7 Underrated Destinations In Indiana To Avoid Summer Crowds

Indiana is a charming destination, especially attractive in the summer for its proximity to the Great Lakes. The state, also branded the "Hoosier State," is most well known for its vast farmland, agriculture production, and automotive industry, though it also boasts a unique culture and welcoming energy. While many travelers stop by Indiana for a dip in the cool waters on a hot summer's day, there are many locations and attractions that are just as appealing. Though they may often be considered the road less traveled, these underrated destinations are sure to delight, but they also pose a great opportunity to explore at your own pace and avoid those summer crowds!

Connersville

Founded in 1813, Connersville is one of the oldest towns in Indiana, making it an excellent location for travelers to brush up on the state's history, learning details about the manufacturing and agriculture of the past. There are several historic buildings for visitors to admire, including Canal House, built in 1842; Elmhurst Mansion, built in 1831; and Fayette County Courthouse, built in 1849. Nestled along the banks of the Whitewater River, the town is also ideal for a day spent on the water, with activities including camping, fishing, and kayaking.

Connersville offers the best of both worlds for those seeking a weekend escape and a weekday adventure. Enjoy the weekend exploring the small town, and on a weekday, hop on the Amtrak rail station train to Chicago, Cincinnati, and even New York City. Because of its quaint and quiet atmosphere, as well as its many charms, Connersville is also one of the best towns to retire to in Indiana. 

Indiana Dunes National Park

Forged by the might of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park houses over 50 miles of trails, traversing through sand dunes, wooded areas, vast prairies, and lively wetlands, making it a hiker's paradise. The park is 15,000 acres in size, so visitors are unlikely to find themselves in a swarm of people. It is open for camping and day use, boasting scenic campgrounds, large picnic areas, shelters, and breathtaking sandy beaches for a lovely day spent by the water. On top of all that, there are over 350 bird species in the area, hundreds of different types of animals, and 1,400 species of plants, so a pair of binoculars and an identification booklet are a must-have!

Hamilton County

Hamilton County encompasses eight small cities and towns: Noblesville, Atlanta, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Cicero, Arcadia, and Sheridan. The towns are just a short jaunt away from one another, perfect for a week spent exploring the unique restaurants and downtown areas of each. Every January, the county hosts the Great Dine Out, where there are steals of deals at all the participating local restaurants. They also celebrate Tenderloin Tuesdays, offering deals on Indiana's signature sandwich in over 50 restaurant locations in the county. Also, there are always festivals going on, such as Greekfest, where visitors and locals alike indulge in all the best Greek food, and Artomobilia, where there are over 400 collector cars on the streets of Carmel. And around Halloween, the spooky Conner Prairie's Headless Horseman.

Michigan City

Michigan City is one of Indiana's most charming beach towns, but it is also one of the most underrated, home to the iconic Michigan City Lighthouse, constructed in 1904. Situated on the southern portion of Lake Michigan (where it gets its name), the town boasts a picturesque beach, perfect for a summer getaway spent enjoying the fresh water and lounging on the shore. It also boasts many tourist attractions, such as the John H. Barker Mansion, which earns a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. For good eats, there are plenty of charming lakeshore restaurants, such as Bridges Waterside Grille, Sunset Grille Rooftop Cantina & Beach Concession, and Mateys Restaurant. There are also boat tours, a casino, and a zoo, ensuring endless fun and excitement.

Cataract Falls State Park

Known as one of the best hikes in Indiana, Cataract Falls State Park also houses the largest waterfall in Indiana, which reaches 86 feet in height. Visitors enjoy picturesque views of the upper and lower falls, as well as hikes along the various nature and overlook trails in the area. There are also campsites, ideal for extending a stay and enjoying s'mores over the fire, bike rides through the woods, and teaching the kids to pitch a tent. Just an hour southwest of Indianapolis, travelers can also choose to indulge in the excitement of city life or even stay in one of the hotels, bed and breakfasts, or inns of the city.

Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill State Park encompasses 1,358 acres, documenting pioneer history alongside the importance that nature and land have on the world today. There are four facilities open to visitors: the Pioneer Village, Nature Center, Grissom Memorial, and Twin Caves Boat Tour. The Pioneer Village includes over 20 historic buildings to explore, while the Nature Center documents the park's natural and cultural history. The Grissom Memorial was built in memory of Virgil "Gus" Grissom, who was the second American man in space. For an extra special visit, be sure to enjoy a Twin Caves Boat Tour and marvel at cave formations and keep an eye out for cave animals. There are also plenty of accessible, easy, moderate, and rugged trails for all types of outdoor adventurers. 

Chesterton

Chesterton is one of the cutest small towns in Indiana and is just 3 miles from Indiana Dunes National Park. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails scattered throughout the town for those with a need to adventure, while the beach fronts are the ideal location for those in search of a more relaxing vacation. The Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is a great way to spend a day outdoors, enjoying the picturesque Chesterton Amphitheatre, the Pavilion, Philips Pond, and Weir Bridge. The Commercial Historic District and the Westchester Township History Museum are ideal for those with a love for history, while the Chesterton Art Center draws in art lovers. Visitors can extend their stay in delightful spots such as the Duneswalk Inn at the Furness Mansion, Hilton Garden Inn, or a campsite at the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Enjoy a Summer Trip To Indiana!

While there are many popular destinations in Indiana ideal for summer fun, such as the capital city of Indianapolis, the outdoor recreation of Bloomington, and Indiana's largest state park, Brown County State Park, these spots, while not exactly secret, are the best way to avoid summer crowds. From the breathtaking views of Cataract Falls State Park to the charm of Michigan City, there is something for everyone to enjoy in beautiful Indiana.