6 of the Quirkiest Towns in Indiana

Indiana is an enchanting state, aligned with charming small towns in this quintessentially southern part of the country. From the Dune Acres area with Lake Michigan views to the Ohio River, there is a perfect blend of nature and history in each, with a quirk to discover on a family adventure, romantic trip, or friendly getaway.

The prolific town of Madison is a never-played-out hotspot of the state with boulevards, while the premier town in the state, Beverly Shores, invites you with its juxtaposing architectural feats amidst the rough and wild Great Lake shoreline. Read on to find out which town is the "Village of Spires" and which town will give you an appreciation for the simpler things in life!

Oldenburg

An Alsace native emigrated pastor, Father Franz Joseph Rudolph, the official founder of Oldenburg, built the famous Old Stone Church in 1862. Keenly aware of its German heritage, the town provides visitors with authentic experiences to taste the old country without an expensive flight ticket to Germany. Most of the historic buildings were built before 1900, with the oldest being the Fischer Tavern from 1850, among many churches, which is no wonder as a former destination for Roman Catholics. From Kutschenhaus (Carriage House Antiques) to the Schwestern Gallery of Arts and the Golden Turtle Trading Company, you can stock up on memories and gifts to bring home.

Oldenburg, while tiny, is Indiana's mecca for German-American culture. Settled in 1817 in Franklin County, Oldenburg is one of the state's oldest towns, with its charming nickname of "Village of Spires," revealing some of the great things to discover today. Walking with your eyes craning toward every sight could put you at risk of stumbling, so consider yourself warned about looking up to admire all of its incredible churches, religious schools, and institutions. The Oldenburg Historic District is a fascinating feat of architecture, while the town's cozy German cafes will charm you with terrace views, like the popular Wagner's Village Inn. Discover Oldenburg's fascinating local culture, and settle for dinner at the Brau Haus for an authentic meal and drinks afterward at Pearl Street Pub.

Shipshewana

Another town with a discerning name, Shipshewana, pulls you into alternative living, where you can discover how a simple way of life can be so gratifying and start to enjoy things that really matter. Home to a large Amish community, visitors can explore the historic side of Shipshewana via authentic horseback or buggy tours! What could be simpler or more satisfying than a hike or a bike ride through the scenic landscape, browsing along the barn quilt trail? Just imagine: for the surrounding Amish community, this northern town in the state, home to only 650, is the hub within LaGrange County's whole population of some 15,000.

Setting an example for others and luring curious visitors for a taste of the Amish lifestyle, Shipshewana is a popular tourist destination, proximate to Indiana Toll Road, Fort Wayne, and South Bend. Families enjoy intimate animal encounters with exotic species at the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. Simple local cuisine has never tasted so pure and satisfying as at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery downtown, virtually unchanged from long ago. Aside from Amish cuisine, this establishment offers crafts and entertainment, while one of the largest flea markets in the United States takes place around it every Tuesday and Wednesday from May through September, with over 700 unique vendors.

Beverly Shores

Beverly Shores is your golden ticket to the Dune Acres area, lying along the shore of Lake Michigan within the magnificent woodlands of Indiana Dunes National Park. Home to only 600 locals, this gorgeous and quirky town is also home to some of America's most sought-after architecture. Its Five Century of Progress Homes of contemporary design and technology have withstood the test of time since being built to wow at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. Transported here via barge to strike down plain tourists today, this not-your-average beach town, to say the least, shines in the daytime with architectural views and Lake Michigan scenery. 

Beverly Shores boasts another very special kink as the only dark-sky town in Indiana. Offering majestic skies for strolls under and around the dim streets, as well as camping out on the aforementioned shores, it is a real dreamy summerscape, with stunning beaches and endless trails along the 15-mile coastline from West Beach to Mount Baldy. From frisbee play to flip-flopping towards a beachside cookout, visitors can wander up and down residential streets, which seem odd in this vast beachscape. Yet, the resort community of Beverly Shores is a real architectural feat that juxtaposes the rough and wild shoreline starkly against the natural scenery.

