Indiana, or the Hoosier State, is in the Midwest, offering access to the Great Lakes and the attractions related to them. There is an abundance of things to do in Indiana ranging from cultural attractions, museums, sports to outdoors and shopping.
The highlight of the state is its capital, Indianapolis, where you will find the most museums and events, but don't be afraid to venture outside of the city to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural beauty of Indiana.
As the Crossroads of America, it is easy to get to Indiana, and once you do, you'll be entertained for weeks, whether you choose to visit casinos, wineries, festivals, museums, or national parks.
Take a look at some of the top tourist attractions in Indiana.
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The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the top family-friendly places to go in Indiana.
The zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals that belong to 320 species and subspecies.
The park opened to the public in 1964. Since then, it has grown into a place to discover and encounter animals from different ecosystems.
There are numerous adventures people of all ages can embark on at the Indianapolis Zoo. Spend your day wandering on your own through the different exhibits, or try out a new experience, like swimming with dolphins.
The zoo is the only spot in the Midwest where you can meet dolphins up close and in the water!
Visit the White River Gardens and learn about what you can do to help conserve plants and animals at their Conservatory Show.
The main attraction of the zoo is the five biomes, where each biome consists of plants and animals from a similar habitat. These biomes are Oceans, Plains, Deserts, Forests and Flights of Fancy.
A visit to the Indianapolis Zoo will be one of a kind experience for the whole family as you will get a chance to explore a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden all under one roof.
Address: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Website: www.indianapoliszoo.com
Also Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Indianapolis
If you want to satisfy your need for speed, head to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the IndyCar Series, the NASCAR Cup Series, and other top races.
Head to the speedway to watch a highly anticipated race, like the Indy 500. Or take a test drive with an on-track experience.
The Indy Racing Experience Driving Program lets you take the wheel for a change.
Get behind a real NTT IndyCar Series car – one that competed in the Indy 500. The speed is up to you and your comfort level, but you can power up to 180 miles per hour!
After some time on the track, take an IMS tour provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. You'll get behind-the-scenes access to important landmarks at the speedway, including a detailed history of the complex.
At the museum, you'll encounter rare sports cars, trophies, and other unusual artifacts from the world of motorsports.
Address: 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
One of the top things to do in Indiana for families is the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
Your kids will have a blast exploring five floors of interactive exhibits that feature the arts, sciences, world cultures, and humanities.
The Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experiences allows kids to learn the best ways to stay active inside and outside – by doing what you love!
The National Art Museum of Sport features masterpieces highlighting the top moments in sports history.
Children and adults alike will enjoy learning about art and sports at the same time. There are also opportunities to take photos with North America's largest water clock, a historic carousel, and a large Bumblebee.
Other exhibits include a 43-foot-tall sculpture of blown glass, a series celebrating 20th-century children who changed the world, and a display where you can see what it's like in space and aboard the International Space Station.
Address: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Also Read: Top 10 Best Children's Museums in the USA
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari has become one of the best vacation spots in Indiana, thanks to its diverse attractions that offer plenty of fun for the entire family.
Aptly named Holiday World, the theme park is split into four themed sections that celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and the Fourth of July.
Each area features rides, entertainment, games, and other attractions to enjoy.
There are three famous wooden rollercoasters in Holiday World, including The Legend, The Raven, and The Voyage. There are also several other rollercoasters to get your thrills on.
The park advertises itself as one of the best value attractions in Indiana. Guests will enjoy free soft drinks, parking, sunscreen, and WiFi.
At Splashin' Safari, Holiday World's safari-themed water park, guests can enjoy two of the world's longest water coasters. There are also raft rides, water slides, wave pools, and much more to enjoy on a hot summer's day.
Address: 452 East Christmas Boulevard, Santa Claus, IN 47579
Situated in downtown Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art is an excellent choice of attraction for art lovers and culture seekers.
You will find an impressive collection of both Western American and Native American art here as well as some of the world’s best Native contemporary work. The museum can be found at the White River State Park, where you will also find a range of other attractions to enjoy.
If you appreciate great art and want to take in some stunning collections and exhibitions, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art is a place that you should definitely pay a visit to.
Address: 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Spanning 250 acres, White River State Park in Indianapolis is a place where you will find natural beauty, exciting attractions and plenty of activities at your fingertips.
You will find something to suit all ages and preferences at this site, including the Indiana State Museum, the stunning White River Gardens, Indianapolis Zoo, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art amongst others.
You can also enjoy the great outdoors in the many acres of green space – and you can even explore the park by bike, boat or segway. With so much to see and do, you will be able to enjoy a full and exciting day of diverse entertainment at this park.
Address: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Also Read: Best Tourist Attractions in Indianapolis
The Lucas Oil Stadium is a historic complex that is home to the Indianapolis Colts.
