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The Midwest may not often come to mind when one thinks of stunning places. Many think of the Midwest and Indiana as flat, boring places. However, those who live there know better. Indiana residents, in particular, will regularly sing the praises of its small towns, which proudly display a mixture of grand hilly landscapes, unusual historical landmarks, and more. Within these stunning Indiana towns, one will be taken aback by mysterious inns, massive hotel domes, a canyon crawl across a ladder in the woods, and the old shores of Lake Michigan. Uncover 11 stunning towns in Indiana to visit.

Madison

When it comes to charming Indiana river towns, Madison is among the best. For one, this town has a 133-block historic downtown, the largest in Indiana and one of the biggest in the US. It has been called an outdoor museum for its diverse set of 19th-century structures, such as the beautiful 1844 Greek Revival Lanier Mansion, the intriguing two-story Eleutherian College, founded in 1848 by Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society, and the 1814 Masonic Schofield House, the first Grand Mason Lodge in Indiana.

The town is also located by the Clifty Falls State Park, a place with gentle waterfalls cascading over limestone cliffs.

Marshall

This tiny town only has just over 300 people, making it easy to forget. However, Marshall hides one of the best-kept secrets in Indiana: the Turkey Run State Park. This park has picturesque views alongside sandstone ravines and forest trails. It has a challenging hike called the 5-mile challenge, which will take hikers through 3 canyons, up a ladder, and across a suspension bridge.

One can also see the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin, a philanthropist and the founder of the state's parks. There are multiple intriguing spots in the park, such as the Narrows Covered Bridge, a red structure that transports one back into the past. The park also offers fishing and a saddle barn offering rental horse rides.

New Albany

Also located on the Ohio River, New Albany was established by the Scribner brothers from New York in 1817. It is right across from Louisville, Kentucky, and has often been described as having a Brooklyn vibe. Visitors can see this vibe up close with the many historic buildings in New Albany, including the original 1814 Scribner House or the awe-inspiring Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, built in 1867 by the richest man in Indiana, William Culbertson.

One of the best ways to explore the town is to go for a walk on the Ohio River Greenway, a 7-mile trail that runs to the nearby communities of Jeffersonville and Clarksville and connects up to the Falls of the Ohio State Park. Here, one can walk directly on 390 million-year-old Devonian Fossil beds. Lastly, don't forget to check out the town's rich culinary scene, such as the New Albanian, which sells pizza and locally made craft beer.

French Lick

French Lick's stunning beauty comes from an unlikely place: its hotels. French Lick was renowned for its mineral waters, which brought in massive amounts of tourists looking to try the water for its medicinal fr purposes. The French Lick Springs Hotel was first built in the 1840s, and the West Baden Springs Hotel was built a few decades later. This magnificent place was called a wonder of the 麻豆AV for its 200-foot dome, which at one point was the largest freestanding dome in the entire 麻豆AV.

Several activities are near these two hotels, including the French Lick Scenic Railway, which goes through the Hoosier National Forest, and the French Lick West Baden Museum, which features the 麻豆AV's largest circus diorama. Nearby, the 8,800-acre Patoka Lake offers hiking, fishing, biking, and boating.

Porter

Porter is home to one of the most visited attractions in Indiana: the Indiana Dunes National Park. This park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, which has left behind a fascinating, diverse landscape. Within its 15,000 acres, one can hike more than 50 miles of trails in wetlands, over sand dunes, or through prairies. The 3 Dunes Challenge hike is a favorite among hikers in the area.

History buffs have a lot to see here as well, such as five houses from the 1933 Chicago 麻豆AV's Fair, which were built to invoke futuristic themes from the 20^th century. Lastly, one can experience 15 miles of pristine beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan at Porter Beach or nearby Dunbar Beach.

Nashville

Nashville is a favorite among those looking for a weekend retreat in Indiana. Nestled in the rolling hills of Brown County, there are numerous outdoor places to explore. These include Brown County State Park, which has playgrounds, hilly hiking trails, and more, as well as Yellowwood State Forest. These parks are also a popular spot to get married due to the beautiful landscapes.

