Indiana usually gets a bad rap as a "flyover state." People think it's just endless rows of corn and maybe a race track. Honestly, if you only stay on the I-65 corridor, you’re kinda proving them right. But if you actually kill the cruise control and pull off the highway, you’ll find some of the weirdest, most beautiful, and genuinely impressive sights in the Midwest.
You've got massive sand dunes that look like the Sahara dropped into Lake Michigan. There are underground rivers you can actually boat through. There's even a hotel dome so big people used to call it the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The Coastline You Didn't Know Existed
Most folks forget Indiana has a "north coast." Indiana Dunes National Park is the big hitter here. It's not just a beach; it’s 15 miles of massive, shifting hills of sand. If you’re feeling masochistic, try the 3 Dune Challenge at the State Park side. It’s only 1.5 miles, but you’re climbing 552 vertical feet through loose sand. Your calves will scream.
The view from the top of Mt. Baldy is wild because on a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline sitting right on the water like a tiny LEGO set. In early 2026, keep an eye out for the "Nature Uncovered" program series—they're doing some cool deep dives into how the dunes were actually formed.
Racing is a Religion, Not a Hobby
You can't talk about things to see in Indiana without mentioning the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Even if you hate cars, the scale of this place is haunting. You could fit the Vatican, Wimbledon, the Rose Bowl, and Yankee Stadium inside the oval and still have room for activities.
If you aren't there for the 110th Running of the Indy 500 on May 24, 2026, you should still take the bus tour. They let you "Kiss the Bricks" at the finish line. It’s a gross tradition, but everybody does it. The museum is currently undergoing some massive renovations, but the track itself is the real monument.
The "Eighth Wonder" in the Middle of Nowhere
Deep in Southern Indiana, there are two towns called French Lick and West Baden. Sounds fake, right? It’s not.
The West Baden Springs Hotel is basically a massive, 200-foot free-spanning dome. Back in the early 1900s, it was the largest dome in the world until the Houston Astrodome showed up. It’s opulent. It’s over-the-top. It feels like you walked into a Gatsby movie set. They do "Twilight Tours" on select Saturdays where people dress up in period costumes and talk about Al Capone staying there.
Where the Clock Stops
Head north to Shipshewana. This is Amish country, and it’s not a gimmick. You’ll be sharing the road with horse-drawn buggies. If you’re there on a Tuesday or Wednesday between May and September, the Shipshewana Flea Market is a beast. It’s the largest in the Midwest.
Basically, you go there for two things:
- Finding weird antiques you don’t need.
- Eating your weight in JoJo’s Pretzels.
Don't skip the Menno-Hof. It’s an interpretive center that explains why the Amish live the way they do without being preachy or touristy. It actually gives you a lot of respect for the lifestyle.
Gorges and "Ladders" at Turkey Run
If you think Indiana is flat, go to Turkey Run State Park. It’s full of deep sandstone ravines that feel more like the Pacific Northwest than the Midwest. Trail 3 is the one everyone talks about. You have to climb wooden ladders up the canyon walls and walk through creek beds.
It gets crowded. If you want the same vibe without the lines, go next door to Shades State Park. It’s rugged, less developed, and has "Devil’s Punchbowl," which is exactly as cool as it sounds.
The Underground World
Southern Indiana is basically a piece of Swiss cheese. There are caves everywhere. Bluespring Caverns has the longest navigable underground river in the country. You take a boat into the dark and look for blind cave fish. It’s eerie and quiet.
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If you want more of a "walking" cave, Marengo Cave is a National Natural Landmark. They have these massive "rooms" filled with stalactites that haven't changed in thousands of years.
Why Indiana Matters in 2026
We’re seeing a shift in how people travel. People are tired of the overcrowded coastal spots. Indiana offers this weird mix of high-speed sports and dead-silent nature.
Hamilton County is blowing up right now too. They just opened the Innovation Mile and a new Museum Experience Center at Conner Prairie. If you haven't been to Conner Prairie, it’s a living history museum where people actually stay in character. It sounds cheesy, but when you're "escaping" through the woods in their 1836 Prairietown, it gets intense.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Buy a State Park Pass: If you’re visiting more than three parks, the annual pass pays for itself.
- Avoid Sunday Liquor Laws: Indiana is still a bit "old school" with alcohol sales. Grocery stores sell it on Sundays now, but only between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Plan ahead.
- Check the Race Schedule: If there’s a major event at the Speedway, hotel prices in Indy will quadruple. Check the IMS calendar before booking.
- Eat the Tenderloin: You’ll see "Breaded Pork Tenderloin" on every menu. It’s the unofficial state sandwich. The meat is usually three times the size of the bun. Don't ask why; just eat it.
Your Indiana Checklist
- Hike the ladders at Turkey Run.
- See the Chicago skyline from the Indiana Dunes.
- Take the boat tour at Bluespring Caverns.
- Walk the dome at West Baden.
- Eat a giant pretzel in Shipshewana.
The state isn't just a hurdle on your way to somewhere else. It's a destination if you know where to look. Stop for the dunes, stay for the weird history, and definitely don't leave without a tenderloin.