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 22, 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
602 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. What's it like in Brownstown, Indiana?
  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.

Aerial view at sunset of the dirt oval at Brownstown Speedway ringed by grandstands, race trailers and the packed Jackson County Fairgrounds in Brownstown, Indiana

What's it like in Brownstown, Indiana?

What's it like in Brownstown, Indiana? The Jackson County seat pairs Brownstown Speedway and Rock the Rind with Pinnacle Peak hikes and Azteca Mexican Restaurant.

Cheyne Reiter

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

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.

Visitors ride a canopied wagon pulled by a tractor through a herd of American bison in an open pasture at Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve near Fremont, Indiana

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve: One of Indiana's Most Unique Wildlife Experiences

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve near Fremont, Indiana, offers guided wagon tours straight into a roaming bison herd, a hidden gem wildlife stop in Steuben County.

Taylor Huff

The Sock Barn outside Nashville, Indiana, a dark green wooden barn with a hand-painted sign, its side wall covered in dozens of hanging socks

The Sock Barn in Nashville, Indiana: Brown County’s Quirkiest Landmark

The Sock Barn outside Nashville, Indiana, is Brown County's quirkiest roadside stop, a barn covered in socks left behind by hikers who took a geode home.

Taylor Huff

The vertical Myers marquee and Dinner Theatre sign on the front of The Harmony Theater in downtown Hillsboro, Indiana, with a message board reading Come as a Guest and Leave as Family

A Night Out at The Harmony Theater in Hillsboro, Indiana

The Harmony Theater in Hillsboro, Indiana, known for decades as Myers Dinner Theatre, still pairs a homemade buffet with live shows in Fountain County.

Taylor Huff

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

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.

Visiting Indy for WNBA All-Star 2025? Here’s Your Weekend Travel Guide

Visiting Indy for WNBA All-Star 2025? Here’s Your Weekend Travel Guide

Jarred Porter

Don’t Miss These Stunning Indiana Lakes for Summer

Don’t Miss These Stunning Indiana Lakes for Summer

Shelby Zellmer

Discover The Idle: Indianapolis’ Unexpected Urban Oasis

Discover The Idle: Indianapolis’ Unexpected Urban Oasis

Taylor Huff

What’s Happening in Indiana This Month? July & August 2025 Events You Can’t Miss

What’s Happening in Indiana This Month? July & August 2025 Events You Can’t Miss

Jarred Porter

Best Outdoor Adventures & Water Parks for Kids in Indiana

Best Outdoor Adventures & Water Parks for Kids in Indiana

Shelby Zellmer

Top 10 Central Indiana County Fairs to Visit in 2025

Top 10 Central Indiana County Fairs to Visit

Tenderloin or Bust: A 4-Day Backroad Binge

Tenderloin or Bust: A 4-Day Backroad Binge

Taylor Huff

Fourth of July Desserts & Decorations in Indiana

Fourth of July Desserts & Decorations in Indiana

Jarred Porter

Red, white, and blue Fourth of July fireworks bursting over a domed county courthouse and downtown buildings at night

Central Indiana Fourth of July Events

Jarred Porter

5 Tips to Level Up Your Disc Golf Game in Indiana

5 Tips to Level Up Your Disc Golf Game in Indiana

Shelby Zellmer

Indiana’s 4th of July Festivals & Parades: A Statewide Celebration of Patriotism

Indiana’s 4th of July Festivals & Parades: A Statewide Celebration of Patriotism

Shelby Zellmer

Top 10 Fireworks Shows this Independence Day

Top 10 Fireworks Shows this Independence Day

Taylor Huff

Hot Boys Chicken: Heat Meets The Heartland

Hot Boys Chicken: Heat Meets The Heartland

Taylor Huff

Indiana Renaissance Faires 2025 – Costumes, Ale & Adventure

Indiana Renaissance Faires: Dates, Locations, and Tips

Shelby Zellmer

We Tried the World’s Spiciest Cocktail Sauce… Bad Idea

We Tried the World’s Spiciest Cocktail Sauce… Bad Idea

Nate Spangle

Top 5 Indiana Podcast Episodes to Hear Now

Top 5 Indiana Podcast Episodes to Hear Now

Jarred Porter

Spring Has Sprung—Sort Of! Your Ultimate Indiana Bucket List

Spring Has Sprung—Sort Of! Your Ultimate Indiana Bucket List

Shelby Zellmer

Soak Up the Fun: Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Indiana

Soak Up the Fun: Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Indiana

Shelby Zellmer

The Best Children's Museums in Indiana 🦕🧑‍🌾🛝

The Best Children's Museums in Indiana 🦕🧑‍🌾🛝

Shelby Zellmer

May in Indy: Racing, Revelry & Can’t-Miss Moments

May in Indy: Racing, Revelry & Can’t-Miss Moments

Shelby Zellmer

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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120k+72k+123k+25k+ Hoosiers already read itOne email a weekUnsubscribe anytime