French Lick

The lovable spa town of French Lick in Orange County, near the Kentucky border, is a revered destination to unwind and relax, some 12 miles west of the ski town of Paoli. Home to only about 1,800 people and full of quirks, its name can be hard to get past! Well, this original French trading post was constructed close to a salt lick, around the area's mineral springs, while visitors can enjoy the natural bounty at the proximate Patoka Lake and even take a wine cruise. The long-time resort of French Lick immerses you in roots digging into the 1800s, with evidence along the streets and more quirky discoveries around each scenic corner.

The towering French Lick Resort and Casino is a giant complex for every taste, including families and avid architectural fans. Boasting wonders of construction throughout its resort amenities, the restored entertainment complex draws from near and far to stay and gamble. Also home to the French Lick Scenic Railway, visitors can hop on a ride in incredible views past captivating geological and historic features like an 1850s log cabin, through the 2200-foot-long Burton Railroad Tunnel, and the Hoosier National Forest. Don't miss the French Lick West Baden Museum, complementing a stay at the West Baden Springs Hotel, while the French Lick Springs Hotel lures with its uncountable attractions.

Goshen

Nestled along the Elkhart River in Indiana's Michiana region, Goshen is known as "The Maple City" and serves as the seat of Elkhart County. This college town boasts a vibrant atmosphere and is well-known for its production of recreational vehicles and accessories. Its lively downtown area showcases notable landmarks, such as the Elkhart County Courthouse, surrounded by gift shops, boutiques, bars, and cafes, like Venturi, where you can indulge in certified Neapolitan wood-fired pizza that transports your taste buds to Italy. Visitors can experience local cuisine at top-notch diners and entertainment spots, with options for a refreshing drink at Goshen Brewing Co. (GBCo.). The South Side Soda Shop gained fame on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, while Olympia Candy Kitchen’s decadent hand-dipped turtle is a true delight for food enthusiasts.

Afterward, take a stroll through a selection of city parks, greenways, and biking trails, such as the Millrace Canal Trail. The Elkhart County Fairgrounds hosts the annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair. Family-friendly First Fridays light up the downtown area with local artisans, while cultural enthusiasts can enjoy classic and global sounds at any time at Goshen College's Sauder Concert Hall. For unique finds, Soapy Gnome offers handcrafted soaps, Found specializes in midcentury modern and African artifacts, and Ten Thousand Villages features fair-trade goods. Experience a fun family day at Kerchers Sunrise Orchard for farm-fresh delights, and wind down your evening at the historic Goshen Theater, which hosts live productions, concerts, and films.

Madison

This vibrant town along the Ohio River, founded by the successful lawyer James Franklin Doughty Lanier, showcases some of the most delightful and historic homes you'll ever see. His personal Greek Revival residence from 1844 sits by the riverbanks and is one of the finest examples, featuring formal gardens, a stone façade, and a graceful spiral staircase. The elegant Lanier Mansion, designated as a National Historic Landmark, is a popular venue for weddings and offers guided tours from April to October. Located about 75 miles south of Indianapolis, Madison ranks fourth among 100 must-visit places in the Midwest and is included as one of 1,000 places to see before you die in Canada and North America. Established in 1809, this city, over two centuries old, predates the state itself and showcases a variety of architectural styles, including Federal, Greek, Italianate, Second Empire, Gothic, and Arts and Crafts.

The growth of trade led many visitors and new residents from the north to travel down the Ohio River to this southern region of the state. The streets were transformed into boulevards with aspirations of becoming the state capital, but after the railroad expanded northward, reducing the reliance on boat travel, Indianapolis was ultimately selected as the permanent capital. You won't regret visiting this quaint little river town nestled within the picturesque hills of southern Indiana, home to vibrant cultural attractions. The Broadway Fountain, originally made of iron for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 and recast in bronze a century later, offers a charming spot to mingle in the summer amidst its shimmering mist. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for souvenirs and helpful tips, including how to navigate the 133 blocks of buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many small towns in Indiana harbor an intense history of the state and the nation, like Madison with its 133 blocks of buildings on the National Historic Register of Historic Places, the Germantown of Oldenburg, or the Amish community of Shipshewana.

Historic towns live through their main streets today, with tourism as a mainstay and access to parks, rivers, and national forests. French Lick, the town with its grand resort and casino, enjoys access to the proximate Patoka Lake with wine cruises.