, there are other spots to explore, such as the Porter County Museum, which provides information on the town's history, the Memorial Opera House, and the Expo Center. For good spots to eat, consider trying out Wagner's Ribs, the Village Tavern, or Leroy's Hot Stuff.
New Albany
This charming river town on the shores of the Ohio River has a long history going back to the early 1800s when Joel, Nathaniel, and Abner Scriber settled in the area from 1812 to 1813. It quickly became one of the largest cities in Indiana, although today, it maintains a small-town vibe with a population of just over 37,500. You can learn more about the town's history at The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center, or see beautiful historic architecture at New Albany's mansion row. The best mansion in the area is the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, built in the 2nd French Imperial Style.
You can enjoy the sites on the river by hiking the Ohio River Greenway, a seven mile paved trail going through downtown New Albany to the nearby communities of Clarksville and Jeffersonville. The town also has a rich culinary scene with great local bakeries and eateries such as Honey Crème Donut Shop, New Albanian Brewing Company, and Aladdin's Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Cuisine.
French Lick
This small town is home to some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. At French Lick, you can see the West Baden Springs Hotel, which has a magnificent dome and 200-foot atrium first built in 1902. At the French Lick West Baden Museum, you can learn more about the hotel, Larry Bird, and the history of gambling in the area.
There are many attractions in and around town such as Wilstem Wildlife Park, which has exotic animals, ATV tours and ziplining opportunities, Patoka Lake with hiking trails and boat launching ramps, and the French Lick Winery. For a scenic tour of the area, consider going on the French Lick Scenic Railway, which will take you through the Hoosier National Forest and Burton Tunnel.
Shipshewana
This hospitable Indiana town has one of the largest Amish communities in America. Shipshewana is an idyllic rural town, but it still has a lot of attractions for visitors to see. At the Menno-Hof center, you will find information about the Amish and Mennonite lifestyles to gain a greater appreciation for this culture and religion.
If you would rather go out on foot, you can take the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, a 17-mile trail going through multiple communities, Amish farms, and ice cream shops. For other places to visit, try out the Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, the Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre, Davis Mercantile, or the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, which has both exotic and farm animals for you to meet and interact with.
Santa Claus
This charming town is a must-visit for any Hoosier or non-Hoosier traveler. As the name implies, it is Christmas all year long in Santa Claus. At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, visitors will see the 1935 22-foot-tall statue of ole St. Nick, along with an original post office where children can send letters to Santa. Also in town is the Santa Claus Christmas Store, which has treats, ornaments, and other Christmas goods.
The other major attraction in Santa Claus is the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, a family-owned amusement park with thrilling roller coasters and water rides. Nature and American history enthusiasts alike will appreciate Santa Claus because it is only a few minutes away from Lincoln City, the site of the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, which has information on Abraham Lincoln's formative years and hiking trails to explore.
New Harmony
New Harmony was named after the Harmonists, a group of religious utopians who settled in the area early from 1814 to 1824. They would later sell the area to the Owenites, another group with utopian aspirations. Both communities no longer exist, but the echoes they left behind are definitely worth checking out.
At the Atheneum's Visitors Center, you will learn all about the area, and you can go on a tour of the many sites in town, such as the Rapp-Owen Granary, Community House #2, and more. New Harmony also has two picturesque labyrinths: the Cathedral Labyrinth, inspired by one in Chartres, France, and the Harmonist Labyrinth, built in a maze of green shrubbery. For another hidden gem in town, consider visiting the Roofless Church.
Nashville
Nashville is one of the prettiest hidden gems in Indiana. Brown County State Park is the town's crown jewel, featuring rolling hills and scenic trails such as the Saddle Barn Loop, Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve, Ogle Lake, and Strahl Lake. The area has other parks, including the Yellowwood State Forest and Hoosier National Forest, which means you can spend your entire stay outdoors.
However, you will definitely want to check out the town itself thanks to its many art galleries and locally owned boutiques such as The Emerald Pencil, Waldron Gallery, Carmel Corn Cottage, Chateau Thomas Wine, and much more. You can also see the work of American impressionist painter Theodore Clement Steele at the TC Steele House and Studio nestled in the woods.
Aurora
Located in Southeastern Indiana on the Ohio River, Aurora was incorporated in 1845 and prides itself on its historic architecture. For mansion lovers, the picturesque Hillforest Mansion in Aurora is a must-visit. The mansion was built in 1855 in the Italian Renaissance style and sits atop a hill. The house doubles as the Hillforest Victorian House Museum, with many artifacts from the era to check out. There are several pretty parks in town, including Aurora City Park, Lesko Park, and Gabbard Riverfront Park. You can walk from Aurora to Lawrenceburg by taking the Dearborn Trail at the Aurora Dog Park.
If you are in the mood to try local food, Aurora has several great restaurants, like Hankering Southern Kitchen, Third and Main Restaurant, and The Aurora Diner.
There are so many pretty towns in Indiana that it is hard to mention all of them. However, these small towns hold a unique spot in the state due to their forests, state parks, lakes, mansions, and more. From the shores of the Ohio River to Lake Michigan, you will have plenty of opportunities for a day by the water. In addition, since many of these towns were founded in the 1800s, you can explore historic sites. If you plan your trip carefully, you will be able to see several of these pretty small towns in a single weekend.
