Additional Coverage:
- 25 Things I Can’t Wait to Do in Indiana in 2025 (onlyinyourstate.com)
Indiana offers a near-endless array of adventures, with countless hikes, incredible eateries, to-die-for small towns, and so much more to fall madly in love with. I love Indiana so very much, and I think these 25 amazing things offer more than the perfect introduction to the state.
Each and every year, there are a number of awesome places to see, things to do and restaurants to enjoy, and 2025 is no different. Without further ado, here are 25 things to do in Indiana in 2025 – how many have you already done? How many will you cross off the list this year? Let’s find out.
1. Hike the Incredible Dune Succession Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is an astonishingly beautiful place, and the legendary Dune Succession Trail is one of Indiana’s most incredible hikes. This short and sweet jaunt is just one mile long, but it packs a punch, showing off all four amazing stages of a natural dune’s life. It’s a bit challenging; at one point, you’ll find a climb of 250 stairs awaits.
2. Enjoy Dinner With a View at the Overlook Restaurant in Leavenworth
If you think you’ll never find dinner with incredible sunset views in Indiana, think again – the Overlook Restaurant is in Leavenworth and offers a delectable dining experience with some of the best views in the entire Hoosier State. Open seven days a week, this restaurant is perfect for all sorts of occasions, from anniversaries and graduations to birthdays and beyond. The menu is diverse and filled with goodies. Oh, and save room for dessert… if you can. Bring your appetite; you’ll need it. Visit the official Overlook Restaurant website for hours and menus.
3. Enjoy an Incredible Stay at Birdsong in Nashville
If you’re a lover of all things rustic and country, this elegant vacation rental in Nashville, Indiana, is a stay to remember. It can sleep up to six guests in three bedrooms, so it’s perfect for families, friend groups, or perhaps a couples’ outing. The interior design of this barn-turned-vacation home is utterly jaw-dropping, looking like something out of a magazine more than a place to hang your hat. This barn was built in the 1900s, and it’s equal parts old-school charm and modern luxury. Nashville is one of the best small towns in Indiana, too – so enjoy every moment.
4. Celebrate Winter by Exploring All the Best Things to Do in Indiana When It’s Chilly Out
Did you know that many of Indiana’s amazing hiking trails don’t close shop once it snows? In fact, there are numerous wonderful things to do despite the cold (or perhaps thanks to it), and Indiana has a laundry list. Enjoy Christmas lights displays in various small towns, attend a once-in-a-lifetime winter festival, or stuff yourself silly with the best food and drink you’ve ever had. My favorite thing to do is get hopelessly lost at Christkindlmarkt – a simply wonderful wintertime tradition. There are many things to do in winter in Indiana, and it’s up to you to make it amazing!
5. Visit Indianapolis
Alright, okay – this one might be a little predictable, but it’s for good reason: Indy is easily one of the most tragically underrated cities in the United States. It’s the crown jewel of the Midwest, and there are endless opportunities to get into fun and shenanigans. There’s something for everybody: the history buffs will love the museums. The kids will love the world’s largest Children’s Museum. Racing fans will flip visiting the racetrack. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Indianapolis. While you’re there, you might want to stay somewhere amazing, like this penthouse apartment with ridiculously jaw-dropping Indianapolis city views on Airbnb.
6. Stay and Relax at Spring House Inn
Located not far at all from Indiana Dunes National Park, this incredible bed and breakfast in Indiana is close to just about everything. It’s stunningly beautiful, with a unique rustic vibe you’ll fall head over heels for. Guests love the friendly service and the awesome location, and breakfast is free. Wake up and start your day in the best way possible: with a tasty breakfast in an elegant setting. While in the area, check out the epic Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive – one of the best drives in the entire state.
7. Embark on a Day Trip to Brown County
Oh, goodness – words cannot truly describe Brown County, Indiana, to someone who’s never been here. Brown County’s beauty waves off those who complain that the Midwest is boring flyover country; from historic stops and markers to some of the most beautiful covered bridges in Indiana, Brown County is often described as the most beautiful region in Indiana, and I’m inclined to enthusiastically agree. You can’t miss Brown County State Park, either, where you’ll find the most scenic camping in the state.
