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.

Neapolitan pizza at Hawkins Family Farm in North Manchester, Indiana (photo courtesy of Hawkins Family Farm)

Dine on an Italian specialty al fresco in North Manchester, Indiana, at this family-owned spot that hosts seasonal Friday pizza nights on the farm. 

Basketball throwing game at Kid's Planet in Brownsburg, Indiana (photo courtesy of Kid's Planet)

Bring the kids to Brownsburg, Indiana, where four floors of fun await. Children of all ages will love the slides, trampolines, arcade and more. 

Child looking at red panda at Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana (photo courtesy of Potawatomi Zoo)

See the more than 400 animals that reside at this 23-acre nonprofit zoo in South Bend, Indiana, that offers opportunities for incredible up-close experiences.  

Pond with fountain and willow trees at Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana (photo courtesy of Friendship Botanic Gardens)

Created for the Century of Progress Exhibition in the 1930s, this 105-acre Michigan City, Indiana, park features more than two dozen themed gardens.

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.