Historic downtown and sign, Story, Indiana. Image credit Little Vignettes Photo via Shutterstock

9 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Indiana

There is something special about discovering places off the beaten path, where every corner promises a fresh adventure. These nine tiny off-grid towns in Indiana, each with a population under 20,000, offer unique experiences, like Story, Indiana, a town with just 14 buildings. Or local charm, like Vevay, who hire actors to give you a sense of their Swiss roots. Each town has plenty of history, hospitality, or quirky local culture, like Peru, Indiana (also known as the clown capital of the world). These exciting treasures will reignite your love of travel and remind you of the joy of exploring somewhere truly extraordinary.

Story

Story, Indiana, is incredibly tiny. So tiny, the entire town has been converted into an inn. About 14 buildings make up the town. Therefore, if you are in the area, make Story, Indiana, a day trip. While you are here, you will feel like you've traveled back in time with its preserved and restored buildings of yesteryear. A fascinating fact about Story is its population size, which is three or four total residents. Story truly is a tiny off-grid town in Indiana.

During your stopover, be sure to visit the Story Inn and enjoy a meal made with fresh, local ingredients. However, in such a tiny town, most things are located outside Story. Like visiting the Hard Truth Distilling Co., which is in nearby Nashville, Indiana. Take a tour of the distillery and sample their offerings. Not too far from the distillery is eXplore Brown County. It is a large outdoor area where you can have a tree-top canopy adventure, zipline, or camp. It is a good time for the whole family.

Medora

Medora, Indiana, is tiny and rural. Highlights include a mixture of industrial ruins in an Appalachian-style setting that feels different. The beauty of its structures is more haunting than awe-inspiring, as many of its factories are decaying, yet there is something about it that is simply breathtaking. However, there are also river flats that offer plenty of activities.

Arguably the longest covered historic bridge in America, the Medora Covered, in rural Jackson County, Indiana. — Medora Covered, in rural Jackson County, Indiana.

One of the most popular sites in Medora includes the Medora Brick Plant. The Medora Brick Plant is currently undergoing preservation efforts. However, you can explore it during the warmer months and learn its history. Or visit the Medora Covered Bridge. It is the longest-standing covered bridge in the US and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If historic places or abandoned structures are not your thing, head to White River (East Fork) for fishing or cayaking. With a population of roughly 700 residents, it is easy to see why Medora feels so secluded and rural.

Madison

Madison is a beautiful riverfront town with a rich history and an old-world feel. Although the town is small, it is big enough to have a downtown for its 12,000 residents. Downtown Madison has preserved its historic architecture, consequently creating the largest National Historic Landmark District in the country. So, if you love architecture and history, Madison is a great place to start.

With such a thriving downtown area, it has something for everyone. You can find art, food, craft beers, and plenty of cafes to keep you nice and caffeinated. A few places to try include The Red Roaster Coffee and Eatery. You will be surprised by their selection of cold and hot coffee. If you don’t want to stay and eat at the coffee house, you can always try The Red Pepperoni for scrumptious pizza. Top that off with a taste of wine at Lanthier Winery. Lanthier Winery was dubbed one of the top 10 wineries in the state of Indiana. It is the perfect day trip for anyone visiting or passing by.

Topeka

About eleven miles south of Shipshewana is Topeka, Indiana, which blends rural tradition with a modern spirit. And even though Shipshewana is the main focus of “Amish Country,” Topeka is another must-visit gem. A rural town founded in 1832 and home to the Amish, with a population of roughly 1,200. The top takeaways from a visit include the vibrant Amish community, their famous horse auctions, and authentic Amish cuisine, making it a destination that will inspire you.

The historical train depot in Topeka, Indiana. Image credit Jason Yoder via Shutterstock

When you visit Topeka, start with a hearty Amish meal at Tiffany’s Family Restaurant, known for its great food and friendly service. Stop by Owl Toy Craft for handmade Amish wooden toys. You can also watch an Amish horse auction, held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Topeka Livestock Auction on 601 E Lake St. They sell horses, hay, cattle, and more.

