Indiana, often called the Hoosier State, is widely recognized for its capital, Indianapolis. However, a recent ranking for 2025 highlights ten smaller towns across the state that have captured the attention of visitors nationwide. These towns, each with unique attractions, offer diverse experiences, from historic sites to outdoor adventures and cultural events, making them popular destinations for travelers.
Key Takeaways
- Ten Indiana towns were recognized as top US favorites for 2025.
- Destinations offer a mix of history, nature, and cultural activities.
- French Lick is known for its mineral springs and resort amenities.
- Shipshewana hosts the Midwest's largest outdoor market.
- Several towns feature significant automotive museums and state parks.
Indiana's Favorite Towns Highlighted for 2025
The selection of these ten towns showcases Indiana's broad appeal beyond its major cities. Each location provides specific reasons for its popularity, drawing visitors who seek different types of travel experiences. The state offers a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and unique local culture.
Visitors can explore various attractions, from water parks and golf courses to historical museums and expansive nature preserves. The towns provide options for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. This diversity contributes to Indiana's growing reputation as a destination state.
Quick Fact
Indianapolis, Indiana's capital, has a population of nearly one million residents.
French Lick: A Resort Town Experience
French Lick, located in Orange County in the southern part of the state, is about an hour south of Bloomington. This town is well-known for its wide range of activities suitable for all ages. It features a luxury resort, a water park, laser tag, and mini-golf. Additional amenities include a seaside market, an arcade, and multiple dining options.
Beyond the resort, French Lick offers cultural and recreational sites. The West Baden Museum displays a circus diorama and historical information about basketball legend Larry Bird. Golf enthusiasts can choose between the historic Donald Ross course, built in 1917, and the Pete Dye course, one of over 200 designed by Pete Dye globally.
"French Lick provides a complete getaway, blending entertainment with historical charm and top-tier recreation," noted a recent travel guide.
Shipshewana: Midwest's Largest Outdoor Market
Shipshewana, situated in LaGrange County, is approximately an hour east of South Bend. This quaint town is famous for the Shipshewana Flea Market, which is the largest outdoor market in the Midwest. The market attracts numerous vendors and shoppers seeking unique goods.
The town also features the Blue Gate Restaurant & Theater, offering live musicals and concerts alongside traditional Amish cooking. Shopping opportunities abound, with establishments like Yoder’s, which sells everything from fabrics to hardware and local meats, and Davis Mercantile, a four-story building with over twenty different stores, including Millie’s Market & Cafe and Jojo’s Pretzels.
Automotive Heritage and Natural Beauty in Auburn
Auburn, located in DeKalb County, is about thirty minutes north of Fort Wayne. It holds a significant place in automotive history. The town is home to several specialized auto museums, including the Duesenberg Auto Museum, the Ford V-8 Museum, and the National Automotive and Truck Museum (NATMUS).
NATMUS exhibits a variety of antique vehicles, such as a 1903 Ford Model A. The Duesenberg museum showcases modern vehicles like the 2025 Corvette ZR1, while the Ford V-8 Museum highlights many Ford models, including a 1923 Flathead V-8. These museums preserve and present a rich history of automotive engineering.
Historical Context
Auburn's automotive museums celebrate the town's role in early 20th-century vehicle manufacturing and design.
For those interested in nature, Auburn offers Greenhurst Commons, a 110-acre nature preserve with multiple trails. One popular option is a two-mile paved trail circling a scenic pond. Eckhart Park, a 10-acre space, provides amenities like volleyball courts, disc golf, and playgrounds, along with picnic pavilions for outdoor gatherings.
Peru: Circus History and River Activities
Peru, a small town in Miami County, is an hour and a half north of Indianapolis. It is known for its museums and natural attractions. The Miami County Museum houses over 75,000 items, including a 1/6th scale model of a Wright Brothers aircraft. The Grissom Air Museum displays twenty different aircraft, among them a Bell UH-1H Iroquois military helicopter.
Peru also boasts the Circus Hall of Fame, recognizing figures such as the Ringling Brothers, inducted in 1961, and famous clown Barry Lubin, inducted in 2016. This reflects the town's strong ties to circus history.
