Indiana Travel Guide (Midwest/United States of America/North America)

Indiana is a hidden gem in the Midwest of the United States with a rich history, natural beauty, and hospitable people welcoming visitors to the state. Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about Indiana, including the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture.

Introduction to Indiana

Indiana is located in the Midwestern region of the United States in North America. It is bordered by Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Illinois to the west. The state capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana has a diverse terrain, including urban areas, rolling hills, forests, beaches, and lakes. The state is known for its iconic covered bridges, limestone architecture, and automobile racing.

List of Places to Visit in Indiana

Indiana has something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie. Here are the must-visit places in Indiana:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Indiana War Memorial - A museum that commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of Hoosier veterans.
Eiteljorg Museum - A museum that features Native American and Western American art.
Indiana State Museum - A museum that showcases Indiana’s natural and cultural history.
Conner Prairie - An interactive history park where visitors can experience life in 19th-century Indiana.
Indiana Dunes National Park - A national park that features dunes, forests, and beaches on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Natural Attractions of Indiana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Brown County State Park - A state park that offers hiking, biking, and camping in the scenic hills of southern Indiana.
Turkey Run State Park - A state park that offers hiking and scenic views along sandstone ravines in western Indiana.
Chain O’Lakes State Park - A state park that offers boating, fishing, and hiking on interconnected lakes in northern Indiana.
Marengo Cave - A natural limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
Indiana Dunes State Park - A state park that features beaches, dunes, and forests on Lake Michigan.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Indiana

Indiana has over 3,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Here are some of the best routes:

Monon Trail - A 27-mile trail that connects Indianapolis to Carmel and Westfield.
Hennepin Canal Trail - A 155-mile trail that follows the Hennepin Canal in western Indiana.
Ohio River Greenway - A 7-mile trail that follows the Ohio River in southern Indiana.
Cardinal Greenway - A 62-mile trail that follows an abandoned railroad corridor from Marion to Richmond.
Indiana Dunes State Park Trails - A network of trails that offers scenic views of the dunes and lake.

Best Things to Do in Indiana: Activities and Tours

Indiana offers a variety of activities and tours for all ages and interests. Here are the must-do activities and tours in Indiana:

Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Take a tour of the iconic racetrack that hosts the Indy 500 and other events.
Watch a basketball game at Indiana University - Experience the Hoosier Hysteria at one of the most historic college basketball arenas.
Go to the Indiana State Fair - Sample local food, watch livestock shows, and enjoy carnival rides at this annual event.
Tour the Oliver Winery - Taste award-winning wines made in southern Indiana.
Visit Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari - Ride roller coasters and water slides at this popular amusement park in southern Indiana.

Week-Long Itinerary for Indiana

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Indiana:

Day	Destination
1	Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana State Museum
2	Brown County State Park, Bloomington
3	Marengo Cave, French Lick
4	Indiana Dunes State Park, Valparaiso
5	Amish Country, Shipshewana
6	Turkey Run State Park, Lafayette
7	Conner Prairie, Indianapolis

Food and Drink Scene of Indiana

Indiana is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and craft beer scene. Here are the must-try dishes and local beverages in Indiana:

Must-Try Dishes

Tenderloin sandwich - A breaded pork tenderloin sandwich that is larger than the bun.
Sugar cream pie - A custard pie made with a filling of cream, sugar, and vanilla.
Fried biscuits and apple butter - A breakfast treat that is perfect with coffee.
Fried chicken - Indiana is famous for its fried chicken, especially from the restaurant chain, KFC.
Pork chops - A hearty meal that is often served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Local Beverages

Indiana craft beer - Indiana has over 150 breweries, including Upland Brewing, 3 Floyds Brewing, and Sun King Brewing.
Wine - Indiana has a growing wine industry, with over 90 wineries, including Oliver Winery and Chateau Thomas.
Persimmon pudding - A dessert made with persimmon pulp that is typically served with ice cream or whipped cream.

Where to Stay in Indiana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Indiana has a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some options:

Omni Severin Hotel - A historic hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
French Lick Resort - A luxury resort that is famous for its spa and casino.
Indianapolis Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel that offers private and shared rooms.
Le Meridien - A boutique hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
Murphy Guest House - A charming bed and breakfast in Bloomington.

