Visit Indiana - Chicago

This Summer, Picture Yourself

Forget what you think you know about this Midwestern state...

When the sun sets, the South Shore rocks. A range of venues, including Hard Rock Live, host performers ranging from Elle King to Lil Wayne to Stone Temple Pilots. For a more intimate show, follow the South Shore Winery Trail or Brewery trail for the best of local acts. Steuben County is Northern Indiana’s lake country, with 101 natural lakes for year-round fun. The trio of Lake James, Jimmerson Lake, and Snow Lake create a picturesque setting for aquatic recreation. Pokagon State Park on Lake James is another local favorite, where visitors can swim, hike scenic trails, and catch dazzling sunsets.

For a different kind of fun, history buffs and romantics alike will fall in love with the Indiana Rail Experience, where beautifully restored vintage passenger cars transport visitors through scenic small towns and rolling farmland. Whether you’re seated in an open-window coach, sipping cocktails in a 1940s lounge car, or enjoying a freshly prepared meal in a Pullman dining car, you’ll have a front row seat to the golden age of rail travel.

Indiana is packed with awe-inspiring natural wonders, world-class entertainment, and one-of-a-kind experiences that you’ll never forget. Here are a few ways to dive in and make the most of this state that’s anything but ordinary. The South Shore of Lake Michigan delivers quite a surprise to first-time visitors - beaches! Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along 15 miles of shoreline, with massive sand dunes that can reach up to three stories high. The park’s 15,000 acres encompass diverse ecosystems with over 50 miles of trails winding through woodlands, prairies, and wetlands, an environment rarely found in the Midwest.

What's Your

Indiana Adventure

Style?

There are many ways to build an Indiana trip that’s full of fun and lasting memories. Take this quiz to help determine where you should start!

Just south of Indianapolis lies the region known as Festival Country, where good times are always a priority. With over 1,000 festivals, concerts, and events every year, this area is a must for any traveler. Culture is king here, with Franklin’s Artcraft Alley standing out as an Instagram-worthy destination. The art installation, located next to the Historic Artcraft Theatre, features nearly 200 colorful kites suspended overhead. Festival Country offers a variety of vibrant communities to explore: a legendary craft brew, wine and spirits scene, the college-town charm of Franklin, the shopping and parks of Greenwood, BBQ in Bargersville, Edinburgh’s world famous popcorn, and local favorites in New Whiteland, Trafalgar and Prince’s Lakes. With so much going on, a visit to Festival Country is a guaranteed party for folks of all ages.

Discover French Lick invites you to explore the best of Southern Indiana—an 11-county region filled with charming small towns, historic resorts, scenic outdoor escapes, and can't-miss attractions. Amongst the rolling hills is a world-class resort experience at the height of luxury, the French Lick Resort, featuring the West Baden Springs Hotel with its breathtaking 200-foot dome, as well as luxury accommodations, spas, fine dining, casino games, and championship golf courses. Additionally, a full slate of kid-friendly activities make this area one your family will never forget.

For adventure on the go, The French Lick Scenic Railway offers specialty experiences for adults, with Tasting Trains that pair beverages with gourmet dishes while showcasing scenic countryside views. Patoka Lake’s Alcohol Acres delivers even more grown-up fun with a winery, distillery, and brewing complex that showcases the best of local spirits. The Old Homestead Distilling Co. stands out with its pot still distillery, and the attached boutique hotel and saloon offer dining, drinks, and entertainment.

Exploring

Indiana

Venture out beyond the expected and discover everything that Indiana has to offer. Here are 10 must-visit destinations to help you plan the ultimate adventure. Click on the map to explore!

Marvel at Indiana Dunes National Park

Experience the thrill of massive sand mountains rising three stories high along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hike over 50 miles of trails through diverse ecosystems from shifting dunes to woodlands and wetlands.

Tying these diverse regions together are Indiana’s 41 state parks and recreation areas, which offer over 700 miles of trails and thousands of campsites. McCormick’s Creek State Park, the state’s first state park, is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Located near Spencer, the park features stunning limestone canyons, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. With so many options to choose from, there’s no better place to get outdoors and experience nature than in Indiana.

