7 coolest small towns in Indiana for a summer vacation
Although Indiana is known for being home to the Indy 500, cornfields, and basketball, the Hoosier State offers Midwestern hospitality and outdoor adventures throughout many of the state’s small towns. Each town provides unique landscapes, family-friendly attractions, and small town charm for those looking to escape the noise of the big city during the summer. These towns offer amusement parks for thrillseekers, rolling hills with great hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and museums for people of all ages. From northern Amish towns to the breathtaking hills in southern Indiana, these seven small towns are perfect for a summer vacation.
Nashville
Nestled in the hills of Brown County, the charming town of Nashville offers visitors the perfect summer getaway. The town boasts hundreds of specialty stores, crafts shops, and antique stores. You can also find several art galleries, musical performances, and theaters in the quaint town. However, a trip to Nashville is not complete without a visit to Brown County State Park. Known as the “Little Smokies” because of its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Indiana's largest park boasts 16,000 acres of beautiful hills, ridges, and ravines. Throughout the summer, the park hosts several hiking and nature events. Plus, visitors can climb the 90-foot Fire Tower for stunning views of the hills, go horsebacking riding along 70 miles of horse trails, and fish at the park’s two lakes, Ogle Lake and Strahl Lake.
Shipshewana
A great family destination for your summer vacation, Shipshewana is an Amish community that provides delicious foods, artisanal gifts, and carriage rides throughout the season. Home to the Midwest’s largest outdoor flea market, the Shipshewana Flea Market is the size of 30 football fields and is open May through September. Visitors to this charming small town also enjoy taking horse and carriage tours in traditional Amish buggies, as well as shopping for hand-made gifts and artisanal items in downtown Shipshewana. For those looking for outdoor adventures, a bike ride along the paved Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a must. There is also great fishing and scenic views at Shipshewana Lake Park.
French Lick
Located in the hills of the Hoosier National Forest, French Lick provides visitors with plenty of options for indoor and outdoor adventures. For nature lovers and history enthusiasts, the French Lick Scenic Railway provides riders with stunning views of southern Indiana, as well as views of an 1850s log cabin and the 2200-foot long Burton Railroad Tunnel through the forest. The small town is also an escape for those looking for relaxation. The luxurious French Lick Resort offers spa treatments, world-class dining options, and family-friendly activities. However, a visit to the French Lick West Baden Museum is a must when visiting this small town. The museum shares the history of the town, as well as the story of local basketball legend, Larry Bird.
Monticello
Monticello rightly proclaims that there is more than corn in Indiana! In fact, this small town boasts several outdoor activities for thrillseekers and antique stores for those looking for hidden treasures. Sitting along the shoreline of Lake Shafer in the town is Indiana Beach, an exciting amusement park and water resort with several roller coasters, a lazy river, and a pool with sandy beaches. The outdoor fun continues at the city parks, including Bluewater Beach Park along the Tippecanoe River, Monticello City Park, and Altherr Nature Park. For movie lovers, you can catch a film during the summer at the vintage Lake Shore Drive-In Theater. However, a trip to Monticello would not be complete without a cruise on the Madam Carroll. At 300 tons and 135 feet long, the Madam Carroll is the largest boat in Indiana.
Madison
Madison is a picturesque community that sits on the banks of the Ohio River and Kentucky border in southeastern Indiana. The beauty of the town is also seen in its historic district of more than 133 blocks of preserved architecture. In fact, the area is the largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District in the country. The district offers eight house museums, including the town’s “crown jewel,” Lanier Mansion Historic Site from 1844. For those looking for the beauty that nature offers, a trip to Clifty Falls State Park delivers views of four waterfalls. Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike along several trails in the park that range from easy to rugged.
Greenfield
Just west of Indianapolis is Greenfield, a city that has small town charm outside of the big city. The hometown of poet James Whitcomb Riley, history buffs can travel back in time to the 1850s at the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum. The town is also known for its vibrant art scene, visible at the Hancock County Arts gallery. For outdoor enthusiasts, the town has a great trail system with paved paths and historical markers. You can also hike, camp, and view wildlife at the Thornwood Nature Preserve. This 40-acre woodland offers seven trails, family-friendly nature programs, and scenic views along two creeks.
Santa Claus
Just as the name suggests, Santa Claus is a Christmas-themed town in southern Indiana. A trip to the town’s Santa Claus Museum and Village provides a history of the town, Christmas celebrations around the world, and usually a greeting from Santa Claus himself! For thrillseekers, a trip to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is a must. There are rides and attractions for all ages, including the Voyage, rated one of the best wooden roller coasters in the country. The waterpark also offers several water coasters, along with a lazy river and a wave pool. For those looking for a more scenic view, fishing and kayaking are available at Lake Rudolph and Santa Claus Lake.
While many of Indiana’s small towns are big on outdoor adventures, indoor attractions, and scenic views, each town provides a variety of activities for summer vacationers. From a look back in time on a scenic train ride to a greeting from Santa Claus anytime of year, Indiana’s small towns deliver unique experiences and cool vacation options. Whether you are looking to slow your pace at an Amish community in northern Indiana or escape to the rolling hills of southern Indiana, you are sure to find the perfect summer vacation spot in one of these Indiana small towns.
