Top Things to do in Indiana
Top Hotels in Indiana
- 1. Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown Across from Circle Centre
- 2. West Baden Springs Hotel
- 3. Bottleworks Hotel
- 4. Indianapolis Marriott East
- 5. The Inn at Saint Mary's
- 6. Drury Inn & Suites Terre Haute
- 7. Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
- 8. Ironworks Hotel Indy
- 9. JW Marriott Indianapolis
- 10. Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel
Countries
What to do and see in Indiana, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
With beaches, boating, and salmon fishing in Michigan City and Gary bordering Lake Michigan, there is more to Indiana than might appear at first glance. The agricultural heartland even has cross country skiing and snowmobiling to go with the Cornball Express. Southwest Indiana near Evansville is renowned for the well-preserved Native American Angel Mounds State Historic Site. The largest city and state capital is famous worldwide for its Indianapolis 500 race. Even locals living in the suburbs often overlook the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, the old Union Station museum cluster, and downtown Canal Walk, to name but a few landmarks. South Bend is synonymous with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
Forested Nashville’s art colony fame dates to the early 1900s when Impressionist Theodore Clement Steele overwintered in The House of the Singing Winds. It is now the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. View paintings and sculpture at the I.M. Pei-designed Indiana University Museum of Art. Attend an IU sports event or an opera, ballet, concert, or theater performance. Treat the family to The Little Nashville Opry or The Bill Monroe Bluegrass Park. For healing mineral springs, head south to Orange County, Indiana’s spa resort center.
Enjoy golf, fishing, boating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating in the nation’s agricultural heartland. Monticello and Rensselaer are west of Logansport and north of Lafayette. Take the family on the Cornball Express and Hoosier Hurricane at the Indiana Beach Amusement Resort in Monticello. Play boardwalk carnival games, or let the kids loose on the go-carts. Pile the family into their vehicles for an old-fashioned movie experience at Monticello’s Lake Shore Drive-In. Indulge in a weekend dinner boat cruise to hot band sounds as the Madam Carroll plies Lake Freeman.
Restaurants in Indiana
1. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
This 18-acre sanctuary provides permanent refuge to more than 100 captive-raised exotic animals for the REST of their lives. Quiet, informative tours of the facility enable visitors to enjoy close-up observation of tigers, leopards, bears, monkeys, reptiles, birds, lions, and more. Set in a beautiful pine forest in a natural wildlife area, this volunteer-staffed non-profit refuge is one of the most well-respected in the nation, and does not buy, sell, breed, or trade animals. Black Pine is a hidden treasure for nature lovers of all ages! Free parking. Picnics welcomed. Tours available year-round. Inquire for tour times, other program offerings, and special events throughout the year.
Reviewed By thomashH860PG
The animals are amazing and so are the stories about how they became residents of the sanctuary. The staff is knowledgeable and so dedicated. The work the staff puts in is so needed to provide a better life for these neglected and abused animals. Kelsie, our guide was informative and a great guide, alway willing to answer questions. This is great place to take kids.
2. Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By 67esthery
I took my 10 yr old to visit yesterday. We are in online school and I thought it would be educational, and it was.We loved walking around, taking our time, and enjoying the big cats up close. I've never seen the cats this close.before. When you go to the zoo the big cats are hidden and never hardly come close enough to get good pics, but here they are up and watching you as much as you watch them. It seems that they enjoy the people as well.The cats were very friendly and so was the guide. We left there with the idea to help this rescue.It is a wonderful service they provide for these cats that wouldn't survive without a home.Every time they have visitors helps with the supplies they need to keep going so please go see them. It's very inexpensive and so worth it. LOVE THESE BIG CATS! <3
3. Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By OrganicMomma - Marietta, United States
We've been to quite a few animal parks and safaris and this was by far the best one we have been to. One of the things that made this a fantastic experience was the wagon ride to feed the animals was being pulled by beautiful horses instead of a noisy tractor with fumes. Since there was little noise, no speaker or bullhorn was needed for the driver to tell us about all the animals. Another unique feature was they have baby ducks and bunnies that the children can pick up and hold with adult supervision. There is also a large walk through / petting section that was different than anything I'd been to. You can let yourself in and out of all sorts of animal areas and feed most of them. There were some very unique animals and some of the most beautiful pheasants I have ever seen. My children (ages 4 & 8) absolutely loved this section, as did my husband and I. Everything was very reasonably priced compared to all the other places we have been. It is run by an Amish family that you could tell worked very hard at keeping all the animal areas very clean. You definitely want to opt for the full price and get the wagon ride and petting area.
