12 Magnificent Hidden Gems to Discover in Indiana This Year

Indiana is a much, much more fascinating and enriched state than most folks tend to think of it as. Truth is, there's no real end to the list of fun things to do in Indiana, see, or experience, and we've gone ahead and created a handy-dandy list of one dozen of those hidden gems in Indiana to add to your to-do list for the next year! You can visit one per month, or create a road trip out of them and do 'em all in a day or two... it's up to you! Life in Indiana is beautiful. let us show you how to enjoy this state through some magnificent hidden gems in Indiana:

1. Urban Vines Winery & Brewery

We bet you didn't realize there are actually numerous wineries in Indiana, but there are - and this one is one of our all-time favorites! Visit Urban Vines Winery & Brewery and experience wine and beer in a totally different way. In the winter, there are awesome outdoor igloos to wine and dine from, and overall they offer incredible amounts of magic year-round. Regardless of the time of year, visiting a winery is one of the best day trips in Indiana. Just make sure to drink responsibly and be smart.

2. Angel Mounds State Historic Site

Fans of Native American history will love a visit to the lesser-known but 100% amazing Angel Mounds State Historic Site, which consists of more than 600 acres of gorgeous, emerald green hills that hold a fascinating historical secret: these hills are actually human-made, ancient Native American mounds, and they possess all sorts of symbolism and purpose. Come learn about the mounds and the people who made them. Several hiking trails in the area are worthwhile if you've got the time.

3. Jug Rock

This is probably one of our favorite offbeat attractions in Indiana. Jug Rock is a bizarre geological wonder that certainly stands out against the landscape it exists in: it's the largest free-standing table rock formation in the United States east of the Mississippi River, and it's incredibly difficult to miss. It's such a beloved staple of the town it exists nearest to (Shoals) that it's the high school mascot.

4. Grannie’s Cookie Jar & Ice Cream

Oh, boy. Dessert lovers and owners of sweet teeth, this one's for you: Grannie's Cookie Jars & Ice Cream in Metamora, Indiana is an amazing homage to all the best things about dessert. This is one of the downright best ice cream parlors in Indiana, and it's also home to an enormous collection of cookie jars. Of course, there are plenty of cookies to be had, too - just leave room for some in between the huge gobs of ice cream you'll no doubt be indulging in.

While you're in Metamora, spend some time wandering around! We love this charming small town--there are plenty of things to do in Metamora after you've indulged in your epic sugar rush from that delicious ice cream.

5. Cataract General Store

Cataract General Store (located in Cataract, Indiana) is a hidden gem in Indiana that all too many people tend to forget is there. It's pretty special because it's the oldest general store in Indiana, still going strong after well over 160 years (it was built the year Lincoln was elected president). Come on inside and enjoy all sorts of fun stuff from grocery basics to candy, a pharmacy, and everything in between.

6. WHO North America

Dr. Who is one heck of a special television show. If you've never watched it, you're in the minority: Dr. Who is the single longest-running television series in history, and can easily brag over a billion viewers over the decades it's aired. Did you know the largest Dr. Who museum in the world is right here in Indiana? Yep - head out to Camby, Indiana, and experience this delight for yourself. Don't let the exterior fool you: it's bigger on the inside.

7. The Pirate Cat Memorial

The story of Pirate Cat in Carmel, Indiana is enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes. This handsome feline was a staple of his favorite hiking trail in an Indy suburb, thrilling hikers, bikers, and walkers for years. One day, he disappeared, and when he returned... well, he wasn't in good shape. When he crossed the rainbow bridge surrounded by people who loved him, the town put their resources together and erected this charming, heartwarming monument to the little guy. He will never be forgotten, and he will always be loved. Pirate Cat, this one's for you.

Carmel is ranked as one of the friendliest towns in Indiana, come see why!

8. RiverWatch

Have you ever wanted to experience waterfront dining in Indiana but lamented the fact that we have no coast to speak of? If so, you need to experience RiverWatch at least once. This fantastic restaurant is nestled right up on the Ohio River and offers amazing dining experiences. It closes for the winter and reopens in the spring, so be sure to plan accordingly. Visit the RiverWatch Restaurant website to learn more.

9. The Geode Grotto

This absolutely breathtaking geode grotto in Indiana is an incredible experience even for the non-religious folks out there. Painstakingly (and lovingly) constructed over ten years with thousands of locally sourced geodes, found objects, rocks, and more, there were no blueprints - just inspiration. Come experience the incredible Geode Grotto in Jasper, Indiana on the grounds of the Providence Home.

10. Berne

If you've ever wanted to visit Switzerland but just can't quite swing it, no worries: the town of Berne is also known as "Little Switzerland," and it's an experience to be had! Easily one of the most charming small towns in Indiana, Berne has a large Amish population that not only walks the walk but literally talks the talk: they speak Bernese German, a Swiss German dialect, and make some of the best furniture in the world right here in the Hoosier State. This hidden gem in Indiana is a delight for the entire family - especially if you're in the mood for shopping for new furniture that'll last.

11. Pinhook Bog

Indiana's kind of weird, if you think about it. It's home to so many different landscapes: dunes, plains, hills, lakes, and... a bog? That's right: a bog. Pinhook Bog is incredibly unique thanks to its being, well, a literal bog - complete with carnivorous plants! It's one of the only places you'll find these strange little organisms growing naturally in the United States, and we promise it's well worth a visit just for the experience. But please, always remember: take only pictures, leave only footprints.

12. Nick's Chili Parlor

Finally, let's get some grub! The 12th and final hidden gem in Indiana we'll mention is Nick's Chili Parlor: home of the best chili in the world since 1974. And yes, of course, there are hot dogs - including a gargantuan foot-long chili dog that's to die for. Hungry? Make it Nick's!

How many of these delectable hidden gems in Indiana have you visited already? Do you have other Indiana hidden gems you would add to the list? Which ones are you planning to check out over the next year? Share this article with someone you want to visit one (or more!) of these hidden gems in Indiana with.

As you drive across the Hoosier State visiting all these fun things to do in Indiana, we know you'll be working up an appetite. Luckily, OnlyInYourState has created the ultimate list of road trip snacks. Take a look, then hit the store so that when you head out on your next adventure, you'll be properly fueled along the way!