Things to Do in Indiana

The short answerUpdated Sep 4, 2026

Things to do in Indiana sort into a few real categories. There are 24 state parks, from Pokagon State Park up in Steuben County down to Clifty Falls State Park near Madison. There are 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline at Indiana Dunes. There is a food map built on breaded tenderloins and small-town bakeries, and a sports calendar that peaks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every May.

Coverage: 611 things to do guides
Regions: Indianapolis Metro, South Central Indiana, West Central Indiana, Northeast Indiana, Southeast Indiana

From Get Indiana

Maintained by the Get Indiana team. Reviewed by Nate Spangle. How we use AI

Indianapolis Metro South Central Indiana West Central Indiana Northeast Indiana Southeast Indiana Michiana Southwest Indiana East Central Indiana The Region State Parks Hiking & Trails Waterfalls & Caves Camping Hidden Gem Things to Do Family-Friendly Things to Do

Indiana State Parks

Trails, history, and the state parks and recreation areas worth a full day outside.

IN the Parks podcast cover art for Harmonie State Park, showing a large painted Say's Firefly sculpture hanging on a blue brick wall next to a placard about Indiana's state insect

Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies

Harmonie State Park in New Harmony, Indiana pairs utopian history with Say's Firefly, our state insect. Cabins, big trees, and the best time to spot fireflies.

Allison Martin

IN the Parks podcast cover graphic titled Indiana Parks Alliance, with a fall-colored tree against a blue sky and a Listen Now button

Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

Indiana Parks Alliance advocates for the state's parks and funds trail projects through Trails for Tomorrow. Here's how Hoosiers can give back and get involved.

Allison Martin

Nighttime crowd gathered on the lawn at 950 Speakeasy Bistro in Lagro, Indiana, watching a live band play under string lights beside the two-story timber patio

What's it like in Lagro, Indiana?

Lagro, Indiana is Wabash County's smallest town, packed with Irish history, the Wabash River Trail, Canal Creamery, and the 950 Speakeasy Bistro. Here's what to know.

Cheyne Reiter

IN the Parks podcast cover graphic for Whitewater Memorial State Park, showing the park's carved wooden veterans memorial of a bald eagle above a kneeling soldier with the words All Gave Some, Some Gave All

Whitewater Memorial State Park: Honoring Our Veterans

Whitewater Memorial State Park near Liberty, Indiana was built by four counties to honor WWII veterans. Explore its 200-acre lake, trails, cabins, and sandhill cranes.

Allison Martin

Lakes & Beaches

Reservoirs, lake towns, and Lake Michigan beaches for swimming, boating, and slow summer days.

The Dixie, a red-and-white sternwheel paddleboat, cruising across Webster Lake in North Webster, Indiana, with passengers on its decks under a clear blue sky.

Take a Relaxing Cruise on the Dixie Sternwheeler in North Webster, Indiana

Built in 1929, the Dixie Sternwheeler is Indiana's oldest sternwheel excursion boat, offering relaxing 75-minute sightseeing cruises on Webster Lake in North Webster.

Taylor Huff

A wide sandy beach at Indiana Dunes National Park with Lake Michigan waves on the right and a wooded dune ridge in fall color on the left

Indiana Dunes Is Busier Than Most of the National Parks You Can Name

Indiana Dunes National Park logged 2.6 million visits in 2025 and ranks in the top 10% of all National Park Service units, a new federal report shows.

Jarred Porter

Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails

Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails Use this for the article image: Cover Art link Listen to “Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for…

Allison Martin

Hardy Lake: Where the Raptor Center Soars

Hardy Lake near Scottsburg is home to nine birds of prey at its raptor center, plus water recreation and great trails. Allison has the full guide.

Allison Martin

Hiking & Trails

Day hikes, nature preserves, paved paths, and trail systems across the state.

Limestone pillars and shallow alcoves carved into a wooded bluff above the Mississinewa River near Peru, Indiana, under a pink and orange sunset sky

The Seven Pillars of Mississinewa: One of Indiana’s Most Unique Natural Wonders

The Seven Pillars of the Mississinewa near Peru, Indiana are 25-foot limestone columns carved by the river, with an ACRES preserve trail framing them from the far bank.

