Indiana is a fantastic state to visit. There is beautiful nature to be explored, awesome museums to learn from, and much more. But if you’re having trouble determining what to see, you may want to consider making an Indiana bucket list. Consider some of our bucket list suggestions below, and add your own to plan your trip.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Learn about the capture of Fort Sackville and what that meant for America and its western frontier at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. The victory added almost as much U.S. land as the original 13 states occupied. Learn about the harrowing battle and see how this event affected the United States.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is set on the shores of Lake Michigan and is a great place to learn about the diverse ecosystems found within these incredible dunes. It’s also a fun place to spend a day on a sandy beach.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
President Abraham Lincoln grew up in Indiana, and while living there, he learned many of the lessons that made him the man he was. Learn about his childhood and the events that shaped this incredible man at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.
Go to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is often touted as the best children’s museum in America. Whether your kids choose to explore the world of dinosaurs, check out the super cool train exhibit, ride the carousel, watch live theater, or go back to ancient Egypt, they’ll learn something new while having a blast.
Walk the Garfield Trail
Most of us grew up with the classic Garfield comics and cartoons. Relive your childhood and share these beloved characters with your children by checking out the fun and exciting character sculptures along the Garfield Trail in the hometown of comic creator Jim Davis.
Try Breaded Pork Tenderloin
An Indiana favorite, breaded pork tenderloin is comfort food at its best. This delicious meal can be found at all kinds of local restaurants. It’s extra tasty when you order it as a sandwich!
See the Quilt Gardens
The Quilt Gardens of Elkhart County are a lovely sight to see. During the spring and summer months, when the flowers are in full bloom, these gardens are as intricate and brightly colored as a lovingly made quilt, and the scavenger hunt to find these gardens just adds to the fun.
Follow the Indiana Glass Trail
Believe it or not, Indiana is an excellent place to go for decorative glass pieces. The Glass Trail links glass artists and other glass-related attractions in 5 counties. Following the Glass Trail allows you to see glass being made and be a part of the glass experience.
Step Back in Time at Conner Prairie
Have you ever wished you could step back in time and experience history firsthand? At Conner Prairie you can do just that. Ride in an old-fashioned hot air balloon, walk through a frontier town, and check out the animals in a barn from the past. You’re sure to have some unique experience while learning about life in the past.
Go Wild at Wilstem Wildlife Park
The perfect attraction for animal lovers of all ages, Wilstem Wildlife Park hosts animal encounters, allowing you to get up close and personal with all sorts of creatures. It’s also home to a really cool drive-through safari, as well as horseback riding and a zip line.
Meet a Wolf at Wolf Park
Another excellent option for the animal enthusiasts in your group, Wolf Park is dedicated to protecting wolves and advocating to people about the animals. A visit to the park allows you to see a couple of different kinds of wolves, as well as foxes and bison.
Have a Bob Ross Experience
The Bob Ross Experience is offered at Minnetrista and is a lot of fun for the whole family. Check out Bob’s former studio, see paintings and artifacts, and learn about the life and times of this beloved artist.
Admire Architecture in Columbus
Columbus, Indiana is home to some beautiful architecture. Some of the world’s finest architects have contributed to this place, working to make it a lovely place to live since the 1940s. It’s well worth taking a stroll around the city to admire their work.
Visit the Historic Hoosier Gym
The filming location for the 1986 movie Hoosiers, Hoosier Gym is a lot of fun to visit. In addition to retaining the look and decor used in the movie, the gym also hosts several high school basketball games each year, including their annual Hoosiers Reunion All-Star Classic.
Drive the Ohio River Scenic Byway
Looking to take in some of the natural beauty of Indiana? Try a drive on the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which will take you through some beautiful natural areas as well as some adorable small towns. Be sure to stop in the tiny towns and do some shopping and dining.
Explore Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Easily one of the best zoos in the country, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a must-see if you’re visiting with kids. The “Australian Adventure” and “Indonesian Rainforest” sections are especially interesting.
Have a Slice of Hoosier Pie
No food says “Indiana” quite like a slice of Hoosier pie. Originally born as a “desperation dessert,” the pie is now beloved by Indianans of all ages. This sugar cream pie can be found in eateries all across the state, and you’ll want to make sure to order some before you leave.
Tour the Rotary Jail Museum
The Rotary Jail Museum is a circular jail, made in such a way that the cells can be rotated and only one cell can be accessed at a time. This unusual design is fascinating to see in person.
Hike to Cataract Falls
The Cataract Falls are a lovely sight to see. This is the biggest waterfall in the state by volume and features both upper and lower falls. It’s located in the Lieberman State Recreation Area, and a covered bridge and smaller waterfall are also here.
Watch a Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
No visit to Indianapolis is complete without seeing a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If you plan your visit to this part of the state around a race, you can enjoy this experience…but you can tour the speedway at any time.
Obsess at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
If you’re a diehard Indianapolis Motor Speedway fan, you’ll also want to make sure you check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum where you can learn all about the history of this famous speedway.
Find Fun at the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
Looking for some family fun and thrills? Look no further than the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort. The boardwalk is on Lake Shafer rather than the ocean, but it has all the same charm you’d expect from an ocean boardwalk.
Spread Cheer in the Town Of Santa Claus
In the town of Santa Claus, you can celebrate Christmas year-round. Stay in Lake Rudolph (the Christmas-themed campground), visit Holiday World (the Christmas theme park), and shop in the Christmas Shop.
Wander Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is a great spot for outdoor activities. Swimming, horseback riding, and fishing are popular things to do in the park. Camping is also available, meaning you can stay right in the middle of all the outdoor fun.
Spend Time at the USS LST Ship Memorial
The LST-325 is a decommissioned tank landing ship belonging to the United States Navy. The ship is the last fully operational WWII landing ship tank. It is now located in Evansville, Indiana, and is open to the public for tours. This is the perfect stop for military enthusiasts and ship fans alike.
Discover the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail
Most people don’t think of Indiana as wine country, but the wine produced here is very good. The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail features several wineries and vineyards, meaning you can spend a few days touring various wine-related spots and trying new wines.
Learn about the History of RVing
The RV/MH Hall of Fame tells the story of RVing in America. It houses a large number of vintage RVs, which you can walk through, and which help visitors get a feel for how RVing became what it is today.
Check Out an RV Factory
Another great way to learn about RVs while in Indiana is by visiting one of the many RV factories located in Elkhart. Most of these tours are free, but some do require that you make a reservation in advance. All of them give you a peek at how RVs are made.
Enjoy an Amish Donut from Rise ‘n Roll
The eastern side of Indiana is home to several large Amish communities. You can visit to get a feel for this slower, more intentional way of life. While you’re there, be sure to try some of the amazing made-from-scratch food that the Amish make and sell. For starters, be sure to try the donuts sold at Rise ‘n Roll bakery.
Indiana is an interesting and fun place to visit. In fact, there’s so much to see and do in the state, you may want to consider visiting in an RV. RVing through Indiana allows you to travel from place to place in the state, helping you squeeze in everything you want to see and do. Not only that, it also ensures you sleep in a comfortable bed as you hop around the Hoosier State checking items off your Indiana bucket list.
