In a state famous for its iconic racetracks and bustling cities, Indiana contains a wealth of lesser-known destinations just waiting to be discovered. From charming historic enclaves to breathtaking natural wonders, journey through the hidden gems of the Hoosier State.
Catacombs of Market Street, Indianapolis
Not even the locals know that beneath the city market lies an ancient maze of interconnected corridors. Initially, they helped retailers with time-sensitive products such as meats and other products, before the advent of commercial refrigeration.
Today, these haunted catacombs are one of the most unique spaces in the state. Public tours on select Saturdays in September depart from the second floor of the City Market.
Bluespring Caverns, Bedford
Located in Bedford, the Bluespring Caverns is home to the longest underground river in the US
It is home to some of the most exciting wildlife. They mainly consist of albino animals and aquatic species including crickets, spiders, crayfish, beetles, frogs and blind fish. The caves act as a canopy, protecting them from harsh weather and the hot sun.
Visitors can sail or kayak through the caves and even experience a nighttime adventure. The cave is open every day from 9 to 5.
Rotary Jail Museum, Crawfordville
The Rotary Jail Museum in Crawfordsville is home to an innovative architectural marvel: rotating prisons. The cell complex consists of wedge-built prison cells with a central hub for guards. Those in charge of the prisoners rotated the cells using a hand crank.
While the design is interesting, it was not a success. Prisoners often got their arms and legs trapped as the cells moved.
The museum is open to visitors on select days throughout the year.
Gravity Hill, Mooresville
Just a mile from IN-43 is the infamous Gravity Hill, a space that seems to defy physics. Whoever parks his car in neutral at the bottom of the hill rolls it up.
The truth is that the country creates an optical illusion that makes it look like cars are moving uphill.
RV Hall of Fame, Elkhart
The RV Hall of Fame pays tribute to the recreational vehicle industry and the people who influence it. They nominate new members every year.
Visitors can learn more about those inducted into the Hall of Fame at some of the fascinating museums there.
The complex houses a library, the Manufactured Home museum, the RV Founders Hall, the Exhibition Hall, and the Go RVing Hall.
Visitors can even park their motorhome on site for several days while viewing the various exhibitions.
Jug rock, shoals
Just outside Shoals is the country’s largest free-standing rock formation. It is located in the middle of the Jug Rock Nature Preserve.
What makes this rock formation so different is that nothing around it explains how it formed. There are no rivers. There are not even any other rocks. It’s just one big rock structure that resembles a jug, as the name suggests.
Pine Lake, Bern
Four miles west of Bern, Pine Lake has something many visitors don’t expect: a full-fledged water park. The park has been around since 1922 and is still a family business.
There are four main water slides, the highest of which is 9 meters high. Visitors can also enjoy a zipline, tree trunk walk, and splash pad between the rides.
For those not interested in the thrills of the water slides, Pine Lake is an impressive body of water with incredible views.
Sunken Gardens, Huntington
The City of Huntington built the Sunken Gardens in the 1920s to cover up an unattractive quarry. Today it is one of the few gardens in the state and is reminiscent of something out of a fairytale.
Visitors enjoy rock steps, fountains, and stone bridges, all set around a beautiful garden. It’s the perfect place for everything from weddings to a quiet day with a book.
Red barn on a family farm in Miami County, Indiana
Located in Miami County, Indiana, a charming red barn symbolizes family heritage and hard work. This barn, weathered by time and full of stories, has been a meeting place for generations. It’s where laughter resounds at family picnics, where crops are stored after a long day in the fields, and where memories are made under the Indiana sun. This red barn is more than just a structure; it’s a cherished piece of family history, a testament to the enduring spirit of country life.
Krider World’s Fair Garden Park, Middlebury
This park in Middlebury transports you to a magical land of sculptures and whimsical displays. In the early 20th century it was initially home to Krider Nurseries.
In the 1990s, the last business on the site closed its doors and the park was transformed into the gardens it is today.
Some of the notable features of the park include waterfalls, a giant mushroom statue, and a swing gazebo.
The park also serves as a rest area along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.