Taylor Huff

A paved stretch of the Big-4 Trail near Whitestown, Indiana, running through a tunnel of green trees with fallen yellow leaves scattered across the path

What's it like in Whitestown, Indiana?

What's it like in Whitestown, Indiana? Explore the Big-4 Trail, Moontown Brewing, Hattie's Coffee House and Viking Fest in one of Boone County's fastest-growing towns.

Cheyne Reiter

Aerial view at sunset of the dirt oval at Brownstown Speedway ringed by grandstands, race trailers and the packed Jackson County Fairgrounds in Brownstown, Indiana

What's it like in Brownstown, Indiana?

What's it like in Brownstown, Indiana? The Jackson County seat pairs Brownstown Speedway and Rock the Rind with Pinnacle Peak hikes and Azteca Mexican Restaurant.

Cheyne Reiter

Blue water channel lined with gold and rust colored autumn trees under a clear sky at Fox Island County Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fox Island County Park: Fort Wayne's Hidden Escape Into Nature

Fox Island County Park hides 605 acres of forest, wetlands, and prairie on Fort Wayne's southwest side, with seven miles of trails, a nature center, and Bowman Lake.

Taylor Huff

Waterfalls & Caves

Cataracts, cave tours, and the underground stops and overlooks worth chasing.

An illuminated rimstone formation at Squire Boone Caverns, its terraced flowing stone lit in blue and amber as water cascades over the ledges.

Discover the Underground Wonder of Southern Indiana: Squire Boone Caverns

Tour Squire Boone Caverns, a southern Indiana hidden gem with illuminated stone formations, an underground stream, frontier history and a hands-on working village.

Taylor Huff

Spring Mill State Park, Part 1: Cave Adventures and Ancient Forests

Explore Spring Mill State Park's cave system and 300-year-old forests in Mitchell, Ind. Learn about cave boat tours, hiking trails, and Donaldson's Woods.

Allison Martin

Clifty Falls State Park: Being a Good Neighbor

Explore Clifty Falls State Park near Madison - historic waterfalls, the Four Falls Challenge, bat hibernation caves, and Clifty Inn accommodations.

Allison Martin

5 Must-See Waterfalls in Indiana

Chase waterfalls across Indiana! Discover 5 scenic spots perfect for hiking, photos, and summer adventures—from Cataract Falls to Clifty and beyond.

Taylor Huff

Camping

Campgrounds, cabins, and lakeside sites for a night or a weekend under the stars.

France Park in Logansport: A Hidden Gem for Camping, Hiking & Diving

Discover France Park in Logansport—offering camping, hiking trails, fishing, and even SCUBA diving in scenic France Lake. A true Indiana outdoor gem.

Taylor Huff

A wooden boardwalk and staircase winding across an open sand dune at Indiana Dunes, with wooded green ridges rising behind it

Camping at Indiana Dunes National Park: Your Complete Guide

Camping at Indiana Dunes National Park means Dunewood: 67 sites, no hookups, open April to November. What to know, and how it differs from the state park.

Jarred Porter

Riverside Retreat: Camping at Rising Sun Campground in Winamac, Indiana

Discover Rising Sun Campground in Winamac—lazy river floats, themed weekends, and old-school camping vibes along Indiana’s Tippecanoe River.

Taylor Huff

Gardens & Arboretums

Botanical gardens, conservatories, and seasonal blooms worth a slow walk.

Stone arch footbridge crossing the turquoise water at the Sunken Gardens in Huntington, Indiana, with limestone stairways, green lawns, and a wooden overlook deck above the former quarry walls

Sunken Gardens in Huntington, Indiana: A Peaceful Hidden Gem

Inside Memorial Park, the Sunken Gardens in Huntington, Indiana, is a free hidden gem with a decorative fountain, colorful flower beds, and quiet walking paths.

Taylor Huff

A round reflecting pool set in a lawn at the Garden at Newfields, with clipped hedges, stone steps and a brick garden building behind it under fall foliage

The Most Romantic Botanical Gardens in Indiana

From the Rapp Ravine at Newfields to Wellfield in Elkhart, these are Indiana's most beautiful botanical gardens, plus what each one actually costs to visit.

