Indiana is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Indiana experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Indiana you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park
- Address: 1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (8606)
- Phone: +1 219-395-1882
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park
- Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (6394)
- Phone: +1 219-926-1952
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Reviews:
We were here during summer and the line to enter the parking was huge. It took a while for us to get a spot in the Parking area. However, it was worth the wait. Although it’s on the shores of lake Michigan, the beach gave us a feeling as if we were on some Ocean beach. Midwest’s very own coast, I’d say 🙂 Plus, the water here is fresh water. We took the 3 dune challenge followed by spending time catching a spectacular sunset with Chicago’s skyline at the backdrop. Recommended to visit on a weekday when there is less rush.By Saiprabhu B (8 months ago)Absolutely beautiful park with many trails through the forest and over the dunes.
Beautiful nature center with clean bathrooms and a water bottle filling station.
We came in July and were glad we carried bug spray. The wooded trails had lots of biting flies and mosquitoes but the spray worked great.
Park by the nature center to hike the three dunes challenge. Entrance into state park is $12 for out of state cars.
Best to hike with sandals. Parts of the trail are deep sand and steep incline. There are plenty of places to stop and catch you breath. Beautiful and peaceful location.
By Rebecca Munoz (6 months ago)This may be my favorite state park ever…and I’ve been to a LOT of state parks. It is clean, beautiful, well-maintained and set up very nicely. The beach and dunes are stunning, the plants and scenery are breathtaking and the staff is very friendly and helpful. One comment…I am disabled, and the restrooms and showers here are the most handicap- friendly I’ve ever used. The campsites are level and far enough apart to be comfortable. They only have electric hookups, but there are water-fill stations and dump stations as well. Very pet-friendly also! We stayed here in a Class C motorhome and will definitely come back again! So many things to see and do!By Michele Pappagallo (4 months ago)You could spend a day and a half hiking this unique IN state park with dunes, trails, beach and a nice pavilion. Dunes offer fun in the sand & pretty views of Lake Michigan. Trails are long and the campground has lots of space but you MUST book months in advance to get a spot. I recommend bug spray if you are walking the long trails in the woods especially trail 8, 9 & 10. Pavilion is nice (3 floors) with food, an event venue and a roof top bar. The bar is 21+ and is a great end to the day watching the sunset with some live music – I was in athletic shorts and a crew neck with sandals, so no dress code, but others were definitely more dressed up than I. Entry fee is $7 if you don’t have a pass- I’d recommend getting there early if you don’t want to wait in a two lane long line and walk from overflow parking. Beach is clean, gets packed, but there is plenty of space. Great 1.5 day trip for me and would recommend for just that.By Madison Miazgowicz (6 months ago)Amazing state park that has both a unique forest and a blue and clean lake with white sand on its shore.There are miles of hiking trails to walk and enjoy and miles of beaches to sun bath or swim.
There is an entrance fee of 12 per car which on my visit needed to be paid only by cash .
There are many free parkings but the ones that are close to the beach are taken early morning .
Nice place to explore
By Owen R (6 months ago)
Turkey Run State Park
- Address: 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (5770)
- Phone: +1 765-597-2635
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
It was the first time visiting for my four year old daughter and I and I’ll tell you what she was in awe as much as I.
We didn’t cover the whole property but in six hours we seen so much beautiful landscape and exotic sandstone carving.
They have a public swimming pool also so after all the hiking and splashing around its a perfect place to end the day.We drove 3 hours total there and back and I would do it again in a heart beat.
By Cody Smith (7 months ago)The best park in Indiana, my eyes for this beautiful gem of a forest in Marshall. I love the trails, the geysers, the rugged landscape and the tough and not so tough hikes. I have enjoyed the scenic beauty of each of natures creation and so enjoy hiking endlessly for hours mesmerized by Turkey run’s beauty. Ample parking, kids area, camping spots, an inn for campers and sufficient provisions for campers as well as hikers. There’s a $7 fee at the entrance and allows access to the entire park. You are given a good map and pamphlet which includes all details to the park. Lovely tourist spot!By G Fatima (6 months ago)This was our second visit to Turkey Run. We hiked trail 3 which is one of the more rugged trails. We had to go through streams, small gorges, and up and down tall ladders. A thunderstorm passed through in the middle of our hike but the rain was refreshing. Lots of mud when it’s been raining so prepare for that! The temperature was around 95 degrees that day but it is so much cooler through the trails. Such a beautiful place!!By Amanda McFarland (7 months ago)I’ve had this parked saved for a long time and have never been in the area to be able to stop by. But I finally got a chance and I was by myself, and it was already pretty late. So I only got to do one trail (trail 3), and it was absolutely beautiful! I want to come back and explore more of this park again because I know there is just so much more to see. It’s just a gorgeous place to hike and everyone was pretty friendly.By Monica F (6 months ago)We have been to many state parks in and around Indiana and Turkey Run is now my family’s favorite! It has the best of what we always look for when camping (playground, hiking, and kayaking; river preferred). My 3 year old loved the pool and it was nice to go relax for an hour after a few days off pretty rugged hiking and hours of kayaking. The staff was diligent and constantly changing stations (maybe to keep them on their toes?). Regardless, they were on top of things. The one thing I didn’t like was the campground and state park were separated and we had to get on the highway from the campground and drive to the park.By Kara Poling Grubbs (5 months ago)
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
- Address: 5224 E Indiana Beach Rd, Monticello, IN 47960, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.1 (4590)
- Phone: +1 574-583-4141
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Had a great time at this park. Fun rides and an amazing atmosphere. The setting on the lake is fantastic.
