7 Idyllic Small Towns In Indiana To Visit In 2025

Located in the Midwest region of the US, Indiana borders Lake Michigan as well as the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. Indiana’s small towns offer a remarkable blend of history, culture, and charm. From resort communities rooted in early American leisure to utopian experiments, coastal escapes, and Amish heritage, these destinations invite visitors to slow down and explore. Whether you’re drawn to natural beauty, engaging museums, cultural attractions, or authentic local dining, these idyllic small towns are yours to discover in 2025.

French Lick

Originally a French trading post, this charming town is built near a spring and salt lick. Founded in 1857, the town became famous as a resort and spa town and later a home to several casinos. Famous people such as boxer Joe Louis and gangster Al Capone visited Friench Lick for gaming entertainment, so the French Lick Resort is a great place to start your own visit with a turn at the slot machines and table games. The casino's gaming floor is open 24/7, offering patrons endless opportunities to play.

Take in a bit of history at the French Lick West Baden Museum, which exhibits local history with a vintage dime store and a diorama of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. The museum is closed on Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly. There are several places to eat in town, including 33 Brick Street and 1875: The Steakhouse. 33 Brick Street is a sports-themed restaurant with American classics and lots of sports memorabilia, while 1875: The Steakhouse is upscale dining at its best. The restaurant offers steaks, seafood, and cocktails inside the iconic French Lick Springs Hotel.

New Harmony

This historic town is located in Posey County along the Wabash River. History lovers will enjoy a trip to the New Harmony State Historic Site, which displays the home of two early American Utopian communities: the Harmonians, led by George Rapp, and the Owenists, led by Robert Owen. Meanwhile, nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Harmonie State Park. The serene oasis located on the banks of the Wabash River features trails for hiking and biking, cabins and campsites, and a picnic area in a scenic setting. The Atheneum Visitors Center is another excellent place to learn about New Harmony. In addition to being a stunning example of modern architecture, the center offers daily tours that highlight the town's utopian legacy, which inspired innovation and progressive thought.

Santa Claus

Who wouldn't want to visit the cheerful town of Santa Claus? The town is located in southwestern Indiana and features numerous Christmas-themed attractions. The Santa Claus Museum & Village provides local history exhibits and a post office where kids can write a letter to Santa and receive a response from the man himself. Santa's Candy Castle offers an array of sweets, including nostalgic old-school candy, popcorn, and jellies. Visitors can take photos of the castle and visit the four rooms filled with treats. The Santa Claus Christmas Store is another must-visit and delightful feature of the town. The store sells decorations, ornaments, and collectibles year-round and features a bakery.

Shipshewana

Located in LaGrange County, this small town was named after a local Potawatomi chief. The town features the history and influence of the Menno-Hof Amish and Mennonite communities. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a 17-mile linear park and greenway that runs from Goshen to Shipshewana and is ideal for walking, running, and biking. The Shipshewana Flea Market offers visitors ample shopping opportunities and is open seasonally from May through September. The open-air market has a livestock auction and hundreds of vendors selling Amish food, clothes, and crafts. Visitors interested in the Amish-Mennonite story can visit the Menno-Hof. The non-profit information center teaches about the faith and life of the Amish and Mennonite peoples. Patrons will enjoy engaging presentations and colorful displays.

Beverly Shores

Beginning as a planned resort community, Beverly Shores is located about an hour east of downtown Chicago. The town is home to Indiana Dunes National Park, the Dune Ridge Trail, and the Depot Museum and Art Gallery. Indiana Dunes National Park boasts 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 16,000 acres to explore. The park is great for swimming, hiking, and birdwatching. Trails that shift through a diverse landscape of sand dunes, woodlands, prairies, and wetlands are another great feature of the park. The Dune Ridge Trail, in particular, is a great place to take in the scenic views of vast wetlands and forests of Indiana Dunes National Park. The trail offers overlooks, fall colors, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing. In town, the Depot Museum and Art Gallery features handmade gifts and products unique to the local area. Visitors will find artwork, glasswork, textiles, jewelry, and plenty more.

Metamora

Metamora offers an authentic glimpse into the past. The town has several historical sites, including the Duck Creek Aqueduct. The aqueduct is the only functioning aqueduct of its kind in the US. It carries water from the Whitewater Canal over Duck Creek and is designated as a historical site. The Metamora Grist Mill Museum is another local attraction. The museum is located at the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site and provides ample opportunities to see picturesque views. The mill continues to operate, grinding white and yellow corn into cornmeal. A stop at Mr. Fudge's Confectionery will satisfy your sweet tooth. In operation since 1975, the shop offers handmade fudge, sodas, sundaes, and more. It is open most Wednesdays through Sundays, so plan ahead.

Paoli

This town, located in Orange County, was named for Pasquale Paoli Ash, who was the son of Samuel Ashe, a North Carolina governor. In its early days, the town was known as a Quaker town and played a role in the famous Underground Railroad as a gateway for enslaved people en route to Canada. Today, it offers visitors great places to dine and plenty of architectural history. Burton's Farmhouse provides a relaxed, spacious dining experience with chicken and waffles, omelets, steaks, and pancakes on the menu. Another fantastic eatery is Porky's BBQ of Paoli. This casual restaurant specializes in barbecue brisket, pulled pork, and fried pickles. Paoli also has a historic district featuring several architectural designs. The Orange County Courthouse was designed in the Greek Revival style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while the former Paoli State Bank (1912) is an example of the Neoclassical style.

From historic canals and vibrant museums to peaceful trails and festive holiday villages, Indiana’s towns offer something for every traveler. Each destination combines rich heritage with modern attractions, creating places where visitors can relax, learn, and explore at their own pace. Whether you’re seeking adventure, nostalgia, or simply a welcoming getaway, these idyllic communities make Indiana well worth the journey.