Discover Indiana: Dunes, Trails and Heritage

Indiana has nearly 4,600 miles of public hiking and other trails. They are managed by local, state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit partners. There are also a wide range of visitor experiences, including Lake Michigan beaches, fossil beds, historic sites, museums and agricultural attractions.

Dunes, Beaches and Waterscapes

On the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers 15 miles of sandy beach. It also has more than 50 miles of trails across 15 different trail systems. In terms of biodiversity, the national park ranks among the four most diverse national parks. Indiana Dunes State Park also has beach along the lake’s southern shore, with more than three miles of shoreline. These figures convey two different scales for beach visits; the national park also offers an extensive trail network and biodiversity as additional attractions.

The waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park create a different kind of landscape. Depending on the weather and season, they range from roaring cascades and delicate veils of mist to gleaming frozen giants. Clifty Canyon offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying the scenery year-round.

Trails for Hiking and Mountain Biking

Trail options across the state vary by activity and terrain. More than 600 miles of natural-surface trails on public or nonprofit land in Indiana are open to mountain bikes, including hundreds of miles of purpose-built singletrack. Access rules can vary by property. Hikers can also find trails that are at least ten miles long, have natural surfaces and offer at least one camping option on or near the trail.

Across the state, there are nearly 4,600 miles of public hiking and other trails, while state park areas manage a combined total of more than 700 miles of trails. When choosing a destination, consider whether you want to hike, mountain bike or plan for a camping option along a longer hiking trail.

State Parks: History and Landscapes

Spring Mill State Park is home to the restored Pioneer Village, founded in 1814 and comprising 20 historic buildings. At Turkey Run State Park, visitors can explore deep sandstone ravines. The Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin there also commemorates the achievements of the father of Indiana’s state park system. The two sites appeal to different interests: historic buildings at one, and a striking rocky landscape at the other.

Pokagon State Park is surrounded by Lake James and Snow Lake. Its winter attractions include a refrigerated toboggan run that is a quarter mile long and reaches speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour. If you plan to ride it, check current operating information in advance. This makes the seasonal attraction a concrete point to consider when planning, without implying that it is available year-round.

At Falls of the Ohio State Park, geology and interpretation go hand in hand: the fossil beds are 390 million years old and rank among the world’s largest exposed Devonian fossil beds. The visitor center overlooks the beds and features interactive, immersive exhibits. Visitors interested in how the landscape formed can learn about it through the exhibits as well as views of the fossils.

Literature and Historic Sites

The history of Limberlost is closely connected to Gene Stratton-Porter. During the 25 years she lived there, she wrote six of her twelve novels. Limberlost Swamp also inspired her articles, fiction and photographs. The nature preserves in the Limberlost Conservation Area are open for self-guided hikes throughout the day; check current accessibility information before your visit.

The Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site preserves a historic home directly associated with documented Underground Railroad activities. Admission includes a scheduled guided tour of the Coffin House and a self-guided tour of the Interpretive Center. Since tour arrangements may change, check current visitor information when planning your visit.

Architecture offers another way to explore the past: Lanier Mansion is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States. The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites offer hands-on and educational experiences for visitors of all ages at all twelve locations. The cultural offerings range from a single architectural landmark to a network of historic sites and museums.

Museums, Collections and Unique Experiences

The historic vehicle collection at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum includes more than 300 race cars and pace cars. The Eiteljorg Museum’s collection of Native American and Western art is accessible through an online database. Guided tours are free with paid admission; check current arrangements if you plan to take a tour. The collections offer different areas of focus: motorsports history on the one hand and art on the other.

At Conner Prairie, visitors can ascend more than 350 feet in a balloon. Operations may vary depending on conditions. Agritourism in Indiana includes farm tours, pick-your-own experiences, farm markets, Christmas tree and flower farms, wineries, breweries and other agricultural visitor attractions. This variety complements hikes, museums and historic sites with experiences directly connected to working farms.

If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Indiana, the visits you have planned can help you choose the right focus for your search: beaches and trails, nature and geology, history or collections each suit different travel interests.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pike, Scott, Monroe, Vigo, Orange County, Whitley County, Fayette, Kosciusko County, Montgomery County, Newton County, Warren County, Dubois County, Indiana County, Knox County, Lagrange County, Cass County, Rush County, Washington County, Marshall County, Jay County, Posey County, Putnam County, Wabash County, Pulaski County, Parke, Marion, Hancock County, Vanderburgh, Carroll County, Fulton County, Boone County, Grant County, Perry County, Floyd County, Miami County, Madison County, Elkhart, Tippecanoe, Jackson, St. Joseph, Delaware, Fountain County, Vermillion County, Noble County, Jennings County, Adams County, Bartholomew County, Morgan, Johnson, Greene County, Benton County, Gibson County, Laporte, Starke County, Huntington County, Allen, Porter, Ripley, Lake, Lawrence, Clay County, Howard County, Tipton County, Spencer County, Harrison County, Henry County, Steuben County, Hamilton, Wells County, Clark, Shelby County, Hendricks.

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