Indiana holidays

Indiana often flies under the tourism radar. But to overlook the ‘Hoosier State’ is to miss out on a world of picturesque scenery and classic Midwestern hospitality. Explore attraction-rich cities, lakeside beaches and diverse cultures from Indigenous nations to Amish communities. Throw in big plates of hearty comfort food, and you’ll soon be adding holidays to Indiana to your travel wish list.

Top destinations in Indiana

Indianapolis

Indianapolis offers a unique blend of city living and small-town charm. Discover the rich culture, lush green spaces and motor racing scene of this Midwest metropolis.

Lafayette

This Midwestern college town makes a perfect city break. From historical museums to charming parks and a century-old farmers’ market, every turn reveals something new.

South Bend

Perched on the St Joseph River and crowned by a golden dome, this picturesque city blends historical architecture with outdoor adventures and fascinating museums.

Indiana: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Indianapolis - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)

High season

May – September

Low season

January – March

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Indiana holiday highlights

Indiana
Karl Zemlin

Amish Country

One of the best things to do in Indiana is explore its Amish Country around Elkhart and LaGrange counties. Get to know the community’s history at the Menno-Hof information centre in Shipshewana and shop for handmade goods along the Elkhart County Heritage Trail. While it’s great to interact with the Amish communities, avoid photographing people without their consent.

Native American heritage

Indiana has a deep-rooted connection to the Indigenous nations that first populated it — after all, its name means ‘land of the Indians’. Get a glimpse of the region’s past at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. And take time to visit Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a Native American village on the banks of the Ohio River.

Sports culture

Home of the Indianapolis 500, basketball icons like Larry Bird and one of the first-ever major league baseball games, Indiana’s sports heritage runs deep. Catch an Indianapolis Colts NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium, or see the Indiana Pacers basketball team play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. To learn more about the state’s sports culture, visit the NCAA Hall of Champions’ interactive museum.

Things to do in Indiana

Indianapolis
Scott Crone

Top attractions

The living dunes of Indiana Dunes National Park are home to hiking trails, sandy beaches and incredible plant and animal diversity. Don’t miss the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has earned the city the nickname the ‘Racing Capital of the World’. The Heritage Trail in Elkhart County winds through seven scenic Amish communities, museums and historical sites.

Beaches

Indiana has some of the best beaches in the Midwest, especially around Lake Michigan in the north and Lake Monroe in the south. Spend a day relaxing on one of the beaches along Indiana Dunes National Park’s shoreline. Pokagon State Park’s beaches on Lake James are popular with swimmers and boaters. Travelling with kids? Head to Whihala Beach and its floating waterpark.

Nature

From caves and canyons to rolling hills and great plains, Indiana has plenty of stunning nature to explore. In Southern Indiana, the Indiana Cave Trail invites you to explore a variety of underground trails. Inside the Lieber State Recreation Area, you’ll find Cataract Falls, the state’s biggest gusher. If you’re looking to spot wildlife, choose from over 60 birdwatching locations along the Indiana Birding Trail.

Cuisine

The food here reflects its rural landscape. Many dishes focus on local staples like corn, wheat and apples. Tuck into fried chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches, and finish your meal with a fat slice of sugar cream pie. Craving an authentic taste of the state? Head to The Log Inn in Haubstadt, one of the oldest restaurants in Indiana.

Culture and museums

The Indiana State Museum is the best museum in Indiana for local history. It houses exhibits about the state from prehistoric times to the present day. Travelling as a family? Let little ones loose at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest of its kind in the world. And if you love cars, cruise by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum.

Nightlife

Game night may draw the crowds, but nightlife in Indiana goes well beyond the stadium. In South Bend, cheer on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at a lively sports bar. Or catch stand-up comedy in Bloomington. Indianapolis hotspots like Massachusetts Avenue and Fountain Square mix bars and venues, while The Rathskeller restaurant pairs German fare with live music.

Find the best time to visit Indiana

Weather in Indiana through the year

March – May: Early spring weather can be unpredictable. But by the time the Indy 500 rolls around in late May, the days are usually warm and clear.

June – August: Indiana sees most of its rain during late spring and early summer. The weather can be hot and often quite humid. To beat the heat, head to Lake Michigan, where offshore breezes keep things cool.

September – November: For many people, autumn is the best time to visit Indiana. It’s drier than summer, and warm days last through October. Plus, it’s American football season.

December – February: The Great Lakes can bring heavy snow to northern Indiana. Temperatures usually average around freezing, and cold snaps and high wind chill are common.