Opened in 2008, the stadium features a retractable roof and window that bring in light and fresh air while enjoying a football or soccer game, concert, or other exciting events.
It's the top spot to attend an event when you visit Indiana.
Lucas Oil Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four, and welcomed artists like Taylor Swift, U2, One Direction, and more.
When there's no event, visitors can take a stadium tour and learn all about this fantastic stadium's history.
The 75-minute tour will take visitors onto the field, into an NFL locker room, and more. Explore the press box and other unique areas, depending on availability.
Groups can also book private tours for a more intimate experience inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Address: 500 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Also Read: Top 10 Most Amazing Arenas And Stadiums In America
Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument is one of the most prominent monuments in the United States.
The monument honors the Hoosiers who sacrificed and served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, and more.
Built in 1888 with a public dedication in 1902, the monument has become a symbol of the city as the state capital of Indiana.
In 2016, the memorial was a part of the expansion of the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza National Historic Landmark District to honor more Indiana natives who served in wars.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is the largest outdoor memorial in Indiana and welcomes visitors and locals alike to visit and honor those who served in past wars.
There are several outdoor sculptures, including War, Peace, The Dying Soldier, and The Return Home. Other sculptures surrounding the monument include the bronze statues of William Henry Harrison, James Whitcomb, and other notable Hoosiers.
Address: 1 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46204
A living history museum, the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is a fascinating way to delve into the past. Located in Fishers, Indiana, this is a recreation of local life in the nineteenth century and is fun, fascinating and educational.
The William Conner home can also be found onsite, and this is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are plenty of activities, exhibits and interactive fun here for adults, children and families to enjoy and your time here will definitely be unique and exciting.
This attraction provides the perfect way to step back in time and see just what life was like all those decades ago.
Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
Website: www.connerprairie.org
Discovered by two school children back in 1883, the Marengo Cave National Landmark in Indiana is a fascinating attraction that has been providing tours for more than 130 years.
You will find the inside of the cave breathtaking as you take in the rock formations and enjoy the walking tours that are offered here.
You can also enjoy a variety of other activities such as gemstone mining, the cave simulator and even water activities at the river just by the cave.
There are two key walking tours on offer, which includes the forty minute Crystal Palace tour and the sixty minute Dripstone Trail.
Address: 400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN 47140
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo focuses on connecting kids with wildlife and encouraging people of all ages to care about them.
Children's ability to interact with animals like nowhere else makes this zoo one of the top places to visit in Indiana.
Since its opening in 1965, the zoo has welcomed locals and vacationers alike to see over 1,000 animals.
Kids can hang around goats, explore jungle trails, and watch giraffes roam around. Feed giraffes and goats, or head on the pony trail to encounter beautiful ponies.
There are also several rides to keep the excitement going, including a railroad, carousel, a sky ride, and more.
Zookeepers at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo are always on-hand to educate children on caring for the animals and other exciting information.
The zoo also hosts year-round events, including spring break camps and summer camps for kids to learn and enjoy being in nature.
Address: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Also Read: 30 Best Zoos in the USA
Brown County State Park's rolling hills, rustic cabins, and ample space for outdoor activities make it one of the best sights to see in Indiana.
With over 15,000 acres of land, it's the largest state park in Indiana and is home to Weed Patch Hill, one of the state's highest points.
Brown County State Park first opened in 1929. As the park grew in popularity for locals and out-of-state visitors, park officials planned and developed a lodge, cabins, a swimming pool, and even a saddle barn.
The Abe Martin Lodge is open year-round and features comfortable lodging in Indiana's wilderness.
A more rustic visit might include a stay at one of the park's cabins. Visitors will also find miles upon miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails.
Brown County State Park also has a nature center where you can find a snake exhibit, explore a bird-watching room, and wander through several interactive displays.
Address: 1801 Indiana 46 East, Nashville, IN 47448
Also Read: 25 Best State Parks in the USA
Indiana's second state park, Turkey Run State Park, is one of the most beautiful places in the US to the miles of rolling forests and natural setting.
Home to more than 2,000 acres, the park is best known for the wild turkeys who would huddle in warm canyon bottoms, also known as "runs." The surrounding area was aptly named after these creatures.
From creeks to tall rocks and forests, the park is a beautiful way to spend time in the state's bountiful nature. Hike, bike, canoe, or horseback ride your way around the park and discover legendary canyon trails.
There are also several 19th-century historic homes on Turkey Run State Park's land. One of the oldest homes in the park made up of virgin timber is Lieber Cabin.
An 1871 log church stands as a symbol of the religious heritage left by the country's founders. It still holds services today. The Colonel Lieber Memorial pays tribute to Richard Lieber, a benefactor and key figure in building Indiana State Parks.