Jarred Porter

Close-up of deep maroon Queen of the Night tulip petals at Kat Von D's black tulip field

A Gothic Garden in Southern Indiana: Kat Von D’s Black Tulip Field

Kat Von D's black tulip field in Vevay, Indiana brings thousands of dark spring blooms, free public views, peak bloom tips, and photo-worthy stops.

Taylor Huff

Cherry Blossom Season in Indiana: 4 Spots Worth the Drive Before the Petals Fall

Find where cherry blossoms grow in Indiana, including Indianapolis and Carmel spots, peak bloom timing, and tips for catching the petals before they fall.

Jarred Porter

Hidden Gem Things to Do in Indiana

Offbeat places, local favorites, and Indiana stops that feel a little more found than advertised.

Visitors walking past the white clapboard Billie Creek General Store at Billie Creek Village near Rockville, Indiana, with a green street clock, mums and rows of pumpkins in the foreground on a fall day

Billie Creek Village: Step Back in Time

Billie Creek Village near Rockville, Indiana, is a 70-acre recreated 1900s village with 30+ historic buildings and three of Parke County's covered bridges.

Taylor Huff

Three street tacos topped with shrimp, cilantro and cotija on a metal rack at Tlahcos Mexican Cuisine in Plainfield, Indiana, with guacamole and a red cocktail behind them

Tlahcos Mexican Cuisine: A Flavorful Hidden Gem in Indiana

Tlahcos Mexican Cuisine in Plainfield, Indiana serves street tacos, quesa birria, ceviche and craft margaritas in an upscale room just west of Indianapolis.

Taylor Huff

Geode-covered columns, an arched stone shrine and rose beds on the lawn of the Geode Grotto at Providence Home in Jasper, Indiana

The Providence Home Geode Grotto

The Geode Grotto at Providence Home in Jasper, Indiana is a garden of shrines built from thousands of cracked-open geodes — a true southwest Indiana hidden gem.

Taylor Huff

Dunn’s Bridge, a yellow steel arch bridge hung with patriotic bunting and an American flag, spanning the Kankakee River near Wheatfield, Indiana.

Dunn’s Bridge: A Historic Hidden Gem in Wheatfield, Indiana

Dunn’s Bridge near Wheatfield, Indiana, is a historic Kankakee River crossing in Jasper County named for settler William Dunn, and a quiet hidden gem for explorers.

Taylor Huff

Free Things to Do in Indiana

Parks, trails, public art, downtown walks, scenic drives, and easy ideas that do not need a big budget.

The John Mellencamp mural on a brick building in downtown Seymour, Indiana, reading “I Was Born In A Small Town,” with picnic tables on the lawn of the adjacent pocket park

What's it like in Seymour, Indiana?

What's it like in Seymour, Indiana? The Crossroads of Southern Indiana pairs the John Mellencamp mural and Seymour Oktoberfest with Larrison's Diner and Rails.

Cheyne Reiter

The rubberized red-and-green Pfeil Miracle Field at Normain Park in Mishawaka, with a Miracle League of Northern Indiana outfield banner and scoreboard.

Miracle League Complex at Normain Park: Mishawaka's Fully Accessible Ballpark and Playground

The Miracle League Complex at Normain Park in Mishawaka pairs a rubberized adaptive ballfield with a fully gated inclusive playground, splash pad and sensory garden.

Jarred Porter

A country rock band performs on an outdoor stage under blue skies at WAMMfest in Greenwood, with a singer on guitar and a bandmate in a cowboy hat

WAMMfest Returns to Greenwood on Saturday, August 15

WAMMfest returns to Craig Park in Greenwood on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with Indiana wine, craft beer, local art, and live music for a Johnson County fundraiser.

Cheyne Reiter

Two people in purple Tenderloin Tuesday t-shirts toast cans of Sun King Premium Light Lager on a restaurant patio in Hamilton County.

