8 Majestic Spots In Indiana That Will Make You Feel Like You're In A Winter Wonderland
By Tori Jane|Published January 25, 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.
You know, winter sometimes gets a bad rap. For every person you meet who loves wintertime, you’ll meet three more who hate it. They usually have plenty of reasons; they dislike the bitter cold, or snow is inconvenient. Maybe they’ll say there’s nothing to really do since the Hoosier State isn’t really known for its amazing skiing like, say, Colorado might be. Well, we’re here to gently inform those folks that they are incorrect: winter is, in fact, one of the most amazing times of the year. It’s beyond photogenic, and we found some beautiful photos to prove it! Winter in Indiana might be cold, but it’s not terrible. Here are some places that will surely make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland (because, spoiler, you are):
Michigan City, Indiana, is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. It's ridiculously photogenic, and when the ground is covered in a layer of pristine, untouched snow, it takes on an even greater majesty. Some year, following storms, you can arrive here to find a layer or two of ice coating everything, which is a treat to photograph and admire. You might want to try this enchanting lighthouse walk!
2. Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA
This one is a 150% MUST do during winter. It's not terribly far from Michigan City, actually, so you could easily do both in one trip. The dunes make for a spectacularly unique landscape, especially somewhere like Indiana, where we're all used to, well, mostly plains and prairies (with some woods thrown in for good measure). Indiana Dunes National Park, when snowy, is truly a winter lover's dream come true. Learn about the history of Indiana's newest national park in this article.
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3. McCormick's Creek State Park
McCormick's Creek State Park, 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
Okay, honestly, any of Indiana's amazing state or national parks could be on this list. Even if you're not a huge fan of the snow, you've got to admit that sometimes it's absolutely beautiful. McCormick's Creek State Park is home to tons of waterfalls, and if you've never experienced a frozen waterfall in real life before, here's your chance. This park is excellent for winter hiking.
This one is, quite possibly, the single most epic item on this list (except maybe the lighthouse). Believe us when we say there is NOTHING like checking out Indiana's largest waterfall (by volume) when it's cold out. The river has a strong current, and it doesn't tend to freeze over, so the still, calm, white snow decorating the landscape around the river is nothing short of utterly breathtaking. Learn more about this significant little spot in this article.
Rising Sun is a criminally underrated town in the Hoosier State. It's quaint, and it's filled to the brim with personality, kindness, and, of course, wonderful views. You'll feel like you're in a tiny little snow globe town; it's positively enchanting! Kill time at or on the river, or maybe the shops. Either way, this is a must-do. If you end up wanting to move here, we don't blame you: we do too.
What's more amazing than a snow globe town like Rising Sun? A snow globe county. Parke County is known as Indiana's "covered bridge capital" and is home to more than 30 of these historic, charming structures. There's just something about covered bridges covered in snow that brings out our inner child (and our inner photographer).
8. Hathaway Nature Preserve
Hathaway Nature Preserve Loop trailhead, Lagro Township, IN 46992, USA
Hathaway Nature Preserve is located at Ross Run Nature Preserve, so it's like double the wintery delights. This place is quite amazing all year round; in summer, there are plentiful wildflowers. In fall, the colors are to die for. In winter, the entire preserve covered in a dusting of snow lends to some truly amazing sights, like the waterfall you see above. Learn more about the preserve on the official website.
So, what are some of your favorite places in Indiana during wintertime? Tell us about them in the comments – and make sure to send us pictures! We love hearing from you, and we love pictures, so it all works out nicely. Let us know!
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