Let’s face it: when most people think of Indiana, they think of Indianapolis, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, or South Bend. The “big” cities in our state often get a lot of attention, but there are other cities worthy of mention. These 10 cities in Indiana aren’t too big or too small, and deserve to be visited.
1. Richmond
Richmond is an often overlooked city in our state, with tons to offer visitors. Richmond has Antique Alley, one of the best places to go antiquing in Indiana, as well as the famous Chocolate Trail, which is just as delicious as it sounds. Pair those with art galleries, book shops, music stores, and great food, and you'll have an amazing time walking around Richmond.
2. Zionsville
One of the most charming cities in Indiana, hands-down, is Zionsville. With cobblestone streets lining its business district and dozens of local shops, eateries, galleries, and wineries to swing by, you'll fall instantly in love with this quaint city. There are also numerous parks and nature exhibits to explore.
3. Chesterton
Smaller than its more well-known neighbor, Valparaiso, Chesteron is a perfect little city to visit or even raise a family. With an idyllic downtown area brimming with restaurants and shops and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore right in town, you'll get a great mix of rural and urban life here.
4. Madison
This southern Indiana gem has a lot going for it. It has a bustling downtown area complete with unique shops, restaurants, cafes, and much more. Plus, Clifty Falls National Park is also located here, with a gorgeous waterfall and areas for camping and hiking.
5. Columbus
Columbus, Indiana is a gorgeous city towards southern Indiana with a rich history. Columbus has a large number of famous buildings that can be viewed on the Columbus Architecture Tour. They also have a great downtown area with some pretty neat places to eat. The Commons is an awesome 9 acre park in the downtown area that's also worth exploring.
6. Elkhart
Elkhart is a part of Amish Country, and as expected, has a bit of a slower vibe. But this city has a ton of reasons to visit, aside from just the Amish attractions. Public art, amazing restaurants, local stores, and huge festivals like the Jazz Festival, all show off Elkhart's artistic spirit.
7. West Lafayette
Known mostly as the home of Purdue University, West Lafayette has much more to offer visitors than just this prestigious school. West Lafayette is also home to the Lilly Nature Center, Prophetstown State Park, and Riverside Skating Center. Plus, as a college-centered city, there are always great places to eat and shop.
8. Greencastle
Greencastle, Indiana is an often overlooked western city. Home to DePauw University, this amazing city has a lot to offer. Greencastle has a ton of fantastic eateries, amazing parks, and even offers Dive In movie nights at their aquatic center!
9. Jasper
Though slightly smaller than most of the other cities mentioned, Jasper is still a city in its own right. With a neat local downtown area, Jasper is a city with a small town feel. Visit the Jasper Riverwalk, explore the Dubois County Museum, or try one of their many awesome restaurants.
10. Muncie
Muncie is another great college city; home to Ball State University. Well known for their great food scene, Muncie is also home to the Minnetrista (a hub for museums and gardens), the Muncie Children's Museum, and the David Owsley Museum of Art at Ball State.
What do you think of these 10 often underrated Indiana cities? How many have you visited? Let us know what your favorite is!
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