You will enjoy Hoosier hospitality, affordable prices, and great experiences while visiting the Midwestern state of Indiana. Here are our 7 favorite things to do during your trip.
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Indy 500
No visit to Indiana is complete without visiting Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Known as the “Racing Capital of the World.” this racetrack is the home of the famous Indy 500 NASCAR race. The race is during Memorial Day weekend each year. If you aren’t there in May, you may be able to catch another one of the races held throughout the year.
If there’s not a race, you can still visit the track and learn more about the history of the speedway and auto racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. You can simply view the exhibits or you can upgrade your experience with a tour. The Track Laps: Kiss the Bricks Tour takes you on a narrated lap around the famous oval racetrack. It ends with a race winner’s tradition of kissing the 1909 paving bricks that once served as the racing surface.
If you are really into racing, book a grounds or golf cart tour. The VIP Grounds Tour for a 90 minute behind the scenes look at the Pagoda, Timing & Scoring, Media Center, and Gasoline Alley as well as everything included in the Track Laps tour. Another option is the two-hour Golf Cart tour which includes all of the above plus the rest if the speedway’s features, refreshments, and a private tour guide.
There are many great places to stay in Indianapolis. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Christmas lovers will enjoy the charm of Santa Claus, Indiana, No matter what time of year you visit, it’s always Christmas in Santa Claus! Originally named Santa Fe, the name of the town was changed in 1856 because there was already a Santa Fe, Indiana. Residents selected the name Santa Claus in honor of the Christmas season.
Santa obviously inspires many attractions in the city. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is an amusement park offering carnival rides, roller coasters, and a water park. Different areas of the park have various holiday themes, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and Christmas (obviously). There’s also a Santa Claus Museum & Village where visitors learn about the history of the town and legend of Santa Claus. And you must make a stop at Santa’s Candy Castle to purchase sweet treats and holiday decorations.
Active visitors will love Santa’s Express Ziplines and Christmas Lake Golf Course. Lincoln State Park is just a short drive away. It is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln’s childhood and has hiking trails, lakes, and a living historical farm. Also nearby, take in a movie at the nostalgic Holiday Drive-In Theater. This is one of the last drive-in theaters remaining in the U.S.
There are plenty of places to stay in Santa Claus. You can also check out other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is located on Lake Michigan’s southern shore. You may not think of beaches being in Indiana, but this national park has beautiful ones. They are perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and lounging. Sand dunes are also prevalent. They were created by receding glaciers of the last Ice Age.
Over 50 miles of hiking trails are available through the forests, wetlands, and the lake shore. Birdwatchers will rejoice to see over 350 winged species. Other activities available are biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and Ranger-led programs. In the winter, take advantage of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
You can book a campsite in the park. Non-campers can find other great places to stay near the park, too. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
The Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is a living history museum that allows you to experience life in 19th century Indiana. You can visit an 1816 Lenape Indian camp, a prairietown from 1836, and the first brick homes in Indiana. Experience what it was like to be in Indiana during the Civil War circa 1863. Daring individuals can soar above the park on a tethered hot air balloon. There’s also a working farm filled with unique heritage breed animals. And kids will have a blast at the splash pad and many playgrounds available.
There are many great places to stay in Fishers. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is the largest children’s museum in the world containing over 472,900 square feet of exhibit space. Exhibits cover a wide spectrum of topics from science, technology, art, history, and culture. The most iconic exhibit is Dinosphere featuring life-size dinosaur replicas. Another exhibit called Beyond Spaceship Earth showcases artifacts from the International Space Station. And everyone will enjoy the Ancient Egypt exhibit with artifacts and mummies!
The best thing about children’s museums are the hands-on activities, and this one has plenty of them. From an art studio to a science laboratory to an immersive playscape, the museum will keep the kids entertained. For even more interactive play, stop by the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience which provides interactive sports activities.
There are many great places to stay in Indianapolis. And there are other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Marengo Cave
Marengo Cave is a U.S. National Landmark and features fantastic limestone stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, soda straws, draperies, helictites, cave coral, and rimstone dams. There are two walking tour options. The Crystal Palace tour is 40 minutes and the Dripstone Trail is 60 minutes. You can also buy a combo ticket and do both. And if you want a longer experience, check out the cave exploring options.
After you tour the cave, stick around to take advantage of the many other activities on site. You can crawl through a wooden maze that serves as a cave simulator. You can also mine for gems. Kids will love the 30 foot tall Sky Climber spiral slide. And the whole family will enjoy four-wheeled go karts and glow in the dark mini golf.
There are many other great places to stay in Marengo. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
New Harmony
Founded in 1800s as a utopian community, New Harmony is a charming historic town. Start your visit at New Harmony State Historic Site. Here you will learn all about the early 19th century settlers and their ideals of education and social equality. Then you can visit the many historical sites throughout the town such as the Roofless Church, Harmonist Labyrinth, Antheneum Visitors Center, Thrall’s Opera House, and Harmonist Cemetery and Mausoleum.
After you get your fill of history, fuel up with a meal from one of the charming restaurants and cafes in town. Then linger to enjoy the many art galleries and studios showcasing New Harmony’s thriving artistic community .
There are many great places to stay in New Harmony. And there are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
What’s on your Indiana trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Indiana. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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