11 Nicest Small Towns In Indiana
The Midwest is lovely part of the U.S. renowned for corn, cheese and hospitality. Indiana itself has quite a reputation for hospitality and unique landscape. With it being the Crossroads of America, many cute towns have sprung up along its well-traveled roads. But these aren't just any regular towns, here one can discover a 19th-century paradise town, a holiday themed adventure, one of the largest historic districts in the U.S., and not one but three of the best car museums in the Midwest. Read on to learn more about the 11 nicest small towns in Indiana.
Vincennes
The nicest towns in Indiana usually have been around for a long time, and Vincennes is no exception. This is the oldest founded town in Indiana, as French settlers arrived here in 1732. With the defeat of the French in the French and Indian War, the land passed first into British and then American hands following the American Revolutionary War. As such, there are numerous historic sites and museums to explore in the oldest city. For example, there is the majestic red brick Original Territorial Capitol building, used for the Northwest Territory from 1800 to 1813 and the French House, a lovely French Creole style home from 1809. Vincennes is also famous for the outdoor George Rogers Clark Historical Park, which, according to the National Park Service, is home to "the largest Beaux-Arts style monument on an American battlefield and outside of Washington, DC." No trip to Vincennes would be complete without visiting one of its museums such as the Indiana Military Museum or the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, there's something here for everyone.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a wonderful holiday destination for any season or temperature. According to local lore, the town got its name when children thought they heard the bells from Santa Claus' reindeer during a town meeting. Santa Claus is a fabulous place to enjoy some holiday cheer like at the Santa Claus Christmas Store, which sells ornaments and treats or at the Santa Claus Museum & Village, where you can send a letter to the North Pole at the historic 1856 post office. There are thrills to be had in Santa Claus as well at the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, home to multiple wooden roller coasters and exhilarating water rides. While you're in Santa Claus, there's also the lovely community of Lincoln City a few minutes away, which contains the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial where Abraham Lincoln grew up from the time he was 7 years old.
Shipshewana
Shipshewana is one of the smallest towns on this list, but it also happens to have the best rural charm anywhere in Indiana. Home to the one of the largest Amish communities in the U.S., Shipshewana thrives on simple living while also maintaining a generous spirit. Visitors can learn about the Amish lifestyle at the Menno Hof Interpretative Center, which also includes a replica of an Amish home and a 17th-century boat that Anabaptists would have used to travel to the New World. Amish homestyle cooking is never far away at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus (down the road in Middlebury) and Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery. However, if you really want to see the county side, then you need to get out on the trail at the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. This paved trail runs for 16.5 miles and includes several places to stop by for ice cream and other goodies on the way.
Jasper
America is a land of immigrants and that includes the Hoosier state. Jasper in particular saw a large German population settle in the area and they left behind a rich cultural heritage in both the architecture and the culture. One such spot is the Monastery Immaculate Conception, located a few minutes outside of Jasper. Founded in 1867, this beautiful monastery will make you feel like you're in the Old World, especially after you try some of the craft beer or pizza from St. Bendict's Brew Works, located right inside the monastery. As for Jasper, you can learn about its historical heritage at the Dubois County Museum, the largest of its kind in Indiana or by exploring the Old Jasper district and seeing a recreation of the Jasper City Mill. Lastly, get outdoors and enjoy a nice walk on a trail or climb up a tree fort at the Parklands of Jasper.
Nashville
If you ask Hoosiers for a hidden gem, they may often list Nashville, and they're not talking about the big city in Tennessee. Nashville is a nature lovers paradise, with its rolling hills and forests surrounding the area. In fact, Nashville is home to the largest state park in Indiana: Brown County State Park. Within this park, you can go fishing at Ogle Lake, hike more than 70 miles of trails or even rent a horse to try out horse trails. Within or close to the cute Nashville downtown area, there's all manner of locally owned shops and boutiques with goods for everyone like toys from the Toy Chest, leather goods from Moonshine Leather Co. and even a cute music museum at the Bean Blossom Bluegrass Museum.