Both of the new coasters were closed but it was still fun. It will be even better when they are open and running.
The Shafer Queen boat ride being included with the park ticket was a pleasant surprise and was a great way to view the park from the lake.
The park has a bunch of food options. The taco and fried snickers bar I had at the park were both good.
By Justin D (7 months ago)I like it. It has a nostalgic charm. Reminds me of Cedar Point on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio back in the 60s. It’s charming that some rides are on platforms in the water. Nice touch. I didn’t mind paying the 20$ parking fee (pittance for what you pay for parking in San Francisco)so I could have my camping gear with me to cook my own food. I really can’t imagine bringing a family and buying park food. The park does have a tired presence but I read that they have been on hard times and starting new ownership. It still gives local teenagers a summer job learning people skills and not sitting with their portable electronics. I wouldn’t go out of my way to return, but would return if in the area again. Just not this year.
This is for Ryan’s Pronto Pup: the fried veges…..spot on! The marinara could be a little thicker, just me, but didn’t stop me from dipping.By Debbie Drives and Travels (5 months ago)I would visit this place on a regular basis as a kid and was lucky enough to visit for the first time in probably 20 years just a couple of weeks ago. My husband and I took our kids (6 &9) and they LOVED it. It’s like this place never changed…and I loved that. This is not a Kings Island or Cedar Point- and I don’t mean that to be a drawback, because it is not. It’s a little slower paced, has short lines, plenty of rides, games, food, and has a water park. I can’t say enough about the employees, too. Every person we interacted with that day who worked there was so kind and patient. If your kiddos are 5-13 and not yet ready for the big coasters at the larger amusement parks, this is the place to take them. Please know they do have big roller coasters- they have something for everyone.By miranda acosta (5 months ago)Went here for the first time with my husband and 4 year old daughter today, and it was literally the best day I’ve had in a long time. We all had an absolute blast. The location and atmosphere are just amazing.
Also, HUGE praise to Ava, who was attending the Antique Cars ride. She has phenomenal interpersonal skills. Please give that girl a raise or something!! She was so comfortable striking up conversations with guests. She asked my daughter what her favorite ride was, then gave her a fist-bump when she answered. So sweet.
But I highly recommend this place and absolutely cannot wait to go back. It’s also relatively affordable. We decided to get my daughter a hat to help with the sun, and while most places like this would have charged at LEAST $16 for a simple(but cute!) baseball cap-style hat, this one was only $10.By Emily Creech (7 months ago)Definitely a poor man’s Great America. While not without it’s archaic charm, this place is in desperate need of improvement. Rickety wooden roller coasters that haven’t been painted in years along with railings & stairs. Actually saw a roller coaster beam missing it’s bolts. The gate to the log water ride was literally covered in black electrical tape to hold it together. The cable cars that go way over the length of the park have no safety harnesses. You could literally jump or fall right out. They’re big on lifeguards though. 3 of them for a 2ft wading pool. Food & goods are reasonably priced, which was a plus and one really good roller coaster, “The Hawg” we felt safe on. We paid $27 for our tickets from the campground. I wouldn’t pay a penny more.By Hope Larkin (7 months ago)
White River State Park
- Address: 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4520)
- Phone: +1 317-233-2434
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Reviews:
I have come here for two years in a row during the summer… It’s always a nice place to relax and take pictures. Good atmosphere and tons of activities going on to get involved with.
