9 Secluded Towns in Indiana

Indiana is quite a vast state with many big cities like Indianapolis, its capital, Evansville, and Fort Wayne. These cities occupy the spotlight, but there is more to the Hoosier State than its front-line glorious cities. Dispersed across its landscape are secluded small towns drenched in nature splendor and often stuck in the past. For instance, towns like Aurora and Beverly Shores are rich in natural endowments like lakes and gently flowing rivers, while others like Vevay dazzle in immigrant history and authentic culture. So, even though they may be less populated, these towns are magical, full of distinct characters, and invite visitors to relish priceless moments.

Lawrenceburg

Lawrenceburg is a picturesque town on the serene banks of the Ohio River in Dearborn County, full of charms. A secluded enclave for easy-going people, this town invites visitors to the scenic Tanner’s Creek Boat Ramp at Ratliff Landing to boat and fish on Tanner's Creek or just admire the scenery while picnicking. Meanwhile, RiverWatch Floating Restaurant is a pleasant riverfront restaurant offering tantalizing seafood and great views of the Ohio River.

Lawrenceburg also boasts a few parks like Ludlow Hill Park, Lawrenceburg Civic Park, and Arch Street Park, where tourists can have fun. All parks feature playgrounds and sporting facilities, and Ludlow Hill Park even has two lakes for catch-and-release fishing. For some history, visitors can always check out the historic Angevine Cabin, which was built in 1820 by the town's pioneers.

Cannelton

Cannelton is one of the smallest towns in Indiana, with a population that is slightly below 1,500 people. Positioned along the Ohio River, the town boasts quite a few draws that put its secluded reputation to shame. First off, the Cannelton Cotton Mill is a National Historic Landmark in town for history lovers as it was built around 1849 and was once the largest industrial building West of the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can admire the historic mill and then head to the Perry County Museum to check out artifacts reflecting the county’s history.

For recreational pursuits like kayaking and canoeing, Cannelton is just a mile from the Cannelton Locks & Dam, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Moreover, tourists can capture the town's scenic allure, including views of the Locks & Dam from the Eagles’ Bluff Park & Overlook. Before leaving town, it’s always great to stop at the Blue Heron Vineyards & Winery to sample its collection of wines with great views of the Ohio River.

Brookville

Brookville is a little, often overlooked town that’s surprisingly full of cool things to see and do. While being located at the southern end of Brookville Lake, this town is home to the east and west forks of the Whitewater River, making the area a mecca for water sports. Adventurers can head to one of the Brookville Lake boat ramps to launch into the water and enjoy fishing, boating, and waterskiing, or visit the beach to relax and swim. The lake is within the Whitewater River Valley, with more than 25 miles of hiking trails and over 400 campsites.

For more adventures, the Whitewater Memorial State Park is nearby and also offers access to Brookville Lake and Whitewater Lake for more water adventures. In the interim, those who fancy wildlife can visit the Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue to see rescued wolves.

Angola

Angola is a laid-back town in Steuben County that is perfect for a retreat full of adventures. Here, retreat seekers will find the Steuben County Park on Crooked Lake, which is a great place for boating, camping, and beach fun. Bordering Lake James and Snow Lake, Pokagon State Park is a more exciting attraction near the town where adventurers can enjoy fishing, picnicking, boating, and swimming. The park also has over 13 miles of trails and a nature center for wildlife exhibits. As for history buffs, the Steuben County Courthouse and the Steuben County Jail are stunning attractions from the 19th century to admire. Meanwhile, art lovers can storm the 4 Corners Gallery to see artworks and pottery exhibits.

Aurora

Aurora is a small town along the Ohio River, with an enchanting landscape and lots of historic attractions to explore. On a visit here, tourists will be stunned by the Hillforest Mansion, an Italian Renaissance-style mansion built in 1855 on a bluff above the Ohio River. The George Street Bridge is yet another interesting structure from the past here to admire as it was built in 1887, but that’s not all. Aurora also hosts the Aurora City Hall, completed in 1887, and Aurora Methodist Episcopal Church, which dates to 1855. Located in the Downtown Aurora Historic District, all of these structures are on the National Register of Historic Places, and Hillforest has even been made a National Historic Landmark. This district has several other historic attractions, making a walk-through feel like a step back in time to the 1800s.

Away from history, Lesko Park invites laid-back tourists to bike, walk, or enjoy picnics, while Waterways Park is a great place to go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. Additionally, the Gabbard Riverfront Park is a great place in town to enjoy leisure walks or picnics while admiring murals and the beautiful river.

Vevay

Vevay is a town in Switzerland County with gorgeous river scenery and a rich history. Located on the Ohio River, this quaint town was first settled by Swiss immigrants in 1802. Today, it is the county seat of Switzerland County and houses the county's first courthouse, built in 1822. The Switzerland County Historical Museum is also in town and hosts museums where visitors can learn about the area’s past, including Early Swiss Heritage and Native Americans. The museum also features a collection of military items from the Civil War to WWII.

Besides its history, Vevay is a river town offering a wide range of water activities. Adventure buffs can head to Paul Ogle Riverfront Park to launch into the water from the boat ramp or enjoy picnics in the park with river views. Meanwhile, the historic Hoosier Theatre is in town and invites tourists to enjoy some shows or plays before leaving.

Winamac

Winamac is a quirky town on the Tippecanoe River, full of interesting attractions. First, the town hosts the Vurpillat’s Opera House, which was built in 1883 in the Second Empire architectural style. This stunning structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and is worth checking out while in town. Winamac also hosts the Pulaski County Courthouse, which was built between 1894 and 1895. Visit this limestone structure to admire its Romanesque Revival architectural style and then head to Winamac Town Park to see and walk on the Memorial Swinging Bridge over the Tippecanoe River, built in honor of soldiers.

For some adventures, head to the Tippecanoe River State Park to kayak and canoe, camp in nature, or explore the 23 miles of trails. Meanwhile, automobile enthusiasts would love the Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum as it contains a huge collection of vintage motorcycles, dedicated to celebrating the rich history of cycling.

Nashville

Nashville is a town in southern Indiana that is ideal for art lovers and is renowned as the nerve center of Brown County Art Colony. Hence, the town’s Brown County Art Gallery is a must-visit to see numerous art exhibits and witness mind-blowing creativity. History buffs can visit the Pioneer Museum to see preserved buildings from the 1800s, including a log cabin and an old jail. For outdoor adventures and recreation, head to Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest park famed for its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains. In this park, visitors can hike 20 miles of tree-shaded trails, climb a fire tower to enjoy scenic views, and swim in a water park. The park also has a swimming pool, picnic areas, and a nature center with a bird-watching room and nature exhibits.

Beverly Shores

The town of Beverly Shores is easily a temptation for visitors seeking a quiet enclave to relax as it is quite secluded, with just around 600 people. It lies on the shores of Lake Michigan and shares a border with the Indiana Dunes National Park, a prime tourist destination in the state. This park is simply irresistible, with its charming dunes, singing sands, hiking trails, and a swimming beach on Lake Michigan. Activities in the park include swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching in an observation tower, and picnicking. The town also hosts Kemil Beach, where visitors can swim and relax. For history lovers, the Depot Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to see art exhibits and artifacts on the town's local history.

Indiana’s small towns, especially the lesser-known ones, hold some of the state’s most iconic offerings, and that’s just one of the reasons they are worth visiting. With their low populations and scenery, they are even more appealing and serve as an escape from the state’s larger cities like Indianapolis and South Bend. From Beverly Shores with its nearby Indiana Dunes National Park to Nashville and its neighboring Brown County State Park, these small towns in Indiana are some of the best places you can visit in America.