There is so much to do in Indiana, especially once it gets warm outside. From sporting events to cultural exhibits, fine dining to the great outdoors, Hoosiers have so much to do it can almost be overwhelming. Don’t worry! We’ve put together a bucket list of all of the best and top rated things to do in Indiana. If you’re lost on what to do this summer, use this bucket list for inspiration.

  1. Visit the Indiana Dunes

Steve Johnson/Flickr Whether you’ve never been or haven’t been in years, make sure a trip to the gorgeous beaches across the Indiana Dunes is on your list.

  1. Explore Nashville

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Nashville, Indiana is a charming small town in Brown County that you have to check out at least once. This historic artists colony has amazing antiques and crafts shops, fantastic art galleries, and lovely theaters and music venues.

  1. Take in the Architecture in Columbus

Danube66/Flickr Columbus is well known for its architecture, including its famous churches, North Christian Church and First Christian Church. If you’ve never explored these buildings, you have to add them to your list.

  1. Enjoy the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival/Facebook This year’s festival takes place on September 10th, and you absolutely need to be there. If you’ve never attended one before, get ready for great food, great fun, and a ton of popcorn.

  1. Discover Marengo Cave

Manas Tungare/Flickr This stunning cave offers two different tours that are great for groups of friends, couples, and even kids. Prepare to be amazed by checking out Marengo Cave this summer.

  1. Enjoy Clifty Falls State Park

Mark Moschell/Flickr This amazing state park in Madison, Indiana showcases the beauty of the southern part of Indiana. Camp in the park, hike along the numerous trails, and take in the gorgeous falls. Explore downtown Madison while you’re there, too.

  1. Go to the Indiana State Fair

Jim Grey/Flickr The State Fair is a staple for Hoosiers and if you haven’t been, you absolutely have to check it out this year. From amazing food and rides, to animals, vendors, and musical acts, you won’t be disappointed.

  1. Camp out at Hardin Ridge

Bart Heird/Flickr Hardin Ridge in Heltonville is located within the Hoosier National Forest, and is a popular place for camping. If you’re looking for a fantastic rustic spot to escape to, you’ll love Hardin Ridge. They offer nature walks, picnic areas, swimming, and boating.

  1. Have Fun at Indiana Beach

Jeremy Thompson/Flickr Indiana Beach in Monticello is an awesome place to bring the family for a day trip. Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and amazing food.

  1. Win Big at the Tropicana Evansville Casino Riverboat

Lori SR/Flickr Formerly the Casino Aztar, this awesome riverboat casino is an experience every Hoosier should enjoy at least once in their lives.

  1. Get Wild at Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue in Brookville

Wolf Creek Habitat/Facebook Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with wild animals? At Wolf Creek Habitats, you can. Visit these stunning rescued wolves, pet them, and learn more about wild animals.

  1. Check Out the University of Notre Dame

fteleaders/Flickr If you’ve never seen this prestigious university up close, you absolutely need to check it out. Explore the stunning architecture and take a stroll around South Bend while you’re there.

  1. Learn About Your Dairy at Fair Oaks Farms

Michael Kappel/Flickr Want to show your kids where milk or cheese come from? Bring them to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks to explore a real working dairy farm and meet some of the cows.

  1. Stay at the Stunning West Baden Springs Hotel

Paul/Flickr This gorgeous French Lick hotel is a place everyone should visit, especially those of us who live in Indiana. Explore historic French Lick while you’re there…that is, if you can bear to leave this beautiful hotel.

  1. Get Cultured at the Indiana University Art Museum

Alyson Hurt/Flickr Visit Bloomington to take a peek around this amazing museum of art. While you’re at it, check out the rest of the campus.

  1. Go for a Dip at White Rock Park in St. Paul

Larissa B./Yelp Feeling the summer heat? No worries. Go for a quick swim in White Rock Park. Looking for more adventure? Try zip lining or cliff diving!

  1. Take a Trip to the Kesling Wetland

Dave Cornwell/Flickr The Kesling Wetland is part of the Merry Lea Environmental Center located in Albion. This stunning property is part of Goshen College’s learning center and is a sight you have to see for yourself.

  1. Check Out the Hall of Fame Museum at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

wikimedia This amazing museum, located in Speedway offers race lovers a glimpse into racing history. Learn more about your favorite drivers and view some of the most famous cars in this museum.

