Attractions, day trips, food stops, parks, towns, and events

Things to Do in Indiana

A practical guide to what is worth doing across the Hoosier State, from classic attractions to small-town stops and local stories that make a trip feel specific.

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The short answerUpdated Aug 15, 2026

Things to do in Indiana sort into a few real categories. There are 24 state parks, from Pokagon State Park up in Steuben County down to Clifty Falls State Park near Madison. There are 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline at Indiana Dunes. There is a food map built on breaded tenderloins and small-town bakeries, and a sports calendar that peaks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every May.

Coverage
597 things to do guides
Regions
Indianapolis Metro, South Central Indiana, West Central Indiana, Northeast Indiana, Southeast Indiana

From Get Indiana

  1. Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies
  2. Take a Relaxing Cruise on the Dixie Sternwheeler in North Webster, Indiana
  3. Fox Island County Park: Fort Wayne's Hidden Escape Into Nature
  4. Discover the Underground Wonder of Southern Indiana: Squire Boone Caverns

Maintained by the Get Indiana team. Reviewed by Nate Spangle. How we use AI

Indianapolis MetroSouth Central IndianaWest Central IndianaNortheast IndianaSoutheast IndianaMichianaSouthwest IndianaEast Central IndianaThe RegionState ParksHiking & TrailsWaterfalls & CavesCampingHidden Gem Things to DoFamily-Friendly Things to Do

Indiana State Parks

Trails, history, and the state parks and recreation areas worth a full day outside.

IN the Parks podcast cover art for Harmonie State Park, showing a large painted Say's Firefly sculpture hanging on a blue brick wall next to a placard about Indiana's state insect

Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies

Harmonie State Park in New Harmony, Indiana pairs utopian history with Say's Firefly, our state insect. Cabins, big trees, and the best time to spot fireflies.

Allison Martin

IN the Parks podcast cover graphic titled Indiana Parks Alliance, with a fall-colored tree against a blue sky and a Listen Now button

Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

Indiana Parks Alliance advocates for the state's parks and funds trail projects through Trails for Tomorrow. Here's how Hoosiers can give back and get involved.

Allison Martin

Nighttime crowd gathered on the lawn at 950 Speakeasy Bistro in Lagro, Indiana, watching a live band play under string lights beside the two-story timber patio

What's it like in Lagro, Indiana?

Lagro, Indiana is Wabash County's smallest town, packed with Irish history, the Wabash River Trail, Canal Creamery, and the 950 Speakeasy Bistro. Here's what to know.

Cheyne Reiter

IN the Parks podcast cover graphic for Whitewater Memorial State Park, showing the park's carved wooden veterans memorial of a bald eagle above a kneeling soldier with the words All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Whitewater Memorial State Park: Honoring Our Veterans

Whitewater Memorial State Park near Liberty, Indiana was built by four counties to honor WWII veterans. Explore its 200-acre lake, trails, cabins, and sandhill cranes.

Allison Martin

Lakes & Beaches

Reservoirs, lake towns, and Lake Michigan beaches for swimming, boating, and slow summer days.

The Dixie, a red-and-white sternwheel paddleboat, cruising across Webster Lake in North Webster, Indiana, with passengers on its decks under a clear blue sky.

Take a Relaxing Cruise on the Dixie Sternwheeler in North Webster, Indiana

Built in 1929, the Dixie Sternwheeler is Indiana's oldest sternwheel excursion boat, offering relaxing 75-minute sightseeing cruises on Webster Lake in North Webster.

Taylor Huff

A wide sandy beach at Indiana Dunes National Park with Lake Michigan waves on the right and a wooded dune ridge in fall color on the left

Indiana Dunes Is Busier Than Most of the National Parks You Can Name

Indiana Dunes National Park logged 2.6 million visits in 2025 and ranks in the top 10% of all National Park Service units, a new federal report shows.

Jarred Porter

Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails

Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails

Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails Use this for the article image: Cover Art link Listen to “Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for…

Allison Martin

Hardy Lake: Where the Raptor Center Soars

Hardy Lake: Where the Raptor Center Soars

Hardy Lake near Scottsburg is home to nine birds of prey at its raptor center, plus water recreation and great trails. Allison has the full guide.

Allison Martin

Hiking & Trails

Day hikes, nature preserves, paved paths, and trail systems across the state.