4. Red Wolf Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Awesome animal santcuary, open to public, free tours. They have White Red Wolves, Raptors, black bears, foxes, and coyotes. Licensed and safe.
Reviewed By BirderHerper - Chicago, United States
This immense private property run by a retired Zoo Keeper and manned by volunteers who are up-and-coming zoologists proves what a wildlife sanctuary should look like. Massive open expanses for all the animals Cared for with such Passion I wish I could see this in every facility like this. You get private tours by the owner who is basically a comedian and keeps you laughing the whole time all while teaching you amazing biology and ecology and getting to see these animals like you've never seen them before. I highly recommend if you're in the Cincinnati area or even just passing through this area give him a call set up an appointment and go through and do a tour you will not be disappointed and you will have the time of your life.
5. Wolf creek habitat and rescue
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By RoxieC21
If you are curious about wolves and want to see them up close and personal, this is the place to be! You can just look at the animals and/or take pictures for free, or you can go see and pet the wolves for a small fee. We didn't want to leave. These are creatures that most people will never see in their lives that are at the rescue for various reasons, and you can get closer than you've ever dreamed. The staff is very knowledgeable and it's a fun way to spend a little time in awe!
6. Stables At French Lick
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By ThePreppyPeach - Georgia, United States
After the West Baden Springs hotel concierge was unable to secure us a pony ride, we called the stables ourselves and Doug was able to get us in. We had a 4 yr old and 6 yr old enjoy the best pony ride with the friendliest staff in the entire resort.
7. Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
The Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is owned and operated by the Indiana Audubon Society and is located south of Connersville, IN. Alice Green Gray gave the initial 264 acre property to the Indiana Audubon Society in 1943 as a living memorial to her daughter Mary. Today, over 700 acres of forest, wetland, and prairie exist for hiking. The preserve functions as a popular wedding destination.
8. Wolf Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By bluebirdtmg - Indianapolis, United States
The staff was very knowledgeable. All the wolves were out and active. It was amazing when they howled for us. I felt very safe with their covid precautions. We were told the best time to see them is either early in the day or late around sunset. They are most active in the fall and winter especially during overcast cooler days. We enjoyed both the follow the pack tour and howl night. It was a wonderful experience for out Girl Scout troop.
9. Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
The Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve is a 157-acre complex of wetlands, woodlands, and prairie. More than 400 native plant species have been identified on the property. The magnificent display of wildflowers from spring through fall is one of The Preserve’s most notable features. Many common mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies make their homes here, and there is a diverse birdlife, including both nesting and migratory species. Coffee Creek is one of the healthiest streams in the southern Lake Michigan watershed. Salmon, trout, and many other fish swim in its waters. The Preserve is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. A system of trails, including a three-mile loop around the perimeter, is popular with hikers, joggers, dog walkers, birders, and other nature lovers. Photographers are attracted by the abundant wildlife and wildflowers. Anglers find fishing in the creek excellent. A variety of classes, workshops, and hikes are provided throughout the year.
Reviewed By 3johnb - Valparaiso, United States
We love it here...all seasons. The walk is beautiful...about 2 1/2 miles but you can do a lot less. Many times we see deer, makes the day. The bridges are great although we rarely see anything in the water. The area in the front with wood walkways is very well done...structures of stone are beautiful and there is a very peaceful feeling being there. Go, explore for yourself and pick the parts you like best. Pleasant people doing the same thing you are. Lots of dogs.
10. Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Lawyer_and_the_Baker - Cleveland, United States
Such a cool place. During the fall, migrating cranes overnight at the marsh, and from about 15 min before sunset to 15 min afterwards, they are all stacked up like planes at JFK waiting to land in the marsh! Beautiful area and so much fun to watch for a total birding geek like me. There is an observation tower so you can get a good look without disturbing them. Great experience. I spent the rest of the weekend up at Indiana Dunes - great getaway all around!
