7 Most Overlooked Indiana Towns For 2025

According to a report by Rockport Analytics, Indiana welcomed 81.7 million visitors in 2023, which is nearly equal to the entire population of Germany! While the state’s growth in tourism is great news for the economy, you may be feeling as if places are a bit more crowded than usual. If this is the case, consider visiting some of the state’s smaller and less-frequented destinations. The following seven towns may not be large cities, but they offer plenty to see and do, including amusement parks, wineries, flower farms, and historic mansions. By the end of the article, hopefully, you will have a new idea of where to go on vacation this year!

Chesterton

Filled with art studios, boutiques, and museums, Chesterton has an exciting cultural scene, particularly considering its population of just 15,000 residents. Travelers can learn how to make their own clay pot or paint a ceramic piece at Duneland Pottery, which offers ceramics workshops and classes by appointment. A few of the workshops include learning to use a potters wheel, making a pinch pot, and painting or glazing a premade piece. To learn about the area’s history, visit the Westchester Township History Museum, which features a permanent exhibit that spans local prehistoric history through the present day, along with a variety of rotating exhibits throughout the year. Looking for a souvenir? Chelle's Boutique & Garage sells gifts, coffee, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Ferdinand

Ferdinand offers plenty of family-friendly activities, ranging from state parks to amusement parks. The Ferdinand State Forest is easily accessible from town, covering 7,640 acres and allowing travelers to camp, fish, boat, hike, and picnic. There is also a swimming area in the forest that is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend each year. Just a 10-minute drive south of Ferdinand, visitors can also reach Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, which has water coasters, a wave pool, a lazy river, swings, and many other classic amusement park rides. Travelers can finish an adventure-filled day with a meal at Fleig's Cafe, a beloved local restaurant and tavern that is located on Ferdinand’s Main Street.

Batesville

Located about an hour southeast of Indianapolis, travelers will immediately notice the shift to the Indiana countryside upon arriving in Batesville. Mary Helen's Bed and Breakfast is a great place to stay, set on three acres of beautifully maintained grounds featuring natural elements like a koi pond and waterfall. Continuing your exploration of Batesville’s countryside, visitors can head out to Brum Woods, an 80-acre park with several miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through forested terrain. There is also a winery near town that is worth a visit. Ertel Cellars Winery has been making wine since 1999 and has a restaurant open from Wednesday through Sunday that travelers can stop by for a good meal and a glass of wine.

Winona Lake

Travelers looking for a lakeside vacation will find just that in Winona Lake. There are several beaches and parks to explore in the area, with Winona Lake Limitless Park being a gorgeous place to start. This family-friendly park has a little bit of everything, including a swimming and beach area, a splash pad, a playground, tennis courts, and picnic tables. There is also a place to rent kayaks and canoes for those hoping to get out on the water. If you prefer hiking or biking, make sure to visit the Heritage Trail, Winona Lake’s section of the Lake City Greenway. In addition to its natural surroundings, this trail exhibits various artwork that reflects the town’s heritage. Travelers can conclude their day at the BoatHouse Restaurant, a lakeside dining spot that serves steaks, seafood, pasta, ribs, chops, and gourmet sandwiches.

Madison

With over 133 blocks of historic architecture, Madison is one of the largest continuous National Historic Landmark Districts in the country. Of these historic landmarks, the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is one of the most notable, a Greek Revival home that dates back to 1844, offering guided tours from Wednesday through Sunday. The Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum is another fascinating place to visit, home to the only restored 19th-century saddletree factory in the country. Beyond its historic landmarks, travelers should also reserve a day to explore Clifty Falls State Park. A few impressive features visitors will find in the park include waterfalls, a rugged canyon, and a stone bed filled with fossil remnants.

Angola

Although Angola is home to fewer than 10,000 residents, it has a tight-knit community that puts on a calendar of exciting events throughout the year. On July 26, the town will host The Lake James Antique and Classic Boat Show, which will take place along the shores of Lake James and bring over 60 classic boats to town. There will be dozens of classic cars to check out as well! From May through October, Angola also hosts its beloved Steuben County Farmers’ Market, where local farmers and vendors sell everything from tomatoes, apples, and pumpkins to cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread. Traveling just 15 minutes northeast of Angola, travelers can also see the Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, a 400-acre preserve of rolling prairie, home to around 250 bison.

Wabash

Surrounded by orchards and farmlands, Wabash has a rich agricultural heritage that visitors can explore with various activities throughout the year. Wild Blooms U Pick Flower Farm is a popular spot for picking your own flowers, with 1.5 acres of cultivated fields open to guests seasonally. From May through September, this small town also has a lively farmers' market that visitors can check out. A few of the products you might find for sale at the market include fresh produce, quality-raised meats, pies, cakes, jewelry, woodworks, and pottery. For a fresh meal made from scratch, grab dinner at Market Street Grill, which offers signature dishes like Drunk’in Chicken, Jumbo Shrimp, and Elephant Ear Tenderloin.

Final Thoughts

Even though Indiana is becoming more popular than ever, its small towns remain a refuge for those seeking a more laid-back and crowd-free vacation. These seven towns are evidence of this peace, offering serene beaches, lakes, state forests, and farmers' markets that allow you to slow down and appreciate the state’s quieter side. So get ready for an adventure, because your quiet and meaningful escape is just around the corner!