8. Visit Indiana’s One and Only National Park
When you decide to do yourself the world’s biggest favor and hit the aforementioned Dune Succession Trail, do NOT do yourself the disservice of failing to explore the rest of the park. If you told a random person who’s never been to Indiana that there are some truly jaw-dropping natural sand dunes here, nestled right up on the shores of Lake Michigan, they’d probably respond with surprise – and I don’t blame them. Even some born-and-bred locals don’t realize they exist. You’ll never get enough of the endless natural wonders present here, like the legendary singing sand dunes of Indiana Dunes.
Planning to visit more than one national park this year? Save lots of money by getting a handy-dandy America the Beautiful Pass from our friends at REI.
9. Celebrate Spring by Checking Out Some Truly Amazing Flower Blooms, Botanical Gardens, and Parks
What’s better than springtime outdoors? Nothing, that’s what. Springtime in Indiana is a truly magical time of year, with some truly amazing natural splendors to immerse yourself in, and the opportunities to get out and enjoy the warmer, longer days and starry nights are plentiful. One of my favorite things to do in Indiana in the spring is attending the Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, which overflows with tulips this time of year.
10. Conquer the Epic Turkey Run 3, 10, 9, 5 Trails Loop at Turkey Run State Park
This five-and-a-half-mile moderately challenging loop trail is an amalgamation of all the best hikes and views in Turkey Run State Park, which is easily my pick for Indiana’s next national park (can we get on that?). The Turkey Run 3, 10, 9, and 5 Trails Loop is a stunning example of how outrageously scenic Indiana can be. This place looks more like Middle Earth than Indiana, and I promise you’ll daydream about it over and over again until you return. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet! If you want to bring your hiking game up a notch, check out AllTrails Plus. I don’t know what I did before I had it.
11. Escape From It All at the Highly Unique Anjuna House
Hidden in the woods near New Pekin, Indiana, is nothing short of the incredible Anjuna House – a dream come true for anyone who desires a modern, beautiful edge to their favorite escapes from real life. This outrageously beautiful cabin was designed and built by a professional architect, and trust me, it shows. With 14-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views of the forest outside, this is the one Airbnb in Indiana that outdoor enthusiasts and city slickers can agree on.
12. Go on a Road trip… Any Road Trip
Indiana is an absolutely incredible state, and if none of the other points in this article have illustrated this, this one will. I’m obsessed with life on the road, and I have numerous favorite road trips in Indiana that I think everyone ought to experience once (or thrice.) Some of my all-time faves include the waterfalls of northern Indiana road trip, haunted road trips, and natural wonders road trips.
13. Spend a Night at the Legendary Historic French Lick Springs Hotel (Or West Baden)
Regarding famous hotels in Indiana, few are quite as notorious as the French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs Hotels. Centered around natural springs that have been thought to have healing properties for many decades, these resorts are a luxurious experience from start to finish. Relax in the day spa, revel in the incredible architecture and decor, and discover how incredible traveling in Indiana can be. These resorts have been around for over 100 years for many reasons. Come discover French Lick Springs for yourself!
14. Visit the Mysterious Gravity Hill
Did you know there’s a weird little place in Indiana where vehicles appear to coast uphill? You read that right – somehow, the Gravity Hill in Mooresville is still a hidden gem, but it’s so weird that it’s totally worth doing at least once. Yes, there’s an explanation for the strange phenomena… but what’s the fun in that?
15. Celebrate Summer With Any Number of Amazing Activities
Summertime in Indiana is a wonderful time of year. With 24 marvelous state parks to explore and a couple hundred astonishing lakes to enjoy, you could realistically spend the whole season outside. Of course, you can also enjoy summer by eating a meal or ten at any one of our stellar seasonal restaurants with a view. It never gets too hot, and the summer nights are entirely different. There are many ways to enjoy summertime in Indiana; indulge in a few before the season ends.