Blue water channel lined with gold and rust colored autumn trees under a clear sky at Fox Island County Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fox Island County Park: Fort Wayne's Hidden Escape Into Nature

Fox Island County Park hides 605 acres of forest, wetlands, and prairie on Fort Wayne's southwest side, with seven miles of trails, a nature center, and Bowman Lake.

Taylor Huff

Aerial view of the Boone County courthouse and downtown square in Lebanon, Indiana, with fall foliage and parked cars lining the street

Guide to Visiting Boone County, Indiana

Zionsville, Lebanon, Whitestown and Thorntown in one trip: where to hike, eat and shop across Boone County, Indiana, from the Big-4 Rail Trail to Titus Bakery.

Cheyne Reiter

A small limestone waterfall spilling over a rock ledge into a green plunge pool, ringed by bare hardwood trees and fallen leaves, at Calli Nature Preserve in North Vernon, Indiana

Calli Nature Preserve: Discover Rock Rest Falls in North Vernon, Indiana

Rock Rest Falls hides inside Calli Nature Preserve, 179 acres of limestone cliffs and hardwood forest just east of North Vernon in Jennings County, Indiana.

Taylor Huff

A visitor stands atop the sandstone Prophet's Rock overlook in a sunlit spring forest near Battle Ground, Indiana, with a large tree rising in the foreground.

Prophet's Rock: One of Indiana's Most Historic Overlooks

Prophet's Rock near Battle Ground is a quiet historic overlook above the Wabash River, tied to Tenskwatawa and the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe near Lafayette, Indiana.

Taylor Huff

Waterfalls & Caves

Cataracts, cave tours, and the underground stops and overlooks worth chasing.

An illuminated rimstone formation at Squire Boone Caverns, its terraced flowing stone lit in blue and amber as water cascades over the ledges.

Discover the Underground Wonder of Southern Indiana: Squire Boone Caverns

Tour Squire Boone Caverns, a southern Indiana hidden gem with illuminated stone formations, an underground stream, frontier history and a hands-on working village.

Taylor Huff

Spring Mill State Park, Part 1: Cave Adventures and Ancient Forests

Spring Mill State Park, Part 1: Cave Adventures and Ancient Forests

Explore Spring Mill State Park's cave system and 300-year-old forests in Mitchell, Ind. Learn about cave boat tours, hiking trails, and Donaldson's Woods.

Allison Martin

Clifty Falls State Park: Being a Good Neighbor

Clifty Falls State Park: Being a Good Neighbor

Explore Clifty Falls State Park near Madison - historic waterfalls, the Four Falls Challenge, bat hibernation caves, and Clifty Inn accommodations.

Allison Martin

5 Must-See Waterfalls in Indiana

5 Must-See Waterfalls in Indiana

Chase waterfalls across Indiana! Discover 5 scenic spots perfect for hiking, photos, and summer adventures—from Cataract Falls to Clifty and beyond.

Taylor Huff

Camping

Campgrounds, cabins, and lakeside sites for a night or a weekend under the stars.

France Park in Logansport: A Hidden Gem for Camping, Hiking & Diving

France Park in Logansport: A Hidden Gem for Camping, Hiking & Diving

Discover France Park in Logansport—offering camping, hiking trails, fishing, and even SCUBA diving in scenic France Lake. A true Indiana outdoor gem.

Taylor Huff

A wooden boardwalk and staircase winding across an open sand dune at Indiana Dunes, with wooded green ridges rising behind it

Camping at Indiana Dunes National Park: Your Complete Guide

Camping at Indiana Dunes National Park means Dunewood: 67 sites, no hookups, open April to November. What to know, and how it differs from the state park.

Jarred Porter

Riverside Retreat: Camping at Rising Sun Campground in Winamac, Indiana

Riverside Retreat: Camping at Rising Sun Campground in Winamac, Indiana

Discover Rising Sun Campground in Winamac—lazy river floats, themed weekends, and old-school camping vibes along Indiana’s Tippecanoe River.

Taylor Huff

Gardens & Arboretums

Botanical gardens, conservatories, and seasonal blooms worth a slow walk.

A round reflecting pool set in a lawn at the Garden at Newfields, with clipped hedges, stone steps and a brick garden building behind it under fall foliage

The Most Romantic Botanical Gardens in Indiana

From the Rapp Ravine at Newfields to Wellfield in Elkhart, these are Indiana's most beautiful botanical gardens, plus what each one actually costs to visit.

