8 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Indiana
Also referred to as the "Hoosier State," Indiana stands at the crossroads of the Midwest, with numerous interstates running through it to every corner of the U.S! Added as the 19th state of the union in 1816, the state sits with the Ohio River at its southern border and the Wabash River at its western border. Although it is well-known for the infamous Indy 500 races, there is much more to Indiana than just car racing. It is also home to many charming small towns that offer quaint attractions and scenic landscapes. To help plan your next Midwest trip, here are eight small Indiana towns that are fantastic spots to explore.
Corydon
As the first state capital prior to it being moved to Indianapolis, Corydon is a fun small town with under 3,000 residents that has plenty of sights to see. Learn more about the history of the first state capital by going on a walking tour of the many historic buildings in its downtown core. For Civil War history buffs, check out the Battle of Corydon Historic Site, the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana between the Harrison County Home Guard and Confederate General John Hunt Morgan. For those who are seeking some thrills, Bat Chaser at Indiana Caverns offers adrenaline-pumping ziplining. Finish off your day by visiting one of the many charming restaurants, such as the Beaver Street Tap Room and Bagel Girls.
Goshen
Known as The Maple City, Goshen earned its name from the city in Egypt where Israelites lived in Israel, according to the Bible. First founded in 1831, this charming town has a number of local attractions and charming places to visit. The Mill Trace trail connects downtown Goshen with lovely parks such as Shaklin Park, Rieth Interpretive Center, Goshen Dam Pond, and Shoup-Parsons Woods, which makes for a great day of exploring scenic places. For historical sites, visit the Goshen Theater, initially constructed in 1907, or the Goshen Historical Museum. Got a sweet tooth? Check out South Side Soda Shop or Olympia Candy Kitchen for a sweet treat!
French Lick
The small historic Indiana town of French Lick is famous around the world for its beautiful West Baden Springs Hotel. This beautiful hotel features a 200-foot atrium, which makes it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. However, there are plenty of other spots of interest to explore in the town, such as the French Lick West Baden Museum, where you can learn about basketball legend Larry Bird and the local gangsters who hung out in the town. Or perhaps take a ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway or try indoor karting at French Lick-West Baden. Before you leave, don't forget to try out local wine at the French Lick Winery!
Wabash
Settlers first arrived in Wabash in 1829, but the city earned its reputation in 1880 when it became the first city with electric lights worldwide! Today, Wabash maintains its innovative spirit with great spots for live music, exploration, and more. See a concert or art exhibit at the Honeywell Center or learn about the history of the county at the Wabash County Historical Museum. There are many beautiful outdoor spots as well, including the Paradise Springs Historical Park and the Asherwood Natural Preserve, with more than 300 species of flora and 140 bird species. Wine aficionados will not want to miss spending a day relaxing at the Two EE's Winery, which features 40 acres of trails and a vineyard, along with great wines to try out!
Shipshewana
Located on the border of Indiana and Michigan, this charming town is home to a large Amish community with beautiful places to explore. The best spot is the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which features 17 miles of trails that run from Shipshewana to Goshen. Shipshewana is an ideal spot to eat Amish home-style cooking at farm restaurants such as Blue Gate Restaurant & Baker, Corn Crib Café and Tiffany's Restaurant. For a unique experience, take the Quilt Garden tour, where you can see gardens trimmed into quilt-like shapes. While you're exploring, consider taking the Audio Driving Tour, which tells more about the history of the region, including its namesake, Chief Shipshewana of the Potawatomi tribe.
Santa Claus
This fun town is a wonderful spot no matter what holiday season you come to visit. Its biggest attraction is the Holiday World & Splashin' Safari theme park, which features multiple wooden roller coasts and free soft drinks and sunscreen. The Santa Claus Christmas Store and Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop are great places to pick up gifts year-round and are the epitome of charming. Spend a day golfing at the Christmas Lake Golf Club or visit one of the many attractions in nearby communities, such as the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, which provides exhibits on Abraham Lincoln's life growing up in Southern Indiana.
New Albany
Located on the Ohio River, this cute town is charming and adventurous for Indiana explorers. It was first founded in 1813 by three brothers who named it after Albany, New York, and today nearly 37,000 people live here. The town has a vibrant culture, food scene, and outdoor places to explore. The best spot for a walk is the Ohio River Greenway, which starts in New Albany at the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater and runs all the way to Jeffersonville and a walking bridge into Louisville, Kentucky. There are many historic mansions to explore on Mansion Row such as the Culbertson Mansion and the Pepin Mansion which make for a beautiful excursion. Additionally, there are plenty of great spots to grab a bite, such as Terri Lynn's Cafe, Honey Crème Donut Shop, and the New Albanian, a brewery and pizzeria.
Crown Point
This town of more than 34,000 people has a quirky reputation of being the Marriage Mill town. There was no waiting period for marriage licenses at the Old Lake County Courthouse, located in Crown Point, so many famous people got married there, including Muhammad Ali and Rudolph Valentino. The courthouse also features a collection of more than 5,000 pencils. For hikers, consider trying out the Erie-Lackawanna Trail, which runs from the town all the way to Hammond. Lemon Lake County Park is another great spot for hiking or for trying your hand at five disc golf courses. There are also a number of boutique shops in the area, such as the Antique Vault & Records and Antiques on Main, for some souvenir shopping.
Despite being in the Midwest, Indiana also has a lot of Southern charm, which is on full display in its small towns. From historic sites to great bites to eat, you will always find a great spot for a relaxing day in the Hoosier State. Indiana has a rich history, friendly residents, and great locales to visit and make memories. Whether you are going for a thrilling ride on a roller coaster, visiting Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood home, or going for a chill hike by the river, these small towns can't be beat.