Celebrate Tenderloin Tuesday at Sun King Brewery in Westfield

Sun King Brewery in Westfield hosts a free, America 250-themed party for the 17th year of Tenderloin Tuesday on July 7, with tenderloins, giveaways and beer.

Cheyne Reiter

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Ideas with easier timing, room to move, nearby food, and enough flexibility for real family logistics.

The vertical Myers marquee and Dinner Theatre sign on the front of The Harmony Theater in downtown Hillsboro, Indiana, with a message board reading Come as a Guest and Leave as Family

A Night Out at The Harmony Theater in Hillsboro, Indiana

The Harmony Theater in Hillsboro, Indiana, known for decades as Myers Dinner Theatre, still pairs a homemade buffet with live shows in Fountain County.

Taylor Huff

What’s it like in Kentland, Indiana?

Kentland, Indiana is the Newton County seat at the crossroads of US 41 and Route 24, home to the Pun’kin Vine Fair, the Old Colonial Inn and a 1906 courthouse.

Cheyne Reiter

Blue-and-gold Indiana historical marker titled Odon, Formerly Clarksburg beside a pond, noting the town was platted in 1846 and renamed Odon in 1881.

What's it like in Odon, Indiana?

Odon, Indiana is a historic Daviess County town in southern Indiana's Amish country, home to the Old Settlers Festival, a Lincoln statue, and small-town eats.

Cheyne Reiter

The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne

The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne is a 25-acre family adventure park with giant slides, farm animals, themed attractions and seasonal fall events like pumpkin patches and hayrides.

Taylor Huff

Things to Do in West Central Indiana

What's it like in Kirklin, Indiana?

What's it like in Kirklin, Indiana? This Clinton County small town packs antique shops, standout bakeries, and a grain-to-glass distillery onto a bustling Main Street.

Cheyne Reiter

Aerial view of a wooden roller coaster curving out over Lake Shafer at Indiana Beach in Monticello, Indiana, with a Ferris wheel beside the boardwalk.

What's it like in Monticello, Indiana?

From the historic Indiana Beach and the twin lakes of Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman to beautiful golf courses, a winery, and go-to restaurants, Monticello is a must-visit small town in Indiana.

Cheyne Reiter

What’s it like in Frankfort, Indiana?

From the Hot Dog Festival to Case Arena to Glover's Ice Cream, Frankfort packs serious character into Clinton County. Here's the full breakdown.

Cheyne Reiter

Joey Chestnut Is Coming to Terre Haute: Rural King's Memorial Day Eating Contest Launches a National Qualifier Series

Popcorn, Power, and a Hoosier Homecoming: Joey Chestnut Returns to Terre Haute This Memorial Day

Joey Chestnut returns to the Terre Haute Rural King on Memorial Day 2026 to defend his 42-bag popcorn record and launch a national qualifier series.

Jarred Porter

Things to Do in Northeast Indiana

What's it like in Wabash, Indiana?

Wabash was the first city in the world lit entirely by electricity, is the birthplace of the man who founded Honeywell, and sits right along the river that gave it its name.

Cheyne Reiter

The stone grave marker of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, topped with a green apple and ringed by a black iron fence.

Discovering Johnny Appleseed’s Grave: A Quiet Gem in Fort Wayne

Johnny Appleseed's grave rests in a quiet Fort Wayne park. Learn who the real John Chapman was, how to find the gravesite, and why locals still visit it today.

Taylor Huff

What’s it like in Winona Lake, Indiana?

Originally developed as a resort town, Winona Lake, Indiana is a small town with an elite shopping district, great eateries, and high school history on its side.

Cheyne Reiter

Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island: 112 Years of Hot Dogs Done Right

Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island has been serving the same coney dog recipe since 1914. Here's why this 112-year-old hot dog stand is an Indiana legend.

Jarred Porter

Things to Do in South Central Indiana

The Zoom Flume: Bloomington's Hidden Waterslide Relic

The Zoom Flume near Bloomington, Indiana is an abandoned 1970s waterslide turned graffiti-covered hidden gem, now drawing photographers and urban explorers.

