Indiana
American appeal in the heart of the Midwest
Honest-To-Goodness Indiana by Jon McLaughlin
Here are some favorite experiences to enjoy in the state’s diverse regions.
North
Elkhart Quilt Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind experience – a showcase of 20 gigantic quilt-patterned gardens. The gardens, stitched with hundreds of thousands of blooms combine with 21 hand-painted quilt art murals to create a tapestry of color in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country.
Central
At the Indianapolis Zoo, you can pet sharks, view dolphins from beneath the sea and experience orangutans in the new International Orangutan Center. In this world-class exhibit, visitors watch as the orangutans interact with each other, climbing and swinging nearly 25 meters in the air. The center was designed to stimulate the apes’ physical, social and intellectual abilities and is an international research center designed to better understand this extraordinary species.
West
Parke County, the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World” is home to 31 of Indiana’s 98 covered bridges. History, stunning architecture and beautiful outdoor landscapes are waiting to be experienced in Parke County. Be sure to experience the Mansfield Covered Bridge during the Covered Bridge Festival, one of the best fall festivals in North America.
East
Parkview Field is home to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps. This baseball stadium is a signature attraction in the newly revitalized downtown of Fort Wayne. The stadium and the amenities around it have been named the best minor league baseball experience in America.
South
Indiana Caverns in Corydon is one of the longest cave systems in North America. Visitors can take an underground boat ride, see a three-story waterfall and explore diverse ecosystems with ice age fossils. Madison remains one of the Midwest’s favorite small towns, complete with great shopping and wonderful restaurants. Travelers can admire the amazing architecture in Madison’s National Historic Landmark District and take scenic driving tours around the town to admire the riverfront, fountains and Victorian-era mansions.
South Central
French Lick is home to the French Lick Resort. Comprised of French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel, this resort lets guests step back in time to the splendor of the early 1900s. French Lick offers boutique shops, a variety of restaurants, bowling alley, fitness center, pools and luxury spa. West Baden, a National Historic Landmark, continues to wow visitors with its one-of-a-kind domed atrium spanning 60 meters!
Honest-To-Goodness Indiana by Jon McLaughlin
Fun Fact
The first long-distance auto race in the U.S., the Indianapolis 500, was held May 30, 1911, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.