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The 11 Coolest Attractions In Indiana That Not Enough People Visit

Discover 11 underrated attractions in Indiana that offer unique and memorable experiences.

Published Aug 23, 2017

Written by 

Courtney Johnston

Indiana is well known for some popular attractions, like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Holiday World, and the Indiana Dunes. Yet, some of the coolest attractions in the state are ones that not enough people visit. Here are 11 underrated attractions in the Hoosier state that you'll want to check out:

1. Columbian Park Zoo - Lafayette

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Columbian Park Zoo/Facebook

This incredible attraction is not only great because it's full of animals and activities - it's also completely free. With almost 200 animals and educational programs available, this zoo is a remarkable hidden gem that too little people visit. Check it out at 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, Indiana.

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2. Amish Acres - Nappanee

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Tom Gill/Flickr

Step back to simpler times and experience Amish life at Amish Acres in northern Indiana. This incredible village is full of fun experiences, from great country-style Amish cooking and baking to theatrical performances to village tours and local shops. You'll also fall in love with the gorgeous scenery. Learn more here and find it at 1600 W Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550.

3. Oliver Winery - Bloomington

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Yelp

Check out Indiana's oldest and largest winery in this gorgeous spot in Bloomington. Sample different house-made wines, go on a tour to learn more about the wine making process, and pack a picnic lunch and roam outdoors for a unique and unforgettable experience. Learn more about this winery here and check it out at 200 E Winery Rd, Bloomington, IN 47404.

4. Michigan City Old Lighthouse Museum - Michigan City

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cwillini/TripAdvisor

This incredible and unique museum offers tours of the state's oldest remaining lighthouse. It also provides information on the three lighthouses in Michigan City and provides a ton of fun and historical facts. This tour is charming and should not be missed! Check it out at 1 Washington Park Marina, Michigan City, IN 46361.

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5. Cataract Falls

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Matt Ridings/Flickr

Come explore Indiana's largest waterfall by volume at this incredible attraction. Climb up to explore the upper or lower falls, and don't forget to check out the charming Cataract Falls Covered Bridge from 1876. You'll find this gorgeous spot at Off Country Rd. 1050 North, 2605 N. Cataract Road, IN 47460.

6. Metamora Gem Mine - Metamora

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Hoosier51/TripAdvisor

Do you have gold fever? If so, you'll absolutely love mining for precious gems at this quaint little gem, mine. Pick your bucket of dirt to uncover the gorgeous treasures buried beneath and start panning your gems! You can learn more about this gem mine here and visit at 19055 S Main St, Metamora, IN 47030.

7. Sunset Wine Cruise - Birdseye

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Yelp

View gorgeous Patoka Lake on this cruise that departs at dusk and also offers wine tastings. Invite your friends and have fun sampling 5-7 different wines while also enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Learn more about this exciting cruise here. All cruises depart from 2991 N Dillard Rd, Birdseye, IN 47513.

8. Lazy River Adventures - Winamac

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Riverside Rentals/Yelp

Indulge in a day of relaxing fun in the sun and water with lazy river rides from Riverside Rentals. Enjoy the gentle lull of the Tippecanoe River with your family and friends before summer slips away. Learn more here.You'll find it at 589 E Old St Rd 14, Winamac, IN 46996.

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9. Riverboat Cruises - North Webster

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The Dixie Sternwheeler Inc/Facebook

Nothing says Americana quite like a riverboat cruise. You can enjoy this classic American adventure in North Webster on the Dixie Sternwheeler, the state's oldest sternwheel riverboat. Learn more about this historic boat here and catch a ride at 401 South Dixie Drive, North Webster, IN 46555.

10. WhoaZone Floating Waterpark - Whiting

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City of Whiting, Indiana/Facebook

This brand new floating waterpark offers a ton of fun for ringing out the end of summer. Enjoy trampolines, rope climbs, inflatable slides, monkey bars, towers, and so much more at this awesome destination. Find out more here and visit at Whihala Beach at 1561 Park Rd, Whiting, IN 46394.

11. Rugged Adventures - Winamac

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Rugged Adventures/Facebook

If you love outdoor adventures, you'll love this amazing adventure park. Enjoy bubble soccer, archery, an epic game of laser tag, and the ultimate obstacle course all in one fantastic park. Check out all of their offerings here and visit them at 2912 US-35, Winamac, IN 46996.

