11 Incredible Hidden Gems In Indiana You’ll Want To Discover This Year
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Tori Jane
Author
Indiana is one of those places with an amazing amount of diversity in its things to do, see, and experience. There are so many that it’s probably not even possible to experience them all in one lifetime, but we can try. We’ve covered many an amazing hidden gem (try out our epic hidden gems in Indiana road trip!), and it’s almost impossible to understate just how wondrous the Hoosier State can be. So, I decided to make a list of some of the best hidden gems in Indiana you’ll ever find. They’re a little fun, a little weird, a little wacky – and all are 100% Indiana.
1. Pirate Cat Memorial
Pirate Cat Memorial, 1430 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA
The amazing, heartstring-tugging tale behind the beautiful Pirate Cat Memorial is one that should forever be told, and this statue recognizes the famous feline for his contributions to all of our hearts and minds during his time with us on earth. Stop by and pay your respects to this Indiana icon.
2. The Jasper Geode Grotto
Geode Grotto, 520 W 9th St, Jasper, IN 47546, USA
If you've never seen or experienced the geode grotto in Indiana found in the small town of Jasper, can you really say you're a Hoosier? Kidding, of course - all too many folks don't even know this is a thing, let alone have been here. This one's a can't-miss, even if you're not religious. It's truly a unique work of art.
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3. Berne
Berne, IN 46711, USA
Known as the little Switzerland of Indiana, Berne is an absolutely adorable little town filled with all the charm in the world. From its old-school European-style architecture to it charming reminders of its Swiss history in every nook and cranny, you're sure to fall in love with this small town that's as enchanting as its inspiration nation.
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4. Pinhook Bog
Pinhook Bog, 945 N Wozniak Rd, La Porte, IN 46350, USA
Fun fact: There are several species of carnivorous plants in Indiana, and you can visit a couple of the spots where they thrive. Literally nobody thinks of a bog when they think of Indiana, but they usually don't think about sand dunes, either, which makes everything about Indiana Dunes National Park worth visiting... but most especially Pinhook Bog, which will enchant you with its beautiful strangeness.
5. Grannie's Cookie Jars & Ice Cream Parlor
Grannie's Cookie Jars & Ice Cream Parlor, 19041 Lovers Ln, Metamora, IN 47030, USA
Hidden in Metamora is one of the downright best cookie shops in Indiana that just so happens to have amazing ice cream, too, as well as the world's largest cookie jar collection. This one's weird, wonderful, and delicious all in one, and it's definitely worth checking out if you're like me and have a very, very persistent sweet tooth.
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6. Jug Rock
Jug Rock Nature Preserve, 722 Albright Ln, Shoals, IN 47581, USA
Hidden away in the tiny town of Shoals is a strange and mystical thing: Jug Rock might be one of the weirdest natural wonders in Indiana, thanks to its highly unique appearance and the fact that it's the largest formation of its kind east of the Mississippi. The rock is such a local icon that the Shoals High School mascot is... you guessed it.... the rock.
7. Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens
Garfield Park, 2345 Pagoda Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens is an amazing slice of absolute paradise located in the easily-overlooked forgotten corners of Indianapolis. Often overlooked in favor of more notable attractions, the gardens at Garfield Park are among the most beautiful and well-cared-for in all of Indiana. Arrive in the spring and summer to behold some of the most breathtaking wildflowers you'll have ever seen.
8. The Roofless Church
The Roofless Church, 420 North St, New Harmony, IN 47631, USA
New Harmony, Indiana, was an experimental place with high hopes of becoming a real-life utopia. This didn't quite pan out, but New Harmony is still one of the best small towns in Indiana nevertheless. One of the must-see attractions in New Harmony is the gorgeous "roofless church", which, like the geode grotto, is worth checking out for everyone rather than just secular folks. You'll be amazed at how beautiful it is.
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9. The Periodic Display of the Elements
DePauw University, Mezzanine Level, Administration Building, 313 S Locust St, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA
Now known better as the Periodic Museum of the Elements, this gorgeous, interactive display at DePauw University is a must for science geeks and fun-lovers alike. It's probably one of the single most interesting items on this list, as every single element has a door which, when opened, elaborates on the element chosen - sometimes even with samples and ores. It's pretty cool, to say the least.
10. Veal’s Ice Tree
Veal's Ice Tree, 6445 Mimosa Ln, Indianapolis, IN 46259, USA
Every single year for a long, long time now, the Veal family of Indianapolis has had a special celebration of the winter season: by creating the always-epic Veal's Ice Tree, for which visiting has become a family tradition for many Hoosiers. It looks a little different every year thanks to various colorings, but I think my favorite is when the colors used are hues of blue. It's just so magical looking!
11. The Shoe Tree
Shoe Tree, 3826 S Devils Hollow Rd, Milltown, IN 47145, USA
Last but certainly not least, the legendary Shoe Tree is a strange work of public art that can be found in Milltown on Devil's Hollow Road. What originally started out as a wonderfully weird art project on just one tree has now spread to the others. Bring a shoe. Be a part of history. Personally, I think it'll be funny when someday archaeologists see this and are like "What were they even doing?" Just Google it, guys.
Planning to road trip it to each destination? Then you can’t go without our handy-dandy road trip packing list! So, there you have it: 11 wonderfully wild and weird hidden gems in Indiana that are sure to fascinate and intrigue you! How many of these have you already done and seen? Which ones would you recommend? Let me know!
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