Natural attractions near Peru include Mississinewa Lake, located ten miles from the Grissom Air Museum. This lake offers beaches, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities, providing a natural escape for visitors.
Vincennes and Madison: Historical Landmarks and Waterfalls
Vincennes, situated along the Wabash River, is home to approximately 15,000 residents. The town is rich in history, featuring sites like the Indiana Military Museum, which hosts reenactments from the World Wars and the Vietnam War. The William Henry Harrison Mansion, also known as Grouseland, is another key historical attraction.
Cultural offerings include the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, a unique institution showcasing artifacts, awards, recordings, and scrapbooks from the comedian. The Vincennes Historic Site preserves several historic buildings, including Fort Knox II, built in 1803.
- Indiana Military Museum: Features war reenactments.
- William Henry Harrison Mansion: Historical residence.
- Red Skelton Museum: Honors American comedy.
- Vincennes Historic Site: Protects old structures like Fort Knox II.
Madison: Scenic Falls and Historic Architecture
Madison, in Jefferson County, is less than fifteen minutes from Clifty Falls State Park, located along the Ohio River. The park is renowned for its four waterfalls: Big Clifty (60 feet), Little Clifty (60 feet), Tunnel (83 feet), and Hoffman (78 feet). Numerous trails wind around these waterfalls, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities.
Downtown Madison itself is a historic district with many buildings constructed before the American Civil War, including the Lanier Mansion. The Railroad Station Museum, housed in a restored late 1800s station, features exhibits and a recently restored caboose, offering insight into the area's transportation history.
Nashville, Franklin, and Angola: Arts, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation
Nashville, in Brown County, should not be confused with its Tennessee namesake. This town is a hub for arts and outdoor activities. It is near Yellowwood State Forest, which spans twenty thousand acres and offers fishing, camping, hiking, and boating. Brown County State Park provides additional amenities, including cabin rentals and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The area also boasts several wineries, such as Cedar Creek, Bear Wallow, and Country Heritage. For arts and culture, Nashville hosts the Brown County Music Center, the Brown County Antique Mall, the Brown County Playhouse, and the Brown County Art Gallery.
Did You Know?
Brown County is often called the "Art Colony of the Midwest" due to its thriving arts scene.
Franklin: Community Festivals and Museums
Franklin, located in Johnson County, offers a range of attractions. The Johnson County Museum of History covers various periods, from pioneer settlers to the Victorian era and the 1950s. The Camp Atterbury Museum displays military artifacts, including uniforms and photographs dating back to World War II.
The town is also known for its community events and parks. Youngs Creek Park features the largest playground in town. Franklin Halloween Town is an annual festival in October, with events like the Rock the Block walk, a Howl-oween Pet Costume contest, and the Halloween Hustle 5K race.
Angola: Outdoor Enthusiast's Paradise
Angola, in Steuben County, is near the Ohio border and just five minutes south of Pokagon State Park. This park offers activities like hiking the Hell’s Point Challenge, swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake James. Camping options are available for overnight or weekend stays.
For golf lovers, Angola features courses like Glendarin Hills and Lake James. Within the town, visitors can enjoy Commons Park, Fireman’s Park, and Lion’s Park. Dining options include Sutton’s Deli on the Public Square and Village Kitchen on Superior Street. The Potawatomi Inn, located by Lake James, has 126 rooms, 12 cabins, and its own Lakeview Restaurant.
Corydon: Indiana's First Capital
Corydon, a quaint town in Harrison County, is about thirty minutes from Louisville, Kentucky. It is rich in natural attractions and historical significance. O’Bannon Woods State Park, fifteen minutes west of downtown, offers fishing, hiking, and biking along the Ohio River, along with camping facilities.
Corydon holds several important historical sites. It was the first capital of Indiana, and the site of the Battle of Corydon during the American Civil War is preserved here. The Harrison County Discovery Center, across from the Corydon Capital State Historic Site, is considered a unique museum in Indiana, offering interactive exhibits on local history.
These ten towns demonstrate the diverse appeal of Indiana. From the historical reenactments in Vincennes to the outdoor challenges in Angola's Pokagon State Park, the state provides many experiences. Whether visitors are drawn to the mineral springs of French Lick or the museums of Franklin, these destinations offer natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural richness that make them standout favorites in the United States.