What are some of your favorite little known attractions in Indiana? For more fun before summer disappears, check out this summer bucket list.

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Experiences|Attractions

The New Attraction in Indianapolis, Indiana We Can’t Wait to Experience

When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopens, it'll be the best new attraction in Indianapolis.

Published Oct 31, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

The legendary Indianapolis 500 is a bucket list event for many. Held annually over Memorial Day Weekend, Indianapolis experiences a surge of tourism that few other cities ever experience. Even if you don’t score tickets to the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is worth your time. It’s currently under a massive renovation, and when it reopens, it’ll be one of the best new attractions in Indianapolis. Let’s check it out:

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Todd Fowler/Flickr

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the ultimate destination for motorsports fans. The museum opened in 1956 and showcases former Indianapolis 500 winning cars, pace cars, and general automotive history. 

The museum has been closed since November 2023 and is currently undergoing a massive facelift. 

The $89 million renovation and modernization project, which is scheduled to reopen in 2025, will be the museum's first massive renovation in 40 years. 

There are many new attractions and exhibits planned, including a brand new, 6,000-square-foot mezzanine level. This new level will house plenty of interactive and educational exhibits as well as become a rentable space for future events. 

If you’ve visited the museum before the renovation, you’ll want to make plans to visit it again. The museum is going to look completely different from the moment you step inside. There will be a new layout with new exhibits and a more intuitive design, which we can’t wait to check out.

The museum is staying within its same footprint, but the essential infrastructure is also getting a facelift. Better humidity control, better storage systems for artifacts, and controlled lighting ensures that the collections inside the museum continue to be preserved for many years to come. 

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four open wheel cars racing around a turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana

Even though the museum is closed for now, track tours of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are open. These tours offer guests a chance to go behind the scenes of the world’s most famous racecourse. I’d recommend pairing a track tour with a hidden gems of Indianapolis tour for the perfect day.

If all goes according to plan, the museum is scheduled to reopen in April 2025. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum website to stay up to date on the renovation process. 

We can’t wait for this new attraction in Indianapolis to open. We’ll be racing to get our tickets! Share this article with someone you want to visit this museum with. 

Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Indianapolis. 

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Experiences|Attractions

Few People Know Parts of the Iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel in Indiana Were Actually Built in Pennsylvania

The iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel in Indiana is a staple in the Indianapolis area. But did you know parts were crafted in Pennsylvania?

Published Oct 31, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

I think it’s safe to say most of us have fond childhood memories of spinning around on a carousel. As a kid, nothing compared (for me, at least) to choosing my favorite animal and hopping on while I waited for the familiar tune to play that signaled the ride was about to begin. Hoosiers are even luckier because we have not just any carousel, but the famous Broad Ripple Park Carousel. This piece of living history has delighted Indiana children since the early 1900s, and the intricately carved animals that make it up date back even further. What makes the carousel even more special is that even though it's one of the most iconic landmarks in Indiana, it actually wasn't even built in our state - at least not the most important part (the animals). They were built in Pennsylvania sometime during the 19th century and brought to Indianapolis in the early 1900s.

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Flickr anjanettew

Although now located in The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Broad Ripple Park Carousel was originally installed in 1917 at White City Amusement Park. The carousel’s animals were constructed by the Dentzel Carousel Company of Philadelphia before the turn of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the building that housed the carousel collapsed in 1956, destroying a significant chunk of its inner workings — but the animals were surprisingly unharmed and put into storage. Over the years, the animals played several different roles across the city, including being used in a Christmas display at University Park. The museum acquired two horses in 1965, along with most of the remaining animals a few years later. 

While the museum originally intended to simply display the restored animals around the building, it ended up going the extra mile and restoring the entire carousel. The artifact was designated a designated a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987, and visitors can still ride it today.

Visit the website for the Children's Museum of Indianapolis for more information about the Broad Ripple Park Carousel. You can also check out the Children's Museum of Indianapolis Facebook page to see additional photos.

Have you ever taken a ride on this historic carousel? What are your favorite iconic landmarks in Indiana? Tell us in the comments! If you need a place to stay in town, the Conrad Indianapolis is a great choice. It's a classic Indy experience with great reviews, and you can book a room in seconds on Booking.com.

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