There’s No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 9 Hidden Indiana Spots
Everyone seems to equate warmer days with the same kinds of things: hiking, camping, fishing, water parks… if you think of it, you’ve probably done it already. But, did you know Indiana has a decent share of weird and unusual hidden gems all over the state to enjoy (or maybe wonder at)? It’s true – you won’t believe all these fun and unusual things to do in Indiana this summer! Avoid the crowds and think about hitting one of these hidden treasures instead.
Bluespring Caverns is, in a word, epic. Go on amazing tours of an incredible natural cave system. The system is 21 miles long and home to interesting blind critters who have never needed to see the light of day. It's open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March to October. Admission is $18 for adults and $10 for the young'ns. Visit the website for the most up-to-date pictures, tour details, and ticketing info.
Address: 1459 Blue Springs Cavern Road, Bedford, Indiana, 47421
Address: 1459 Blue Springs Cavern Road, Bedford, Indiana, 47421
This is one well-worth visiting despite the fact that you've got to admire it from afar (no swimming this time). The Empire State Quarry is the world-famous quarry where the limestone used to build the Empire State Building was harvested. Indiana is a well-known producer of limestone and other types of rock commonly used in construction. The water pooled at the bottom of the quarry is a beautiful blue color, and we definitely recommend a camera for this one! Visit the Atlas Obscura page for the most up-to-date pictures, history, and maps.
The New Harmony Labyrinth is a perfect duplicate of the Chartres Cathedral in Paris, France, built in the 12th century. It's a beautiful place to bring the kids or to simply come to for some quiet time. It's open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Check out this previous article for more pictures and history!
Address: 301 North Street, New Harmony, Indiana, 47631
Address: 301 North Street, New Harmony, Indiana, 47631
Wanna see something weird? Check out this strange spot where gravity appears to forget its job. If you put your car in neutral at the bottom of this particular hill, your car will begin to roll... uphill. At least, it appears to. Bring the kids and blow their minds. To get there from the I-70, take exit 59 to Highway 39. Turn left on Keller Hill road and drive to the dead end. From there, you'll turn around, drive another mile, and you'll be there. It sounds weird, but give it a try. When it comes to unusual things to do in Indiana, this one might just be the weirdest. Check out this previous article for more interesting pictures and some spooky history behind the area.
Once upon a time in the 1970s, this waterway running through South Bend was resurrected from the dead, so to speak, and it became the first-ever whitewater rafting course in North America. Nowadays, you can rent a raft and give it a shot on your own. It's short and sweet and costs just $6 for a single ride pass. Check out the official website for ticketing info and more!
Address: 126 South Niles Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, 46617
Address: 126 South Niles Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, 46617
France Park is an often-overlooked little slice of paradise with 11 miles of walking and hiking trails. Its amazing swim lake is a spring-fed abandoned quarry, and it's very popular for scuba divers, as they love to explore the sunken mining equipment in the depths of the water. It's also got camping and wifi! Check out the official website for the full list of amenities, and for camping spots!
Address: 4505 US-24, Logansport, Indiana, 46947
Address: 4505 US-24, Logansport, Indiana, 46947
The Virginia Fairbanks Art and Nature Park is a beautiful place spanning over 100 acres. It's known for its excellent bird watching and vibrant wildlife, as well as a beautiful lake just waiting to be relaxed beside. Check out the official website for more information, history, and pictures.
Address: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208
Address: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208
The Calli Nature Preserve is beautiful through and through, from the lush greenery to the stunning seasonal waterfall. The trek down to the falls, known as Rock Rest Falls, is a steep downward slope, so plan accordingly if you hope to see it. Legend has it that the falls used to be the site of a local beauty pageant. It's perfect for such an occasion - it's beautiful, too! This PDF file from Indiana DNR has lots more information and history for those who are interested.
Address: 495 North County Road 25 East, North Vernon, Indiana, 47265
Address: 495 North County Road 25 East, North Vernon, Indiana, 47265
Finally, we reach an immersive art installation in Indy that was constructed by artist Sean Derry in 2010. It's a passage lit with LED lights to create a strange and atmospheric vibe, and there's a scent machine in there, too, to really add to the immersive experience. It's a celebration of the use of space, and we just love it. The Indy Cultural Trail website has lots more information about the installation and its artist, as well as how to get there.
So, what are your thoughts? What are your favorite unusual things to do in Indiana? Tell us about your picks and maybe you’ll see yours featured someday!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1459 Blue Springs Cavern Rd, Bedford, IN 47421, USA
Address: empire quarry, Vallonia, IN 47281, USA
Address: 301 North St, New Harmony, IN 47631, USA
Address: Gravity Hill, Keller Hill Rd, Mooresville, IN 46158, USA
Address: 126 S Niles Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
Address: 4505 US-24, Logansport, IN 46947, USA
Address: 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA
Address: 495 N County Rd 25 E, North Vernon, IN 47265, USA
Address: Chatham Place, Chatham Pl, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA
