Indiana might not top every traveler’s list, but on my month-long road trip around the state I discovered golden lake shores, windswept dunes, endless cornfields, leafy parks, and mysterious caves. Here are the places that won me over…
1. Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Park was one of the most tranquil and gorgeous places I explored on my trip—15 miles of golden sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan with picturesque dunes rising behind it made the views unforgettable and gave the whole place a peaceful, restorative vibe!
I drove just an hour southeast from Chicago and stayed for four days at the funky Al & Sally’s Motel. I hiked to Mount Baldy (the extraordinary moving dune!), spotted herons along the Great Marsh Trail, and explored Chellberg Farm, where I learned how families lived and worked the land in the early 1900s. The only caveat—I found out the water quality can vary, so I had to check reports before swimming!
Location: Northwest Indiana (along south shore of Lake Michigan) | Size: ~15,000+ acres | Vibe: wild, windswept, and scenic| Wildlife: white-tailed deer, red foxes, coyotes, sandhill cranes, hawks, and 350+ species of birds
My favorite highlights…
- Seeing patches of the rare Eastern Prickly Pear blooming along the sandy trails of the Dunes—their sunny yellow flowers looked almost neon against the bright blue skies!
2. East Pierhead Lighthouse
I personally thought this was one of the most photogenic spots on my Indiana road trip – standing at the end of the pier in Washington Park, its red-roofed 1904 tower against the blue expanse of Lake Michigan made it an icon of Michigan City.
From Indiana Dunes it was only a 20-minute drive, and I strolled the pier and the narrow steel “catwalk” that linked the lighthouse to the shore. Although I couldn’t go inside, I spent the afternoon soaking up the views, then wandered through Washington Park with its beach, marina, and the quaint Michigan City Lighthouse Museum.
Location: St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan (Lake Michigan shoreline) | Size: twin-light pier complex | Vibe: iconic and vintage-nautical
My personal highlights…
- Staying for sunset – I loved how the sky light up with oranges, pinks, reds, golds, and even a touch of violet and then staying overnight at the nearby unique and cozy Brewery Lodge Hotel – it was a very romantic few days!
3. Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park really won me over with its unspoilt beauty – 2,382 acres of sandstone gorges, old-growth forests, hemlock groves, and the sparkling Sugar Creek made it one of the most striking parks I explored in Indiana, with a rugged, adventurous vibe that I couldn’t get enough of!
After a two-hour drive west from Sapphire Natural Pool in St. Paul, I spent three days at the charming Turkey Run Inn & Cabins hiking the rugged Trail 3 with its ladders and narrow gorges (my photo is above!), crossing the photogenic suspension bridge over Sugar Creek, touring the historic Lusk Home and Mill Site, and cooling off in the Olympic-size pool. Every corner felt wild, dramatic, and unforgettable!
Location: West-Central Indiana | Size: ~2,400 acres | Vibe: rugged, shady, and adventure-filled | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons
My personal highlights…
- Stopping by the cute onsite Golden Forest Gift Shop (which also doubled as a bakery) and buying an indulgent triple-berry honeycomb cheesecake and locally made Cedarwood & Sage Soap!
4. Washington Park Beach
Washington Park Beach was one of the most gorgeous and dreamy sandy stretches I visited on my Indiana trip —two miles of golden shoreline with stunning views of Lake Michigan, the East Pierhead Lighthouse, and because it was a clear day I even saw the Chicago skyline.
After walking over from East Pierhead Lighthouse, I spent a relaxed day swimming in the designated areas, and later catching live music on the sand and staying for a second night at my base in the unique Brewery Lodge Hotel. I also wandered through the wider park with its picnic spots, marina, and family-friendly playgrounds, though I learned it was best to check the water quality before diving in!
Location: Michigan City, Northwest Indiana | Size: ~99-acre | Vibe: breezy, family-friendly, and laid-back
My favorite highlights…
- Hearing from locals that during January, the freezing water and crashing waves created dramatic ice formations and natural sculptures along the shore—it sounded magical!
5. Brown County State Park
I loved how the Brown County State Park was so dreamy and unspoilt—rolling hills, foggy ravines, and fiery autumn colors gave it the vibe of Indiana’s own “Little Smokies.”
