How do I plan an Indiana day trip?

Choose one anchor destination, then add a nearby food stop, town square, park, shop, or attraction. The regional filters on this page help group ideas into realistic trips.

How often is this guide updated?

New travel, food, parks, best-of, and hidden gem stories feed this guide when they fit the topic.

What are good free things to do in Indiana?

Parks, trails, scenic drives, downtown walks, public art, festivals with free entry, farmers markets, and historic main streets are usually the easiest free starting points.

What are the best family-friendly things to do?

Look for state parks, museums, seasonal festivals, farms, zoos, children-friendly trails, lake towns, and food stops with easy parking and flexible timing.

What are good weekend trips in Indiana?

Good weekend trips usually combine a town or hotel with food, outdoor time, shopping, live music, a festival, or a nearby attraction.

When is the best season to explore Indiana?

Spring and fall are ideal for towns, trails, festivals, and scenic drives. Summer is strongest for lakes and outdoor dining. Winter works best for lights, food, museums, shopping, and indoor attractions.

How do I find things to do near me?

Use the region filters first, then search for a city, town, attraction, park, restaurant, or event type to narrow the guide.

Things to Do in Indiana - Attractions, Adventures & More

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

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

Indianapolis Metro South Central Indiana West Central Indiana Northeast Indiana Southeast Indiana Michiana Southwest Indiana East Central Indiana The Region State Parks Hiking & Trails Waterfalls & Caves Camping Hidden Gem Things to Do Family-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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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 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 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

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 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

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

Shelby Zellmer

Chillz Delights in North Manchester: Retro Sweets & Small-Town Charm

Jarred Porter

Questions

Trip questions people actually ask

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

The answer

What are the best things to do in Indiana?

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.

Still have a question about this part of the state?

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Things to Do in Indiana

From Get Indiana

Indiana State Parks

Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies

Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

What's it like in Lagro, Indiana?

Whitewater Memorial State Park: Honoring Our Veterans

Five Budget-Friendly Places to Travel to in Indiana

Brown County State Park: Falling for Leaf Peeping

O'Bannon Woods State Park: Face Your Fears in Southern Indiana

Potato Creek State Park: The Power of a Place

Lakes & Beaches

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

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

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

Hardy Lake: Where the Raptor Center Soars

Brookville Lake: Bluebirds, Walleye, and 50 Years of Lake Life

Mississinewa Lake: The Conservation Mindset

Cecil M. Harden Lake: Raccoon State Recreation Area & the Mansfield Roller Mill

Salamonie Lake: A Park for Every Personality

Hiking & Trails

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

Guide to Visiting Boone County, Indiana

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

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

DePauw University Nature Park: A Hidden Outdoor Escape in Greencastle, Indiana

Hague Road Nature Haven: A Hidden Gem in Hamilton County

The Canal Walk at White River State Park: A Free Downtown Indy Essential

Celery Bog: Why Birders From Across the Midwest Drive to West Lafayette

Waterfalls & Caves

Discover the Underground Wonder of Southern Indiana: Squire Boone Caverns

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

Clifty Falls State Park: Being a Good Neighbor

5 Must-See Waterfalls in Indiana

Strolling In the Deep: Bluespring Caverns

Camping

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

Camping at Indiana Dunes National Park: Your Complete Guide

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

Gardens & Arboretums

The Most Romantic Botanical Gardens in Indiana

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

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

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

Potawatomi Conservatories South Bend Botanical Gardens

Wellfield Botanic Gardens: Where Nature, Art, and Flavor Bloom

3 Must Visit Gardens In Indiana

Hidden Gem Things to Do in Indiana

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

The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne

A Hidden Gem in Southern Indiana: The Carriage Inn

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

Miracle League Complex at Normain Park: Mishawaka's Fully Accessible Ballpark and Playground

Mandy's Ice Cream in Brownsburg

Twin Archer Brewpub: A Hidden Gem in Muncie

White Pine Wilderness Academy: Nature-Based Education in Indiana

Free Things to Do in Indiana

WAMMfest Returns to Greenwood on Saturday, August 15

Celebrate Tenderloin Tuesday at Sun King Brewery in Westfield

Indiana County Fairs: The Complete Guide

3 Tips to Lower Your Utility Costs During the Summer

What's it like in North Manchester, Indiana?

Five Indiana Fourth of July Celebrations You Can't Miss in 2026

Things to Do in Indiana This Week: June 22-28, 2026

Paint Your Own Layer at the World's Largest Ball of Paint

Family-Friendly Things to Do

What’s it like in Kentland, Indiana?

What's it like in Odon, Indiana?

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

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

123 Years of Heat: The Story of St. Elmo Steak House

What's it like in Wabash, Indiana?

Things to Do in Indiana This Week: July 1-7, 2026

Go Ape Adventure Park Is One of Indianapolis' Most Exciting Outdoor Experiences

Things to Do in West Central Indiana

What's it like in Kirklin, Indiana?

What's it like in Monticello, Indiana?

What’s it like in Frankfort, Indiana?

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

Spend the Night Behind Bars at the Old Jail Inn in Rockville