8 Nicest Small Towns In Indiana
As any Hoosier knows, Indiana is full of charming, friendly towns. Take Shipshewana, for example. The town sits in the heart of Indiana's Amish country with handmade Amish goods, delicious food to enjoy, and friendly people to get to know. On the southern end of the state is Franklin, a town defined by its local art scene with multiple galleries and live performance centers. No matter what you value in a town, you're sure to find the perfect one in these eight nicest small towns in Indiana.
Michigan City
Despite sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan and just miles away from the Michigan border, Michigan City is as Indiana as they come. Nature lovers have long called Michigan City home thanks to its beautiful vistas and ample outdoor activities. Washington Park offers one of the few beaches in Indiana, and it ranks among the best around the Great Lakes. There is plenty of space to pull up a blanket or beach chair and enjoy the water, and the beach makes for an excellent backdrop for a wedding or picnic. For less sand and more trees, there is the Friendship Botanic Gardens. The gardens host many local events, and it's also a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle for an afternoon.
Aside from natural beauty, Michigan City also has a thriving art and cultural scene that makes it one of Indiana's nicest small towns. The Barker Mansion showcases a classic Gilded Age mansion with period-accurate furnishings to bring the past to life. And the Lubeznik Center for the Arts showcases works from local Indiana artists, as well as excellent pieces from artists across the country.
Shipshewana
Shipshewana embodies everything great about the Indiana Amish country. It offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and experiences you won't find anywhere else in the state. Blue Gate Restaurant offers delicious Amish-style food in a buffet environment. Right beside the restaurant is the Blue Gate Theatre, a performing arts center that showcases many of Indiana's best local actors. For more Amish fun, local businesses make their home in Yoder's Red Barn Shoppes downtown. The gigantic shopping mall features 10 unique stores that sell everything from handcrafted furniture to beautiful home decor.
Christmas is a big time of year in Shipshewana, and it hosts one of the state's most impressive light shows. Lights of Joy is a drive-through light display made up of 2 million LED lights, a local treasure sure to get anyone into the Christmas spirit.
Goshen
Goshen embodies Indiana's agricultural spirit and the farmers who feed America. This is best seen at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. It has everything you've come to expect from a county fair, including rodeos, tractor pulls, concerts, and all the delicious food one can handle. Outside of fair season, local farmers sell their products and show off the fruits of their labor at the Goshen Farmers Market. The market has fresh, local food and artisanal goods year-round.
Agriculture is just one of the pillars of Goshen, and it is also a great town for nature lovers. Ox Bow Park follows the Elkhart River and offers plenty of trails to walk, as well as sports courts. It has four-season interest, highlighted by breathtaking fall colors and gorgeous spring blooms. Closer to town is Fidler Pond Park. The park encompasses a beautiful pond for kayaking or catch-and-release fishing, and it has plenty of trails for walking if you don't want to get out on the water.
Angola
Not far from the Ohio border is Angola, the gateway to the jaw-dropping Pokagon State Park. Pokagon is one of Indiana's original state parks, and it highlights everything Indiana residents love about the state. In the warmer months, the hiking trails and fishing spots are any outdoor lover's dream. Winter also offers cross-country skiing for those with an adventurous side.
But Angola offers more than just Pokagon, which is why it's one of the nicest small towns in Indiana. Then & Now Antiques is a 30,000-square-foot store of rustic goods and collectibles. They offer great deals on old toys, home decor, and vintage furniture. And golfers love Angola thanks to the nearby Zollner Golf Course. The course is open to the public, with reasonable rates and a challenging par-71 layout.
Rockville
Nicknamed the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World" thanks to the many nearby bridges, Rockville is popular with locals and travelers. The most famous bridge in town is the Historic Billie Creek Covered Bridge, with a few nearby plaques describing its significance and history. A quick drive around the area will reveal more beautiful covered bridges. Every year, the town celebrates these bridges and its local culture during the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. The festival includes local craft vendors and food trucks. Held in October, it also highlights the beautiful fall foliage and how it adds a breathtaking quality to photos of the covered bridges.
Rockville's food scene is as impressive as its bridges. The highlight is the Thirsty Six Saloon Grill, a roadhouse-style restaurant with excellent outdoor seating. Come for delicious American classics and BBQ and stay for live music and a fun night at the bar.
Nashville
Nashville is the cultural capital of Brown County thanks to the many artists who founded the Brown County Art Colony in the early 1900s. They fostered an artistic spirit that still exists in Nashville today. The colony eventually founded an arts association that split into two different organizations, both of which still exist today. The Brown County Art Gallery and Brown County Art Guild both house artwork from those early artists as well as up-and-coming local artists. Both host workshops and seminars led by experts to help residents expand their appreciation of art and their artistic abilities.
There's more art to see in Nashville than just these two galleries. The Brown County Music Center hosts live concerts, with a mix of artists from world-famous rock bands to local singers. And there's always a live performance at the Brown County Playhouse, from theatrical productions to more intimate concerts.
Franklin
Just south of Indianapolis is the charming and historic town of Franklin. That historic feeling is apparent at the Historic Artcraft Theatre. The building dates back to 1922 and has been lovingly restored to preserve its original character while giving it new life. It is now the town's art capital, hosting movies, live music, and artist seminars. For more local culture, you'll find it at the Johnson County Museum of History. The museum takes visitors through Johnson County's long history, from prehistoric times to pioneer times.
Franklin is also home to the beautiful Province Park along the banks of Youngs Creek. Walk the trails along the river, use the gazebos and pavilions for a picnic lunch, or use the skate park for an action-packed day.
Rising Sun
Rising Sun is an underrated Ohio River town with an active nightlife and strong local community. The nightlife is centered around the Rising Star Casino right on the shores of one of America's most famous rivers. The casino has classic table games, slots, and a theater that hosts some big-name bands. The attached golf course also offers an excellent day out by the Ohio River.
But there are quieter parts of Rising Sun that cement its status as one of Indiana's nicest towns. The Red Wolf Sanctuary is a non-profit that works to preserve the natural habitats of native wolves and give them safe haven. They offer tours and keep their mission alive thanks to dedicated volunteers. And the Ohio County Historical Society hosts a quiet museum that highlights local history and the role the Ohio River played in it.
Small Towns That Highlight What Makes Indiana Great
Nothing beats the charm that you find in some of Indiana's best small towns. From inspirational art galleries to beautiful parks and entertaining festivals, there's something for everyone at these eight nicest small towns in Indiana.
