Tucked away in the Midwest of the United States, Indiana is rich in natural beauty and has a mix of traditions stemming from its history. Having grown up in Indiana and now living far from it, I’ve come to appreciate its wholesomeness and the warmth of the people.
A glimpse into history
Indiana was inhabited by several different Native American tribes (at various times including: Potawatomi, Miami, Shawnee, Kickapoo, Delaware) for thousands of years. It became the 19th state in 1816 and experienced significant industrial growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting immigrants from other states and Europe. Today, you can learn more about the history through local festivals and museums that honor various cultural heritages.
While you’re here, stay in locally provided accommodations. You’ll find plenty of fun and funky bed-and-breakfasts available across the state and steps away from museums, wineries, pioneer villages, caves, and hiking paths. There is a delightful array of options available, from Victorian homes adorned with period antiques to more contemporary offerings.
Best time to visit? I think the fall! Still, you can enjoy a variety of festivals all year long. We have hundreds of festivals throughout the year and across the state. It sure beats watching the corn grow!
Apple picking at local farms – Our fall
There’s something so sweet about sipping on hot apple cider on a crisp afternoon at the local apple orchard. Be sure to visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard for hayrides and apple picking. Try some delicious apple cider and other fall treats while at these pretty-as-a-picture, often family-owned farms. If you’re in the mood for something a bit spookier, check out one of the many haunted houses throughout the state, ranging from kid-friendly attractions to spine-chilling haunts that will keep you up for weeks!
Known for its beautiful fall foliage Brown County State Park is perfect for hiking picturesque trails. While here, explore the town of Nashville, an art colony filled with artisan shops, galleries, antiques, local crafts, and great restaurants.
From basketball to Christmas lights – Our winter
Visit the Christmas market in Carmel or see some of the dazzling displays of Christmas lights at winter festivals across the state. There is a lot to do in winter, be it ice-skating, sledding, snowshoeing, or even keeping warm indoors at the world’s largest children’s museum, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Can’t skip over the sports, especially basketball. The Hoosier State has a deep-rooted love for the game. Basketball season goes through the winter, so watch a game or visit the NCAA Hall of Champions.
Your Indiana energy boost in spring
From spring, lots of food festivals start to pop up! Indiana’s culinary scene offers an array of flavors, often focusing on locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find plenty of farm-to-table restaurants. Specialties include pork tenderloin sandwiches and for those with a sweet tooth, sugar cream pie. Both of these dishes are traditionally non-vegan, but there are great vegan recipes for it.
Spring is a great time to visit Conner Prairie, a living history museum that offers immersive experiences throughout the year. Here, you can learn about local wildlife and their habitats, enjoy concerts in picturesque settings, participate in workshops on traditional crafts, and discover Indiana’s folk music and historic recipes. It is a worthwhile stop for visitors of all ages.
Of course, there is the iconic Indy 500. Held on Memorial Day weekend, it is a thrilling spectacle that attracts motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. The weeks leading up to the race are filled with events and community festivities. It’s a great time to think about mobility and how we can shape it to be more sustainable in the future.
Christmas in July – Indiana’s summer
Visiting in the summer? Be sure to stop by the Indiana Dunes. Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the soft sand beach might surprise you in a landlocked state.
Summer also means lots of sweet fruits. Visit local farmers markets and strawberry festivals, or even spend an afternoon picking strawberries yourself. Of course, as July rolls around, stake out where you want to celebrate the Fourth of July. If you’re in town in August, stop by the Indiana State Fair, which showcases the state’s farming roots, featuring homemade goods, delicious and perhaps a bit too innovative snacks, a variety of entertainment, and art and cultural exhibits.
If those sweet strawberries just don’t hit the spot, and it turns out you’re actually craving a taste of Christmas, summer is an ideal time to visit Santa Claus, Indiana! Spend a day at Holiday World, where you can meet Santa himself any month of the year.
Carolyn Wheeler
This article was written by Carolyn Wheeler. She is a Hoosier at heart, and wishes you a great time in her home state!