Address: 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859
Indiana Dunes State Park is one of the best places to visit in Indiana on Lake Michigan's shores.
Thousands of years of shifting landscapes shaped the sandy beaches you see today.
Opened to the public as a state park in 1925, visitors will find a three-mile stretch of dune-lined shores and outdoor spaces to explore.
Indiana Dunes State Park offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan at sunrise, sunset, and every hour in between.
There are more than 70 miles of trails to hike and 15 miles of coastline to swim and splash around. Take the Three Dune Challenge and climb up the park's three tallest dunes.
Explore the dunes' natural wonder and immerse yourself in Hoosier history through different experiences the park offers.
Encounter numerous species of flora and fauna unique to the area and capture them in unforgettable photos.
Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304
Also Read: 25 Best State Parks to Visit in the US
The University of Notre Dame is home to the Snite Museum of Art.
This top Indiana tourist attraction focuses on shared human experiences and beliefs through historical masterpieces.
Ten permanent exhibitions span five floors as well as five rotating galleries. Outside, the Charles B. Hayes Family Sculpture Park features towering installments and breathtaking topography.
The Snite Museum of Art features an African art exhibit that explores the theme of power in the culture. Explore how African royalty used art to project their power and how religious groups used it to promote faith.
The museum has more than 29,000 works of art in its collection. Top collections in the museum include Mesoamerican art, modern art, and Native American pieces.
Spend hours or the entire day wandering through the museum's halls, discovering masterpieces from across history.
Address: 100 Moose Krause Cir, Notre Dame, IN 46556
The Studebaker National Museum promotes itself as a center for education and preservation of design and innovation.
The museum shares the history of the automotive and industrial business through different displays and exhibits.
Since 2005, the museum welcomes guests to explore three gallery levels where visitors can learn about innovation throughout time.
The Studebaker Museum features remarkable artifacts, including the carriage Abraham Lincoln used to ride the Ford's Theatre the night of his assassination.
The museum's halls include permanent displays of historic cars and military vehicles, each with information on history and use. Every artifact will inspire and educate you as you wander through the facility.
The Studebaker Museum also has various rotating exhibits. In the past, the museum housed an exhibition celebrating the Studebaker's company from transitioning factories and building cars in Fort Bend, Indiana.
It also featured an exhibition showcasing the company's sports car from the mid-20th century: the Studebaker Hawk line.
Address: 201 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601
If you're looking for unique things to do in Indiana, look no further than Antique Alley.
Two interlocking trails allow you to meander through the streets with more than 1,200 antique dealers at your fingertips.
Antique shops of all shapes and sizes line the streets of historic eastern Indiana, giving you the chance to find a unique treasure to take home.
There are thousands of vintage items to find in Antique Alley, from farm tools and furniture to textiles and glassware.
Antique Alley's hub is Cambridge City, where 12 shops offer exciting shopping in a two-block area.
Spend one day looking through a few shops or turn your stay into multiple nights to find the treasure you adore.
There are endless opportunities to discover antique objects that will add the perfect touch to your home.
Address: 5701 National Road East, Richmond, IN 47374
Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is a globally famous Catholic university known for great sports and top-notch academics.
While the university's primary focus is on its students and groundbreaking research, the campus is open to the public for historic and scenic tours.
A free-of-charge public tour begins at the Eck Visitors Center. It gives guests a historical and social aspect of life at the University of Notre Dame.
You'll visit the Grotto, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Golden Dome, and even the "Touchdown Jesus" Hesburgh Library.
Don't end your adventure at Notre Dame. If you're a football fan, take a tour of the stadium for photo opportunities on the field and in front of the famous "Play Like a Champion Today" sign.
The campus is open to all, so spend time on your own exploring the beautiful campus, and you'll quickly understand why it's one of the best places to visit in Indiana.
Address: Notre Dame, IN 46556
Wellfield Botanic Gardens is one of the top Indiana attractions you can't miss.
Located in Elkhart, Indiana, the gardens are home to 36 acres of meandering pathways through scenic landscapes.
Christiana Creek wanders through the heart of the gardens while water features, sculptures, pagodas, and more dot the landscape.
Visitors of all ages can visit this Indiana tourist attraction at no charge.
Take a self-guided tour, or learn about the gardens' history and flora and fauna inside it with a guided professional tour. Golf carts provide accessibility for all ages and abilities.
There are also catered box lunches available, as well as different events throughout the year.
The Wellfield Botanic Gardens prides itself on staying open year-round. Enjoy a warm summer day walking through seasonal gardens or visit during the winter holidays to immerse yourself in a completely different experience.
Address: 1011 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514
The Indiana State Capitol is more than the state government's hub; it's an architectural and historical wonder.
