- 1. Home of the Indianapolis 500
- 2. The Covered Bridge Capital of the World
- 3. Birthplace of the Popcorn King
- 4. Indiana Dunes: The Midwest’s Beach Escape
- 5. Santa Claus, Indiana: The Town That Lives Christmas Year-Round
- 6. The Limestone Capital of the World
- 7. A Haven for Amish Culture
- 8. The First Long-Distance Auto Race in the U.S.
- 9. A State Full of Caves and Waterfalls
- 10. The Crossroads of Music and History
1. Home of the Indianapolis 500
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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana (a suburb of Indianapolis), hosts the world’s largest single-day sporting event—the Indianapolis 500. The track, built in 1909, is a 2.5-mile oval that covers 560 yards and hosts 250,000 permanent seats.
Visitors can tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to see historic race cars and memorabilia. If you’re a superfan, book a tour of the speedway to walk the famous Brickyard.
2. The Covered Bridge Capital of the World
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Parke County, in western Indiana, is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World, boasting 31 historic bridges scattered across scenic countryside. The annual 10-day Parke County Covered Bridge Festival each October celebrates these charming structures with crafts, food, and small-town hospitality.
3. Birthplace of the Popcorn King
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Orville Redenbacher, the famous popcorn entrepreneur, was born and raised in Brazil, Indiana. The town honors his legacy with the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, where visitors can enjoy a Redenbacher look-alike contest, live music, and, of course, plenty of popcorn.
4. Indiana Dunes: The Midwest’s Beach Escape
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Along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer 15 miles of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and hiking trails. It’s one of the few places in the Midwest where travelers can swim, birdwatch, and climb dunes—all within sight of Chicago’s skyline.
5. Santa Claus, Indiana: The Town That Lives Christmas Year-Round
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The town of Santa Claus, Indiana, celebrates Christmas every day of the year. Visitors can explore Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, a family theme park with holiday-themed rides, or stop by the Santa Claus Museum & Village to see thousands of letters sent to Santa from around the world.
6. The Limestone Capital of the World
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Southern Indiana’s city of Bedford is known for its high-quality limestone, used in landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Pentagon. Travelers can visit local quarries or admire the stonework on Indiana University’s Bloomington campus, often called one of the most beautiful in the country.
7. A Haven for Amish Culture
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Northern Indiana’s Amish Country, centered around Shipshewana, offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Visitors can shop for handmade furniture, sample homemade pies, and take scenic buggy rides through rolling farmland. The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is one of the largest in the Midwest.
8. The First Long-Distance Auto Race in the U.S.
Back to Top of List9. A State Full of Caves and Waterfalls
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South Central Indiana’s karst landscape hides hundreds of caves and waterfalls. Marengo Cave, a U.S. National Landmark, offers guided tours through stunning underground formations. Nearby Clifty Falls State Park and McCormick’s Creek State Park feature scenic winter waterfalls and hiking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. The Crossroads of Music and History
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Indiana has produced an impressive lineup of musical legends, including Michael Jackson (Gary), John Mellencamp (Seymour), and Axl Rose (Lafayette). Travelers can explore its small-town venues that continue to celebrate the state’s rich musical heritage.
