It’s okay to admit it – Indiana has some of the best small towns in the country. With unique places to explore, local charm, and gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder so many Hoosiers love the small town life. If you’re looking to get away somewhere delightful, with tons of local appeal, be sure to check out these 10 best rural cities in Indiana.

1. Stroh
Stroh, IN 46761, USA
wikimedia
This lovely little town sits alongside the gorgeous Big Turkey Lake. You'll fall in love with the scenery here, and the charming restaurants.
2. Mansfield
Mansfield, IN 47872, USA
MrGreenBean, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mansfield is a stunning small town located in Parke County. You'll find the intriguing and quaint Mansfield Mill here, along with one of the county's many covered bridges.
3. Rising Sun
Rising Sun, IN 47040, USA
OZinOH/Flickr
This little town has a lot to offer. With gorgeous outdoor art and structures, as well as a casino, wolf sanctuary, and history museum, Rising Sun is a small town in Indiana you'll never want to leave.
4. Mongo
Mongo, IN 46746, USA
Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mongo is home to the "Olde Store", also known as the John O'Ferrell Store. This historic general store is on the list of National Historic Places and is definitely worth a visit.
5. Patriot
Patriot, IN 47038, USA
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This pretty town was originally named Troy and has seen its fair share of devastation. A fire once burned down the entire downtown area, and later, the Ohio River flooded the town. It's definitely a persistent little town, and there's just something special about it.

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6. Merom
Merom, IN 47861, USA
Nyttend, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Merom is located in Sullivan County and has some unique attractions. Check out the incredible former Union Christian College or the lovely Bluff Park.
7. Beverly Shores
Beverly Shores, IN, USA
Ɱ, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This beach paradise really is a dream come true. Beverly Shores has access to the Indiana Dunes and is home to the Florida Tropical House, which is one of the structures designed for the World's Fair Houses.
8. New Harmony
New Harmony, IN 47631, USA
Timothy K Hamilton Creativity+ Photography, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This colorful town was once home to a utopian society. You'll find loads of history, unique architecture, and scenery in this small town.
9. Orleans
Orleans, IN 47452, USA
Chris Flook, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Orleans is a charming small town in Indiana with a ton of history. In fact, it was named after the Battle of New Orleans in the early 1800s.
10. Marengo
Marengo, IN 47140, USA
Paul/Flickr
Marengo is a picture perfect tiny town with a huge attraction: Marengo Cave. Take a day trip or long weekend out here for an unforgettable time.

Which one of these small towns do you want to visit? For more awesome places to explore in Indiana, here’s a list of 6 places to visit on a long weekend.

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More to Explore

Rural Cities In Indiana

Melanie J. | September 19, 2022

What are the best rural towns to live in Indiana?

It’s quite evident that Indiana is sprinkled with lots of delightful small towns. And many of them have something unique to offer. For example, you read that Rising Sun has great art installations, a wildlife sanctuary, museums and more, but did you know that it’s a coastal town along the Ohio River? It’s one of the most overlooked hidden gems in Indiana. From its beautiful riverwalk to its delicious restaurants to golf courses, and more, there’s so much for you to love. Not to mention the charming main street with its specialty shops and antique boutiques. This is a great town with a mixture of everything and a wonderful place to raise a family. Another small town in rural Indiana is Bristol, located in the countryside of Elkhart County. This charming rural town is a wonderful place to visit, but it’s also a fantastic place to live. There is a theater, wine tasting, golf, and more for the adults, and there are incredible parks and museums for the little ones. If you would like a quaint small town that doesn’t compromise on the entertainment, Bristol is the town for you. And here’s an article about more charming rural towns in Indiana.   

Which small towns in Indiana are great for long weekends? 

There are times we all need to find a place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of life for a while. Luckily, Indiana has lots of small towns where you can unplug and bask in peace and quiet. Whether you’re looking to spend time sipping delicious wine or whiskey at a local winery or distillery, or purchasing unique trinkets inside a charming boutique, or browsing through artwork at local galleries, Nashville, Indiana is the town where you can do it all. Additionally, if you would like a more secluded weekend, you can easily immerse yourself in nature by trekking one of the hiking trails inside Brown County State Park. The park is especially gorgeous during the fall season, when the autumn colors are at their peak. And if you enjoy the park, you’ll love Yellowwood State Forest, where you can go horseback riding, hiking, and bask in water recreation on three serene lakes. A trip to Nashville will keep you occupied for a long weekend, but here are some other small towns in Indiana that are great for a weekend getaway.

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