The State of Indiana is the 38th state of the United States of America (USA) when the size of the area is considered. It is in the Mid-Western region of North America with Indianapolis as its capital. With a diverse economy, this state is home to professional sports teams and is known for its notable athletic events. As such, tourists get a great opportunity to take part in different things to do in Indiana.
Home to bustling cities and adorable small towns, Indiana is a mix of sophistication and natural environs for the tourists. Prairies and lush landscapes are considered to be the highlights of this U.S state that are worth witnessing.
12 Fun Things To Do In Indiana
Get ready to explore and try several things to do in Indiana and make your trip more meaningful in this state of America. Some of the best ones have been mentioned below!
1. Antique Alley – Take A Journey Back In Time
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While it is customary to hunt for something new, do it different here in Indiana! Go for the Antique Alley to search for something classic, something which takes you back to the glorious years of the past. The Antique Alley is on the 60-mile Historic National Road connecting towns of Richmond and Knightstown. It is best to drive down the road to find hundreds of dealers in antiques, lined up in small shops along the highway. It offers enough avenues where you get to try out different things to do In Indiana.
Location: National Highway leading to Richmond from Indianapolis
How to Reach: Private cars
Best Time to Visit: Months of October and November
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2. Jasper Train – Go For A Ride
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Continuing with the old, we recommend you take a ride in Jasper Train. Visit the historic train line in Indiana to enjoy a trip back in time. The steam engine-driven The Spirit of Jasper Train starts from Jasper Depot and takes you to French Lick station, Indiana. Alternatively, choose one of the excursion plans on offer and enjoy a romantic dinner in the climate-controlled coaches.
Location: 100 Miles from Indiana.
How to Reach: Car
Best Time to Visit: From September to December
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3. Holiday World – For An Epic Safari
This four-themed park ranks in the top of the fun things to do in Indiana. Its four sections devoted to Thanksgiving, Christmas, the 4th of July, and Halloween provide wholesome entertainment, games, and attractions for all age groups.
Location: Santa Claus, Indiana
How to Reach: Car
Best Time to Visit: From September to December
Entry Ticket: Regular price INR4308/-. Lots of discount schemes are available if booked in advance
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4. Conner Prairie History Park – Unravel The 19th Century
Now, this surely is one of the unique things to do in Indiana. The Conner Prairie History Park is where you’ll get a chance to interact with fishers and learn some interesting facts about the 19th century Indiana. The park is divided into different sections with each section representing different time periods that follow a living timeline.
Location: Fishers, Indiana
How to Reach: Car
Best Time to Visit: From March to October
Hours of Visit: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday through Sunday. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays
Entry Ticket: Adults INR1292; seniors age 65 and older INR1220; youth ages 2-12 INR13 at INR933/-
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5. Monument Circle – Enlighten Yourself With The Heritage
This is the best among free things to do in Indiana! You can stop by the Monument Circle which is a prominent attraction that you can’t miss. Located in the heart of the Downtown area in the capital city of Indianapolis, this place is known for 284 feet and 6 inches tall Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Whether you stop by in the middle of the day or for any specific event, you’re not going to regret your visit.
Location: Downtown Indianapolis
Best Time to Visit: March through October
Hours of Visit: From 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM
Entry Ticket: INR72/- for the elevator to go to the observation deck. (Stairs are free).
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6. Summer Concerts – A Cost-Free Affair
This too is considered to be one of the most amazing free things to do in Indiana! Attend the free pop, light classical, movie songs, patriotic songs, and Jazz concerts every summer sponsored by The Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis and Indy Parks. Carry a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on the lush grass and enjoy the music. Food is also available here and therefore you’re sure to undergo an amazing experience.
Location: Fishers, Civic Square in Carmel.
How to Reach: Car
Best Time to Visit: March through September
Hours of Visit: From 7PM to 11 PM
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7. War Memorials – Pay Respect To War Veterans
Take a bow to the fallen veterans at the War Memorials. The USS Indianapolis was one of the worst at-sea naval disasters in history. Learn about this dreadful past by checking out the pictorial representation of the disaster and several stories and history depicted in a splendid way.
