7 Most Breathtaking Towns In Indiana

The view from the ninety-foot fire tower above Nashville runs clear across the Brown County hills. Waterfalls tumble past the wooded bluffs at Clifty Falls near Madison. Glacial lakes and rolling hills surround the trails of Pokagon State Park near Angola. River bluffs and limestone caverns edge the old streets of Corydon. These seven towns hold some of the most striking scenery in Indiana.

Angola

Not far from the borders of Ohio and Michigan is Angola, a perfect town to visit for nature lovers. The town conveniently sits right by Pokagon State Park, one of the best in the state. Pokagon was one of the state's original parks, and it's a must-see whether you plan to visit for a day or camp for the weekend. The park has several hiking trails that will take you throughout the grounds, streams for fishing, and picnic tables for a pleasant lunch out in nature.

If you need a break from the park, there's still plenty to do in town. Then & Now Antiques has a seemingly endless selection of antiques and collectibles, perfect for finding a souvenir and a good deal. And if you enjoy golf, bring your clubs to enjoy one of the area's best courses at Glendarin Hills Golf Club. The 18 holes provide a challenge to golfers of all skill levels; just make sure you book early so you don't miss out on a tee time.

Shipshewana

Sitting in the heart of Amish country is Shipshewana, a popular destination for visitors. Visitors come here to experience Amish life and the pace of rustic America. Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery and the Blue Gate Theatre are the center of the town's attractions. The restaurant serves classic, Amish food with favorites like chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. And the theater draws touring musicians and stage acts to its stage in the heart of Amish country.

After a big breakfast or delicious dinner, take a trip a little bit north of town to visit the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. The zoo is perfect for your kids, as it offers a wagon ride to see the animals up close.

Zionsville

Not far from Indianapolis lies the friendly town of Zionsville. The town provides the amenities of a major metropolitan area in a smaller, quieter package. For a look at the development of the local culture, head to the SullivanMunce Cultural Center. The center hosts numerous exhibits that trace Zionsville's history and an art gallery with a rotating collection of local artists who have made their stamp on the town's culture. Come in the fall to see more of that local culture on full display during the annual Fall Festival. The weekend has a kids' play area, arts and crafts vendors, and delicious local food.

If you can't get enough of the local food during festival weekend, you won't want to miss Traders Point Creamery. The restaurant sits in a 19th-century dairy barn and gives a whole new meaning to "farm-to-table." You can enjoy American classics and house-made ice cream on the grounds of the working organic farm.

Nashville

Though overlooked compared to the more famous city in Tennessee, Nashville, Indiana, has a lot to offer visitors. The town combines wooded, hilly surroundings with an active arts and culture scene that makes it a rewarding trip. Right outside of town, you'll find Brown County State Park. Whether you choose to camp here or just visit for an afternoon, you'll find no shortage of options for outdoor activities. The park has several hiking trails and a saddle barn where you can get a guided trail ride. And don't miss the trail that takes you to the fire tower to climb 90 feet into the air and get an impressive panorama of the park and surrounding hills.

Once you're back in Nashville, you'll find a friendly and walkable town. The Brown County Playhouse is one of the homes of the town's arts scene, and it often hosts plays, musicals, and concerts throughout the year. At the Brown County Art Gallery, you'll get a chance to see the works of many of the local artists who have shaped Nashville's identity. The gallery often hosts artists who explain their process and can help you improve your art.

French Lick

French Lick is probably most famous as the hometown of legendary basketball player Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics. Still, the town has become a popular tourist destination in its own right. You can take in the surrounding countryside on the French Lick Scenic Railway. The railway sits by the Indiana Railway Museum and will take you through the countryside on a vintage train. After your 20-mile train ride, explore the museum to see other old trains and learn more about how they shaped French Lick and Indiana.

If the weather isn't conducive to outdoor activity, you can always spend some time at the French Lick Resort Casino, one of the state's best and most popular. The casino offers slots, table games, and a sportsbook. Bring some friends for a night of fun and responsible gambling.

Corydon

Corydon is a small town steeped in Indiana history. The town originally served as Indiana's state capital when it first became a state, and is the site of the only Civil War battle fought on Indiana's soil. You can learn more about how Corydon became such an important player in early Indiana at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. The museum hosts exhibits that trace Indiana's path to statehood and Corydon's part in that history.

But Corydon has more than just history on its side, as it is also surrounded by greenery. The best place to experience it is at the Hayswood Nature Reserve. There's a playground for kids in the reserve and trails for adults to hike. And bring your pole if you're an angler, so you can fish in the nearby streams and ponds. Or, if you're feeling a little more adventurous, head to Indiana Caverns. You'll set off on an underground boat ride, exploring caves and ancient fossils.

Madison

Sitting on the shores of the Ohio River and the border with Kentucky is Madison, one of the most breathtaking towns in Indiana. If you're looking for an excellent state park and architecture, you've come to the right place. Madison is home to Clifty Falls State Park. The waterfalls are the park's namesake, and they change in appearance and ferocity with the weather and seasons. The park's hiking trails will take you around these waterfalls for pictures, and you can pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas.

Back in Madison, you'll find the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. The mansion dates back to 1844, and you can tour the grounds to see its Greek Revival architecture and the outdoor gardens. And before you leave, stop in at the Lanthier Winery, the oldest in town. You can get a wine tasting in its well-maintained garden for an experience you won't likely forget.

Don't Skip These Towns During Your Next Indiana Trip

These seven towns make the case that Indiana holds more than its share of scenery once you leave the highways. Shipshewana serves up Amish cooking, Zionsville keeps a walkable brick main street, and the French Lick railway runs vintage trains through the hills. Each one works as a weekend base with the others within an easy drive across the Midwest.