Historically significant buildings, unmistakable landscapes, famous monuments and more: no matter what type of landmark you’re looking for, Indiana’s got ’em in spades. Anyone who’s truly taken the time to explore this one-of-a-kind landscape knows it’s anything but a flyover, and in this article, we’ll dive into the very best landmarks to add to your itinerary in the U.S. state of Indiana.
Top Landmarks in Indiana
Indiana Landmarks
Indiana Sand Dunes National Park
One of the newest national parks in the registry, Indiana Sand Dunes National Park is a stunning stretch of 15 miles of Lake Michigan lakeshore. If you ask us, it’s well worth its new-and-improved category.
Offering the kind of endless watery expanse normally reserved for oceanic coasts, and some impressive sand dunes, this wilderness offers opportunities for all sorts of recreation. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and a vast array of water-based sports await.
Guided tours, ranger-led events and even a yearly outdoor adventure festival keep the park experience new no matter how many times you visit.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located close to lakeside communities like Gary and Michigan City, there are plenty of adventures to be had in the areas adjacent to Indiana Sand Dunes National Park. Visit the nearby Indiana Dunes State Park or check out the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City.
RV camping is available in the national park, and we highly recommend staying there if possible!
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
The Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort offers a truly summery getaway, complete with a classic boardwalk feel, water park attractions, and more. Take a spin atop the iconic Ferris wheel or get your thrills on one of the many high-speed rides such as the Steel Hawg or the Hoosier Hurricane.
For those looking for a slightly less shoulder-tensing experience, there are plenty of kid-friendly rides. Games, eats, and other to-dos are also available along the midway.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located in the small town of Monticello, the Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort is within easy driving distance of a variety of beautiful Indiana wildernesses. Check out Prophetstown State Park, Tippecanoe River State Park, or the Miami State Recreation Area, which is along the 24 on the way to Fort Wayne.
Rats far as camping goes, we recommend staying at the lovely Norway Campground.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indy 500 is far from the only one that takes place here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Home of the IndyCar Series as well as the NASCAR Cup Series and others, this impressive racetrack is the largest sports venue of any kind in the entire world.
Dating back to 1909, this track is an incredible feat of engineering to marvel at even if you’re not into the races themselves. If you are into the races, it’s an absolutely unmissable U.S. landmark.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just outside the bustling Indiana capital city of Indianapolis, the Motor Speedway is just minutes away from attractions like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the James Whitcomb Riley Museum and Historical Marker and more. Fort Harrison State Park, White River State Park and other natural areas are also within an easy driving distance.
Onsite camping is available during events and staying onsite is definitely the way to go if you can.
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is a unique living history museum that recreates and preserves 1836 prairie life along the banks of the White River. It is both a historical landmark and a fun destination for the whole family.
Dedicated historical reenactors bring to life a variety of old time experiences. These include the journey of the Civil War, the way of life at a Lenape Indian Camp, an 1859 hot air balloon voyage, and more. Visitors can also get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals and participate in a wide variety of educational programs.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Conner Prairie is located in the northeastern fringes of town, close to wildernesses like Summit Lake State Park and Mounds State Park (this latter of which we’ll get into in just a moment). It’s also close to all that Indianapolis has to offer.
When it’s time to get some recast, park your RV at Lake Haven Retreat.
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Nestled right into the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Soldiers & Sailors Monument is an iconic U.S. landmark. It serves as the state’s official memorial to the Indianans who served in many American wars. These include the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Frontier Wars and the Spanish-American War.
This unique obelisk is composed of gray oolitic limestone and stands nearly 285 feet tall. This means it’s just a scant 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. When it was built back in 1902, it cost more than half a million dollars, which translates to more than $13 million of today’s dollars.
A well-known city gathering spot and a must-have photo opp, this landmark is a great one to add to your itinerary.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
With its central Indianapolis location, the Soldiers & Sailors Monument is within walking distance of many museums, restaurants, shops, and attractions, not to mention the White River. Make sure to visit the Indianapolis Zoo!
As far as places to stay go, we recommend the Indianapolis KOA Holiday.
Mounds State Park
The midwest is known for its fascinating and rich history of Native American culture, and Indiana is no different. Mounds State Park, located just off I-69, is the site of an ancient civilization populated by the Adena-Hopewell people.