What to Buy in Indiana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Indiana has many unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts or mementos. Here are some recommendations:

Popcorn from Orville Redenbacher’s Popcorn Shop - An iconic snack from Indiana.
Maple syrup from Burton’s Maplewood Farm - Pure maple syrup made in southern Indiana.
Homemade jams and jellies from local farmers’ markets - A delicious taste of Indiana’s agriculture.
Handmade pottery from Brown County Art Guild - Beautiful works of art that are made in southern Indiana.
Covered bridge souvenirs - Replicas of Indiana’s historic covered bridges.

Local Culture and Customs of Indiana

Indiana is known for its friendly and welcoming people, who take pride in their local communities. Here are some cultural customs to be aware of:

Hospitality - Hoosiers are known for their hospitality, so expect to be greeted warmly.
Religion - Indiana is a religious state, with many Christian denominations represented.
NASCAR - Racing is a big part of Indiana’s culture, with NASCAR being the most popular racing series.
Cornfields - Indiana is often referred to as the “Corn State” due to its vast cornfields.
Slang - Hoosiers have their own unique slang, including words like “y’all”, “cattywampus”, and “purd near”.

Best Time to Visit Indiana

The best time to visit Indiana is from April to October, when the weather is mild and there are many outdoor activities and events. The peak tourist season is during the summer months (June to August), when schools are out and there are many festivals and fairs. However, if you prefer a quiet visit, the early spring (March to May) or late fall (September to November) are also great times to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Indiana

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Indiana:

Do:

Try local cuisine - Indiana has many delicious dishes to try, including cornbread, Hoosier pie, and sugar cream pie.
Be friendly - Hoosiers are known for their friendliness, so be polite and respectful.
Enjoy the outdoors - Indiana has many parks, lakes, and trails to explore, so don’t miss out on the scenic views and outdoor activities.

Don’t:

Litter - Indiana has many beautiful natural areas, so help keep them clean.
Underestimate the weather - Indiana can have extreme weather conditions, from hot summers to cold winters, so dress accordingly.
Ignore the history - Indiana has a rich history, with many museums and landmarks to visit, so take the time to learn about the state’s past.

Safety and Health

Safety in Indiana

Indiana is a safe state for tourists, but it’s always best to take precautions when traveling. Here are some safety tips:

Stay aware of your surroundings - Keep an eye out for pickpockets and other criminals, especially in crowded areas.
Lock your car doors - Car theft is a common crime, so always lock your car doors and don’t leave valuables inside.
Be cautious on rural roads - The countryside roads can be narrow and winding, so drive carefully and watch for wildlife.

Health in Indiana

Indiana has good health care facilities, including hospitals and clinics, but it’s always best to have travel insurance. Here are some health tips:

Stay hydrated - Indiana can have hot summers, so drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Wear sunscreen - Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and a hat.
Watch for ticks - Indiana has ticks that can carry Lyme disease, so be sure to check yourself for ticks after hiking or spending time outdoors.

Getting to Indiana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Indiana is easily accessible by air, road, or rail. Here are the options to get to Indiana:

Airports Near Indiana - The largest airports near Indiana are Indianapolis International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Bus Stations Near Indiana - Greyhound and Megabus serve many cities in Indiana, including Indianapolis, South Bend, and Evansville.
Other Options - Amtrak trains also serve several cities in Indiana, including Indianapolis, Lafayette, and South Bend. Additionally, there are many highways that connect Indiana to other states.

How to Get Around in Indiana

Indiana has several transportation options for getting around the state:

Car Rental - The most convenient way to explore Indiana is by renting a car, with major car rental companies available at airports and major cities.
Public Transportation - Public transportation options include buses, light rail, and commuter trains, with most services available in Indianapolis and South Bend.
Biking - There are many bike-friendly towns and trails in Indiana, including Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Brown County State Park.

Where to Go Next from Indiana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore after visiting Indiana, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

Chicago, Illinois - A vibrant city that is only a few hours’ drive or train ride from northern Indiana.
Louisville, Kentucky - A city with a rich history, music scene, and bourbon culture, only a few hours’ drive from southern Indiana.
Cincinnati, Ohio - A city that offers great food, music, and professional sports, located only a few hours’ drive from southeastern Indiana.
Mackinac Island, Michigan - A charming island that is only accessible by ferry and has no cars allowed, a few hours’ drive from northern Indiana.

Conclusion

Indiana is a state that offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, there are plenty of attractions, activities, and local culture to discover. Use this comprehensive guide to help plan your trip to Indiana and make unforgettable memories.

Indiana Image Gallery

Monument Circle in Indianapolis—a city full of monumental memorials

This farm in Prophetstown State Park is emblematic of Indiana's rural charm and America's breadbasket heritage

The beautiful beaches at the Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan