The 7 Most Underrated Places In Indiana That You Must Check Out
I think we can all agree that Indiana is an extremely underrated state. Known as a flyover or drivethrough state, Indiana just doesn’t get enough love from outsiders. Even within our own state, there are many underrated places that are often overlooked.
Here are seven of the most underrated places in Indiana that are all worth a second look:
Terre Haute really does get a bad rap, doesn’t it? But The city actually has a ton of things to offer Indiana. From the Clabber Girl factory and museum to the Holocaust Museum, Terre Haute is full of history and educational outreach.
Did you know that part of the Indiana Dunes is behind Union Station in Gary? Gary also has an air show that takes place in Marquette Park which many claim is nearly as good as the Chicago air show.
Marquette Park itself offers a great retreat into nature, as well as a popular wedding and event spot. There’s a lot of decay in Gary, but there’s also a lot of beauty, too. Filmmakers even love shooting here.
Valparaiso might seem to take all of the glory in the northwest quarter of Indiana, but nearby Chesterton has a lot going for it. Chesterton is actually the host of the annual Wizard of Oz Festival, has dozens of parks and recreation spots (including trails along the Dunes and movies in the park nights), and it’s close to Chicago and Valpo.
If you want to live near Chicago without paying the hefty price, the charm of Chesterton might be right for you.
Anderson is generally looked down on by many Hoosiers, but the city is home to a lot of great events and entertainment facilities. The Hoosier Park Racing & Casino site is housed in Anderson, and White River Paintball and Zip Lines also calls Anderson home.
With awesome parks, speedways, theaters, and even a university, Anderson is severely underrated in Indiana.
This small Indiana town is often overlooked by many Hoosiers. As a historic site, Connersville has a lot of attractions to offer Indiana. Home to the Fayette County Historical Museum (featuring several Connersville-built antique automobiles and more) and Whitewater Valley Railroad (a functional, operating railroad museum).
Connersville has a quaint charm and is an important historical site in Indiana.
Michigan City might be thought of as merely the home of the Indiana State Prison, but it is actually an important Indiana city for many reasons. Firstly, Michigan City houses one of the state’s few lighthouses (and museums). This city also has a zoo, the Blue Chip Casino riverboat, an art center, and a prime location along the Indiana Dunes. They even have their own skatepark and are continuing to expand and revitalize this historic Hoosier city.
Okay, most people who live near central Indiana love Indianapolis. But some people who have never been to the Hoosier capital opt for closer or bigger cities, like Chicago, Cincinnati, or Louisville. However, Indianapolis is a great marriage of urban living and close-knit community life.
The Cultural Trail connects historic districts like Fountain Square, Fletcher Place, Mass Ave, and Broad Ripple, and offers great shopping, dining, and art along the way. Indy also has a lot of parks, is home to the Children’s Museum, has an outstanding zoo (where you can even pet sharks), and is a mecca for sports. Don’t underestimate your state’s major city - Indy will surprise you.
What other Hoosier cities or towns do you think don’t get enough love?
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Courtney's originally from the East Coast, but has found a charming new home in Indiana. She loves checking out local music, reading, and trying new food. She's also a little too addicted to coffee and has a Maine Coon cat she answers to.
