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Indiana: Hoosier Heartland

Hill covered with small brush and water behind it with a sand dune behind the water. The water reflecting the sand dune and clear blue sky.
Indiana Dunes National Park

Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park was a top thing for us to in Indiana. My mom and I eventually want to visit all the national parks so all the national parks are a top thing to do in each state. Anyway, did you know there is also and Indiana Dunes State Park? Did you also know that they are right next to each other and that sometimes the map takes you the state park instead of the national park? Weird. So that happened, we waited in line to get into what we thought was the national park but it was the state park. They look almost exactly the same, by the way. When we finally pulled up to Indiana Dunes National Park, we got out and walked around. We admired Lake Michigan and then we headed to Lake James to meet up with my mom's friend.


Small dock with boats on it and small waves in the water with the sun peaking through a tree.
Lake James, Indiana

The drive to my mom's friend's lake house was very pretty. This wasn't something we originally planned to see in Indiana but when we found out that my mom's friend just happened to be visiting Indiana at the same time we were there, we just had to meet up. I'm so glad we met up because seeing Lake James was a highlight of this trip. It was fun to pass by all the different lake houses and to see all the people boating on the lake or just enjoying the water by their docks. Lake James stands as Indiana's fourth-largest natural lake, boasting over 1,200 acres of surface water and comprising three distinct basins. If there happens to be an Airbnb here, I'm sure this would be perfect for a quick summer vacation.


 
If you want to visit Indiana, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

  1. Indianapolis: Discover the capital city's cultural gems like the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Zoo, and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

  2. Indiana Dunes National Park: Explore the beautiful sandy shores, dunes, and hiking trails along Lake Michigan at this scenic national park.

  3. Brown County State Park: Experience the natural beauty of Indiana with hiking, horseback riding, and scenic drives amid the rolling hills and colorful foliage.

  4. French Lick: Visit the historic resort town of French Lick for its renowned spas, scenic railway tours, and the opulent French Lick Resort and Casino.

  5. Amish Country: Explore the picturesque Amish countryside in northern Indiana, with opportunities to visit Amish-owned shops, enjoy homemade meals, and experience a simpler way of life.

  6. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari: Enjoy thrilling rides and water slides at this family-friendly amusement park in Santa Claus, Indiana.

  7. Indiana State Museum: Learn about Indiana's natural and cultural history through interactive exhibits and artifacts in downtown Indianapolis.

  8. Hoosier National Forest: Discover outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and fishing in this expansive forest spanning southern Indiana.

  9. Conner Prairie: Step back in time at this living history museum in Fishers, where visitors can experience life in 19th-century Indiana through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

  10. Wineries and Breweries: Indiana boasts a growing wine and craft beer scene, with numerous wineries and breweries offering tastings and tours throughout the state.


If you want more suggestions on what to do in Indiana, I suggest you check out their tourism website.

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