12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Indiana This Year
By Tori Jane|Updated on December 06, 2023(Originally published December 20, 2022)
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Indiana is a much, much more fascinating and enriched state than most folks tend to think of it as. Truth is, there’s no real end to the list of fun things to do in Indiana, see, or experience, and we’ve gone ahead and created a handy-dandy list of one dozen of those hidden gems in Indiana to add to your to-do list for the next year! You can visit one per month, or create a road trip out of them and do ’em all in a day or two… it’s up to you! Life in Indiana is beautiful: let us show you how.
1. Urban Vines Winery & Brewery
Urban Vines Winery & Brewery, 303 E 161st St, Westfield, IN 46074, USA
We bet you didn't realize there are actually numerous wineries in Indiana, but there are - and this one is one of our all-time favorites! Visit Urban Vines Winery & Brewery and experience wine and beer in a totally different way. In the winter, there are awesome outdoor igloos to wine and dine from, and overall they offer incredible amounts of magic year-round.
Fans of Native American history will love a visit to the lesser-known but 100% amazing Angel Mounds State Historic Site, which consists of more than 600 acres of gorgeous, emerald green hills that are holding a fascinating historical secret: these hills are actually human-made, ancient Native American mounds, and they possess all sorts of symbolism and purpose. Come learn about the mounds and the people who made them!
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3. Jug Rock
Jug Rock Nature Preserve, 722 Albright Ln, Shoals, IN 47581, USA
This is probably one of our favorite offbeat attractions in Indiana. It's a bizarre geological wonder that certainly stands out against the landscape it exists in: it's the largest free-standing table rock formation in the United States east of the Mississippi River, and it's incredibly difficult to miss. It's such a beloved staple of the town it exists nearest to (Shoals) that it's the high school mascot.
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4. Grannie’s Cookie Jar & Ice Cream
Grannie's Cookie Jars & Ice Cream Parlor, 19041 Lovers Ln, Metamora, IN 47030, USA
Oh, boy. Dessert lovers and owners of sweet teeth, this one's for you: Grannie's Cookie Jars & Ice Cream is an amazing homage to all the best things about dessert. This is one of the downright best ice cream parlors in Indiana, and it's also home to an enormous collection of cookie jars. Of course, there are plenty of cookies to be had, too - just leave room for some in between the huge gobs of ice cream you'll no doubt be indulging in.
5. Cataract General Store
Cataract General Store, 2799 S Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
Cataract General Store is a hidden gem in the Hoosier State that all too many people tend to forget is there. It's pretty special because it's the oldest general store in Indiana, still going strong after well over 160 years (it was built the year Lincoln was elected president). Come on inside and enjoy all sorts of fun stuff from grocery basics to candy, a pharmacy, and everything in between.
6. WHO North America
Who North America, 8901 South State Rd 67, Camby, IN 46113, USA
Dr. Who is one heck of a special television show. If you've never watched it, you're in the minority: Dr. Who is the single longest-running television series in history, and can easily brag over a billion viewers over the decades it's aired. Did you know the largest Dr. Who museum in the world is right here in Indiana? Yep - head out to Camby and experience this delight for yourself. Don't let the exterior fool you: it's bigger on the inside.
The story of Pirate Cat is enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes. This handsome feline was a staple of his favorite hiking trail in an Indy suburb, thrilling hikers, bikers, and walkers for years. One day, he disappeared, and when he returned... well, he wasn't in good shape. When he crossed the rainbow bridge surrounded by people who loved him, the town put their resources together and erected this charming, heartwarming monument to the little guy. He will never be forgotten, and he will always be loved. Pirate Cat, this one's for you.
8. RiverWatch
RiverWatch, 1 Walnut St, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA
Have you ever wanted to experience waterfront dining in Indiana but lamented the fact that we have no coast to speak of? If so, you need to experience RiverWatch at least once. This fantastic restaurant is nestled right up on the Ohio River and offers amazing dining experiences. It closes for the winter and reopens in the spring, so be sure to plan accordingly.
This absolutely breathtaking geode grotto in Indiana is an incredible experience even for the non-religious folks out there. Painstakingly (and lovingly) constructed over ten years with thousands of locally sourced geodes, found objects, rocks, and more, there were no blueprints - just inspiration. Come experience the incredible Geode Grotto in Jasper on the grounds of the Providence Home.
If you've ever wanted to visit Switzerland but just can't quite swing it, no worries: the town of Berne is also known as "Little Switzerland," and it's an experience to be had! Easily one of the most charming small towns in Indiana, Berne has a large Amish population that not only walks the walk but literally talks the talk: they speak Bernese German, a Swiss German dialect, and make some of the best furniture in the world right here in the Hoosier State. This one's a delight for the entire family - especially if you're in the mood for shopping for new furniture that'll last.
Indiana's kind of weird, if you think about it. It's home to so many different landscapes: dunes, plains, hills, lakes, and... a bog? That's right: a bog. Pinhook Bog is incredibly unique thanks to its being, well, a literal bog - complete with carnivorous plants! It's one of the only places you'll find these strange little organisms growing naturally in the United States, and we promise it's well worth a visit just for the experience. But please, always remember: take only pictures, leave only footprints.
12. Nick's Chili Parlor
Nick's Chili Parlor, 2621 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
Finally, let's get some grub! The 12th and final hidden gem in Indiana we'll mention is Nick's Chili Parlor: home of the best chili in the world since 1974. And yes, of course, there are hot dogs - including a gargantuan foot-long chili dog that's to die for. Hungry? Make it Nick's!
How many of these delectable hidden gems in Indiana have you visited already? Do you have other Indiana hidden gems you would add to the list? Which ones are you planning to check out over the next year? Let us know in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.
As you drive across the Hoosier State visiting all these fun things to do in Indiana, we know you’ll be working up an appetite. Luckily, OnlyInYourState has created the ultimate list of road trip snacks. Take a look, then hit the store so that when you head out on your next adventure, you’ll be properly fueled along the way!
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More to Explore
Indiana Hidden Gems
Katie Feldkamp|December 06, 2023
What are some inexpensive and fun things to do in Indiana?
While everyone loves an adventure and memorable activity, what they don’t love is the sometimes high cost of the activity. The next time you’re looking for something to do, consider these inexpensive fun things to do in Indiana:
Go to the drive-in movies! It’s a unique way to enjoy a movie in the warmer months of the year, and places such as the Garrett Drive-In Theatre offer this experience.
Wonderlab is a science museum in Bloomington that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Why not take a hike? Indiana is a beautiful state that is full of parks, many of which cost little to nothing to visit. There’s often more than just hiking you can do. For example, at Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, gather your friends and paddle down the creek!
Where are some of the best hidden gems in Indiana?
The Hoosier State certainly has the things it's known for. But there are also countless things that people often don’t know about that are also worth the trip. Some of the best hidden gems in Indiana include places such as:
Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell
Sunken Gardens in Huntington
Hardin Ridge in Bloomington
Coffee Creek Watershed Conservancy Preserve in Chesterton
For more information on these and several other places, check out this article on some of the most beautiful and best hidden gems in Indiana.
