Although it is often derided for being ‘The Crossroads of America’, Indiana is much more than just a fly-over state and has a lot going for it once you turn off the busy interstates. Aside from its cultured capital Indianapolis, the Hoosier State boasts lively college towns and peaceful Amish communities with lovely countryside scenery on show wherever you go.
Part of the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, Indiana is bordered by Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois with Lake Michigan lying in its northwestern corner. While the north of the state is largely made up of flat plains and low-lying plateaus, the south encompasses rolling hills and valleys which are riddled with captivating caves, caverns and quarries.
Set in the center of the state, Indianapolis is the first place most people head as the large metropolis is full of interesting monuments, memorials and museums. In addition to its impressive architecture and thriving arts and culture scene, the city is also known as the ‘Racing Capital of the World’ as it hosts the Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and NASCAR Cup Series.
Aside from the capital, Fort Wayne attracts a lot of visitors due to its historical and cultural landmarks with the state’s second-largest city acting as an economic and cultural hub for the surrounding area. The lively yet laid back college towns of Bloomington, Evansville and Terre Haute are all also well worth checking out, as is South Bend for its beautiful university campus.
Along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, you can enjoy some great swimming and sailing or hike and horseback ride the epic landscapes of Indiana Dunes National Park. Another of the state’s standout sights are the monuments and murals of George Rogers Clark National Historic Park.