With roots that run deeply through Midwest soil, Indiana has long-standing traditions of big sporting events, fast cars and All-American universities. Most know the state by its motto, the “Crossroads of America,” or its endearing nickname, the “Hoosier State.”
It’s true: Indiana plays host to the largest single day sporting event in the country each May for the Indy 500. College hoops from NCAA-recognizable schools such as Notre Dame, Indiana University and Purdue often rule TV sets during March Madness. It is easy to identify Indiana with the crisp autumn football setting of the movie Rudy and the small-town high school basketball story Hoosiers.
Don’t get distracted by its racing stripes or sprinting athletes, though: this “Crossroads” is worth more than a pit stop on your next vacation.
Indianapolis
No trip to Indiana would be complete without hitting the state capital, home to more than 780,000 Hoosiers. Indianapolis is the most bustling metropolis in the state, and it offers a variety of activities for everyone.
White River State Park, located downtown, is a fantastic one-stop attraction center (www.inwhiteriver.com). It is the nation’s only urban state park, and it features wildlife, history and art.
Visitors looking for fast-paced attractions can enjoy the fun and interactive Indianapolis Zoo, which includes the world’s only submerged underwater dolphin dome. In the Zoo's White River Gardens, flowers bloom in front of your eyes, especially in early spring months. If you’re looking for a breathtaking movie experience, head to the Indiana State Museum, which houses an IMAX Theater. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is a great venue to get in touch with the Native American history of the state. The Facing West: Celebrating 20 Years of the Eiteljorg Museum Opening Day exhibit opens March 14 and will feature pieces from throughout the museum’s history.
For more leisurely activity in White River, rent a bicycle from Bike Indy to ride along the Waterfront’s winding paths, take an intimate stroll down the River Promenade, or enjoy a spring afternoon in Military Park.
If you are entertaining a younger audience, visit the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the largest children’s museum in the world. It has a plethora of interactive exhibits, including the LEGO Castle Adventure exhibit that runs through May (www.childrensmuseum.org).
Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, the second most populated city in the state, may surprise you with its rich history and its participation in young America’s rapid growth and technological expansion.
Downtown Fort Wayne is dotted with marks of history for visitors to enjoy. Fort Wayne had a large stake in the railroad industry, but now the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society is a great place to revisit the good ol’ days with weekend caboose rides and tours of the renovated 65-year-old No. 765 locomotive. You can even peek into your own past at the Allen County Public Library, the largest public genealogy research library in America.
The Historic Embassy Theatre, a famous example of the Spanish Eclectic style architecture popular in the early 20th century, continually plays host to local and national stars, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Broadway shows (www.fwembassytheatre.org).
A relaxing day of shopping can also easily be a part of the Fort Wayne experience. Picturesque Calhoun Street that once dominated the shopping scene, but now there is also Southgate Shopping Center and Glenbrook Square Mall (www.glenbrooksquare.com). Both offer a variety of specialty and commercial shops and dining options.
For your stay, Fort Wayne offers an array of nostalgic bed and breakfasts, including the Worthington Mansion, a restored Queen Ann Mansion.
Canyons and Caves
The Southern region of Indiana is perfect for discovering the state’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on adventure or a more laid-back walking tour, parks in this region showcase many hidden treasures.
O’Bannon Woods State Park is a great locale for all of your favorite traditional outdoor activities: hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating and camping. Stageshop Campground also has a canoe access ramp for the more water-inclined.
Squire Boone Caverns is located near Historic Corydon. Escape into its stunning cave tours that wind through lit underground walkways complete with stalagmites, stalactites, and 1 million gallons of water that rush through each day.
Marengo Cave Park, a U.S. national landmark, is 52 degrees inside throughout the entire year. Explorers will love the chance to get muddy inside the natural caves alongside experienced guides. Many of these cave exploration tours are offered in March and April.
To plan the perfect outdoor trip, visit www.exploresouthernindiana.com.
Amish Country
Farmers markets, handcrafted furniture and homemade goodies make up the scene in Northern Indiana’s hospitable Amish Country. To enrich your Indiana experience, indulge in the landscapes, culture and flavors of the Amish in Elkhart and LaGrange counties.
In Elkhart County, take the Elkhart County Visitor Center Super Photo Safari for great views of the country landscape. The tour takes you on a 55-mile ride by farms and a rustic old gristmill throughout the county.
Outlying communities also contribute to a peaceful Amish country visit. Visit Nappanee at Martin’s Quilt Shop, a quilting shop on a small farm. Shop at The Flower Petal’r in Middlebury, perfect for homemade gifts such as pottery. In close-by Shipshewana, treat yourself to a few hand-rolled Jo Jo’s Pretzels. Also in Shipshewana, the Davis Mercantile contains four stories of shops and a circa 1907 Amish carousel.
For more information, including lodging options, visit www.amishcountry.org.
Shannon McMahon is a contributing writer for Luxury Living.