Published Jul 31, 2019

The Largest Go-Kart Track In Indiana Will Take You On An Unforgettable Ride

New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana offers an exhilarating go-kart racing experience on the state's largest track.

Published Jul 31, 2019

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Updated Nov 12, 2024

19 Spots in Indiana That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

You won't believe how beautiful the Hoosier State becomes when winter rolls in. Winter in Indiana is a special time, and these spots prove it.

Updated Nov 12, 2024

Written by

Trisha Faulkner

Our readers have made it clear they are fans of Christmas but really don't care for snow and ice. This, however, does not change how beautiful the state looks while frozen! I did some digging and found several incredible spots where you can experience winter in Indiana that will drop your frozen jaw! So wear a heavy jacket, a warm hat, and gloves, and come along for this awesome icy adventure. Who knows, maybe you'll fall in love with Indiana winters yourself.

1. This incredible, ice-covered lakeshore in Whiting, Indiana. Wow!

alt — Ice covered lakeshore, shrubs and lamp posts in Whiting, Indiana

2. Michigan City Pier is somehow even more incredible when covered in snow.

alt — Michigan City Lighthouse taken in Winter at Sunrise from an ice shelf on Lake Michigan

3. Lake Michigan is often reduced to a sheet of ice, but it's beautiful as far as the eye can see.

alt — GARY , IN – FEBRUARY 18: Ice covers Lake Michigan on February 18, 2014 near Gary, Indiana. This winters prolonged cold weather has caused more than 88 percent of the Great Lakes to be covered in ice which is near the record of 95% set in February 1979. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

4. This is a frozen waterfall captured perfectly in time near Lagro, Indiana. Brrr.

alt — `Stephen Liebenauer/500px`/Getty Images

5. This is what winter in Howard County looks like. Pristine!

alt — Sunrise over a snow covered farm field-Howard County, Indiana

6. These tree branches kind of look like frozen-fingered hands, don't they?

alt — Shot along riverwalk in Madison Indiana

7. ...but even the frozen trees look great!

8. The frozen waterfalls dotted throughout the state are some of the most beautiful parts of winter.

alt — Whitewater flows over icicles at a frozen Upper Cataract Falls with a red covered bridge upstream. Photographed on Mill Creek near Cloverdale, Indiana.

9. Aren't they just incredible?

alt — `Michael Fromholt / 500px`/Getty Images

10. We could sit and look at the frozen falls for ages!

A serene winter scene featuring a frozen waterfall surrounded by snow-covered rocks and trees under a cloudy sky. — Christian Collins/Flickr

11. Here is a nice frosty picture of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

alt — Fence at Indiana Dunes state park.

12. The marvel and magic of freezing and frozen water is simply captivating.

alt — Benjamin Barti / 500px/Getty Images

13. Turkey Run State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Indiana, with snow or no snow.

alt — Turkey Run State Park is in Parke County Indiana. Sandstone hollows were formed many years ago, making the park a paradise for hikers. The tall colorful hollows make you feel like you are in another planet. Waterfalls, cliffs, and hardwood forest are unique. We have hiked every trail, many times and are always mesmerized by the magnificent rock walls. Trail 3 is our favorite, but make sure you don’t wear sandals. The rock cliffs are slippery and you will get your feet wet because you walk along a creek bed and up a waterfall. After the waterfall the trail takes you up a rock ledge with carefully carved steps requiring you to wait for oncoming hikers.

14. The views in and around Howard County in winter are captivating.

alt — Barn-Red Barn-Family Farm with Plow in foreground-Howard County Indiana

15. This snow and ice captured up close in Indianapolis is truly a work of art.

16. Hard to believe it is Indiana in some of these pictures, isn't it?

alt — Rural Indiana Road in Winter near Shipshewana.

17. It's definitely not hard to see why the Hoosier State is said to be a winter wonderland!

alt — Old Cinder Block Barn at sunrise-Howard County, Indiana

18. Our state looks WONDERFUL covered in ice, and all the wildlife sticking around for the season think so, too!

alt — Male Red American Cardinal Bird posing between acorn shells in Indianapolis,Indiana.

19. And last but not least: the BEAUTIFUL ice of Lake Michigan one more time.

alt — Ice covered lakeshore and pagoda in Whiting, Indiana

So, if someone were to ask you, “What is winter in Indiana like?”, you’ll know what to tell them! Fun, right? I think so. What do you think of these stunning photos of Indiana in winter? Have you taken any Indiana winter pictures you care to share? Where do you like to spend time in winter in Indiana? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section and see your icy photos!

If you’d like to explore winter hikes in and around any of these areas, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website. Winter hikes are awesome - see for yourself! For those of you who like to shop, be sure to read This Walkable Stretch Of Shops And Restaurants In Indiana Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination. It IS, though! Want somewhere to stay while you're experiencing Indiana? Check out all the coolest offers from our friends at VRBO.

Experiences|Attractions

Published Oct 31, 2024

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.

Children joyfully ride colorful carousel horses, surrounded by twinkling lights and a whimsical setting. — 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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19 Spots in Indiana That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

1. This incredible, ice-covered lakeshore in Whiting, Indiana. Wow!

2. Michigan City Pier is somehow even more incredible when covered in snow.

3. Lake Michigan is often reduced to a sheet of ice, but it's beautiful as far as the eye can see.

4. This is a frozen waterfall captured perfectly in time near Lagro, Indiana. Brrr.

5. This is what winter in Howard County looks like. Pristine!

6. These tree branches kind of look like frozen-fingered hands, don't they?

7. ...but even the frozen trees look great!

8. The frozen waterfalls dotted throughout the state are some of the most beautiful parts of winter.

9. Aren't they just incredible?

10. We could sit and look at the frozen falls for ages!

11. Here is a nice frosty picture of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

12. The marvel and magic of freezing and frozen water is simply captivating.

13. Turkey Run State Park is one of the most beautiful places in Indiana, with snow or no snow.

14. The views in and around Howard County in winter are captivating.

15. This snow and ice captured up close in Indianapolis is truly a work of art.

16. Hard to believe it is Indiana in some of these pictures, isn't it?

17. It's definitely not hard to see why the Hoosier State is said to be a winter wonderland!

18. Our state looks WONDERFUL covered in ice, and all the wildlife sticking around for the season think so, too!

19. And last but not least: the BEAUTIFUL ice of Lake Michigan one more time.

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Get the latest updates and news

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

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Completely Free Natural Attraction Hiding in a Wyoming Park Is a Must-Visit

This Natural Wonder in Idaho Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

The Best Apple Cider in Alaska Comes From This Award-Winning Hard Cidery

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns

The Iconic Trail in Tennessee Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime