There is so much to do in Indiana, especially once it gets warm outside. From sporting events to cultural exhibits, fine dining to the great outdoors, Hoosiers have so much to do it can almost be overwhelming. Don’t worry! We’ve put together a bucket list of all of the best and top-rated things to do in Indiana. If you’re lost on what to do this summer, use this bucket list for inspiration.

1. Eat at St. Elmo's Steakhouse

St. Elmo Steak House, 127 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
Linda-Lovin Life L./Yelp
Any Hoosier who hasn't eaten at the famous St. Elmo's Steakhouse should try out this restaurant at least once in their lifetime. Find out what all the hype is about at this Indianapolis staple.

2. Explore the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808, USA
Mike Souza/Flickr
The popular Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is one of the best places in the state to entertain kids and adults alike. Come explore the 1,000+ animals in this highly acclaimed zoo.

3. Check Out the Hall of Fame Museum at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
rdsmith4/Wikipedia
This amazing museum, located in Speedway at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers race lovers a glimpse into racing history. Learn more about your favorite drivers and view some of the most famous cars in this museum.

4. Visit the Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA
Steve Johnson/Flickr
Whether you've never been or haven't been in years, make sure a trip to the gorgeous beaches across the Indiana Dunes National Park is on your list.

5. Go for a Dip at White Rock Park in St. Paul

White Rock Park, 7080 750 E, St Paul, IN 47272, USA
White Rock Park/Facebook
Feeling the summer heat? No worries. Go for a quick swim at White Rock Park. Looking for more adventure? Try zip-lining or cliff diving!

6. Get Cultured at the Indiana University Art Museum

Indiana University Art Museum, 1133 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
Visit Bloomington to take a peek around this amazing museum of art. While you're at it, check out the rest of the campus.

7. Stay at the Stunning West Baden Springs Hotel

West Baden Springs Hotel, 8538 W Baden Ave, West Baden Springs, IN 47469, USA
Paul/Flickr
The gorgeous West Baden Springs Hotel is a place everyone should visit, especially those of us who live in Indiana. Explore historic French Lick while you're there...that is, if you can bear to leave this beautiful hotel.

8. Learn About Your Dairy at Fair Oaks Farms

Fair Oaks Farms, 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943, USA
Michael Kappel/Flickr
Want to show your kids where milk or cheese come from? Bring them to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks to explore a real working dairy farm and meet some of the cows.

9. Check Out the University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame, Holy Cross Dr, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
fteleaders/Flickr
If you've never seen the amazing that is the University of Notre Dame up close, you absolutely need to check it out. Explore the stunning architecture and take a stroll around South Bend while you're there.

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10. Get Wild at Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue in Brookville

14099 Wolf Creek Rd, Brookville, IN 47012, USA
Wolf Creek Habitat/Facebook
Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with wild animals? At Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue, you can. Visit these stunning rescued wolves, pet them, and learn more about wild animals.

11. Have Fun at Indiana Beach Amusement Park

Indiana Beach, IN 47960, USA
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr
Indiana Beach Amusement Park in Monticello is an awesome place to bring the family for a day trip. Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and amazing food.

12. Camp out at Hardin Ridge

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville, IN 47436, USA
Bart Heird/Flickr
Hardin Ridge in Heltonville is located within the Hoosier National Forest, and is a popular place for camping. If you're looking for a fantastic rustic spot to escape to, you'll love Hardin Ridge. They offer nature walks, picnic areas, swimming, and boating.

13. Go to the Indiana State Fair

Jim Grey/Flickr
The Indiana State Fair is a staple for Hoosiers and if you haven't been, you absolutely have to check it out this year. From amazing food and rides to animals, vendors, and musical acts, you won't be disappointed.

14. Enjoy Clifty Falls State Park

Clifty Falls State Park, 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
Mark Moschell/Flickr
This amazing state park in Madison, Indiana showcases the beauty of the southern part of Indiana. Camp in the park, hike along the numerous trails, and take in the gorgeous falls. Explore downtown Madison while you're there, too.

15. Discover Marengo Cave

Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark, 400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN 47140, USA
Manas Tungare/Flickr
This stunning cave offers two different tours that are great for groups of friends, couples, and even kids. Prepare to be amazed by checking out Marengo Cave this summer.

16. Enjoy the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival (Official)/Facebook
The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival takes place in September, and you absolutely need to be there. If you've never attended one before, get ready for great food, great fun, and a ton of popcorn.

17. Take in the Architecture in Columbus

Columbus, IN, USA
Danube66/Flickr
Columbus, Indiana is well known for its architecture, including its famous churches, North Christian Church and First Christian Church. If you've never explored these buildings, you have to add them to your list.

18. Explore Nashville

Nashville, IN 47448, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Nashville, Indiana is a charming small town in Brown County that you have to check out at least once. This historic artists colony has amazing antiques and crafts shops, fantastic art galleries, and lovely theaters and music venues.

Which of these awesome Indiana bucket list items do you want to check off first? How many have you completed so far? What would you add to the list? Let us know! Need a place to stay while you’re exploring the Hoosier State? Check out all the amazing options on VRBO.

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Indiana Bucket List

Tori Jane | January 10, 2024

What are some must-have items on an Indiana bucket list?  

Indiana is a beautiful place with plenty to do, see, and experience – the perfect setting for an outdoorsy person’s bucket list! Some of the coolest, must-see Indiana bucket list items include attractions like:  

  • Indiana Dunes National Park – If you plan on checking out Lake Michigan, do it in style by doing it here. The landscape at this park, which is right along the lake, is unlike anything else in the entire state.  
  • Brown County State Park – If there’s only one state park in Indiana you ever visit, make it this one. The beauty is unmatched.  
  • The Indianapolis Children’s Museum – The largest museum of its kind in the world, the Indy Children’s Museum is fun for all ages (not just the kids).  

Learn more about these Indiana bucket list items!   

What are some of the best things to do in Indiana?  

Of course, Indiana’s an awesome place for everyone – not just the outdoorsy types! The list of “coolest things to do in Indiana” is pretty long, and it’s impossible to list them all in a short paragraph. Some other must-do attractions in Indiana include: 

  • Michigan City – If you’re near Lake Michigan, you need to check out Michigan City, as it’s home to the most photogenic little lighthouse there ever was.  
  • Parke County – This county in Indiana is literally the Covered Bridge Capital of the WORLD. Not the country – the WORLD.  
  • Basilica of the Sacred Heart – Even those who are not religious will be awed at the stunningly beautiful architecture of this old church.  

Learn more about the must-see tourist attractions in Indiana.   

What other things to do in Indiana should I add to my list?  

Obviously, the list of things to do in Indiana is nowhere near complete just from the above two sections. It’s an amazingly diverse state, rich in culture and history, and some MORE must-see things in Indiana are things such as:  

  • West Baden Springs Hotel – This incredible, gorgeous work of architectural art was once called the “8th Wonder of the World”. 
  • Williamsport Falls – The tallest waterfall in Indiana definitely deserves a place on your bucket list.  
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Even folks not interested in sports will appreciate the history of this iconic American pastime. 

Learn more about some of the coolest day trips in Indiana – many of which feature bucket-list sites. 

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