After driving just over an hour south-southeast from Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, I spent two days hiking Trail 9 with its pretty views of Ogle Lake, wandering the peaceful forested Trail 7, and leaf-peeping along the scenic Park Loop Road. The whole place had a calm, rustic charm that made it one of my favorite spots on my trip!
Location: South-Central Indiana | Size: ~16,000 acres | Vibe: hilly, forested, and peaceful | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, red foxes, coyotes, barred owls, hawks, and migrating songbirds
My highlights…
- Staying over at the family and pet friendly Abe Martin Lodge – I loved the fun indoor water park and munching on Persimmon Pudding Bites on my rustic cabin porch!
6. Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls wowed me with both their power and beauty—I found Indiana’s largest waterfalls dropped 86 feet in two dramatic cascades along Mill Creek surrounded by flat rock ledges that gave the whole area a relaxed, picnic-perfect vibe.
From Turkey Run I drove just over an hour east to Lieber State Recreation Area and spent a day exploring – photographing the charming Cataract Falls Covered Bridge, hiking the short scenic trails, pausing often to just take in the Insta-worthy scenery and then retreating back to my super-cute nearby base the Cascades Inn!
Location: West-Central Indiana | Size: ~45 ft combined | Vibe: peaceful, pastoral, and photogenic | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, raccoons, great blue herons, ducks, kingfishers, hawks, and songbirds
My highlights…
- I hiked the easy mile-long Cataract Falls Loop in 45 minutes – I loved hearing the thunder of both waterfalls fading into the gentle trickle of sunlit Mill Creek!
7. Hoosier National Forest
What struck me most about the Hoosier National Forest was its untouched beauty—sprawling hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, caves, and shimmering lakes that created a peaceful, off-the-radar vibe.
From Bloomington I drove 45 minutes south into the Hoosier National Forest and spent two days at the unique and Insta-worthy Lost River Hostel exploring – crawling through the fascinating Sullivan Cave, hiking the dramatic Hemlock Cliffs with its waterfall, backpacking in the wild Charles C. Deam Wilderness, and unwinding at the peaceful Hardin Ridge Recreation Area overlooking Patoka Lake.
Location: South-Central Indiana | Size: ~204,000 acres | Vibe: quiet and rolling | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, coyotes, red foxes, barred owls, hawks, and migrating songbirds
My favorite highlights….
- Heading out to the huge Wesley Chapel Gulf, the park’s biggest sinkhole—I just parked up and walked over to find this shadowy sinkhole with exposed limestone, where the cool, damp air rose up from the depths as I peered inside!
8. Indiana State Capitol Building
The Indiana State Capitol Building in downtown Indianapolis really impressed me with its grandeur—built in 1888 from locally quarried limestone and white oak, its neoclassical dome gleamed above the city skyline and gave the whole place a stately, historic vibe!
Just a short 15-minute drive from Holliday Park I based myself at the trendy 4-star Bottleworks Hotel and set out. I toured the interior and was wowed by the marble staircases, stained-glass rotunda window, opulent chandeliers, and galleries of classical paintings and sculptures. Taking a guided tour made the history come alive, although it was the peak season so it was also very crowded!
Location: Central Indiana | Size: 256-ft dome | Vibe: stately, historic, and elegant
My highlights…
- Admiring the grand marble staircases and the ornate Supreme Court Chamber with its carved quarter-sawn oak paneling and stained-glass skylights—it felt very inspiring to stand in the place where so many big decisions were made!
9. Clifty Falls State Park
I found that Clifty Falls State Park had a wild, off-the-beaten-path vibe with stunning scenery consisting of rugged canyons, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests which made it feel wonderfully remote and uncrowded.
I actually ended my Indiana road trip in this spot, driving two hours southeast from Cataract Falls to Madison and spending two days hiking to the four waterfalls—Big Clifty, Little Clifty, Hoffman, and Tunnel Falls—while braving the eerie, dripping abandoned railroad tunnel and even doing some primitive camping!
Location: Southeastern Indiana | Size: ~1,400 acres | Vibe: rugged and dramatic | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, raccoons, red foxes, wild turkeys, barred owls, hawks, and many birds
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the nearby Riverboat Inn and Suites – I loved waking up to a breakfast of Sweet Cornbread with Honey Butter in my deluxe suite which overlooked the Ohio River!
10. Holliday Park
I discovered that Holliday Park was a stunning spot for its unique blend of art and nature. The striking ruins of New York’s St. Paul Building rose like sculptures against a backdrop of green woodlands, pretty ponds, and the winding White River giving it a unique, creative vibe.
