Indiana Vacation Planner

2024 Indiana Visitors Guide

Indiana is known as both the Hoosier State and the Crossroads of America. Indiana is comprised of one major city, the capital of Indianapolis, as well as many smaller cities and towns. After a major redevelopment of the downtown area in the 1980s and 90s, Indianapolis is thriving as an economic center and a tourist destination. Many museums, such as the Indiana State Museum and various sporting events—particularly the acclaimed Indianapolis 500—draw in significant numbers of tourists every year. Throughout the area of northern Indiana, there are plenty of well-kept secrets for visitors to enjoy. In Fort Wayne history lovers will want to visit the Lincoln Museum, which is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln’s life and contribution to society. Also in this part of the state are the Northern Indiana Center for History in South Bend and the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame—home of the fighting Irish. In Evansville, a historic riverfront town in southern Indiana, visitors are sure to enjoy the Willard Library (circa 1885), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is said by some to be haunted.

North Indiana Visitors Guide

North Indiana is home to a wealth of activities and adventures for the whole family. South Bend and Fort Wayne are two of the larger towns in the area, each offering a host of services and amenities. One of the more popular local attractions is the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, which features educational exhibits that seek to familiarize visitors with a variety of flora and fauna from around the world. The Northern Indiana Center for History in South Bend provides a valuable resource for those interested in a historical perspective of Indiana. This area of the state also has a number of parks that offer everything from camping and hiking to picnicking and sunbathing.

South Indiana Visitors Guide

As the third-largest city in the state, Evansville offers visitors a rich heritage and a number of activities to enjoy while in Southern Indiana. The 150-acre Burdette Park and Aquatic Center offer a water park, a professional-grade BMX track, camping facilities and chalets for guests wishing to stay in the area. For gaming enthusiasts, the Ellis Park Racetrack is just minutes from downtown Evansville, and thoroughbred races are featured five days a week from July to Labour Day. Terre Haute is another important Southern Indiana city, featuring several appealing sites for visitors to explore. Some of the more prominent attractions here include the University of Indiana, a well-regarded liberal arts institution, and the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, which is dedicated to bringing educational science exhibits to kids. The Ohio River also runs through this part of the state, providing scenic walks and an attractive environment for visitors to enjoy.

Indianapolis Visitors Guide

Indianapolis is the world-renowned host city to the Indianapolis 500: the largest single-day sporting event in the world. As a tourist destination, the state capital of Indiana is a well-kept secret and has much more to offer than just auto racing. Indianapolis is thriving with exciting attractions, thrilling sporting events, great dining, and unique shopping. White River State Park is located in the downtown center of Indianapolis—it seems to offer something for everyone. The park is home to several of the city’s finest attractions including the Indianapolis Zoo, the IMAX Theater, the NCAA Hall of Champions, White River Gardens, the Indiana State Museum, the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, Victory Field, and the Eiteljorg Museum—featuring a showcase collection of American Indian and Western art. As a major sports center, Indianapolis is also home to many professional and amateur sports teams including the Indiana Pacers for NBA basketball, the Indianapolis Colts for NFL football and the Indianapolis Indians for triple-A baseball.

Fort Wayne, IN Visitors Guide

Fort Wayne may not be the largest city in Indiana but thanks to the numerous attractions, multiple restaurants and the opportunity to shop around almost every corner, it can definitely be considered one of the areas most popular. In Fort Wayne visitors will find that variety can almost be considered a theme. Restaurants range from steakhouses to authentic Mexican and Italian eateries. Shopping centers have everything from antiques, home appliances and brand-name clothes to exclusive, locally-designed apparel. When it comes time for fun, Fort Wayne has attractions for all ages, including the Children’s Zoo, where children can see animals from around the world; The Lincoln Museum, which has the world’s largest collection of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia; and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, with a large collection of artwork including pieces by Picasso.

South Bend, IN Visitors Guide

Located 131 mi (211km) from the capital city of Indianapolis, South Bend was named for the large southern curve in the St. Joseph River which borders portions of the city. The river has played a continuous role in the growth of the city, from once bolstering a productive sawmill to currently providing an attractive natural environment for outdoor activities. Scattered throughout the city are eighteen community parks available for public day use. Paved walking and mountain bike trails, seasonal water parks and both fitness and recreational centers are just a few of the amenities incorporated into these areas. The first artificial whitewater rafting course in North America, named the East Race Waterway, is available for use by the public as well as training athletes. Additional sporting experiences are available at the College Football Hall of Fame, where interactive exhibits invite fans to experience the game from a player—s perspective.

Evansville, IN Visitors Guide

Evansville is found in central Indiana, an area that typifies the American Mid-West. From casino gaming to walks along the Ohio River to go-kart racing, there are attractions for the whole family in Evansville. A variety of accommodations are located in the area and range from hotels to campgrounds. Education is at the fore in Evansville as well, with four different institutions offering a range of courses that include vocational and liberal arts courses. One such establishment is the University of Southern Indiana, known as a research facility with a focus on practical applications. Complimenting the attractions in Evansville is a wide selection of dining options, including ethnic restaurants that specialize in Japanese, Mexican and German cuisine.