11 Charming Indiana Towns For The Perfect Getaway
The Union’s 19th state, the picturesque Midwestern State of Indiana, sits squarely at ‘The Crossroads of America’ as attested by its adored catchword. From the undulating Indiana Dunes by Lake Michigan shoreline in the north to boasting one of the country’s prodigious limestone quarry regions in the south, the multifarious phenomenal wonders of this constituent Great Lakes State are worth paying heed to. Nonetheless, even though the Hoosier State’s megalopolises, including the state capital Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, and South Bend, predominantly capture the wholehearted attention of almost every visitor, the numerous charming towns peppering the state are preferred locales for a perfect getaway.
French Lick
French Lick, named after a 17th-century French trading station erected close to a salt lick, is a bewitching resort location in Orange County’s French Lick Township. Vacationgoers during their trip to this 1,722-inhabitant (as per the 2020 US Census) Southern Indiana town should go sightseeing on board the French Lick Scenic Railway, which proffers dramatic vistas of the surroundings as it makes way past an antediluvian log cabin, riveting scenic formations, and the Burton Railroad Tunnel thru the Hoosier National Forest. Furthermore, stop in the French Lick West Baden Museum to learn more about the days gone by, be a participant in copious recreational activities at the neighboring Patoka Lake reservoir, and de-stress at the squeaky-clean French Lick Springs Hotel.
Williamsport
Warren County’s center of administration and the biggest among its four incorporated communities, Williamsport, platted in 1826 by William Harrison, is set along State Road 28 close to the Wabash River banks. Colloquially known by its moniker ‘Side-cut-City,’ this eccentric town’s most outstanding naturally created feature is the 90-feet-tall Williamsport Falls, the state’s tallest free-falling waterfall, located near the town center. Clap eyes on Williamsport’s notable historical sites like the Warren County Courthouse and Williamsport Presbyterian Church, engage in recreational sporting down the Wabash River, and slack off at the Attica Inn.
Shipshewana
Honored with the name of an indigenous Potawatomi leader, this entrancing Amish settlement is situated in the Newbury Township of LaGrange County. While sojourning in this quintessential Midwestern town, find pleasure in equine-drawn carriage rides or a slow walk through the Downtown streets, inspecting the Victorian properties, old-fashioned emporiums like The Town Shop Antique Mall, foodie havens like Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery, and hotels like the Van Buren Hotel at Shipshewana. Sightseers gotta survey the Shipshewana Flea Market and Menno-Hof Amish & Mennonite Museum, apart from being awed by the incredible handiworks at the yearly Shipshewana Quilt Festival.
New Harmony
Initially settled in 1814 by the Harmony Society, this archaic town is located by the Wabash River in Harmony Township of southwestern Indiana’s Posey County. A portion of the Evansville Metropolitan Area, New Harmony has, in recent years, developed steadily into a nationally important educational, scientific research, and agricultural-trading center of interest. When in town, first start exploring from the New Harmony Historic District’s Atheneum Visitors Center, trailed by the Roofless Church, Workingmen’s Institute & Library, and Harmonie State Park. Unwind after a stressful day at New Harmony Inn Resort & Conference Center.
Goshen
Occupying the Michiana region in the northern part of the state, along the banks of the Elkhart River, is Goshen, the county seat of Elkhart County. Side by side housing the pretty campus of Goshen College (formerly, the Elkhart Institute of Science, Industry & Arts), the main driver of this Maple City’s economy is its highly renowned RV and accessories manufacturing industry. Scan the multiple women’s clothing stores like I M SHE, locally-owned casual joints like Biebs & Ash - Goshen, and contemporary hotels like Holiday Inn Express & Suites Goshen by IHG cramming the business district, plus turn up for the Elkhart County 4-H Fair scheduled to be held from July 18 to July 26, 2025 at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds.
Madison
Platted in 1810, this shiretown of southeastern Indiana’s Jefferson County, labeled in memory of US President James Madison, is located on the northern side of the Ohio River, bordered by the Clifty Falls State Park to the west. A significant portion of Madison’s Downtown, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2006, centers on more than 1,700 conspicuous properties, including the Lanier Mansion and Jefferson County Historical Society Museum. A vast number of people swarm to the proximate Clifty Falls State Park yearly, lured by the marvelous Clifty Creek Canyon and the stunning cascades on Clifty Creek. Have a full night’s sleep at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison and set aside time to join any of the annual community events like the Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks Extravaganza and Very Merry Madison Christmas Celebration.
