Indiana

The Indianapolis 500 draws a multitude of racing fans to Indiana’s state capital each year, but the Circle City also has a wealth of destinations for those who want to explore museums, restaurants and more. Plan a trip to the shores of Lake Michigan to visit Indiana Dunes National Park, explore rural small towns across the state or make a weekend getaway to college towns such as Bloomington, West Lafeyette or South Bend in the fall to take in some of Indiana’s storied college football programs.

Exterior of Michigan City, Indiana’s Old Lighthouse Museum in the winter (photo by Josh McIntyre)

Built in 1858, this Michigan City, Indiana, lighthouse was a beacon and keeper’s residence until the early 1940s. The Michigan City Historical Society opened it as a museum in 1973.

Artifact display at Rolland Center for Lincoln Research in Fort Wayne, Indiana (photo courtesy of Rolland Center)

Housed at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this center merges its world-class collection of more than 20,000 historic artifacts with modern technology.

Illuminated trees, garden and mansion at Winterlights at Newfields in Indianapolis, Indiana (photo courtesy of Newfields)

This 152-acre cultural campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, transforms into a holiday destination brimming with twinkling lights and seasonal charm. 

Sunset at Indiana Dunes National Park in winter (photo by iStock)

In the wintertime, this Indiana park’s more than 15,000 acres are often covered with snow. Over 50 miles of hiking trails meander among the covered dunes, lakefront and forests. 

Short ribs at Joseph Decius restaurant in Roanoke, Indiana (photo courtesy of Joseph Decius)

Enjoy elegant farm-to-table fine dining in Roanoke Indiana’s small-town setting.

Boat on Patoka Lake in Birdseye, Indiana (photo courtesy of Patoka Lake Marina)

Head to this lake in Birdseye, Indiana, for a stay aboard a fully equipped houseboat and other on-the-water recreation.  

A costumed historical interpreter and visitor at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana (photo by Aimed Photography LLC)

Pioneer times come to life in Fishers, Indiana, with costumed historical interpreters and activities straight from the 19th century.  

The Mayberry Cafe in Danville, Indiana (photo courtesy of Visit Hendricks County)

This restaurant on the town square in Danville, Indiana, pays tribute to one of the most beloved TV shows of the 1960s. 

Skaters on the Howard Park Ice Trail in South Bend, Indiana

This South Bend, Indiana, destination features a refrigerated ice trail — a continuous, 15-foot-wide, 650-foot-long loop that gradually dips and climbs. 

Man takes photo of hot air balloon in Bloomington, Indiana (photo courtesy of SkyVista Ballooning)

Several companies in and around Bloomington, Indiana, offer hot air balloon excursions that ride high above the changing leaves.