Since 1888, the statehouse has served as the center for civic life in the state. While the original Capitol building stands today, the Indianapolis location was built to accommodate a growing government.
The statehouse is made of Indiana limestone and designed with classic Renaissance Revival style in mind.
Visit for yourself and marvel at the wondrous design influenced by the United States Capitol Building. Step inside and see the spectacular stained-glass dome, granite columns, and marble floors.
The Indiana Statehouse Tour Office offers scheduled tours. Professional guides will take you through open offices and chambers while teaching you about the state government's history and the building architecture.
Walk around your own outside the building on the manicured grounds beneath the towering statehouse.
Address: 200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Also Read: Top 10 Most Beautiful State Capitol Buildings in the USA
Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to one of the best attractions in Indiana: the Santa Claus Museum and Village.
The museum is where you'll discover historical photos and artifacts that take you through the history of the town of Santa Claus.
Pages of children's letters to the jolly old man and antique toy displays bring the magic of Christmas alive.
Take your young ones to the Original Santa Claus Post Office, where they can write free letters to Santa. Leave your name and address, and Santa and his elves might write back!
The Santa Claus Church, built in 1880, is another historic landmark in the town and features most of the building's original furnishing.
The museum gift shop offers different holiday-themed products throughout the year for you to take home and cherish.
And while the complex is centered around one holiday, Santa and the elves celebrate holidays and seasons throughout the year, including a spooky Halloween celebration!
Address: 69 North, IN-245, Santa Claus, IN 47579
Follow the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail to the Oliver Winery; a vineyard started in the 1960s by Indiana University law professor William Oliver as a result of his deep interest in winemaking.
The vineyard opened to the public in 1972 and quickly became one of the top Indiana attractions.
At the winery, guests can enjoy delectable wine, wander through gardens, and get to know the people behind Indiana's largest winery.
The winery sources and grows dozens of grapes to create some of the best-tasting wines in the area.
The timber-lined wine tasting room offers a rustic spot to enjoy over 40 wines. Picnic areas provide space for outdoor events among 15 acres of landscaped scenery.
The Oliver Winery is open for tastings and shopping. Guests can choose from a variety of wine flights to enjoy outdoors. Taste great wines and find your favorite to take home.
Address: 200 E Winery Rd, Bloomington, IN 47404
Monroe Lake is one of the top Indiana attractions to take the family for a day of outdoor adventures.
With swimming, boating, and hiking all at your fingertips, spend the day or a weekend enjoy all that Indiana nature has to offer.
The lake is open for ice fishing in the winter, but the real fun is during the warm months.
Spend a day on the lake, boating, and fishing. Or hike through miles of trails and explore the Nature Center.
There are also several reservable picnic areas and shelter houses to host a group event.
There are hiking trails easy to moderate and offer different scenic vistas. Swim at one of the lake's two beaches or rent a boat to go waterskiing or paddleboarding.
When the day is over, set up your tent and roast some marshmallows at a campground.
Address: 4850 S State Road 446, Bloomington, IN 47401
Also Read: 25 Most Beautiful Lakes in the US
Water flowing from cavern springs led to an industrial village taking root in the early 19th century. Pioneers used the spring water to build grist mills, a distillery, and mills.
Today, the land is home to a historic state park that you need to put on your list of things to do in Indiana.
Human-made features, including a lake, still stand in Spring Mill State Park, but nature is slowly taking over.
Visitors can learn about this storied history at the Pioneer Village, the Nature Center, the Grissom Memorial, and the Twin Caves Boat Tour.
Attend public programs year-round further to immerse yourself in this scenic and historic land.
Guests can also tour select caves. Self-guided tours allow you to head underground and learn more about the cave systems and the spring water that powered the mills all those years ago.
The boat tour also takes you through a stream passage, where you'll encounter unique cave formations and try to spot animals, like the blind cavefish.
Address: 3333 IN-60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446
The Indianapolis City Market is one of the best places in Indiana to shop, dine, and explore.
The historic landmark is home to dozens of local vendors, where you can find handmade products, ethnic foods, and much more.
Shop for groceries or catch up with an old friend over coffee. The opportunities to enjoy Indianapolis are endless at the City Market.
Since 1886, the market has been welcoming people to enjoy the city culture. One of the market's highlights is its catacombs tour.
Visitors can head beneath the market and tour the Romanesque cavern graveyard. The hidden ruins feature crypts, unique architecture, and other ruins not found anywhere else in the United States.
Another popular attraction is the Original Farmers' Market, central Indiana's longest-running and largest farmers' market.
Open every Wednesday in the warm season, the Original Farmer's Market invites local vendors and shoppers to find homemade goods and locally grown produce.
Address: 222 E Market St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