Vevay

Vevay, Indiana, is a city with strong Swiss influence. Nestled along the Ohio River in Switzerland County, Vevay’s legacy goes back to the late 1700s. The town was established by John James Dufour, a Swiss native and winemaker, who saw potential in the region for developing a thriving wine-producing community. It currently has a population of around 2,000.

When you visit Vevay, check out the Musée de Venoge to learn about its Swiss history. This volunteer-run living history museum features actors in period clothing who bring the past to life. If you want to relax, play a round at the nearby Belterra Golf Course or The Sportsman Golf Course.

Angola

Angola is a tiny off-grid town in Indiana, surrounded by lakes. It has plenty of family and outdoor adventures for all. Although this town is small, it has approximately 9,500 residents. It has fantastic nearby lakes, like Fox Lake, and at Pokagon State Park. The activities in this area focus on water sports and other recreational pursuits. For instance, Lake James, located within Pokagon State Park, formed approximately 10,000 to 15,000 years ago due to the melting of glaciers. It offers boating, swimming, and fishing in the warmer months, as well as cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing in the winter.

Locals and visitors also love the Toboggan Run. Put it on your bucket list because this is a winter activity that has attracted roughly 90,000 visitors! It is essentially an old metal slide used with a sled during the winter months, that can reach speeds of up to 42 miles per hour as you race down the cold, steep hill. Sounds thrilling.

If you prefer something other than lakeside activities, visit Downtown Angola for dining and drinks. You can also check out Imagine Alley, a community art space filled with local artwork.

Aurora

Aurora is a small Indiana town with about 3,500 residents. Its walkable downtown is filled with shops, cafes, and the Hillforest House Museum. Designed by Isaiah Rogers in 1855 for Thomas Gaff, Hillforest is an Italianate mansion that overlooks the Ohio River. The Gaff family helped grow the town’s economy and supported local projects. The house stayed in the family until 1926 and is now preserved for its historical importance. The history and the museum are equally fascinating and worth a visit.

While you are in downtown Aurora, visit local shops like Weber Sports or grab a meal at Alejandra’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant.

Williamsport

Williamsport is known for its beauty and is a town made for nature lovers and photographers. It has a population of approximately 1,900 residents. And it has several natural sites worth visiting.

Williamsport Falls, at 90 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Indiana. If you venture across the river, into the nearby town, you can also explore the Badlands Off-Road Park. They offer sand dunes, trails, a quarry, and amenities like lodging, food, rentals, and a motocross track. You can ride ATVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps, or trucks up and down the sand dunes and get your adrenaline pumping. It is a paradise for extreme sports lovers. However, if you would rather stay in town, Downtown Williamsport offers quick, tasty places to eat, such as Hot Dog Station.

Peru

There is a small town in Indiana known as the "Circus Capital of the World." Peru, with just over 11,000 residents, is famous for its quirky circus events and summer amateur performances. The town also features circus-themed murals, photo spots, a museum, and art throughout town that locals and tourists love.

Circus City Festival Parade in Peru, Indiana. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock

One of Peru’s highlights is the Peru Amateur Circus Parade, held each year on the festival’s last Saturday. The parade features circus wagons, performers, music, and colorful floats. It is one of the oldest ongoing circus heritage parades in the country and the second-largest parade in Indiana. Apart from the amateur circus, Peru has a vibrant art scene, evident in its murals. The Peru Wings is one of their most photographed murals. For more art, history, and insights into the culture that Peru has captivated over the years, visit the Miami County Museum. It offers exhibits on local history, circus heritage, airplanes, women’s suffrage, and more.

Best Attractions To Visit In IndianaBoxed in by Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, Indiana is the crossroads of the Midwest, where sandy dunes, roaring speedways, underground caves, and historic sites all converge into a destination worth exploring.

Rekindle Your Love of Travel

These nine tiny off-grid towns in Indiana offer more than just a place to stop. They give you a sense of discovery with real character, like Story, a town that is an Inn. With historic main streets like Downtown Madison, quirky festivals like those in Peru, each town invites you to slow down and enjoy moments you won’t find in bigger cities.

If you enjoy local traditions and outdoor adventures, such as those found in Angola, Indiana, these towns show you what makes travel special. Visiting them is a chance to rediscover your love of travel while finding something unexpected.

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