6 Small Towns in Indiana With Big Charm

Indiana's small towns give a completely fresh perspective on this deeply historic state in the US Midwest. Their courthouse squares abound with locally owned shops, and their historic districts tell stories right there on the plaques and brickwork. This list is for Hoosiers who want a fresh place to spend a day close to home, maybe with an evening show at Wabash’s Honeywell Center, or a slow stroll down Madison’s Main Street before heading out to Clifty Falls. Pick the town that best fits your mood, make a simple plan, and let the day unfold around a river, a museum, or a classic Americana downtown.

Wabash

North-central Wabash, home to 10,300 residents and situated along the Wabash River, has established an industrial reputation. It became the first place in the world — not just Indiana — to be electrically lit when the lights were switched on in 1880. Incorporated in 1834, its closeness to the river has attracted settlers and innovators for two centuries. Today, Wabash hosts the Honeywell Center, an arts and entertainment venue that has been open since 1952. The town showcases various historic architectural styles, including the Wabash County Courthouse, Eagles Theatre, and the Wabash County Historical Museum, which highlights its industrial past. For those who enjoy green spaces, the Wabash River Trail offers opportunities for birdwatching, river walks, and enjoying scenic natural surroundings.

Monticello

Located between Indianapolis and Chicago along the charming Tippecanoe River, the northeast town of Monticello, with a welcoming population of 5,500, offers a delightful escape. Movie enthusiasts can enjoy a nostalgic night at the Lake Shore Drive-In Theater, a classic outdoor movie experience that takes you back in time. The town invites visitors to explore its lovely outdoor spaces, including Altherr Nature Park and Lake Shafer, perfect for relaxing and connecting with nature.

Although small in size, Monticello boasts three historic treasures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The James Culbertson Reynolds House, featuring beautiful Italianate architecture, has been part of the town since 1873. The South Grade School Building, built in 1892, and the Carnegie Library, funded by the legendary industrialist Andrew Carnegie to promote education, have both been pillars of the community since 1907, inviting you to learn about the town’s rich history.

Greenfield

Greenfield, with a population of 24,800, is a significantly larger destination located east of Indianapolis. The town was named the county seat of Hancock County in 1828. It experienced a boom during the mid to late 1800s due to developments in railroads and the local natural gas industry. Today, Greenfield features two historic districts—one in Courthouse Square and another in a separate residential area. Architecture enthusiasts can admire historic buildings in styles like Romanesque Revival, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Neoclassical, and Bungalow. Some of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Lilly Biological Laboratories, a prominent pharmaceutical research center.

Paoli

Paoli, with a population of 3,600, is located in south-central Indiana. Its name likely honors Pasquale Paoli Ashe, the son of North Carolina governor Samuel Ashe, who was named after the Corsican pro-independence leader from the late 18th century. Historically, like Bristol for Indiana's Amish community, Paoli was a center for the state's Quaker population. The town boasts an extensive historic district with over 140 conserved buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Paoli features Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest, one of the last remaining virgin oak forests in southern Indiana. Nearby, the Hoosier National Forest offers additional outdoor activities just south of the town. Pioneer Mothers is also designated as a protected area under the National Natural Landmark program, managed by the US National Park Service.

Madison

Madison, a southeastern town with 12,200 residents, sits on the Ohio River just across from Kentucky. Similar to Paoli, it boasts a vast historic district covering over 130 square blocks that are protected. This makes it the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the U.S. by area. Culture enthusiasts should visit the Lanier Mansion Historic Site, built in 1844. For outdoor lovers, Clifty Falls State Park offers access to four waterfalls. Additional outdoor spots include downtown John Paul Park, lakeside Johnson Park, and Sunrise Golf Course located northeast of the town.

Goshen

Goshen, with a warm population of 34,400, is nestled in north-central Indiana. As the proud seat of Elkhart County, it's just a cheerful 15-minute drive south of Bristol. The town proudly wears the nickname "Maple City," thanks to its abundant and beautiful maple trees. As a lively college town, Goshen is home to Goshen College and is surrounded by charming historic and protected areas. These include the impressive Elkhart County Courthouse, a lovely brick building constructed between 1868 and 1870, right after the US Civil War. The town also takes great care of the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, where the annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair celebrates the area's rich agricultural heritage.

When you’re out and about or just want to enjoy some of Goshen's famed maples, head over to Shoup-Parsons Woods Park, located along Goshen Dam Pond. You can also visit Fidler Pond Park and Fidler Pond, both nestled right next to the lively 4-H fairgrounds.

Indiana's Best Charms Live in its Small Towns

Indiana clearly has a great deal to offer. The state blends historic heft and points of interest, with nationally registered cultural and natural zones. Bristol's Amish heritage offers a glimpse at a key US religious and cultural minority. Massive protected districts in Paoli and Madison should be a strong attraction for the amateur historian. And outdoor spaces, from the Wabash and St. Joseph rivers to the old-growth Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest, promise strong points of interest, naturally. All tastes and curiosities are bound to find something to enjoy in Indiana, especially when its small towns have so much to share.