16. Visit Indiana’s Most Incredible Waterfalls
Fun fact: Indiana is home to more than 200 known waterfalls. Williamsport Falls is the most famous, as it’s the state’s tallest, but other highly notable cascades in the Hoosier State include Cataract Falls, Thistlethwaite Falls, and more. Ignore that one song that advises you to avoid chasing waterfalls; chasing waterfalls is incredibly rewarding, especially in Indiana.
17. Check Out the Historical and Strange Rotary Jail Museum
Indiana’s history is intriguing and strange, and there are several left-over relics from the old days to remind us of how far we’ve come – and how interesting human ingenuity can be. Once upon a time, the Montgomery County Rotary Jail housed defendants waiting for trial. It was designed so prisoners would have as little contact with the jailers as possible. Today, it’s a museum – and yes, it still rotates. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
18. Explore Indiana’s Most Adorable Small Towns
With quite literally hundreds of small towns in Indiana to choose from, it’s impossible not to love just about every one of them. From the elegant wonder of Carmel, Indiana’s friendliest town, to the historic notability of the town of Vincennes, I can’t imagine ever getting bored exploring each one from week to week. Make 2025 the year of the small town – you won’t regret it!
19. Conquer the Epic Knobstone Trail (Or at Least Part of It)
The Knobstone Trail is by far the longest trail in Indiana, meandering 60 miles through towns, state parks, and other wonders. You’ll experience lush, green forests, the bustle of city life, lakes, streams, epic views, and so much more; it’s absolutely worth it to do the whole thing, even if you need to do it in segments throughout the years. It’s worth the effort to say you’ve done it, I promise!
20. Indulge in the Iconic, All-Original Breaded Tenderloin at Nick’s Kitchen
Indiana’s single most legendary food (it might as well be the official state dish) is the delicious and juicy breaded pork tenderloin, which is traditionally served so large that it greatly exceeds the size of the bun and often overshoots the edges of the plate. Nick’s Kitchen, a mom-and-pop joint in Huntington, Indiana, is often credited with being the first to dish out this traditional delight. What better place to add to your 2025 bucket list than this? I think none.
21. Attend the Best Fall Festival in Indiana
22. Take in the Extraordinary Beauty of Autumn
If you think the forests and greenery of Indiana is beautiful in the summer, just wait until those trees and flora shift their colors to brilliant for the transition into winter. With so many amazing forests and so many amazing destinations to pick from, there’s no such thing as a dull or boring fall in Indiana. Visit those covered bridges and waterfalls again! They’ll be even MORE amazing now.
23. Explore Indiana’s Most Haunted Places
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s no secret that Indiana is filled to the brim with lore and legend. There are a number of allegedly haunted places in Indiana, many of which you can explore or investigate to this day. Some hauntings in Indiana are famous, such as the incredibly terrifying incident now known as the Gary, Indiana Demon House. That particular place is no longer standing, but plenty of others are. Get out and investigate… if you dare.
24. Explore an Incredible Cave
Did you know that Indiana is home to more than 1,000 caves and complex cave systems? It’s true – and you can visit many of them. Notable caves you can explore include Twin Caves, Marengo Caves, and Bluespring Caves. Make plans ahead of time to do the tours – they’re incredible and amazingly educational, and they definitely teach us all to enjoy the natural wonders of Indiana just a little more.
25. Celebrate New Years All Over Again With a New Years Eve Party Like No Other
Another year’s already gone so fast – so celebrate the next one coming in at the fun-and-feisty Crawl Til The Ball Falls, an NYE bar crawl in Indy that you can find tickets for on FeverUp. Visit the city’s best, most legendary bars, with no cover (as those are included in the price of your ticket) and top-notch drink specials. Here’s to ‘26!
So, there it is: 25 of the coolest things to do in Indiana that I cannot WAIT to do in 2025… and beyond. Many, if not all, of these things are things you’ll undoubtedly want to do over and over again; it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite, either – which you’ll totally understand soon enough. How many of these things have you done already? How many of these things will you do again, or for the first time? Think about it and get back to us.
Read More About This Story:
- 25 Things I Can’t Wait to Do in Indiana in 2025 (onlyinyourstate.com)