Location: On the east bank of the Central Canal downtown, Indianapolis
Best Time to Visit: March through December
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8. Eiteljorg Museum – Learn The Nativity
A visit to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis is one of those things to do in Indiana that will simply elate the history buffs. The museum covers a wide array of diverse subject matter from the intersection of Native Americans with African Americans, the art evolution of pistols, and motorcycles in the West and Jewish life in the West.
Location: Downtown, Indianapolis
Best Time to Visit: March through December
Hours of Visit: Monday through Saturday: 10:00 AM. – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Noon – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Youth 5-17 INR575; Adults INR1077; Seniors 65 and above INR 862/-
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9. Ohio State Park Waterfalls – Marvel The Nature And History
Steeped in history and replete with rare species of alligators and crocodiles, visiting the Ohio State Park Waterfalls is considered to be one of the best things to do in Southern Indiana. The park features, among other attractions, an Interpretive Centre that takes you through the natural history of the fossil beds and the human pre-settlement and early settlement history of the surrounding areas.
Location: Clarksville, Indiana
Best Time to Visit: From September to December
Hours of Visit: Ideally before dusk
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10. Indy 500 – Watch The Oldest Automobile Race
Indiana is synonymous with Indy 500 – the oldest race of automobiles in the world that saw its beginning in the year 1911. Undoubtedly, watching this race tops the list of the best things to do in Indiana. The race is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; the race car drivers complete 200 laps for a total of 500 miles driven. The Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event in the world!
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Best Time to Visit: March to September
Hours of Visit: Preferably before Sunset
Entry Fee: Starting from INR 3,500, depending on the event
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11. Indiana Dunes National State Park – Hiking And More
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Looking for some fun things to do in northern Indiana? You should head straight to Indiana Dunes National State Park – a perfect wonderland for hiking in the midst of sand dunes. Plan your visit accordingly and join the special hikes on Christmas Eve morning or the one which is held during the morning hours of the New Year’s Day. You’ll also find various beaches around this park that are ideal for ultimate fun!
Location: Chesterton
Best Time to Visit: Winter months of December and January.
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12. Indiana Lakes – For A Bicycle Tour
To discover the rural countryside and gorgeous lakes that Indiana is home to, take a cycling tour! This is one of the best things to do in Southern Indiana, as you get to undergo a peaceful experience amidst nature. Tour around the gorgeous Kosciusko County. There are three routes depending on your level of expertise: the 25k, the 50k, and the 100k. On any of these, you’ll come across some beautiful lakes like Webster Lake, Winona Lake, and Lake Wawasee.
Location: 110 Miles from Indianapolis
Best Time to Visit: March through December
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Indiana is a state with diversity that can be seen in terms of entertainment as well as climate. While the winters are extremely cold, the summers are humid and hot. There are a huge number of awesome events and things to do in Indianapolis that will keep you engaged and excited. Add the above-listed activities in your itinerary and make the most of your vacation in the U.S.A.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Indiana
What is Indiana best known for?
Though primarily an agricultural economy, large scale manufacturing activity is centred in the state of Indiana. Indianapolis is the capital city of Indiana.
How is the climate in Indiana?
Indiana has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, wet summers. Temperatures generally diverge from the north and south sections of the state. In the middle of the winter, average high/low temperatures range from around 30 °F/15 °F (−1 °C/−10 °C) in the far north to 41 °F/24 °F (5 °C/−4 °C) in the far south.
What are the best things to do in Indiana in winter?
It is a pleasure to visit Indiana during winters. The variety and range of activities and things to do in northern Indiana is simply mind-boggling. From skiing under stars to hiking on windy trails among sand dunes, Indiana has several attractions for tourists.
Does it snow in Indiana?
Yes it snows in Indiana. The average snowfall in an year is around 22 inches and it usually snows during late December and early January.
Do we have to book tickets in advance for Indy 500?
The tickets for Indy 500 are available online and can be booked in advance. However, gate tickets are also available for a few of the attractions at Indy 500. Plan well and book your tickets for Indy 500 to avoid disappointment.
Is Indiana a costly place for tourists?
Indiana State is relatively cheaper for tourists than New York or Washington. From bed and breakfast facilities to five-star hotels, several options are available for tourists according to their budget.
How many days are enough for a vacation in Indiana?
It all depends on what kind of activities and attractions you will like. The southern and northern parts of the State have diverse activities for tourists. Better to plan for at least a 10 day trip to enjoy the full range of activities and preferably in winter to take part in snow-related sports and games.
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