  1. Explore the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

Mike Souza/Flickr This popular children’s zoo is one of the best places in the state to entertain kids and adults alike. Come explore the 1,000+ animals in this highly acclaimed zoo.

  1. Eat at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse

Linda-Lovin Life L./Yelp Any Hoosier who hasn’t eaten at the famous St. Elmo’s Steakhouse should try out this restaurant at least once in their lifetime. Find out what all the hype is about at this Indianapolis staple.

Which of these 20 awesome bucket list items do you want to check off first? How many have you completed so far?

Steve Johnson/Flickr

Whether you’ve never been or haven’t been in years, make sure a trip to the gorgeous beaches across the Indiana Dunes is on your list.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Nashville, Indiana is a charming small town in Brown County that you have to check out at least once. This historic artists colony has amazing antiques and crafts shops, fantastic art galleries, and lovely theaters and music venues.

Danube66/Flickr

Columbus is well known for its architecture, including its famous churches, North Christian Church and First Christian Church. If you’ve never explored these buildings, you have to add them to your list.

Valparaiso Popcorn Festival/Facebook

This year’s festival takes place on September 10th, and you absolutely need to be there. If you’ve never attended one before, get ready for great food, great fun, and a ton of popcorn.

Manas Tungare/Flickr

This stunning cave offers two different tours that are great for groups of friends, couples, and even kids. Prepare to be amazed by checking out Marengo Cave this summer.

Mark Moschell/Flickr

This amazing state park in Madison, Indiana showcases the beauty of the southern part of Indiana. Camp in the park, hike along the numerous trails, and take in the gorgeous falls. Explore downtown Madison while you’re there, too.

Jim Grey/Flickr

The State Fair is a staple for Hoosiers and if you haven’t been, you absolutely have to check it out this year. From amazing food and rides, to animals, vendors, and musical acts, you won’t be disappointed.

Bart Heird/Flickr

Hardin Ridge in Heltonville is located within the Hoosier National Forest, and is a popular place for camping. If you’re looking for a fantastic rustic spot to escape to, you’ll love Hardin Ridge. They offer nature walks, picnic areas, swimming, and boating.

Jeremy Thompson/Flickr

Indiana Beach in Monticello is an awesome place to bring the family for a day trip. Enjoy roller coasters, water rides, and amazing food.

Lori SR/Flickr

Formerly the Casino Aztar, this awesome riverboat casino is an experience every Hoosier should enjoy at least once in their lives.

Wolf Creek Habitat/Facebook

Have you ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with wild animals? At Wolf Creek Habitats, you can. Visit these stunning rescued wolves, pet them, and learn more about wild animals.

fteleaders/Flickr

If you’ve never seen this prestigious university up close, you absolutely need to check it out. Explore the stunning architecture and take a stroll around South Bend while you’re there.

Michael Kappel/Flickr

Want to show your kids where milk or cheese come from? Bring them to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks to explore a real working dairy farm and meet some of the cows.

Paul/Flickr

This gorgeous French Lick hotel is a place everyone should visit, especially those of us who live in Indiana. Explore historic French Lick while you’re there…that is, if you can bear to leave this beautiful hotel.

Alyson Hurt/Flickr

Visit Bloomington to take a peek around this amazing museum of art. While you’re at it, check out the rest of the campus.

Larissa B./Yelp

Feeling the summer heat? No worries. Go for a quick swim in White Rock Park. Looking for more adventure? Try zip lining or cliff diving!

Dave Cornwell/Flickr

The Kesling Wetland is part of the Merry Lea Environmental Center located in Albion. This stunning property is part of Goshen College’s learning center and is a sight you have to see for yourself.

wikimedia

This amazing museum, located in Speedway offers race lovers a glimpse into racing history. Learn more about your favorite drivers and view some of the most famous cars in this museum.

Mike Souza/Flickr

This popular children’s zoo is one of the best places in the state to entertain kids and adults alike. Come explore the 1,000+ animals in this highly acclaimed zoo.

Linda-Lovin Life L./Yelp

Any Hoosier who hasn’t eaten at the famous St. Elmo’s Steakhouse should try out this restaurant at least once in their lifetime. Find out what all the hype is about at this Indianapolis staple.

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