9 “Hidden Gems” in Indiana We’ve Always Known About but Can’t Stop Visiting

The Hoosier State is a vibrant place chock-full of things to do, see, and experience, and if you've been reading for any amount of time, you'll know that there are an assortment of hidden gems in Indiana that are... well, not so hidden anymore. But you know what? That doesn't diminish them in any way. I think it adds to the magic. Let's look at some of the most amazingly perfect hidden gems in Indiana we've always been madly in love with, ones that the locals love and the visitors can't get enough of.

1. Williamsport Falls

Williamsport Falls is astonishingly beautiful and as Indiana's tallest waterfall (90 feet tall!), it's easily one of the best gems in the entire state. The hike to reach it isn't even difficult; known as the Williamsport Falls Loop Hike, this short and simple escape from the real world is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.

2. Shades State Park

Of Indiana's 24 incredible state parks, Shades State Park is perhaps the most magical. It's astonishingly beautiful and truly looks and feels like something out of a fantasy novel rather than the Midwest. In the summer, everything is emerald green and covered from top to bottom with flora, moss, lichen, and more. Tiny waterfalls trickle throughout the ravines in the park, and if you visit, I suspect you'll discover your new favorite state park in Indiana.

3. Portland Arch Nature Preserve

Hidden away in Fountain County is a gorgeous nature preserve that will amaze even the most anti-outdoorsy folks you know. The Portland Arch Nature Preserve is home to one of Indiana's most exquisite natural wonders, and Hoosiers love it here. Visitors, however, tend to overlook it, and they shouldn't. The place gets its name from the intriguing natural bridge carved out of the surrounding rocks; it's millions of years old, and gets better with every passing decade.

4. The Dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park

Another hidden gem Hoosiers know all about, but tourists do not: Indiana Dunes National Park is our only national park, and as the name suggests, it's focused around the truly amazing sand dunes along the edge of Lake Michigan in Indiana's northwesternmost banks. Explore the wonder of Mt. Baldy, or maybe experience the singing sand dunes, the adventure is only as limited as your imagination.

5. Marengo Cave

Did you know that thousands of known caves are peppered all over Indiana? It's true, and Marengo Cave is my favorite for various reasons. Choose from two awesome cave tours (or do both), and learn about the amazing landscape of Indiana's mysterious underground world. Of the tours, the Crystal Palace Tour is shorter, and the Dripstone Trail is longer and more challenging.

6. Bloomington and the Indiana University of Bloomington

Bloomington is easily one of the cutest small towns in Indiana, with plenty to do and see and lots to fall in love with every time you visit. Beautiful year-round, Bloomington is a college town with lots to love. In the fall, the autumn splendor surrounding the town is nothing short of perfection. The shops and restaurants come alive in the summer with locals and visitors. Come winter, the entire place turns into a wonderland. The town is peak Midwestern vibes, and I can't get enough of it.

7. The Michigan City Lighthouse

This is probably my favorite not-so-hidden hidden gem in Indiana: Michigan City Lighthouse. This pier is allegedly the longest in Indiana, and to say the entire place is photogenic is a gross understatement. Open year-round, the lighthouse is always a sight; be sure to do both the West Pier and the East Pier for the full experience. Walk the catwalk and experience history in the coolest of ways.

8. Veal's Ice Tree

Veal's Ice Tree is a strange and oddly beautiful thing that's 100% man-made (and 100% worthy of a visit each and every year.) The Veal family has been creating this stunning "ice tree" since the 1960s, and every year, it attracts folks from near and far to take pictures of it (and with it). Sometimes, they add a little (or a lot of) color. One thing's for sure, though: this creative endeavor does not use real, living trees. Instead, a pile of branches and brush are covered in layer after layer of water, forming the "tree" in all its strange glory.

9. The Seven Pillars of Peru

Indiana has an amazing assortment of geological formations, no matter how boring or "flat" the naysayers might claim it is. One of my favorite formations is the Seven Pillars of Peru, an odd-looking rock formation on the Mississinewa River within the Seven Pillars Nature Preserve. Experience this stunning natural wonder in Indiana and enjoy a picnic nearby... it's a delightfully fun way to kill a whole afternoon.

So, there you have them: nine amazing not-so-hidden hidden gems in Indiana that I can't stop visiting anyway. Indiana is truly a treasure trove of things to see and do.cFrom nature preserves to quirky roadside stops, the Hoosier State continues to surprise even its longtime residents with hidden gems waiting to be explored. This list is just the beginning, as countless other destinations are waiting for your discovery. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with Indiana's rich history and culture, these spots are bound to capture your heart. Take some time to get out there, explore, and make your own unforgettable memories. You might just find your own personal favorite hidden gem along the way. Indiana has so much to offer. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Indiana trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.