Taylor Huff

The exterior of The Brick (Brick Bar & Grill), a small red-brick tavern in Jonesville, Indiana, with a covered entry and a Coca-Cola machine.

The Brick: A Hidden Gem in Jonesville, Indiana

The Brick in Jonesville is a hole-in-the-wall Indiana bar serving cheeseburgers, housemade chili, and hot sauce. Here's what to order and how to plan your visit.

Destany Long

The Farmhouse Café & Tea Room: A Hidden Gem in Nineveh, Indiana

The Farmhouse Café and Tea Room in Nineveh sits inside a restored 1800s brick farmhouse with homemade lunches and a garden center to explore after.

Taylor Huff

New Season Underway at Salem Speedway

Salem Speedway has hosted legends like A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart since 1947. The new season is underway at this iconic Indiana track.

Shelby Zellmer

Browse Things to Do

Use the latest stories as a trip-planning feed, then narrow by region or search for a specific destination.

Miracle League Complex at Normain Park: Mishawaka's Fully Accessible Ballpark and Playground

Jarred Porter

The glass-fronted exterior of the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Event Center in Elkhart, Indiana, with landscaped grounds and a pond.

RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana

Taylor Huff

Taco Tia: A Flavorful Favorite in Merrillville, Indiana

Taylor Huff

Cherry Blossom Season in Indiana: 4 Spots Worth the Drive Before the Petals Fall

Potawatomi Conservatories South Bend Botanical Gardens

Jarred Porter

Hop Station Craft Bar: From Underdog to Best Pizza in the 574

Shelby Zellmer

A Local’s Guide to South Bend & Mishawaka

Cheyne Reiter

Bristol Automotive Parts: 50+ Years of Auto Expertise in Indiana

Jarred Porter

Cafe Max: A Local Favorite in Culver, Indiana

Cafe Max in Culver, Indiana: A Local Favorite Since 1985

Taylor Huff

Wellfield Botanic Gardens: Where Nature, Art, and Flavor Bloom

Taylor Huff

Questions

Trip questions people actually ask

Written to answer the thing you actually searched for, not to pad the page.

01

What are the best things to do in Indiana?

The best things to do depend on the trip: state parks and trails for outdoor days, restaurants and small towns for day trips, festivals and events for seasonal plans, and hidden gems for unusual stops.

02

How do I plan an Indiana day trip?

Choose one anchor destination, then add a nearby food stop, town square, park, shop, or attraction. The regional filters on this page help group ideas into realistic trips.

03

How often is this guide updated?

New travel, food, parks, best-of, and hidden gem stories feed this guide when they fit the topic.

04

What are good free things to do in Indiana?

Parks, trails, scenic drives, downtown walks, public art, festivals with free entry, farmers markets, and historic main streets are usually the easiest free starting points.

Parks

05

What are the best family-friendly things to do?

Look for state parks, museums, seasonal festivals, farms, zoos, children-friendly trails, lake towns, and food stops with easy parking and flexible timing.

06

What are good weekend trips in Indiana?

Good weekend trips usually combine a town or hotel with food, outdoor time, shopping, live music, a festival, or a nearby attraction.

07

When is the best season to explore Indiana?

Spring and fall are ideal for towns, trails, festivals, and scenic drives. Summer is strongest for lakes and outdoor dining. Winter works best for lights, food, museums, shopping, and indoor attractions.

08

How do I find things to do near me?

Use the region filters first, then search for a city, town, attraction, park, restaurant, or event type to narrow the guide.

Ask the desk

Still have a question about this part of the state?

From Get Indiana

Indiana State Parks

Harmonie State Park: The Magic of Fireflies

Indiana Parks Alliance: Giving Back to the Parks

What's it like in Lagro, Indiana?

