Regions of Indiana

There are plenty of urban delights in the northern part of the “Hoosier State,” as many communities are within driving distance of Chicago. With the cities of Gary, South Bend and Fort Wayne as the anchors, the communities in northern Indiana have access to a bit of beachfront on Lake Michigan as well as plenty of lakes and rivers, including the Kankakee River that winds through the region. There are many things to experience in Northern Indiana, including:

1. Indiana Dunes State Park—Relax at the beach with a picnic or visit the Dunes Nature Preserve at this amazing sandy shoreline. Try hiking along the many trails in the park and even bicycle along the Calumet Trail. (Chesterton)
2. College Football Hall of Fame—Learn all there is to know about the gridiron game through interactive exhibits that take you through the origin, history, heroes and future of America’s most exciting sport. (South Bend)
3. University of Notre Dame—One of the most prestigious universities in the country, the Catholic-founded Notre Dame has many things to do on campus, such as attend Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, light a candle at the Grotto, feed the ducks at St. Mary’s Lake and get a photo taken with Touchdown Jesus. Various sporting and cultural events make this an exciting and ever-changing place to visit. (South Bend)
4. Amish Acres—Experience a day in the life of this 300-year-old culture with a tour of authentic farms, wagon rides and hearty meals. Check out the surrounding attractions where live theater, dining and shopping is plentiful. (Nappanee)

Not only is Central Indiana at the heart of the state, but it’s often considered the crossroads of America because of the many interstates and highways that intersect it. Agricultural areas blend seamlessly with small towns and cities, which then merge with the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Besides the state capital, other key cities in the region include Danville, Shelbyville and Lebanon. It’s a hot spot for cultural arts, entertainment, commerce, museums,  historical sites and grand adventures. Take a look at just a few of the things the Central region can show you:

1. Indiana State Museum—Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations outline the state’s history and culture via memorabilia and artifacts at this first-class museum. Also, check out the IMAX theater, gift shop and restaurants, including the L. S. Aryes Tea Room. (Indianapolis)
2. Indiana Professional Sports—No matter what the season, this sports-mad state has something going on. Try the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts or the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. Also the Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Indians and the Indianapolis Ice are worth cheering for. (Indianapolis)
3. Wild Wind Buffalo Park—See buffalo up close as they once were, roaming across the grassy plains, at this preserve that includes both vehicle and horseback tours. There’s a bed and breakfast and gift shop as well. (Fremont)
4. Inland Aquatics—Marvel at America’s largest displayed coral reef and all of its inhabitants in tanks that hold more than 35,000 gallons. Learning is fun at this facility designed to educate and enlighten all ages about the wonders of the ocean. (Terre Haute)

From farmland to forest, the southern part of Indiana is the most rural and the most diverse, with more hills and huge limestone deposits. Evansville is the state’s third-largest city and along with other communities such as Jeffersonville, Vincennes and New Albany, provide enough entertainment to keep visitors coming back year after year. For a look at what visitors love most about Southern Indiana, investigate these attractions:

1. Bluesprings Cavern Park—Tour the immense underground world of the Bluesprings Cavern via one-hour boat rides. Also dig for valuable gems and check out the legend, lore and stories as told by knowledgeable guides. (Bedford)
2. T.C. Steele State Historic Site—Celebrate art with this house museum set on acres of lovely gardens that inspired the artist himself. This riverside home houses more than 70 original works and the surrounding grounds is a nature preserve that is open for hiking. (Nashville)
3. Simmons Winery—One of many wineries in the area, this notable establishment offers tours, wine tasting, live entertainment and opens the grounds for weddings, banquets and other events. Learn about the wine making process from the experts and stop by the gift shop for a souvenir you’ll really enjoy. (Columbus)
4. Vincennes State Historic Sites—As Indiana’s first town, there are many historic places to visit. The old capitol building, the Elihu Stout Print Shop, the Maurice Thompson birthplace and the log cabin visitor’s center are all ready to welcome interested visitors. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations teach about the history of this important town and outline Indiana history. (Vincennes)