Jarred Porter

Close-up of deep maroon Queen of the Night tulip petals at Kat Von D's black tulip field

A Gothic Garden in Southern Indiana: Kat Von D’s Black Tulip Field

Kat Von D's black tulip field in Vevay, Indiana brings thousands of dark spring blooms, free public views, peak bloom tips, and photo-worthy stops.

Taylor Huff

Cherry Blossom Season in Indiana: 4 Spots Worth the Drive Before the Petals Fall

Cherry Blossom Season in Indiana: 4 Spots Worth the Drive Before the Petals Fall

Find where cherry blossoms grow in Indiana, including Indianapolis and Carmel spots, peak bloom timing, and tips for catching the petals before they fall.

Jarred Porter

Eagle Creek Nursery: Indianapolis' Best-Kept Secret Has Been Growing for 110 Years

Eagle Creek Nursery: Indianapolis' Best-Kept Secret Has Been Growing for 110 Years

Discover Eagle Creek Nursery & Landscape, Indianapolis' 110-year-old family business on 50+ acres. Fourth-generation expertise since 1916.

Jarred Porter

Hidden Gem Things to Do in Indiana

Offbeat places, local favorites, and Indiana stops that feel a little more found than advertised.

A man in a red sweater working behind the counter at Holly's Package Store in Greentown, Indiana, with shelves of liquor bottles and a hand-lettered store hours sign above him

Hidden Gem: Head to Holly's Package Store in Greentown, Indiana

Holly's Package Store has anchored Greentown, Indiana since 1980. Rich Lacy now runs the family liquor store his father Gary built, just east of Kokomo.

Destany Long

Colorful themed attractions at The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne, including a blue alien spaceship, a castle, a giant mushroom and elephant sculptures across a grassy field.

The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne

The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne is a 25-acre family adventure park with giant slides, farm animals, themed attractions and seasonal fall events like pumpkin patches and hayrides.

Taylor Huff

A packed dining room at the Carriage Inn in Haubstadt, Indiana, with families gathered around tables set with fresh bread, drinks and homestyle comfort food.

A Hidden Gem in Southern Indiana: The Carriage Inn

Carriage Inn in Haubstadt, Indiana, is a nearly 50-year-old hidden gem serving family-style Midwestern comfort food inside a historic early-1900s carriage house.

Taylor Huff

The counter at René's Bakery in Broad Ripple, with glass jars of peanut butter, chocolate chip and chocolate chewy cookies above a case of pastries as bakers work behind it.

René's Bakery: The 400-Square-Foot Broad Ripple Gem With a Cult-Favorite Cinnamon Roll

René's Bakery is a 400-square-foot cottage in Broad Ripple turning out hand-rolled cinnamon rolls and French pastries that Indianapolis locals line up for every weekend.

Jarred Porter

Free Things to Do in Indiana

Parks, trails, public art, downtown walks, scenic drives, and easy ideas that do not need a big budget.

A country rock band performs on an outdoor stage under blue skies at WAMMfest in Greenwood, with a singer on guitar and a bandmate in a cowboy hat

WAMMfest Returns to Greenwood on Saturday, August 15

WAMMfest returns to Craig Park in Greenwood on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with Indiana wine, craft beer, local art, and live music for a Johnson County fundraiser.

Cheyne Reiter

Two people in purple Tenderloin Tuesday t-shirts toast cans of Sun King Premium Light Lager on a restaurant patio in Hamilton County.

Celebrate Tenderloin Tuesday at Sun King Brewery in Westfield

Sun King Brewery in Westfield hosts a free, America 250-themed party for the 17th year of Tenderloin Tuesday on July 7, with tenderloins, giveaways and beer.

Cheyne Reiter

Aerial view of a packed Indiana fairground at dusk, filled with a Ferris wheel, swing rides, and colorful midway tents.

Indiana County Fairs: The Complete Guide

Your complete guide to Indiana's 2026 county fair season: every county fair listed by date from early July through the August Indiana State Fair, plus rides and derbies.

Jarred Porter

Sun setting over a green Indiana cornfield as an irrigation sprinkler mists the rows during a summer evening

3 Tips to Lower Your Utility Costs During the Summer

Beat Indiana's summer heat without spiking your utility bill. Three tips to cut cooling costs: AC tune-ups, smart thermostat settings, and sealing your home.

Cheyne Reiter

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Ideas with easier timing, room to move, nearby food, and enough flexibility for real family logistics.

Colorful mural in Newton County, Indiana of writer George Ade and baseball player Edgar "Sam" Rice, painted alongside a South Newton High School logo and a canoe scene at Willow Slough

What’s it like in Kentland, Indiana?

