There are more than a few states that get the lion’s share of attention from tourists. Though they have tons to do, a place like Indiana can offer a totally different experience. The key is to know where to go, what to eat, and what to see.
If you haven’t considered planning a trip to Indiana, now is the time to start. Depending on where you travel, there is a litany of things worth seeing. Let’s check out the places worth seeing, the restaurants worth eating at, and everything that will maximize your Indiana experience.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the mecca of the racing world and one of the premier venues in all of sports. The legendary Indianapolis 500 runs there every year, a must-attend if you happen to be in town when the race takes place.
Even cooler, the Speedway has its own museum. There are tons of diverse displays featuring race cars from throughout the generations, interactive exhibits for fans to partake in, and even a “Kiss the Bricks” tour to make visitors feel like they have just pulled off the biggest win of the racing season.
Find more about sports events in Indianapolis here: youbet.com/states/indiana/
Massachusetts Avenue Food Tournament
Want to get a good feel for the Indianapolis food scene? The best way to do so is through the walking food tour of Massachusetts Avenue. With an industrial yet historic vibe, follow your guide to experience the very best of the food scene.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Located a mere 40 miles from Chicago, you may not find a more beautiful place in all of Indiana. The massive national park, the 61st in the country, spreads over 15,000 acres and runs along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The scenery is incredible, featuring expansive marshes, sprawling prairies, towering dunes, and more wildflowers than you could imagine.
Within the park, there are so many things to see. Mount Baldy, the incredible moving sand dune, the Great Marsh Trail (the largest wetland in the region) featuring incredible herons, and Chellberg Farm, showcasing 20th-century farm living.
Lucas Oil Stadium
When it comes to sports in Indiana, there may be no better place to enjoy a football game than the state-of-the-art Lucas Oil Stadium. Capable of seating more than 67,000 fans, Lucas Oil features a retractable roof and serves several entertainment purposes.
Home of the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL, Lucas Oil Stadium is already impressive. It gets even more impressive when you manage to see some of the incredible views of the Indianapolis skyline, only adding to the beauty of the area and the venue.
Joseph Decuis (Restaurant)
If you plan on being in the Roanoke area, then make sure to stop in at Joseph Decuis. If you are looking for delicious farm-to-table meals featuring ingredients fresh off the farm, there is no better place to go. The Wagyu beef alone is worth visiting.
Blue Gate Theatre
Located in Shipshewana, what was once a quiet home for wholesome entertainment has now become a household name throughout the Midwest. There are actually two venues – Blue Gate Music Hall and Blue Gate Performing Arts Center – where more than 300 shows are played throughout the year.
Concerts, variety shows, musicals, and more all visit the Blue Gate Theatre. Whether you are looking to see a Grammy-winning artist, a hilarious comedian, or want to enjoy some family-friendly entertainment, there is a little something for everyone.
The Beef House
Arguably, the best thing to do in Covington is to visit The Beef House, which has become an institution. As the name suggests, it is home to virtually any cut of incredible stake you can imagine. New York strips, t-bones, sirloins, filet mignon, and more are available any time you walk in. Perhaps the most underrated aspect of The Beef House is their rolls. These huge, moist, wondrously yeasty rolls will have you coming back to enjoy a meaty sandwich time and time again.
East Pierhead Lighthouse
Indiana gets a bit of a bad wrap for being generic, but there is nothing generic about the scenery at this historic lighthouse. Located in Washington Park at the end of the pier, this lighthouse features incredible views of Lake Michigan.
East Pierhead Lighthouse is the only operational lighthouse in all of Indiana and is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Though there are no public tours inside, there are more than enough scenic views to enjoy, especially along the walkway that connects the lighthouse to the shore.
Visit Indiana Today
If you haven’t been to Indiana, there are so many things you have been missing out on. Whether it be sports, fantastic restaurants, or incredible views, Indiana has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Schedule your trip today and see what the Hoosier State has to offer.
*This article has been contributed to Owl Over The World.
