Indiana's 7 Unsung Small Towns
Indiana has experienced an influx of tourists over the past decade, in no small part thanks to the runaway hit Netflix series, "Stranger Things." This is despite the show not even being filmed in Indiana, and there being no real place called Hawkins. The renewed interest in experiencing the different types of towns in Indiana has allowed visitors to see a different and more unique side of the state.
Indiana’s unsung small towns are being given more love, and those who stay in them for a couple of days are urging others to do the same. Not because of the "Stranger Things" memorabilia and pop-up attractions, but because these towns have such incredible characters that they are a must-see. So, even if you go in search of upside-down experiences, you will find yourself staying for the real-life ones in some of Indiana’s most underrated towns.
Nashville
Nashville, like its bigger Tennessee counterpart, is the heart of its county. It is also the center of the Brown County Art Colony. But where Nashville, Tennessee, is all about the music, Nashville, Indiana, is all about galleries, craft studios, and antique stores.
If you want to visit these shops, however, be sure to get in there before five in the afternoon, or you will stand in front of a locked door and a ‘we are closed’ sign. Things are very chilled in Nashville, so most shop operators close up while the sun is still out. If you get there early, you can test your creativity at Our Little World Studio downtown or learn how to paint at the Second Story Studio. If you just want to look at beautiful artwork, head to the historic Brown County Art Gallery located at 1 Artist Drive.
You can also go on a whiskey tasting tour or attend a cocktail-making class at the Hard Truth Hills. This 325-acre destination distillery is known for its creative mixology courses and ATV tours. And six minutes away at Brown County State Park, you will find over 70 miles of hiking trails, plenty of beautiful camp sites, as well as the Nature Center. The center offers several interactive programs and exhibits for visitors to enjoy year-round. Plus, you can boat or fish on Ogle Lake.
Shipshewana
Shipshewana may not be the heart of its county, but it is the heart of Amish Country in Indiana. This underrated small town offers you some of the most unique attractions and activities in the US, including feeding bison and joining a quilting bee. You can also visit a working Amish farm called Crooked Gate, where you will find a bunny barn and a hard-working Amish family.
At the Menno-Hof museum, you can learn more about the Amish, Hutterites, and Mennonites. Be sure to stop by the Tornado Room and the gift shop, where you can buy handmade souvenirs. As you head back out to the streets of Shipshewana, keep an eye out for the 20+ gorgeous murals that decorate this pretty town. You can book a place on an authentic buggy ride that also includes a traditional Amish meal with an Amish family.
Vevay
The historic town of Vevay, or Little Switzerland, is named after Vevay, Switzerland, in Switzerland County. The first Swiss settlers arrived in the area in 1802, and the town was officially established in 1836. Today, you can stroll past several historic buildings and down the charming main street. The Hoosier Theatre building in Vevay was originally constructed in 1837 and later converted into a movie theater and live performance venue. You can watch a show there and book an overnight stay at the Old Swiss Inn.
If you are yearning for an outdoor adventure, you can explore the Ohio River Scenic Byway, the first in the state. There are fantastic views here, as well as opportunities for ziplining, canoeing, and caving. If you want to enjoy a picnic in a wide-open green space, you can do so at the nearby Markland Dam Park or Paul Ogle Riverfront Park. If you visit in August, you can attend the Swiss Wine Festival, which includes a free concert (with paid admission), amusement rides, and a drone show.
Huntingburg
The underrated town of Huntingburg has been designated a Stellar Community and is the only town in the world named Huntingburg. Here, you will find a historic downtown district and the town’s claim to downtown fame, Fourth Street. In this street, you can dine at Butcher & Barrel, a fine-dining restaurant located in a historic bank building. You can choose a seat in an original bank vault, adding to the one-of-a-kind experience. If you want something more casual, Gaslight Pizza & Grill offers great pizza, wings, and burgers. While you wait, you can check out the comic book murals on the walls.
Come Christmas, Fourth Street turns into a festive wonderland with fairy lights strung along and across the sidewalks. You can take a ride in a carriage while enjoying live Christmas music and sipping a hot drink. When you get to Huntingburg, it might seem strangely familiar to you. This is mainly because the town was a filming location for the movie "A League of Their Own" and is often referred to as the Hollywood of the Midwest.
Wabash
Wabash is located in north-central Indiana, around 45 miles from Fort Wayne, on the Wabash River. What many people do not know is that Wabash was the first town in the world to be completely lit by electricity in 1880. You can discover more about this feat at the Wabash County Historical Museum. You will also find Native American artifacts here and interactive displays that bring the past to life.
There is more history to explore in the Wabash Cultural District in downtown Wabash. You can take a tour starting on Market Street and ending at the museum (if you do not visit the museum first). If you love horticulture, do not miss out on a trip to Charley Creek Gardens, where you can stroll along the walking paths, take pictures of the waterfall, or try to find your way through the landscaped hedge maze. Or you can take a drive to Kokiwanee Nature Preserve, fifteen minutes away, to watch the bald eagles and great blue herons. You can also hike the trails, including those that run along the bluffs above the Salamonie River.
Winona Lake
Winona Lake is one of Indiana's most idyllic destinations. This bohemian town is an easy day trip from Chicago and Indianapolis and offers all the attractions and activities you could imagine. You can kick off your visit with a hike along the Winona Lake Heritage Trail & Trail System. The trail winds along the Lake Winona shore before crossing a creek and entering the forest. Along the way, you can view sculptures and artwork that highlight the area's culture and interests.
During winter, there is a pop-up ice rink at the Miller Sunset Pavilion. If you visit the pavilion during the summer, you can join art fairs and explore farmers’ markets. Take some time to walk the Village at Winona, a former summer retreat now a mixed-use downtown destination with several shops and restaurants. The Village is also the location of the annual Art Fair, during which you can buy artwork from nearly 70 vendors.
Corydon
Another underrated Indiana town, Corydon, features a historic Main Street in its downtown region. The street hosts a huge farmers’ market between May and October every year, an Adult Easter Egg Hunt in March, and a Popcorn Festival over July Fourth. You can also catch the First Friday Concert Series between June and September, which is a fun event for the whole family.
There are many historical buildings in downtown Corydon to explore, including the first Capitol Building in Indiana. When you get hungry, stop by the Indian Creek Market and Deli before heading to the Indiana Caverns. The caverns are part of the Binkley Cave system and include the state's longest cave. You can book a guided tour that takes you 110 feet underground to see cliffs, boulders, and even waterfalls. You can also go on a 25-minute boat ride along the underground river.
An Underrated Side of Indiana Worth Exploring
These towns show you just how much variety you will find packed into a relatively small state map. In one trip, you can see Amish farmland, historic theaters, lakefront trails, and fascinating caverns. And the best part is that none of these towns feel like a copy of the other. Every town offers you a different reason to stop, get out of your car, and start exploring. You can experience different foods, scenery, history, and fun local traditions all in one place. Plus, you can plan a short trip to start with and stay for a couple more days without ever getting bored. If you have ever wanted to get to know Indiana beyond its famous towns, these underrated destinations give you the perfect starting point.
