8 Most Welcoming Towns In Indiana's Countryside

Those picturing Indiana's countryside as all cornfields and crumbling farmhouses are in for a shock. Follow the state roads long enough and you'll find historic utopian villages, covered bridges, and Amish buggies trundling along. Some towns welcome visitors with festivals and flea markets. Others do it more quietly with shaded trails and historic homes. Among these eight towns we'll find Rockville's covered bridges and New Harmony's open-air church.

Rockville

Rockville has been named the most hospitable town in Indiana for its trademark Covered Bridge Festival. Held annually in October, this festival honors the 31 covered bridges found in Parke County, one of the largest concentrations of this architecture in the country. During the festival, visitors can get a guidebook or tour of these bridges, including the Billie Creek Bridge, built in 1895, which sits in the Billie Creek Village, a recreated 19th-century settlement with buildings brought in from across Indiana. They can also see art inspired by the rural scenes of Rockville at the Rockville Art Guild, or they can book a stay at the unusual Old Jail Inn. This former jail was converted into an inn and lets guests dress up as inmates, but don't worry, they can still leave to go out and explore the town.

Corydon

Corydon is a quiet rural community that was once the center of Indiana's state government. It served as the first state capital of Indiana from 1816 to 1825 until the capital moved north to Indianapolis. Residents of Corydon haven't forgotten their history, and many of the original buildings still stand in the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. These include the Original Capitol Building, Governor Hendrick's Headquarters, and even the Constitutional Elm, where delegates drafted Indiana's first constitution. This isn't the only historical aspect of Corydon; it was also the site of the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana, which is preserved at the Battle of Corydon Park. In this town, visitors can discover several quiet spots both above and below ground by exploring the hiking trails of O'Bannon Woods State Park or going on underground tours via the Indiana Caverns.

Shipshewana

In Shipshewana, one is just as likely to see a horse-drawn buggy on the road as a car. That's because it has one of the largest Amish communities in the United States, and their influence can be felt everywhere in Shipshewana, in the Amish meals at the Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery and the Buggy Lane Tours that take visitors through town and out into Amish country. For those who don't know a lot about the Amish and Mennonites or the distinction between these two groups, the Menno-Hof interpretive center provides information on their religion, practices, and lifestyles. One of the best times to visit the community is from May to September, when the Shipshewana Flea Market is open. This is the largest flea market in the Midwest, offering antiques, vintage items, crafts, and Amish food.

New Harmony

New Harmony has the most unusual story of any Indiana settlement. The Harmonist religious society chose the region in 1814 to establish a Christian utopia. Within ten years, they sold the land to the Owenites, a socialist group that sponsored utopian communities throughout the United States. Both legacies remain visible in New Harmony, in historic communal houses such as Community House No. 2 and outdoor meditative zones like the Harmonist Labyrinth. Later generations continued that experimental spirit through public spaces such as the Roofless Church, an open-air interdenominational sanctuary designed by Philip Johnson. Nearby, the Atheneum Visitors Center introduces travelers to the town's unusual history and stands out for its light-filled modern design.

Winona Lake

Winona Lake takes full advantage of its eponymous lake through historic storefronts, lake access, and well-maintained trails. Shoppers can explore the Village at Winona, a historic district turned lakefront shopping and dining area on the boardwalk, with shops like The Lake House. Here, enthusiasts can rent a kayak, hit the Limitless Park & Splash Pad, or take a hike through the woods at the Heritage Trail. This trail is covered by sculptures representing Christian themes such as love, patience, and gentleness. This is fitting, as the town was the home base of famed 20th-century traveling preacher Billy Sunday, and it maintains his home through the Billy Sunday Home Museum.

Madison

Madison, situated on the shores of the Ohio River, was once one of the busiest ports in the 19th century. As a result of this commerce, it has a large variety of Victorian-era structures through its 133-block historic district. Many of these buildings are open for tours, such as the 1844 Greek Revival-style Lanier Mansion State Historic Site or the Historic Schroeder Saddletree Factory Museum, which once produced wooden frames for horse saddles. Other than the historic district, Madison has plenty of scenic viewpoints, such as the four waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park or at The Point on nearby Hanover College campus. This vista got its name as one can see all of the bends of the Ohio River from the wooded campus overlook.

Nashville

Nashville defies the Indiana stereotype of flat plains with its hilly landscape that spreads out at Brown County State Park. The park's highest point is at Weed Patch Hill at 1,058 feet. In the park, one can find many serene places such as the fishing at Strahl Lake, overlooks, or rare yellowwood trees. One of Indiana's quirkiest lodging stops is Story Inn, set in a quiet 1800s village outside Nashville. With its location by a ghost town, it's been called the World's Most Inconvenient Inn. But one can find all manner of convenient places in Nashville's downtown, such as the Mulberry Cottage Shop or the Sora Binti Boutique, which shoppers have praised for its collection of home goods and beauty products. The Brown County Music Center also hosts a variety of musical performances from country musicians to rock bands.

Jasper

Jasper is a cultural center for German American immigrants, especially German Catholics. In the Old Jasper District, one can explore the ways that these settlers adjusted to their new Indiana home by building a one-room schoolhouse, or a German-style Schaeffer Barn, built with a cantilevered overhang. The community's most notable structure is just outside of Jasper in Ferdinand, at the Monastery Immaculate Conception. Often called a Castle on the Hill, this Romanesque monastery is the home of the Sisters of St. Benedict and also runs St. Benedict's Brew Works, with proceeds supporting the monastery. All of the town's history is on display at the Dubois County Museum, the largest county museum in Indiana.

Defying Stereotypes

No matter what one might think about Indiana or the Midwest, these towns are likely to surprise. New Harmony showcases the optimism of diverse groups of people looking to create a perfect place to live in the Midwest, while Nashville stands out with its rolling hills and unusual hotels. All of these communities pride themselves on their unique stories, such as Corydon's legislative heritage or New Harmony's utopian dreams. Whether you're looking for a lake town, a rural getaway, or a historic community, you'll find welcoming folks and welcoming destinations in these Indiana towns.