Recommend as a nice place to relax and possibly have a picnic 🙂
By Ember Douglas (4 months ago)A very cute intersection of city and nature. There’s a little waterfall, I saw a huge white-tailed bird, dragonflies, geese. There’s a more naturey trek just over the bridge. There’s lots of grass, tables, and benches to camp out but I found a huge boulder to have lunch 10/10 would recommend!By L Smith (4 months ago)You can visit over and over and always do and see new things. It’s just so huge a space. So much walking! I suggest you bring a few snacks, maybe a picnic lunch. Your ear buds and a book. And hang out for a few hours. It’s just beautiful and relaxing. A great day anyday.By Breezy Ritter (7 months ago)Five star park here. Beautiful, wide open green spaces are complimented by some wooded areas nearer to downtown. Hang a hammock and relax with the quiet sounds of the city in the background. When I visited, there were some school groups there, enjoying the space. An ultimate team was practicing in one of the open fields. It was a really nice place to wander around, taking in all the pretty sights. Waterfall, river, trees, and the pretty buildings and art. Really cool place to come solo or with your crew. Every time I visit Indy, I visit this park. Oh, and how could I forget the vendors! I went midday, it was hot, and I was starting to feel worn out. I headed back to my hotel to grab food but then ran into the vendors! Super nice, great prices (they take cards!). Pumped that blood sugar back up and spent another hour enjoying the space. Don’t forget to take the trail along the river. Some really excellent shaded spots to sit for a read.By Amber Heck (a year ago)Went to see H.E.R. and it was amazing! I wish there were more food trucks options but it was a fun, bright and loud show. Everything you can ask for in a concert. I didn’t like the fact that they had to hold your bag for $5 but I guess I can understand.By Eddie (8 months ago)
Indiana State Museum
- Address: 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3411)
Indiana War Memorial & Museum
- Address: 55 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (2404)
Mounds State Park
- Address: 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1977)
Conner Prairie
- Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1599)
Prophetstown State Park
- Address: Park Entrance: 5545 Swisher Road Office:, 4112 IN-225, West Lafayette, IN 47906, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1594)
Highland Park
- Address: 900 W Defenbaugh St, Kokomo, IN 46902, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1325)
Wolf Park
- Address: 4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground, IN 47920, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (901)
Indiana Historical Society
- Address: 450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (886)
Indiana is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 12 best place to visit in Indiana – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
The park itself was nice and clean. It is definitely an “urban” National Park. Being a family that lives 40 miles from Lake Erie and has spent a lot of time there, on various parts of its coast, Lake Michigan was so much nicer and appeared cleaner. We stayed a few hours and enjoyed the change of scenery from the Utah deserts we came from. We try to hike at least one trail at every National Park and we hiked the Dune Succession Trail here, which had over 200 steps and went through forest-like parts of the park. Kind of surprising it was more than just a beach park. It changed elevation often. At it highest points, you can see all the huge sand dunes and Lake Michigan. When you aren’t on a boardwalk or steps, the trail is deep, dry sand which makes it difficult to hike on. Definitely a work out fighting that sand!
Lastly, they do not take the National Park Pass, you have to pay that entrance fee. Keep that in mind when you come here as well.
It’s my first time visiting and it was definitely worth it. This park is huge and has very well managed trails. You will get sand in your shoes and the wind off Lake Michigan can be strong. The view was clear enough at the West Beach we could see the Chicago skyline. Just double check where the bathrooms are located and make sure they are open, hard to enjoy a hike if you have to go and you’ve seen signs letting you know there’s cameras keeping watch to make sure people don’t go off trail and damage the delicate environment.
This place is amazing. We initially went to the town instead of to the dunes and we were disappointed because we thought we had miscalculated. As it turns out we found the dunes and the state park. Pro tip. Enter through the free entrance which is just down from the park entrance. The park entrance cost seven dollars. There is a Pavilion and nice clean restrooms. The people are extremely friendly. It says dogs are prohibited however we brought our dog out there because everyone else had their dog out there. It seemed as though as long as the dog was on a leash nobody minded. The parking was free. The beach has the softest Sand you’ve ever felt on your feet. The water was cold. You can see the skyline of Chicago off in the sunset. The most beautiful night!
I decided to go here because of the close proximity to Chicago and because it’s another national park off the list.
I would recommend stopping at the visitor center and grabbing a map and a pass $25. (I got lost at first and I believe if I didn’t get a map the park would’ve been mediocre.)After that, I would head to West Beach and explore the dunes etc. around there. Then I would continue down the highway/shore and stop at every significant location marked. Around dinner time I would stop in Michigan City, which is about ten minutes outside the park. The city offers so many food options and you can see the lighthouse there. After dinner head back in to one of the beaches to witness the sunset. West Beach allows views of the Chicago skyline.
I would say this park offers amazing views of unique ecosystems and nature. However, I thought the views of human pollution and human industry took away from some of the delight (there was a steel mill and coal smoke stack visible all times). The hikes were challenging and also prepare for sand everywhere. The beaches were clean and the water was clear too. Please be careful as the park takes you into Gary and some places are not safe.
Overall, this park was a nice day visit for me. The park satisfied my thirst for nature and beautiful scenery. I would come back again for a day trip that’s about it.
Wow! What a beautiful park. I went just before sundown to hike and catch the sunset on the beach. Then as I was exiting I saw the full moon rise as well — such a treat! There were quite a few people there to witness the sunset when I was there and it’s understandable why. Lovely colors and view of Chicago on the horizon. The dunes were gorgeous as well. I truly enjoyed the hike to the beach and around. There are a lot of stairs, both up and down, whichever direction you decide to complete the loop, but worth the views if stairs would typically deter you. So grateful to have seen this area and had the chance to explore.