From lakeside adventures to balloon festivals to moving historical landmarks, Indiana is where the unexpected comes to life. Start planning your trip today, and dare to discover a place that’s anything but ordinary.

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Local history comes alive in Wayne County, with many historical attractions that give visitors a chance to step back in time. The Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site is often known as the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad,” a National Historic Landmark that served as a safe haven for freedom-seekers for many years. Music lovers should make sure to check out the Gennett Recording Studio History and Walk of Fame, which honors music pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Gene Autry, all of whom once recorded there. All this culture, combined with the area’s natural beauty, make it a can’t-miss stop on any tour of the state. Eastern Indiana’s Richmond/Wayne County area combines fascinating local history with a blossoming culinary scene. Visitors can visit the 14 merchants along Wayne County's Chocolate Trail featuring locally-made treats from historic shops. The region’s food and drink scene continues to expand even further this year with many exciting spots opening soon.

Dive Into Fun in Northern Indiana’s Lake Country

Make the most of the area’s 101 natural lakes, enjoying swimming, picnicking, and more. Hike the scenic trails at Pokagon State Park on Lake James, and make time to take in those dazzling lakeside sunsets.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth on the Wayne County Chocolate Trail

Embark on a delicious journey connecting 14 merchants offering locally-made treats. This tasty trail showcases Indiana’s emerging culinary scene with handcrafted goodies sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Follow in the Footsteps of Greatness at Gennett Recording Studio History and Walk of Fame

Stand where jazz pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington made history at this humble studio that helped create the soundtrack of early 20th-century American music.

Feel the Mist at McCormick’s Creek State Park

Wander through Indiana’s first state park, where limestone canyons and flowing waters create a natural paradise. Hike, picnic, explore caves, or stay overnight in the historic Canyon Inn to make the most of this picturesque sanctuary.

Walk in Freedom’s Footsteps at the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site

Explore the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad,” where brave abolitionists helped over 1,000 people escape to freedom, offering a powerful window into one of America’s most significant resistance movements.

Stand Under the Breathtaking Dome at West Baden Springs Hotel

Gaze upward at the awe-inspiring 200-foot dome of this architectural wonder once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The magnificent rotunda sets the tone for an experience full of luxury and grandeur.

Glow Under Artcraft Alley’s Colorful Canopy

Step into Franklin’s enchanting outdoor gallery, where nearly 200 vibrant kites hover overhead in a kaleidoscope of colors. After sunset, blacklight paint transforms the space into a luminous wonderland perfect for unforgettable photos.

Exploring

Indiana

Venture out beyond the expected and discover everything that Indiana has to offer. Here are 10 must-visit destinations to help you plan the ultimate adventure. Click on the map to explore!

Take a Spiritual Journey at The Shrine of Christ's Passion

Walk alongside 40 lifesize bronze sculptures on this interactive half-mile prayer trail set among landscaped gardens with ambient music and narration. This peaceful setting offers a contemplative escape just off I-65 that appeals to visitors seeking a moment of reflection.

Dive Into Fun in Northern Indiana’s Lake Country

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth on the Wayne County Chocolate Trail

Follow in the Footsteps of Greatness at Gennett Recording Studio History and Walk of Fame

Stand where jazz pioneers like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington made history at this humble studio that helped create the soundtrack of early 20th-century American music.

Feel the Mist at McCormick’s Creek State Park

Wander through Indiana’s first state park, where limestone canyons, flowing waters, and the iconic Canyon Falls create a natural paradise. Hike, picnic, explore caves, or stay overnight in the historic Canyon Inn to make the most of this picturesque sanctuary.

Walk in Freedom’s Footsteps at the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site

Explore the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad,” where brave abolitionists helped over 1,000 people escape to freedom. This National Historic Landmark offers a powerful window into one of America’s most significant resistance movements.

Discover African-American Heritage at the First Baptist Church

Visit this beautifully preserved historic church that represents an important chapter in Indiana’s diverse history. Recent preservation efforts have brought renewed attention to this significant cultural landmark.

Stand Under the Breathtaking Dome at West Baden Springs Hotel

Glow Under Artcraft Alley’s Colorful Canopy

Marvel at Indiana Dunes National Park

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