Indiana—the Hoosier State—has one central hub: Indianapolis, its capital and largest city. Indy is a treasure trove of culture, natural attractions, and sporting icons, from its Museum of Childhood to White River State Park and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home to the iconic Indy 500). But the best things to do in Indiana don’t stop with its biggest city. From Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan to Notre Dame’s football games and charming Amish Country, this Midwestern state is as eclectic as they come.
Spring is an excellent time to explore the Hoosier State—not just because it's when the Indy 500 comes to town. The arrival of good weather means the perfect time to explore Indiana's outdoor attractions, from Brown County State Park to Turkey Run State Park. But autumn is an excellent alternative; the state is ripe for leaf-peeping and harvest fairs and for fans of Notre Dame or the Indianapolis Colts, football season is kicking off.
Indiana's biggest city, Indianapolis, is a well-connected transit hub, served by Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis Station (a hub for both Amtrak trains and intercity buses like Greyhound), and IndyGo bus routes. Greyhound buses also link the capital with smaller cities like Fort Wayne, Evansville, and Chicago. Otherwise, much of rural Indiana is best explored by car.
Indiana might seem like an unusual place for a museum of the American West (as well as Native American art and culture), but that's just what Indianapolis' Eiteljorg Museum is. Open since 1989, the landmark—housed in a distinctive, adobe-like building in White River State Park—is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest. Its collection highlights include works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and more.