Franklin
Named for the American polymath Benjamin Franklin, this Johnson County seat is located roughly 90 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky, and 20 miles south of the state capital. Excursionists making a trip to Franklin should check out the vintage Victorian-era properties, such as the Johnson County Courthouse and the historic Artcraft Theatre, aside from the chic boutiques like BYTAVI Boutique, eating places like Court Street Cafe, and lodgings like Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Franklin Indianapolis. The Franklin Parks and Recreation Department safeguards infinite miles of walking trails all over the town, which link the manifold parks, public pools, libraries, and community centers.
Aurora
Aurora, named for the Goddess of Dawn in the Roman mythos, sits next to the Ohio River in the Center Township of southeastern Indiana’s Dearborn County. The traditional downtown district of this ‘City of Spires’ highlights multitudinous well-preserved buildings such as the Italian Renaissance style built Hillforest Mansion, Aurora City Hall, and First Presbyterian Church of Aurora. Outdoor lovers get to participate in ample leisure pursuits and explore the first-class walking trails at Aurora’s many recreation grounds, like Aurora City Park, Gabbard Riverfront Park, etc. Have a pleasant stay at Tuggles’ Folly Bed & Breakfast and schedule time to turn up at the Aurora Farmers Fair, one of the state’s oldest festivals, revelled with much fanfare in October every year.
Angola
Established by Thomas Gale and Cornelius Gilmore in June’1838, Angola is set in the state’s extreme northeastern corner in Steuben County’s Pleasant Township. An esteemed feature of this 9,340-inhabitant town (as per the 2020 US Census) is ‘The Mound’ - a downtown traffic circle at the center of which is a 67-foot-tall monument memorializing those from Steuben County who combated in the American Civil War. When in Angola, browse the umpteen art galleries like 4 Corners Gallery Studio & Pottery, trendy boutiques like Fourever Young Boutique LLC, family-friendly restaurants like Village Kitchen, and hotels like Wingate by Wyndham Angola, as well as historical properties like the Steuben County Courthouse, and First Congregational United Church of Christ that fill the 17.56-acre Angola Commercial Historic District. Outdoorsy types get to reignite a love for the natural realm at the Pokagon State Park, located just 5 miles north of the town by the side of the pristine Lake James.
Nashville
The seat of government of south-central Indiana’s Brown County and the county’s sole incorporated community, Nashville, labeled after the more celebrated Tennessee capital city, is located in Washington Township, exactly 40 miles south of Indianapolis. Established in 1836 and initially called ‘Jacksonburg,’ Nashville is distinguished for being the kernel of the Brown County Art Colony - one of the most majestic art colonies in the American Midwest. Throughout the year, artisans, shutterbugs, and holidaymakers from across the globe congregate here, charmed by entertainment venues like Brown County Playhouse, women’s clothing stores like Foxfire Boutique, homey eateries like Hobnob Corner, and accommodations like Brown County Inn. Also, some popular attractions such as the T.C. Steele State Historic Site and Brown County State Park are not to be missed, alongside attending any of the town’s annual events: Harmony Valley Music Festival and the Brown County Rock & Mineral Show at the Brown County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Corydon
Corydon, at present, Harrison County’s administrative center and the erstwhile state capital and Indiana Territory capital, is situated in Harrison Township to the north of the Ohio River, approx. 25 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky. Travelers on a tour of this most sought-after Southern Indiana tourist magnet must walk down the National Register-listed Downtown Historic District and take note of the dozens of historical structures, including the Old Capitol Building, the Constitution Elm Memorial, and Governor Hendricks’s Headquarters. Additionally, partake in myriad recreational activities at the O’Bannon Woods State Park, be present at the yearly reenactment of the Battle of Corydon, and rest for the night at the Hampton Inn, Corydon.
From Shipshewana - the ‘Heart of Amish Country’ to Nashville - the focal point of the Brown County Art Colony, the comparatively obscure settlements in the nation’s 38th largest and 17th most populous state present every vacationer with indelible imprints. Irrespective of the season you are visiting, these appealing Indy towns are unvaryingly ready to welcome you and your loved ones on short breaks or long weekends with their natural beauty, inviting Main Streets, admirable family-inclined attractions, cultural diversity, comfortable retreats, and cushionhearted hospitality of the townspeople.
