Sometimes you visit a place and just instinctively know that there's nowhere more captivating in the world than where you are at that particular moment. Lucky for us, Indiana is full of amazing natural treasures, like these 10 places that are better than anywhere else in the country.
1. The Indiana Dunes
There's nothing in the entire country that can quite compare to this unique landscape. These ancient dunes are a gorgeous staple of our natural landscape in Indiana and the stunning sights they offer, year round, are almost too good to be true.
2. Shades State Park
Most people think of Indiana as completely flat. Yet Shades State Park defies that generalization, with its deep cut canyons, gorges, and sandstone ridges. This incredible natural gem lets light shine through in almost a heavenly fashion, a place that only exists in our humble state.
3. The Kesling Wetland and Farmstead
Part of the Merry Lea Environmental Center, this hidden gem in Noble County surrounds Wolf Lake and is a completely unique and magical place to witness.
4. Brown County
Brown County is a gorgeous place to explore in the Hoosier state, filled with incredible parks and forests, as well as rolling hills and the best foliage you'll ever lay your eyes on.
5. Cataract Falls
This double waterfall is Indiana's largest falls by volume and will leave you speechless. No matter the season, this gushing, quiet, or even frozen waterfall will have you realizing there's no place else in the world quite like here.
6. The IMA Gardens (Now Newfields)
It's hard to fully explain the whimsy and beauty that awaits you at these special gardens. With modern and contemporary outdoor nature displays mixed with creative and eclectic arrangements, you'll find yourself realizing you've stumbled into something truly special.
7. The Quilt Gardens
These gorgeous and bright patchwork displays in Elkhart County are made of seasonal Indiana flowers, grown in inventive and stunning patterns. A trip through Elkhart County in the summertime is a true delight that no other place on the planet can compare with.
8. Metamora
This charming canal town is unlike any place else. With a gorgeous canal, horse drawn boat rides, a local train ride, quaint shops, gorgeous nature, and incredible eateries, the beauty and character of this town is unmatched.
9. Amish Acres
Located in the heart of Nappanee, this incredible old world village is full of natural beauty, fascinating Amish structures, and gorgeous eateries, shops, and bakeries. Explore it all on a horse drawn carriage ride to take in the full beauty of this place.
10. Marengo Cave
This jaw dropping cave system will astound you like no other attraction in Indiana. The cave formations, or speleothems, are remarkable and almost magical, and you just know that there's no place else quite like this fascinating cave.
11. Huntington Sunken Gardens
This enchanting places is nestled inside of Memorial Park in Huntington. The sunken gardens are one of the few of its kind in the country, and we have to admit, there's no way other gardens hold a candle to this breathtaking place.
12. Clifty Falls State Park
This magical state park is full of waterfalls, breathtaking scenery, gorgeous hiking trails, and wildlife. It's unlike any other park in Indiana, and quite frankly, the entire country.
What are some of your favorite natural places to visit in the Hoosier state? For more gorgeous sights in Indiana, check out the 12 most beautiful places to eat in the state.
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