While the Hoosier state might be most famous for the Indianapolis 500, Indiana’s sprawling countryside and vast collection of small towns with endless amounts of charm and character make it a highly underrated place to enjoy a quiet weekend off the beaten path.
From the rolling hills of Southern Indiana all the way up to the sand dunes of Lake Michigan, there’s more to the Indiana landscape than you may think, and plenty of small town corkiness to go along with its vast rural scenery.
So whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from nearby Chicago or planning a visit from afar, here’s our short list of Indiana small towns worth checking out:
Nashville
Nashville might be an easy choice for our top spot, but for good reason. Wedged in between Yellowwood State Forest and scenic Brown County State Park, Nashville provides visitors with a lush and tranquil setting that feels a world away from everyday stresses. And along with amazing outdoor recreation, you’ll also find several wineries, a local theatre, dozens of quaint shops, countless cozy eateries, and even a local distillery in town, providing visitors with all they need to enjoy an unforgettable weekend.
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French Lick
Believe it or not, the small resort community of French Lick has also been welcoming visitors and guests to the area for well over 100 years, and you can bet this trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon. The surrounding Hoosier National Forest provides a rather tranquil and serene atmosphere, and other local attractions include the Wilstem Wildlife Park, the French Lick Winery, Patoka Lake, and of course the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and Resort.
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Shipshewana
Although only 650 people call Shipshewana home, it remains one of the more unique small towns to visit in the entire Midwest. The local culture is largely defined by its Amish population, making it a wonderful place to buy hand-crafted furniture, mouth-watering baked goods, and just about any other hand-made treasure imaginable. The Blue Gate Theatre, located right in the heart of downtown, has also put on over 300 shows and regularly features world-class musicals and even some big name performers every now and then, including both well-known comedians and musicians alike. And you can’t talk about Shipshewana without mentioning its world-famous flea market, which is billed as the largest in the Midwest with nearly 700 vendors covering over 40 acres.
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