Kentland, Indiana is the Newton County seat at the crossroads of US 41 and Route 24, home to the Pun’kin Vine Fair, the Old Colonial Inn and a 1906 courthouse.

Cheyne Reiter

Blue-and-gold Indiana historical marker titled Odon, Formerly Clarksburg beside a pond, noting the town was platted in 1846 and renamed Odon in 1881.

What's it like in Odon, Indiana?

Odon, Indiana is a historic Daviess County town in southern Indiana's Amish country, home to the Old Settlers Festival, a Lincoln statue, and small-town eats.

Cheyne Reiter

Illuminated Welcome to the Indiana State Fair Midway arch at dusk, with a Ferris wheel and carousel glowing on the midway behind it.

The Hidden Costs of Indiana's Biggest Summer Events (and How to Budget for Them)

Parking, food, and merchandise add up fast at the Indiana State Fair, Indy 500, and Gen Con. Here's how to budget for the hidden costs of Indiana's summer events.

Destany Long

A paddler's point-of-view from a teal kayak drifting down a calm, tree-lined Indiana river on a sunny summer day, with water shoes propped on the bow.

5 Underrated Indiana River Float Trips for a Low-Crowd Summer

Skip the Turkey Run crowds. From the spring-fed Mongo float to the Blue River's limestone bluffs, here are five underrated Indiana river floats for summer.

Jarred Porter

Things to Do in West Central Indiana

More in West Central Indiana
The 'Travelers Point' vintage train mural painted on a brick building along Main Street in downtown Kirklin, Indiana, with the town water tower in the background.

What's it like in Kirklin, Indiana?

What's it like in Kirklin, Indiana? This Clinton County small town packs antique shops, standout bakeries, and a grain-to-glass distillery onto a bustling Main Street.

Cheyne Reiter

Aerial view of a wooden roller coaster curving out over Lake Shafer at Indiana Beach in Monticello, Indiana, with a Ferris wheel beside the boardwalk.

What's it like in Monticello, Indiana?

From the historic Indiana Beach and the twin lakes of Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman to beautiful golf courses, a winery, and go-to restaurants, Monticello is a must-visit small town in Indiana.

Cheyne Reiter

Frankfort, Indiana Water Park

What’s it like in Frankfort, Indiana?

From the Hot Dog Festival to Case Arena to Glover's Ice Cream, Frankfort packs serious character into Clinton County. Here's the full breakdown.

Cheyne Reiter

Joey Chestnut Is Coming to Terre Haute: Rural King's Memorial Day Eating Contest Launches a National Qualifier Series

Popcorn, Power, and a Hoosier Homecoming: Joey Chestnut Returns to Terre Haute This Memorial Day

Joey Chestnut returns to the Terre Haute Rural King on Memorial Day 2026 to defend his 42-bag popcorn record and launch a national qualifier series.

Jarred Porter

Things to Do in Northeast Indiana

More in Northeast Indiana
The stone grave marker of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, topped with a green apple and ringed by a black iron fence.

Discovering Johnny Appleseed’s Grave: A Quiet Gem in Fort Wayne

Johnny Appleseed's grave rests in a quiet Fort Wayne park. Learn who the real John Chapman was, how to find the gravesite, and why locals still visit it today.

Taylor Huff

What’s it like in Winona Lake, Indiana?

What’s it like in Winona Lake, Indiana?

Originally developed as a resort town, Winona Lake, Indiana is a small town with an elite shopping district, great eateries, and high school history on its side.

Cheyne Reiter

Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island: 112 Years of Hot Dogs Done Right

Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island: 112 Years of Hot Dogs Done Right

Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island has been serving the same coney dog recipe since 1914. Here's why this 112-year-old hot dog stand is an Indiana legend.

Jarred Porter

Science Central Fort Wayne: Where Curiosity Comes to Life

Science Central Fort Wayne: Where Curiosity Comes to Life

Science Central in Fort Wayne is a hands-on science center housed in a 1929 power plant with interactive exhibits, live demos, and STEM fun for all ages.

Taylor Huff

Things to Do in South Central Indiana

More in South Central Indiana
The abandoned Zoom Flume concrete waterslide near Bloomington, Indiana, its curved channel covered in vibrant multicolored graffiti with green forest behind it.

The Zoom Flume: Bloomington's Hidden Waterslide Relic

The Zoom Flume near Bloomington, Indiana is an abandoned 1970s waterslide turned graffiti-covered hidden gem, now drawing photographers and urban explorers.

