Find 3 Bucket-List-Level Views in Indiana Without Needing To Be an Expert Hiker

Growing up just an hour from the Illinois-Indiana border, many memories of my childhood include weekend trips to Indiana. With its incredible lakefront and state parks, any trip to the Hoosier State was a treat. From waterfalls to sandy dunes and even views of Chicago, there are countless opportunities for adventure at your doorstep. As a result, I’ve collected many fantastic experiences seeing some of the best bucket-list views in Indiana. Below are just a few of my favorites.

1. Miller Woods Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park

The 3.4-mile Paul H. Douglas Trail, often referred to as the Miller Woods trail, offers a wide array of views in one short hike. Typically, the out-and-back trail takes hikers between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Within that short time, adventurers will see wetlands, forests, sand dunes, Lake Michigan, and, on a good day, distant views of the Chicago skyline. This trail sits within Indiana Dunes National Park. As a Chicagoan myself, I love that I can access so many diverse views in one trail just an hour outside of the city.

2. Trail No. 3 at Turkey Run State Park

I have many core memories of hitting the road with my parents for a weekend visit to Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, Indiana. Opened in 1919, my folks often booked us a room at the Turkey Run Inn if we weren’t setting up the old pop-up camper that weekend. Whether we were enjoying the luxuries of indoor plumbing or roughing it at the campground, Trail No. 3 at Turkey Run State Park remained a favorite spot to take in the best bucket list views in Indiana. The 1.9-mile loop trail is particularly popular for the canyons along the route. Additionally, hikers find beautifully dense forest and some fun rocky sections along the way. In my humble opinion, it’s one of the best hikes in all of Indiana.

3. Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, Tunnel Falls Trails at Clifty Falls State Park

A 6-mile route in Clifty Falls State Park takes explorers through three natural wonders: Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls. Slightly more challenging than the other two hikes in this list, you still certainly do not need to be any type of expert to enjoy these treks. Along the way, hikers enjoy views of waterfalls, cliffs, limestone, and forests. In a state often known for being relatively flat, you’ll be impressed by the 83-foot Tunnel Falls. You’ll also get the chance to see the 78-foot Hoffman Falls. This route in Madison, Indiana, generally takes 180 to 210 minutes to complete, and is a great way to spend an early morning. 

Indiana offers some truly Instagram-worthy views across its national and state parks. You'll find everything from sandy beachfront dunes to impressive canyons and waterfalls. While this list just captures a handful of experiences, there are seemingly endless bucket-list views in Indiana that are just waiting to be explored. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Indiana trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.