The downtown area of Nashville is filled with cute artist galleries, shops, and places to eat, like Eli's Gallery and Framery, the Mulberry Cottage gift shop, and the Big Woods Brewing Company. Lastly, there is a hidden inn nestled in the woods called Story Inn, a cute 19th-century structure that is called the most inconvenient inn in the 麻豆AV. There are a few ghost stories associated with this inn as well!

Shipshewana

Shipshewana regularly finds itself on lists of charming Indiana towns due to its quaint rural setting, Amish attractions, and antique shops. The Menno-Hof interpretive center provides information on the Amish and Mennonite people who call this town home, while Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery serves delicious Amish food.

By taking a Buggy Lane Tour or Blue Gate Carriage, visitors can get the full Amish buggy experience. For those who want to head out on foot, the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail can't be beaten. It winds for 17 miles to Goshen, with several stops on the way for ice cream. Lastly, shoppers can discover locally made antiques and goods at the massive Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market.

Corydon

This town is very proud of its long history, which is preserved for visitors and residents to enjoy. Corydon served as the first state capital of Indiana from 1816 to 1825. As a result, stepping into this town is like entering a time capsule. In the downtown area, one can visit the Federal style Historic First State Capitol Building and Governor Hendricks Headquarters from the early 1800s. The area is also home to the Harrison County Discovery Center, which has information on Corydon's history, the Civil War, natural history, and caves.

Corydon is also close to the Indiana Caverns, which provides an underwater boat ride through this beautiful cave system. There is plenty to do above ground as well, such as O'Bannon Woods, which has hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails.

Vincennes

Vincennes is the oldest founded town in Indiana, as French settlers set up a fort here in 1732 to guard their fur trade with Native Americans. As one would expect, there are multiple stunning historic monuments to see here. The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park celebrates the conquest of the Old Northwest Territory from the French, with the largest national monument in the U.S. outside of Washington, DC. The Original Territory Capitol Building is a striking red brick building that housed the territory legislature from 1800 to 1813.

Other than these historic structures, Vincennes has the Art Space Gallery with local exhibitions from Amy DeLap and Andrew Jendrzejewski and the Sugar Loaf Native American Mound utilized by the Woodland Era Native Americans in the 1100s. There are so many beautiful places to see in Vincennes that it will likely take an entire weekend.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a unique town for many reasons. For one, it has a festive name and a fun spirit that celebrates Christmas all year. Visitors can experience this at the Santa Claus Christmas Store, which has Christmas gifts, treats, wreaths, and lights on display for sale, and the Santa Claus Museum & Village. Here, one can find the 1856 post office where children can send letters to Santa, along with the 1880 Santa Claus Church, where legend has it the name of the town was selected by children who thought they heard the bells from Santa's reindeer.

For another, Santa Claus is home to the locally owned Holiday 麻豆AV & Splashin' Safari, which has several wooden roller coasters and water rides. Lastly, this charming town is a few minutes away from the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Lincoln State Park, where Abraham Lincoln grew up. This stunning town is certainly worth a visit.

Jasper

Indiana drew in settlers from all around the 麻豆AV, including German Catholics. Jasper was a major center for these immigrants, and their influence can be felt in one of the most breathtaking monasteries in the Midwest, the Monastery Immaculate Conception. Home to the Sisters of Saint Benedict, one can tour the grounds and the outdoor grotto or enjoy a beer at St. Benedict's Brew Works. Guests can learn more about Jasper's long history at the Dubois County Museum, the largest of its kind in Indiana, or see old buildings like the Jasper City Mill within the Old Jasper District. There is also a state forest in nearby Ferdinand, the Ferdinand State Forest, where one can take a boat out onto the lake or go for a swim.

There are many other towns one could discuss in Indiana that also have unique landmarks and landscapes. But these towns are certainly worth the time of any traveler looking for a fun time. Hikers will want to try out the hiking challenges in Porter or Marshall. Architectural enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the mansions of New Albany and Madison. These stunning towns are proof that Indiana isn't just for racing and corn.