Small, slow-paced and sparsely populated, Indiana is brilliant for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Explore vast forests, expansive cornfields, the undulating dunes which border Lake Michigan and the shores of the Ohio River on foot, bicycle or horseback. The state’s quaint towns and buzzing cities are well worth visiting too, offering accommodation options ranging from traditional inns to swish modern hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Indiana are owner-run and intimate, ensuring that visitors can experience the region’s warm hospitality firsthand.
Cosmopolitan Indianapolis, the state capital, boasts a handful of excellent art galleries, museums and restaurants. Little ones will love the zoo and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, whilst outdoorsy travellers can enjoy access to the Monon Trail and to beautiful White River State Park. The biggest draw is undoubtedly the Indy 500, a motor enthusiast’s dream! Don’t miss the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum or the impressive Indianapolis Museum of Art. The university cities of Bloomington and South Bend are also well worth visiting for their fusion of artsy and nature-focused attractions.
Northern Indiana, on the other hand, is home to idyllic rural landscapes and tranquil Amish villages, preserving a way of life which has largely disappeared elsewhere. Go adventuring in the Indiana Dunes National Park, on the edge of Lake Michigan, or head south to Brown County State Park before returning to one of the best places to stay in Indiana.