Today, it is home to 10 earthworks, including the characteristic mounds, that these people built. A variety of walking trails guide guests through this unique landscape, which offers both cultural history and natural beauty. On top of that, fun educational events are also held on the premises to help visitors gain even more understanding about the legacy of the place they’re standing in today.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located close to the town of Muncie, Mounds State Park is a wonderful place to enjoy an RV getaway. There are other wildernesses in the area to explore, such as Summit Lake State Park to the south and Ouabache State Park to the north. Things to do in Muncie include Minnetrista Museum and Gardens and the Muncie Children’s Museum.
We recommend staying at Summit Lake State Park for a wonderful escape into nature.
Clifty Falls State Park
Indiana might not be especially well-known for its waterfall-studded landscape. Make no mistake about it though: there are falls here, and Clifty Falls State Park is one of the prime examples.
Close to the town of Madison, this park offers access to beautiful and iconic cascades. The falls are as stunning in the winter as they are in the summer, though the surroundings (and clothing requirements) certainly change.
Even more intriguing, the creek bed beneath these waters is loaded with ancient fossils that tell the story of a much different time, when this part of the country was submerged under the sea. Ancient corals, squid, and other creatures flourished here, in an area now known for its beautiful and rugged terrestrial greenery.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Located just off the Ohio River, Clifty Falls State Park is located less than an hour from Louisville where you can visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum. It is also close to the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge and other outdoor oases.
You can actually camp in the state park. This is great because it allows you to stay right in the middle of the fun and beauty found there.
Spring Mill State Park
Another unmissable Indiana state park, Spring Mill State Park is known for its unique caves and sinkholes. It is also home to a quaint settlers’ village and many structures built by the CCC back in the 1930s.
The onsite Gus Grissom Memorial commemorates a local native resident of the town of Mitchell who was also one of the Mercury Seven astronauts who died in the failed Apollo 1 mission. The Spring Mill State Park Nature Center allows visitors an up-close look at live snakes and also features a bird-watching window as well as offering lots of informational and educational content about the park itself.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
About equidistant from Louisville and Bloomington, Spring Mill State Park is surrounded by smaller midwestern towns that dot this part of the state. It is also close to other area wildernesses like the Yellowwood State Forest and Brown County State Park.
This is another state park that does have RV camping. Take advantage of that fact and book a campsite in this lovely natural area.
Paoli Peaks
Think you have to travel to the mountain west — or even the northeast — to get in a great ski sesh? Think again. Paoli Peaks is Indiana’s own ski bowl, tucked into the southern part of the state at the outskirts of Hoosier National Forest.
This spot is open to snowboarders, snowbladers, and tubers as well as those who tackle the slope traditionally. Built into a natural hill that stands just under 1,000 feet in elevation and offering 300 feet of vertical drop, this spot is very beginner friendly and offers onsite dining, lodging, and retail. Equipment rentals and lessons are also available for those starting absolutely from scratch.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Situated in the Indiana countryside close to communities like French Lick and Prospect, Paoli Peaks (and the town itself) are small, quaint, and sufficient. Louisville is only a short drive away if you’re in search of something larger.
Wondering where to park your RV? The nearby French Lick Springs Hotel has RV spots that are quite nice.
Hoosier National Forest
This is the Hoosier State, after all, so you have to pay a visit to Hoosier National Forest. A sprawling wilderness of more than 200,000 acres, this forest takes up a broad swath of the southern end of the state.
Filled to the brim with outdoor recreation opportunities and criss-crossed with hiking trails, this unique forest is an incredible treasure trove for the adventurous.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Given the size of this national forest, it might be easier to talk about what’s not nearby than what is. We recommend planning on a lot of hiking and other outdoor activities to fill your time in the area.
There are a few RV camping areas in the forest that are run by the Forest Service. All of these are beautiful places to stay, but you will want to be prepared for dry camping.
Planning an RV Trip to Indiana
As you can see, there’s nearly no end to the incredible Indiana landmarks that are out there waiting for you. The best way to see them? In an RV! Make sure to check out the top 10 Indiana campgrounds as well as the many lovely state parks the state has to offer. The cities of Fort Wayne and Indianapolis are also worth checking out.
