Â鶹AV

From the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan in the north to the rolling hills and lush farmland of the south, Indiana is an inviting destination that welcomes around 80 million visitors a year. Those travelers are hitting the hotspots, soaking up the city life in bustling Indianapolis or strolling the historic streets of Fort Wayne, but you’ll find the true heart of the Hoosier State in its vibrant, small towns. They may be tiny, but these charming communities have lots to offer. Check out these hidden gems to experience a magical Midwest vacation, whether you’re just getting to know Indiana or a repeat visitor.

Angola

Historic Angola was founded in 1838 and hasn’t grown much since then. Home to just under 10,000 residents, this small town is proud of its history, with several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Take a self-guided walking tour to check out some beautiful period architecture including the 1868 Courthouse and 1877 Old Steuben County Jail. Visit the Cline Museum to learn more and browse exhibits on local history.

When you’ve explored downtown Angola, head out of town to nearby Pokagon State Park, where you’ll find a beautiful lake, an interpretive nature center, scenic hiking trails, and Indiana’s only refrigerated toboggan, which is open from Thanksgiving through to March.

Corydon

The quaint town of Corydon in southern Indiana was the state’s first capital. A visit to this quiet town is a visit to the past as you explore its historic streets. Call the Blaine H Wiseman Visitor Center to pick up a walking map of downtown’s many historic sites.

Corydon is also a great base from which to explore the below-ground thrills of the Indiana Caverns. Take a tour to enjoy a 25-minute boat ride through the subterranean caves, viewing hidden waterfalls and prehistoric rock formations.

In summer, downtown Corydon plays host to a very unusual event, the Harrison County Popcorn Festival. A huge agricultural fair, this two-day extravaganza features a parade, games, fireworks, live entertainment, a beer garden, and — best of all — a popcorn cannon.

Aurora

On the banks of the Ohio River, Aurora is a vibrant small town with a walkable downtown and beautiful waterfront views. One of the top attractions in town is the Hillforest Mansion, an Italian Renaissance-style home built in the mid-1800s for local shipping magnate Thomas Gaff. The impressive house overlooks the river and is packed with original period furnishings. Hillforest is open for tours from April through to December.

On a beautiful day, you can enjoy Aurora’s natural charms from Lesko Park, where you’ll find picnic shelters, a playground, and a scenic bike path that meanders alongside the river. If you’d rather get out on the water, head to Waterways Park which has a canoe and kayak launch as well as fishing facilities.

After all that activity, quench your thirst and support a local business at the Great Crescent Brewery, a family-owned and operated brewery housed in a historic building that dates back to 1843. Try some of the seasonal brews or book a tour of the brewery to see behind the scenes.

Nashville

South of Indianapolis and west of Columbus, Nashville is often overlooked by travelers en route to the big city, but it’s well worth making the stop to explore this hidden gem. Nashville began life as a small artists’ colony and has retained its quirky, cozy feel with eclectic boutiques and family-owned stores. Check out the Brown County Art Gallery to see original works by local artists from the past and present. Founded in 1926, the gallery hosts rotating exhibits and workshops. For good food, fascinating history, and unique gifts all in one store, call into the Nashville House, a local landmark since 1927.

Nashville is also the gateway to Brown County State Park, the largest in Indiana, and home to one of the highest points, Weed Patch Hill. Within its 15,696 acres, you’ll find campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and a nature center. The park also includes a lodge, spa, and Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Fortville

Among the pastoral paradise of Hancock County in central Indiana is Fortville, a charming town with a very unusual unofficial mascot. You can’t miss the huge, pink, martini-drinking elephant outside Fortville Elite Beverage, a nod to the old expression ‘seeing pink elephants’ meaning intoxicated.

If you’re visiting Fortville in summer, head to Wild Blackberry Farms to spend a magical afternoon picking your own berries while enjoying the tranquil beauty of this 40-acre family-owned farm. The farm also hosts an annual Blackberry Festival which celebrates the sweet fruit with live entertainment and delicious desserts.

Get more outdoor fun at Flat Fork Creek Park, which boasts mountain bike courses, a fishing pond, a boardwalk, and a nature trail. In winter, the park is a popular spot for families who enjoy sliding down the 60-foot sledding hill.

Brazil

Brazil is a historic town, settled in 1838 as a stopping place for wagon trains heading west. Visit the Clay County Historical Society Museum to learn more about this era in Brazil’s history and how the town grew over the centuries to become the vibrant community it is today.

History lovers will also enjoy a tour around the Clay County Courthouse, built in 1914 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Another local landmark, the Chafariz Dos Contos Fountain, has an interesting story behind it. The fountain was gifted to Brazil in 1956 by its namesake in South America and is a replica of a fountain in Ouro Preto, Brazil. There’s another reference to the town’s friendship with Brazil in its colorful downtown murals, one of which depicts a South American woman in traditional dress.

The Chafariz Dos Contos Fountain sits at the entrance to Brazil Forest Park, 49 acres of scenic woodlands which include walking trails, picnic shelters, a swimming pool, and historic log cabins dating back to the 1850s.

Off The Beaten Track in Indiana

The Hoosier State is the 15th most populated state in the nation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get away from the crowds. You just have to know where to go. Indiana has plenty of off-the-beaten-track destinations that others might miss. Seasoned travelers know that these small towns are the heartbeat of the Midwest, giving visitors a chance to mingle with locals, attend town events, browse family-owned businesses, and discover new experiences. Take a photo with a pink, cocktail-quaffing elephant, explore underground caves by boat, tour a 19th-century mansion — whatever you’re into, Indiana’s hidden gems are full of surprises.