Events in Indiana

Indianapolis 500 (May): Experience the thrill as world-class drivers race around the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a legendary test of speed and endurance. Part of the unofficial ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’, it’s long been hailed as the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival (October): Indiana’s largest festival attracts two million visitors each year to explore the region’s 31 historic covered bridges. Brilliant autumn foliage provides the backdrop for an event filled with delicious food, artisan crafts and small-town charm.

A Merry Prairie Holiday (December): At Conner Prairie, a 19th-century living history museum, Christmas magic takes over with sparkling lights, carol singers and a whimsical North Pole village.

Know before you go

Budget

The ‘Hoosier State’ is considered one of the country’s more affordable destinations, making cheap holidays to Indiana easy to plan. When budgeting for your trip, expect to pay around 25 US dollars ($) for a simple meal in a restaurant and less than $5 for a coffee. If you need to catch a taxi, a short ride usually costs less than $10.

Health and safety

Tornado season peaks in late spring and early summer. Keep an eye on the weather and take tornado warnings seriously. Lake Michigan’s tranquil shores can hide dangerous currents and sharp drop-offs. Posted signs alert swimmers to rip currents and high waves. When hiking, use plenty of insect repellent and look out for poison ivy, which can cause an irritating rash.

Free things to do

The Indy Art Center’s ARTSPARK and Virginia B Fairbanks Art and Nature Park take art outdoors with sculpture installations and walking trails. Catch free concerts at the Artsgarden in Indianapolis or at Switchyard Park in Bloomington. Across the state, farmers markets invite browsing, people watching and the chance to sample fresh local produce.

Family friendly

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest of its kind in the world, sparks imaginations with interactive exhibits ranging from Egyptian mummies to space exploration. In the town of Santa Claus, attractions like Santa’s Candy Castle and Holiday World keep the festive spirit alive. Bloomington’s WonderLab Museum offers hands-on exploration in science, health and technology.

Getting around Indiana

Indianapolis
2021, Walt Kuhn

Public transport

Buses: Regional operators Barons Bus and Burlington Trailways offer intercity service across the Midwest, including stops in major Indiana cities. Greyhound and FlixBus provide national connections through Indianapolis, while smaller transit networks operate within communities across the state.

Trains: Amtrak’s Cardinal line connects New York and Chicago by way of Indianapolis, while the Lake Shore Limited runs through northern Indiana with a stop in South Bend. Both offer scenic routes and convenient access to nearby states.

Domestic flights

Indianapolis International Airport is Indiana’s largest, with non-stop service to destinations across the US and limited international flights. For Lake Michigan beach trips — or wider international options — Chicago O’Hare is often the more convenient hub.

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Driving and car hire

Indiana is crisscrossed by major interstates and highways, making road travel straightforward and easy. Expect heavy traffic around Indianapolis, particularly during rush hour. You’ll also likely experience congestion on I-65 between Indianapolis and Chicago. For a more relaxing journey, explore one of the state’s many scenic byways. Indiana’s Historic Pathways National Scenic Byway traces the ancient Buffalo Trace, once used by millions of migrating bison as they moved across the prairie landscape.

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FAQs about Indiana holidays

Indianapolis may be known first as a sports town, but it’s also one of the Midwest’s top cultural hubs. Visitors can cheer on the Pacers at a basketball game, then spend the same evening applauding an encore at the symphony or exploring the city’s arts districts.
You’ll want to spend at least four days enjoying Indiana’s cities, museums, Amish Country and natural attractions. If you plan on visiting the state’s lakeside beaches, consider extending your trip to a week.
The best time to visit Indiana is between May and October when pleasant weather and outdoor events like the Indy 500 attract plenty of crowds. The late summer and autumn months between mid-August and October are especially great for outdoor activities. Spring and early summer are popular times too, but unpredictable weather and frequent rain showers may impact outdoor fun.
Overall, Indiana is considered safe to visit, but as with all destinations, you should always be aware of your surroundings. The state can sometimes experience extreme weather events like tornadoes, flooding and snowstorms, so keep an eye on news alerts when travelling.
English is Indiana’s official language, but you’ll hear a range of other languages spoken here too, including Spanish and Pennsylvania Dutch (a German dialect spoken by the Amish). Want to blend in? People from Indiana call themselves ‘Hoosiers,’ soda is ‘pop’ and ‘ope’ means ‘oops’.
You’ll use US dollars ($) on your trip to Indiana. Although some Amish stores will accept credit cards, you may want to have cash on hand for visiting roadside stands and farmers markets. Plan to tip around 20% at restaurants.