After driving just under an hour southwest from Anderson, I spent an afternoon wandering its trails, spotting birds, picnicking by the water, and checking out the nature-themed playground. I especially loved pausing at the artistic stone ruins – they were so atmospheric and unexpectedly Instagram-worthy in the middle of Indianapolis!
Location: North-Central Indianapolis | Size: ~94 acres | Vibe: leafy, peaceful, and a little whimsical | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, and birds
My highlights…
- Walking the easy 0.4-mile Pond Trail in 20 minutes, pausing to see lily pads dotted with dragonflies, frog calls echoing from the reeds, and sycamore reflections shimmering on the pond!
11. Griffy Lake Nature Preserve
I found that Griffy Lake Nature Preserve was a peaceful beauty spot —1,200 acres of forests, wetlands, and rolling hills wrapped around a sparkling 109-acre lake with a peaceful, hidden-gem vibe just outside Bloomington.
After a quick 30-minute hop west from Brown County State Park, I spent the day kayaking across the tranquil lake, picnicking by the shore, and hiking the easy Wetlands Trail, where I spotted frogs basking in the sun and even a painted turtle slipping quietly into the water!
Location: South-Central Indiana | Size: ~1,200 acres | Vibe: quiet, leafy, and nature-focused | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, turtles, great blue herons, owls, hawks
My personal highlights…
- Enjoying a picnic by the boat launch tables, soaking up sparkling lake views and being excited to spot a bald eagle soaring and whistling overhead!
12. Mounds State Park
I found out first hand that the Mounds State Park was a gorgeous spot for its mix of history and nature – here ancient Adena-Hopewell earthworks rose from rolling hardwood forests and wildflower meadows giving it a tranquil, almost spiritual vibe!
After leaving Washington Park Beach, I drove three hours southeast through farmland to Anderson and spent a day exploring – climbing the Great Mound dating back to 160 B.C. for panoramic views, hiking a few of the six scenic trails along the White River, and finding quiet spot to take a picnic surrounded by tweeting birds and pretty flowers!
Location: Anderson, Central Indiana | Size: ~290 acres | Vibe: peaceful, historic, and quietly mystical | Wildlife: white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, owls, hawks, woodpeckers
My personal highlights…
- Hiking the peaceful 1.4-mile Trail 5 in 50 minutes – I followed the winding White River, spotted a great blue heron on the banks, and watched wild turkeys foraging noisily through the forest floor!
13. Coxhall Gardens
Coxhall Gardens charmed me with its perfect balance of blooming gardens and striking art pieces —sprawling lawns, flower-filled gardens, and elegant statues gave the estate a refined yet relaxed vibe.
From downtown Indianapolis it was just a 30-minute drive north to Carmel, where I picnicked beneath the chiming 90-foot Carillon Bell Towers, wandered the manicured grounds past sculptures and ornate ponds, peeked at the stately Coxhall Mansion from afar, and enjoyed the picturesque Children’s Pavilion tucked into the gardens.
Location: Carmel, Central Indiana | Size: ~125 acres | Vibe: elegant, manicured, and serene | Wildlife: songbirds, ducks, geese, turtles, frogs, squirrels, and the occasional deer
My favorite highlights…
- Strolling through the flower-lined paths before settling at the picnic tables near the Children’s Garden—then people-watching while gorging on blueberry soda and Maple Bourbon popcorn!
14. Sapphire Natural Pool, White Rock Park
The Sapphire Natural Pool dazzled me with its striking turquoise water that made the old quarry feel almost tropical and very adventurous!
After a 90-minute drive northeast from Hoosier National Forest, I spent a day zip-lining over the pool, camping on the grounds, and even watching certified scuba divers descend into the depths. The only catch—there were no lifeguards here, so I found that everything was done at your own risk!
Location: St. Paul, Central Indiana | Size: spring-fed quarry lake within a multi-acre adventure park | Vibe: fun, summery, and thrill-seeker-friendly
My highlights…
- Watching the daredevils hurled themselves off the cliffs, plunging into the quarry’s brilliant blue water with thunderous splashes and wild cheers (my photo is above)!
Where is Indiana?
Indiana is a Midwestern state in the USA, nestled between Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, with Lake Michigan to the north and the Ohio River forming much of its southern border.