Taylor Huff

The exterior of The Brick (Brick Bar & Grill), a small red-brick tavern in Jonesville, Indiana, with a covered entry and a Coca-Cola machine.

The Brick: A Hidden Gem in Jonesville, Indiana

The Brick in Jonesville is a hole-in-the-wall Indiana bar serving cheeseburgers, housemade chili, and hot sauce. Here's what to order and how to plan your visit.

Destany Long

The Farmhouse Café & Tea Room: A Hidden Gem in Nineveh, Indiana

The Farmhouse Café & Tea Room: A Hidden Gem in Nineveh, Indiana

The Farmhouse Café and Tea Room in Nineveh sits inside a restored 1800s brick farmhouse with homemade lunches and a garden center to explore after.

Taylor Huff

New Season Underway at Salem Speedway

New Season Underway at Salem Speedway

Salem Speedway has hosted legends like A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart since 1947. The new season is underway at this iconic Indiana track.

Shelby Zellmer

Browse Things to Do

Use the latest stories as a trip-planning feed, then narrow by region or search for a specific destination.

Don't Miss MadHop Musical Festival in Madison, Indiana 2025

Don't Miss MadHop Musical Festival in Madison, Indiana

Jarred Porter

What’s it like in Bargersville, Indiana?

What’s it like in Bargersville, Indiana?

Cheyne Reiter

A Local’s Guide to South Bend & Mishawaka

A Local’s Guide to South Bend & Mishawaka

Cheyne Reiter

Schimpff’s Confectionery: A Sweet Stop in Jeffersonville, Indiana

Schimpff’s Confectionery: A Sweet Stop in Jeffersonville, Indiana

Taylor Huff

Hatcher Hill Trail: Madison’s Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

Hatcher Hill Trail: Madison’s Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers

Taylor Huff

Prophetstown State Park: How We Shape Our Homeland & How It Shapes Us

Prophetstown State Park: How We Shape Our Homeland & How It Shapes Us

Allison Martin

Big City vs. Small Town: Where Should You Live in Indiana?

Big City vs. Small Town: Where Should You Live in Indiana?

Jarred Porter

The Miller House: A Hidden Gem in Columbus, Indiana

The Miller House: A Hidden Gem in Columbus, Indiana

Shelby Zellmer

Bristol Automotive Parts: 50+ Years of Auto Expertise in Indiana

Bristol Automotive Parts: 50+ Years of Auto Expertise in Indiana

Jarred Porter

Farmer for a Day: Experience Indiana Agriculture at Fair Oaks Farms

Farmer for a Day: Experience Indiana Agriculture at Fair Oaks Farms

Taylor Huff

The Burger Poet in Franklin: Family-Run Smash Burgers Worth the Drive

The Burger Poet in Franklin: Family-Run Smash Burgers Worth the Drive

Jarred Porter

What’s it like in Winchester, Indiana?

What’s it like in Winchester, Indiana?

Cheyne Reiter

Cafe Max: A Local Favorite in Culver, Indiana

Cafe Max in Culver, Indiana: A Local Favorite Since 1985

Taylor Huff

The Garage Food Hall: Indianapolis' Award-Winning Culinary Destination

The Garage Food Hall: Indianapolis' Award-Winning Culinary Destination

Destany Long

8 Indiana-Themed Halloween Costumes to Try in 2025

8 Indiana-Themed Halloween Costumes to Try in 2025

Cheyne Reiter

The Porthole Inn: A Beloved Lakeside Tradition in Unionville, Indiana

The Porthole Inn: A Beloved Lakeside Tradition in Unionville, Indiana

Taylor Huff

Most Affordable Places to Live in Indiana in 2026

Most Affordable Places to Live in Indiana in 2026

Jarred Porter

Side Trail: Going Birdwatching IN the Parks

Side Trail: Going Birdwatching IN the Parks

Allison Martin

10 Most Haunted Places in Indiana to Visit in 2025

10 Most Haunted Places in Indiana to Visit in 2025

Taylor Huff

Chicago Beef and Dog Company | The Best Hot Dog in Indianapolis

Chicago Beef and Dog Company | The Best Hot Dog in Indianapolis

Destany Long

Questions

Trip questions people actually ask

Written to answer the thing you actually searched for, not to pad the page.

The best things to do depend on the trip: state parks and trails for outdoor days, restaurants and small towns for day trips, festivals and events for seasonal plans, and hidden gems for unusual stops.

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