There’s a lot to see and explore around Indiana, but some of the best sites in the state are the hidden gems you have to know about to scope out. If you’re interested in seeing some of the best, little-known sites in the state, check out these Indiana hidden gems every Hoosier should see at least once in their lifetime… or three times. Or ten. We’re not here to judge… just to spread the word.

1. Ardmore Quarry - Fort Wayne
4529 Sand Point Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809, USA
Sierra S./Foursquare
If you're looking to take in one of the most stunning sites in the entire Hoosier state, you have to visit the observation tower at Ardmore Quarry in Fort Wayne. This quarry is surprisingly breathtaking and will make you feel like you've stepped into another world.
2. Roofless Church - New Harmony
The Roofless Church, 420 North St, New Harmony, IN 47631, USA
OZinOH/Flickr
Indiana has its fair share of churches bearing architectural fame, but none of them are quite like this unique "roofless" church in historic New Harmony. You'll be moved by the stunning design and intricate detailing.
3. Cowles Bog - Chesterton
Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail, Cowles Bog, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA
Wikipedia/Unknown author
This gorgeous bog is located in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and is an ecological wonder. Next time you're near the dunes, visit this historic fen for a true glimpse at natural beauty.
4. Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens - Indianapolis
Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46203, USA
Steven M./Yelp
Blink and you might miss this jaw-dropping park when passing through Indy. The outdoor gardens and indoor conservatory at Garfield Park are truly mesmerizing and will have you wondering how you never saw this place up close before.
5. Amish Acres - Nappanee
The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 W Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
Come enjoy a beauty untouched by man at Amish Acres in northern Indiana. This amazing place will entertain you (check out theatre performances in the round barn) and remind you of a much simpler time.

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6. Minnetrista - Muncie
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie, IN 47303, USA
Minnetrista Museum & Gardens/Facebook
The Minnetrista in Muncie is a captivating site, home to Muncie's famous Ball Jar and the stunning Gathering Place. You'll find amazing art exhibits, sculptures, and nature here.
7. Wolf Park - Battleground
Wolf Park, 4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground, IN 47920, USA
fuzzipariah/TripAdvisor
If you want to get a bit more wild, a trip to Wolf Park is exactly what you need. Here, you can explore and tour the grounds and learn more about wolves. See them up close, along with foxes, bison, and coyotes.
8. Friendship Botanic Gardens - Michigan City
Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 US-12, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA
Friendship Botanic Gardens/Facebook
The stunning Friendship Botanic Gardens are a popular pick for locals to marry in, but most Hoosiers don't know they even exist! With over 107 acres of wooded land, there's so much waiting to be explored in this hidden gem.
9. Jug Rock - Shoals
Jug Rock Nature Preserve, 722 Albright Ln, Shoals, IN 47581, USA
Sylvia R./Yelp
In the small town of Shoals, you'll find an amazing rock formation unlike any other. Made up of sandstone, Jug Rock is the largest freestanding rock formation in the entire country.
10. Bosse Field - Evansville
Bosse Field, 23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, IN 47711, USA
Rick Barthe/Wikipedia
Few people know that the 3rd largest baseball field in the US is right here in Indiana. Fewer know that the tremendous Bosse Field was actually the location where the famous movie, "A League of Their Own" was shot.

Have you ever explored any of these amazing hidden gems in Indiana? For more awesome sites to visit, you’ll want to check out some other bucket list spots in Indiana. Need somewhere to stay while you’re here? Check out all the offerings from our friends at Booking.com.

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More to Explore

Indiana Hidden Gems

Tori Jane | December 11, 2023

What are some of the best Indiana hidden gems to check out?  

Indiana is a state that just never gets its due credit, don’t you think? We certainly do. There are plenty of attractions in Indiana that are popular and well-known, but sometimes it’s the off-the-beaten-path adventures we end up loving the most. Some of the coolest hidden gems in Indiana are things like:  

  • Pinhook Bog – Did you know Indiana is home to several species of carnivorous plants? It’s true... and you’ll find them at Pinhook Bog within Indiana Dunes National Park. 
  • The Cataract General Store – This is THE oldest general store in all the Hoosier State, having opened in 1860.  
  • The Providence Home Geode Grotto – This incredible labor of love features tens of thousands of Indiana-sourced geodes and other found objects to create a stunning grotto unlike anything else you’ve ever seen.  

Learn more about each of these hidden gems in Indiana – plus a few more.  

Which hidden gems in Indiana deserve a spot on my bucket list?  

The list of hidden Indiana gems is nowhere near complete with just the above-mentioned items; oh, no – Indiana is FULL of awesome hidden gems. One might even argue that the whole STATE is a hidden gem in and of itself. That being said, some more awesome hidden gems in IN worthy of exploring include: 

  • Angel Mounds State Historic Site – These are more than “just” Native American burial mounds. These mounds are huge, and they actually preserve some truly jaw-dropping history within.  
  • Hardin Ridge Recreation Area – This might be one of the most beautiful campgrounds – and lakes – in the state.  
  • Spring Mill State Park – This unique state park takes visitors back in time on a functioning farm.  

Learn more about all these additional Indiana hidden gems!  

What are some additional things to do in Indiana I need to know about? 

Hidden gems are fun, but what about the more obvious gems? Like we stated above, there are lots of must-see attractions, so what are they? Some of them are places such as:  

  • The Indianapolis Children’s Museum – This is literally THE largest museum of its kind in the world. Lucky us!  
  • The Michigan City Lighthouse – This incredibly photogenic lighthouse on Lake Michigan looks like something from a postcard.  
  • Williamsport Falls – This is the tallest waterfall in Indiana and absolutely deserves a visit or ten.  

Learn more about all the must-see tourist attractions in Indiana.   

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