26 Exciting Things to Do in Indiana in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

Indiana offers a near-endless array of adventures, with countless hikes, incredible eateries, charming small towns, and so much more to fall madly in love with. I love Indiana so very much, and I think these 26 amazing things offer more than the perfect introduction to the state. 

Every year, there are many awesome places to see, things to do, and restaurants to enjoy in the Hoosier State, and 2026 is no different. Without further ado, here are 26 things to do in Indiana in 2026—all waiting to be checked off your travel bucket list. 

1. Hike Dune Succession Trail - Indiana Dunes National Park

The Indiana Dunes National Park is an astonishingly beautiful place, and the legendary Dune Succession Trail is one of Indiana's most incredible hikes. This short and sweet jaunt is just one mile long, but it packs a punch, showing off all four amazing stages of a natural dune’s life. It’s a bit challenging; at one point, you’ll climb 250 stairs. But there are some other, more accessible paths.

2. Enjoy Dinner at Overlook Restaurant - Leavenworth

If you think you’ll never find dinner with incredible sunset views in Indiana, think again. The Overlook Restaurant in Leavenworth offers a delectable dining experience with some of the best views in the entire Hoosier State. It's open every day and is perfect for special and casual occasions. Visit the official Overlook Restaurant website for hours and menus.

3. Stay at Birdsong Cabin - Nashville

If you’re a lover of all things rustic and country, this elegant vacation rental in Nashville, Indiana, is a stay to remember. This barn-turned-vacation home was built in the 1900s, but has been recently renovated to sleep six guests and mix modern luxury with old-school charm. Explore nearby Nashville—one of the best small towns in Indiana—and soak in every moment.

4. Celebrate Winter - Indiana

There are so many wonderful things to do in the winter in Indiana. Enjoy Christmas light displays in small towns, attend extravagant winter festivals, or indulge in some of the best cozy food and drink. I love getting lost at Christkindlmarkt—an annual Christmas market—in Carmel, Indiana, which takes place from late November through Christmas Eve.

5. The Best City to Visit in Indiana in 2026 - Indianapolis  

This one might be a little predictable, but it’s for good reason: Indy is easily one of the most underrated cities in the U.S. It’s the crown jewel of the Midwest, and there are endless opportunities for fun. History buffs have museums, kids have the world's largest Children's Museum, and racing fans have the Indy 500. Stay at this penthouse apartment with jaw-dropping views while you're there.

6. Relax at Spring House Inn - Porter

Located not far from Indiana Dunes National Park is the Spring House Inn—an incredible bed and breakfast in Indiana in Porter. It’s stunningly beautiful, with a unique rustic vibe you’ll fall head over heels for. Guests love the friendly service, awesome location, and complimentary breakfast. While in the area, check out the epic Lake Michigan Shoreline Scenic Drive—one of the best drives in the entire state.  

7. Take a Day Trip - Brown County

Words cannot truly describe Brown County, Indiana, to someone who’s never been here. From historic stops to some of the most beautiful covered bridges in Indiana, this area is arguably the most stunning region of the state. Don't miss Brown County State Park, either, with the most scenic camping sites. 

8. Visit Indiana’s National Park - Beverly Shores

After you've explored the previously mentioned Dune Succession Trail, stick around to see more of Indiana's only national park: Indiana Dunes National Park. You'll see larger-than-life dunes nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan. When the wind hits them just right, they emit a "singing" sound you'll absolutely adore.

Pro tip: Get an America the Beautiful park pass if you're planning to visit more than one national park in 2026.

9. Visit Wellfield Botanic Gardens - Elkhart

Springtime in Indiana is a magical time of year, with some truly amazing natural splendors to immerse yourself in. One of my favorite things to do is visit the Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, which overflows with tulips in April and May. If you missed them this year, add them to your 2026 Indiana bucket list!

10. Conquer Turkey Run Trails Loop - Marshall

This moderately challenging, 5.5-mile loop trail is an amalgamation of the best hikes and views in Turkey Run State Park, which is easily my pick for Indiana’s next national park. The Turkey Run 3, 10, 9, and 5 Trails Loop is a perfect example of how stunning our state can be. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and take your hiking game up a notch by using AllTrails Plus.

11. Stay at Anjuna House - New Pekin

In the woods near New Pekin, Indiana, lives the incredible Anjuna House—a dream come true for anyone desiring a modern edge to their favorite escapes. This beautiful cabin was designed and built by a professional architect, and it shows. Between the 14-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning outdoor space, this is the one Airbnb in Indiana that country and city lovers can agree on.  

12. Go on a Road Trip - Indiana

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of our state in 2026? Why, a road trip, of course. I love life on the road, and have numerous favorite routes in Indiana that I think everyone should experience once while here. Some of my all-time faves include the waterfalls of northern Indiana road trip, haunted road trips, and natural wonders road trips.

13. Stay at the French Lick Springs Hotel - French Lick

Regarding famous hotels in Indiana, few are quite as notorious as the French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs Hotels. These luxurious resorts are centered around natural springs—thought to have healing properties—and include a spa, restaurants, and intricate architecture. Both have been around for more than 100 years for a reason!

14. Visit Gravity Hill - Mooresville

Did you know there’s a weird little place in Indiana where vehicles appear to coast uphill? You read that right—somehow, the Gravity Hill in Mooresville is still a hidden gem, but it’s so weird that it’s totally worth doing at least once. Yes, there’s an explanation for the strange phenomena... but what’s the fun in that?  

15. Celebrate Summer - Indiana

Summertime in Indiana is simply wonderful. With 24 state parks to explore and a couple of hundred lakes to enjoy, you could realistically spend the whole season outside. Of course, you can eat a delicious meal (or 10) at any stellar seasonal restaurant with a view. It never gets too hot, and the summer nights are entirely different.

16. Visit Williamsport Falls - Warren County

Fun fact: Indiana is home to more than 200 known waterfalls. Williamsport Falls is the most famous, as it’s the state’s tallest, but other highly notable cascades include Cataract Falls, Thistlethwaite Falls, and more. Ignore the song that says "don't go chasing waterfalls"—it's an incredibly rewarding experience, especially in Indiana.

17. Check Out the Rotary Jail Museum - Crawfordsville

Indiana’s history is intriguing and strange—several leftover relics from the old days remind us of how far we’ve come. Once upon a time, the Montgomery County Rotary Jail in Crawfordsville housed defendants waiting for trial. It was designed so prisoners would have as little contact with the jailers as possible. Today, it’s a museum—and yes, it still rotates. It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.

18. Explore the Small Towns - Indiana

With quite literally hundreds of small towns in Indiana to choose from, it’s impossible not to love them all. From the elegant wonder of Carmel, Indiana’s friendliest town, to the historic notability of the town of Vincennes, I can’t imagine getting bored exploring each one. Make 2026 the year of the small town—you won’t regret it!  

19. Conquer Knobstone Trail - Southern Indiana

The Knobstone Trail is by far the longest in Indiana, meandering 60 miles through towns, state parks, and other wonders. You’ll experience lush, green forests, the bustle of city life, lakes, streams, epic views, and so much more. It's worth doing the whole thing—even if you have to tackle segments over the years.

20. Get Breaded Tenderloins at Nick’s Kitchen - Huntington

Indiana’s single most legendary food (it might as well be the official state dish) is the delicious and juicy breaded pork tenderloin, traditionally served so large that it surpasses the bun and overshoots the edges of the plate. Nick’s Kitchen, a mom-and-pop joint in Huntington, Indiana, is often credited with being the first to dish out this traditional delight. What better place to add to your 2026 bucket list than this?

21. Join the Covered Bridge Festival - Parke County

Parke County, Indiana, is quite literally famous for its gorgeous, historical covered bridges. In fact, the county hosts an amazing autumn covered bridge festival every year to celebrate the bridges and their unique histories, plus indulge in some local treats like ice cream, burgers, and more. In 2026, the festival will take place from Oct. 9 to Oct. 18. 

22. Experience Autumn - Indiana

If you think the forests and greenery of Indiana are beautiful in the summer, just wait until those trees change color in the fall. There's no such thing as dull or boring when it comes to fall in Indiana. Visit those covered bridges and waterfalls again. (They’ll be even more amazing now.) Or, simply stroll through small-town neighborhoods to take in the decorations.

23. Visit Haunted Places - Indiana

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s no secret that Indiana is filled to the brim with lore and legend. There are several allegedly haunted places in Indiana, many of which you can explore or investigate to this day. Some hauntings in Indiana are famous—such as the terrifying incident now known as the Gary, Indiana Demon House. That particular place is no longer standing, but plenty of others are. Get out and investigate... if you dare.  

24. Explore Cave Systems - Southern Indiana

Did you know that Indiana is home to more than 1,000 caves and complex cave systems? It’s true—and you can visit many of them. Notable caves you can explore include Twin Caves, Marengo Caves, and Bluespring Caves. Make plans ahead of time to do the tours—they're incredibly educational, and teach us to enjoy the natural wonders of Indiana even more.  

25. Watch the Sleeping Beauty - Indianapolis

Performing arts lovers unite! Visit Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis on March 6 and 7, 2026, for an exclusive performance of "The Sleeping Beauty." A beautiful collaboration between the Indianapolis Ballet and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, this one-in-a-lifetime show will delight audiences young and old, with the classic fairy-tale story.

26. Walk Through Harmonist Labriynth - New Harmony

With all the traveling and life's hustle and bustle, sometimes it's nice to slow down and reflect. There is no better place to do that than Harmonist Labryinth in New Harmony, Indiana. The grass-hedge, circular maze, is maintained by the New Harmony State Historic Site—an organization that aims to preserve the town's original Harmonist German roots. Back at its start in 1804, it was considered a "utopian" community.

Which of these Indiana attractions are you adding to your 2026 travel bucket list? For all your planning and navigation needs, turn to Only In Your State's itinerary planner. You'll find recommendations for all the best lodging, dining, and sightseeing near your top travel destinations.