7 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Indiana
Indiana is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis Colts, Pacers, the Children’s Museum, and multiple other large attractions that entice tourists every year. The major lures are in the big cities and gather quite a crowd. So, for anyone looking for something off the beaten path, take a trip to the state's smaller towns and check out their uniquely odd and alluring sites. Spiritual grounds, yearlong Christmas celebrations, criminal tombstones, and a trail of a lasagna-loving cat are just a few of the attractions you’ll want to partake in for an unusual and quirky time in Indiana.
New Harmony
The small town of New Harmony was designed on an ideal of social experiments presented through religion and science. The experiences visitors have in New Harmony are meant to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. Begin your journey in this spiritual town at the Harmonist Labyrinth. The manicured hedge is designed to evoke serenity and peacefulness. Challenge yourself to the maze and see if you can make your way to the center where the Rappite temple is located. Left in devastation when the Rappites left the community, it was reconstructed in the 20th century with only one true path leading to the center.
Another spiritual destination in New Harmony is the Roofless Church. This non-denominational church contains six sacred spaces within its walls. Those spaces include courtyards, gardens, sculptures, memorials, and more. Designed to feel inviting and comforting, the church is a highly sophisticated and spiritually moving dwelling. To take another outdoor stroll in town, which focuses more on nature than religion, head over to the Harmonie State Park. The idyllic landscapes are a trail lover’s dream. With trails for hiking, biking, mountain biking, and walking, there is something for everyone on these grounds. After spending the days on the trails, spend the night at the campgrounds or cabins offered to visitors.
Santa Claus
The town of Santa Claus took its name and ran with it, making the majority of their businesses Christmas or Santa Claus-themed. For Christmas lovers, you won't want to miss an opportunity to visit this festive town. Start your Merry tour at the Santa Claus Museum and Village. The museum features photos, documents and artifacts from the early days of Santa Claus, when it had a population of 65 and was named Santa Fe. Today it is filled with antique toys and Santa Clauses of all shapes and sizes. The original post office is part of the museum and offers a letter-writing station, where you can send your letter to Santa, and anxiously wait for his response. All letters are responded to by volunteers! In front of the museum stands a vintage 22-foot Santa statue, just waiting to have his picture taken.
Santa’s Candy Castle is another popular stop in town. From nostalgic candy to modern popular candy, and everything in between, all can be found here. Built during the Great Depression, the four-room castle is stocked full of as many candy choices as one can think of. And for one final attraction in Santa Claus, the Santa Claus Christmas Store has any possible decoration or detail you could think of adding to your Christmas list. Collectables, ornaments, and joyful treats are all available for purchase in the quaint holiday shop.
Seymour
Located in the center of an old cemetery and surrounded by a decorative fence, lie the tombs of three Reno Gang members who committed the first train robbery. City Cemetery has a morbid, yet historical aspect in the middle of it, with the graves of the Reno Gang. History tells the full story, but a plaque dedicated to the graves tells the story of Frank, William, and Simeon Reno, the convicts of the first train robbery who were then hanged by vigilantes. Visit the tombs and learn the story behind the men who are laid to rest here.
For an attraction in Seymour, which has less crime attached to it, visit the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge. Fish or bird watch in this wetland habitat. Declared a Continentally Important Bird Area, these diverse waters and landscapes have provided a habitat for birds and wildlife for hundreds of years. Enjoy the peace of hiking the trails in the refuge area. As a final stop in town, wet your whistle at Chateau de Pique Winery and Brewery. Wines straight from the vineyard and locally crafted ales are available on the spot. Events are hosted at the winery and brewery, so enjoy some live music with your drinks, and then find yourself at the campsite on the grounds and enjoy a safe, fun night of dancing and drinking.
Wabash
The town of Wabash has a unique landmark—not so unique in itself but in the story behind it. Outside of the courthouse sits a bronzed statue of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln Monument is displayed in a prominent area, even though Lincoln has no ties to Wabash. Visit the statue, which has stood there since 1932 in the town Lincoln himself never visited.
For more historical attractions, head to one of the Honeywell Arts and Entertainment sites, the Dr. James Ford Historic Home. The restored 19th-century home features period décor and furnishings to accurately portray what life was like in the mid-1800s. The Victorian era garden, medicinal herb garden, and stone barn are all statement pieces in the physician’s home and surgery center. Another charming venue that is part of the Honeywell Arts and Entertainment collection is the Clarkson House. Located atop the hill overlooking downtown Wabash, the home is available for overnight accommodations and has been restored to enhance its natural features. Spend the night in the home that’s walking distance from even more sites related to Honeywell.
Corydon
One of Corydon’s more popular attractions is none other than a tree, not even a full tree, but a stump and some branches of one. The Constitution Elm was where state delegates met in 1816 to draft the state’s first constitution. They commiserated under the shade of the branches and today the preserved trunk is encased in a sandstone monument. Preserved and available for public viewing, partake in the state’s history with a visit to this monumental Elm.
Gather in even more trees at the Hayswood Nature Reserve. The 130 acres are not only a nature conservancy but also feature nature trails, wildlife projects, birdhouses, and nature-related ventures. Enjoy the peace and calm of this secluded sanctuary. For one final stop in town, visit the place where history began. The William Henry Harrison Log Cabin features artifacts from the county’s history, as Corydon is where the state’s history began.
Marion
Popular TV and movie stars, two in particular, are commemorated in huge attractions found in Marion. Jim Davis, the famed cartoonist of Garfield, calls Fairmount, Indiana, home, but right outside of Fairmount, the town of Marion is where his story starts. And that story is a trail of Garfield’s. The Garfield Trail begins in Marion and traverses through surrounding towns. Take the trail and see how many statues of the lasagna-loving cat you can find along the way.
Another famed celebrity honored in town is James Dean. The James Dean Birthsite Memorial features a memorial plaque in the place of his childhood home, which has since been torn down. Although not located in Marion, but in neighboring Fairmount, the James Dean Trail takes visitors on a path through the life of this classic actor. For one last walking tour, head over to Mississinewa Riverwalk, and enjoy over two miles of walking path along the Mississinewa River. The path extends to the fishing pond and passes historical landmarks, commemorative plaques and shelters along the way.
Huntington
Possibly one of Huntington’s most interesting attractions is the Sunken Gardens. An abandoned quarry turned eyesore was eventually restored into a beautiful, thriving garden. The 1.5-acre multi-level garden features footbridges, fountains, fieldstone staircases, and a horseshoe-shaped pool. Stroll through the grounds and see how a sunken limestone pit was transformed into a visually appealing, quaint garden.
Another stunning outdoor area is the Historic Forks of the Wabash. Dedicated to the preservation of this geographical site, the historic park recollects the time when the first permanent white settlers were beginning to arrive and establish their community. Tributes are paid to the Miami Indians, woodsmen, traders and craftspeople who established the town. Tour the grounds to learn the history and people of the area. For a relaxing night in Huntington, spend some time at the GQT Huntington Twin Drive In. Movies on two screens and double features are the highlights of this timeless weekend tradition of movie-going.
These seven playfully peculiar towns in Indiana will satisfy any visitor who decides to venture outside the state's major cities. So, visit these towns on your next holiday to enjoy these gimmicky, historical, somewhat odd attractions that can only be found in these towns.