French Lick
French Lick is the site of the premier Indiana hotel that has at times been called a Wonder of the World. The area became a boom town in the 1800s due to the alleged curative properties of its mineral waters and several hotels sprung up including the French Lick Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. The West Baden hotel has a 200-foot dome right over its atrium which was formally the largest standing dome in the world. After seeing this wonder, you can explore the many other fun attractions in French Lick, such as the West Baden Museum, which has exhibits on local basketball legend Larry Bird and what's claimed to be the largest circus diorama. The city also celebrates the French Lick Winery and the magnificent 8,800-acre reservoir Patoka Lake.
Corydon
Indianapolis is the current capital of Indiana, but it was not the first. That honor goes to Corydon, which has one of the best historic downtowns in Indiana. This southern Indiana town served as the first state capital from 1816 to 1825. Corydon's original buildings from that time period serve as a time capsule, all located right in the downtown area. Of note is the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site building, the 1817 two story Federal style Governor Hendricks' Headquarters and the Constitutional Elm where Indiana's first constitution was signed. After exploring these historic sites, Corydon invites visitors to explore the great outdoors, both above and below ground. Go hiking or boating at the O'Bannon Woods State Park or take a boat ride underground with Indiana Caverns.
Madison
Madison has a big claim to fame with its historical district, which is one of the largest in the entire U.S. In fact, this district has been called an outdoor museum of architecture due to the diversity of places to see and tour. For those who love Victorian era mansions, there's the 1844 Greek Revival style Lanier Mansion complete with a luxurious garden. Equestrians will want to explore the Schroder Saddletree Factory Museum, which manufactured parts for saddles in the 1800s. Anyone with an interest in the abolitionist movement can see the Eleutherian College building, a three-story stone structure that served as the epicenter of Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society. Madison has more than just historic buildings, it's also situated next to the gorgeous Clifty Falls State Park. There are four falls cascading down limestone cliffs you can see here, if you're up for the Four Falls Challenge Hike.
Auburn
Located in Northeastern Indiana, this little-known town of Auburn was at the very center of car production in Indiana. It is called the Home of the Classics for its multitude of car museums that dot the area. The most famous spot is the National Auto & Truck Museum. There are more than 150 cars on display from the early 1900s to classic muscle cars and more. The original Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is also in town, which was the headquarters of the car manufacturer in the 1930s. Those who prefer early Fords can check out the Early Ford V-8 Foundation and Museum which includes cars made between 1932 and 1953 along with a 1940s service garage. After a day of checking out automobiles, grab a bite to eat from Auburn's Town Tavern or enjoy a concert at the DeKalb Outdoor Theater.
New Harmony
Few towns have such a unique history as New Harmony. During the 1800s, a group of utopians called the Harmonists settled the area with the aim of creating a perfectly harmonious Christian society. After a few years they sold the land to Robert Owen, who also had dreams of an idealistic society on the principles of equality and science. Much of that old spirit is still alive in New Harmony through its serene outdoor architecture. This includes the peaceful Harmonist Labyrinth, a place to get lost in your thoughts or the Roofless Church, a truly open-air cathedral. Another majestic open-air sport is the Jane Blaffer Owen Sanctuary, a gated in area filled with gardens, sculptures and other forms of outdoor art. While you're there, don't forget to stop in at the Atheneum Visitors Center to get a full historic tour of several of the old utopian buildings such as the Thrall's Opera House.
Aurora
Aurora is an adorable Ohio River town that was first platted in 1819. It's ideal for a day exploring downtown, especially the historic Hillforest House Museum. This 1855 Italian Renaissance mansion Within the museum, you can see classic dolls, bedrooms and Victorian style outfits. Just a short walk away from the mansion is Lesko Park, which offers pleasant strolls along the Ohio River. After you're gone for a nice stroll, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many great restaurants downtown. Try out American food at Third and Main Restaurant or the Aurora Diner or grab authentic Mexican food from Alejandra's Authentic Mexican Restaurant. If you'd rather just enjoy a nice read, grab a book and chill out at the Spire Book & Coffee Company.
The nicest small towns in Indiana also have the best hidden treasures in the Midwest. Madison has multiple architectural museums to explore going back to its rich Victorian era, while New Harmony preserves the spirit of idealistic utopians with its peaceful open-air spiritual destinations. Good food is never far away either, especially when there's home cooked Amish meals to enjoy in Shipshewana. By visiting these small towns, you can see for yourself why they are the nicest in Indiana.