Whitewater Memorial State Park: Honoring Our Veterans

Five Budget-Friendly Places to Travel to in Indiana

Brown County State Park: Falling for Leaf Peeping

O'Bannon Woods State Park: Face Your Fears in Southern Indiana

Potato Creek State Park: The Power of a Place

Lakes & Beaches

Take a Relaxing Cruise on the Dixie Sternwheeler in North Webster, Indiana

Indiana Dunes Is Busier Than Most of the National Parks You Can Name

Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails

Hardy Lake: Where the Raptor Center Soars

Brookville Lake: Bluebirds, Walleye, and 50 Years of Lake Life

Mississinewa Lake: The Conservation Mindset

Cecil M. Harden Lake: Raccoon State Recreation Area & the Mansfield Roller Mill

Salamonie Lake: A Park for Every Personality

Hiking & Trails

The Seven Pillars of Mississinewa: One of Indiana’s Most Unique Natural Wonders

What's it like in Whitestown, Indiana?

What's it like in Brownstown, Indiana?

Fox Island County Park: Fort Wayne's Hidden Escape Into Nature

Guide to Visiting Boone County, Indiana

Calli Nature Preserve: Discover Rock Rest Falls in North Vernon, Indiana

Prophet's Rock: One of Indiana's Most Historic Overlooks

DePauw University Nature Park: A Hidden Outdoor Escape in Greencastle, Indiana

Waterfalls & Caves

Discover the Underground Wonder of Southern Indiana: Squire Boone Caverns

Spring Mill State Park, Part 1: Cave Adventures and Ancient Forests

Clifty Falls State Park: Being a Good Neighbor

5 Must-See Waterfalls in Indiana

Strolling In the Deep: Bluespring Caverns

Camping

France Park in Logansport: A Hidden Gem for Camping, Hiking & Diving

Camping at Indiana Dunes National Park: Your Complete Guide

Riverside Retreat: Camping at Rising Sun Campground in Winamac, Indiana

Gardens & Arboretums

Sunken Gardens in Huntington, Indiana: A Peaceful Hidden Gem

The Most Romantic Botanical Gardens in Indiana

A Gothic Garden in Southern Indiana: Kat Von D’s Black Tulip Field

Cherry Blossom Season in Indiana: 4 Spots Worth the Drive Before the Petals Fall

Eagle Creek Nursery: Indianapolis' Best-Kept Secret Has Been Growing for 110 Years

Potawatomi Conservatories South Bend Botanical Gardens

Wellfield Botanic Gardens: Where Nature, Art, and Flavor Bloom

3 Must Visit Gardens In Indiana

Hidden Gem Things to Do in Indiana

Billie Creek Village: Step Back in Time

Tlahcos Mexican Cuisine: A Flavorful Hidden Gem in Indiana

The Providence Home Geode Grotto

Dunn’s Bridge: A Historic Hidden Gem in Wheatfield, Indiana

The Moon Tree in Indianapolis: A Living Piece of Space History

A Fascinating Look Inside the Indiana Medical History Museum

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve: One of Indiana's Most Unique Wildlife Experiences

The Sock Barn in Nashville, Indiana: Brown County’s Quirkiest Landmark

Free Things to Do in Indiana

What's it like in Seymour, Indiana?

Miracle League Complex at Normain Park: Mishawaka's Fully Accessible Ballpark and Playground

WAMMfest Returns to Greenwood on Saturday, August 15

Celebrate Tenderloin Tuesday at Sun King Brewery in Westfield

Indiana County Fairs: The Complete Guide

3 Tips to Lower Your Utility Costs During the Summer

What's it like in North Manchester, Indiana?

White Pine Wilderness Academy: Nature-Based Education in Indiana

Family-Friendly Things to Do

A Night Out at The Harmony Theater in Hillsboro, Indiana

What’s it like in Kentland, Indiana?

What's it like in Odon, Indiana?

The Fun Farm in Fort Wayne

The Hidden Costs of Indiana's Biggest Summer Events (and How to Budget for Them)

A Hidden Gem in Southern Indiana: The Carriage Inn

5 Underrated Indiana River Float Trips for a Low-Crowd Summer

123 Years of Heat: The Story of St. Elmo Steak House

Things to Do in West Central Indiana

What's it like in Kirklin, Indiana?

What's it like in Monticello, Indiana?

What’s it like in Frankfort, Indiana?

Popcorn, Power, and a Hoosier Homecoming: Joey Chestnut Returns to Terre Haute This Memorial Day