You know, winter sometimes gets a bad rap. For every person you meet who loves wintertime, you'll meet three more who hate it. They usually have plenty of reasons; they dislike the bitter cold, or snow is inconvenient. Maybe they'll say there's nothing to really do since the Hoosier State isn't really known for its amazing skiing like, say, Colorado might be. Well, we're here to gently inform those folks that they are incorrect: winter is, in fact, one of the most amazing times of the year. It's beyond photogenic, and we found some beautiful photos to prove it! Winter in Indiana might be cold, but it's not terrible. Here are some places that will surely make you feel like you're in a winter wonderland (because, spoiler, you are):
Michigan City, Indiana, is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. It's ridiculously photogenic, and when the ground is covered in a layer of pristine, untouched snow, it takes on an even greater majesty. Some year, following storms, you can arrive here to find a layer or two of ice coating everything, which is a treat to photograph and admire. You might want to try this enchanting lighthouse walk!
This one is a 150% MUST do during winter. It's not terribly far from Michigan City, actually, so you could easily do both in one trip. The dunes make for a spectacularly unique landscape, especially somewhere like Indiana, where we're all used to, well, mostly plains and prairies (with some woods thrown in for good measure). Indiana Dunes National Park, when snowy, is truly a winter lover's dream come true. Learn about the history of Indiana's newest national park in this article.
Okay, honestly, any of Indiana's amazing state or national parks could be on this list. Even if you're not a huge fan of the snow, you've got to admit that sometimes it's absolutely beautiful. McCormick's Creek State Park is home to tons of waterfalls, and if you've never experienced a frozen waterfall in real life before, here's your chance. This park is excellent for winter hiking.
This one is, quite possibly, the single most epic item on this list (except maybe the lighthouse). Believe us when we say there is NOTHING like checking out Indiana's largest waterfall (by volume) when it's cold out. The river has a strong current, and it doesn't tend to freeze over, so the still, calm, white snow decorating the landscape around the river is nothing short of utterly breathtaking. Learn more about this significant little spot in this article.
Rising Sun is a criminally underrated town in the Hoosier State. It's quaint, and it's filled to the brim with personality, kindness, and, of course, wonderful views. You'll feel like you're in a tiny little snow globe town; it's positively enchanting! Kill time at or on the river, or maybe the shops. Either way, this is a must-do. If you end up wanting to move here, we don't blame you: we do too.
What's more amazing than a snow globe town like Rising Sun? A snow globe county. Parke County is known as Indiana's "covered bridge capital" and is home to more than 30 of these historic, charming structures. There's just something about covered bridges covered in snow that brings out our inner child (and our inner photographer).
Hathaway Nature Preserve is located at Ross Run Nature Preserve, so it's like double the wintery delights. This place is quite amazing all year round; in summer, there are plentiful wildflowers. In fall, the colors are to die for. In winter, the entire preserve covered in a dusting of snow lends to some truly amazing sights, like the waterfall you see above. Learn more about the preserve on the official website.
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So, what are some of your favorite places in Indiana during wintertime? Tell us about them in the comments - and make sure to send us pictures! We love hearing from you, and we love pictures, so it all works out nicely. Let us know!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Each and every year, our pals at Farmers' Almanac release their thoughts on what the seasons ahead will hold. The year 2024 is no different, with brand-new predictions for Indiana's winter on deck. So, what will this year hold? Let's see - and remember, no long-range weather forecast is ever 100 percent accurate or truly reliable; these are based on an ages-old formula and some other things, but ultimately, it's all for fun. This may or may not be perfectly accurate, but it'll definitely be fun to see how close they got this year!
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After an interesting winter in the Midwest in 2023, this year is slated to be different—colder and dryer in the northern reaches of the state and colder and wetter in the southern reaches.
Indiana and its surrounding states are expected to be cold as usual —that's obvious every year thanks to our climate—but this year, we can hopefully expect to see less stormy, blizzardy weather as well, which is nice. This year, per the Farmer's Almanac, we should see a general return to "normal"— cold, snowy conditions in part of the state with (very) occasional episodes of deep freezes and blizzards with drier (but still cold) conditions in the other.
Personally, I hope they're right. I know winter can be tough, but ultimately, it's still so beautiful.
Pipe Creek Waterfall in winter-Cass County, Indiana
Plus, who says winter in Indiana isn't the best time of year? I sure don't! For example, there are some awesome winter hikes in Indiana—so awesome that I'd even go as far as to say they're better when it's chilly out! There are also many campgrounds that are still open, as well as our state and National parks. Year-round camping is a point of pride at many of our parks, and I highly recommend giving it a shot at least once. You never know; you might just meet your new favorite cold-weather hobby in the process!
Personally, I'd argue that Indiana is 100% worth it to visit in the winter, no matter what the forecast says will happen. There are so many amazing things to do in Indiana, and when many of those things are covered in a layer of fresh, untouched snow, they become so much more beautiful than any of us probably ever expected them to. Sure, it's cold, but without the chill in the air, we wouldn't have wintertime delights like ice skating, snow and ice sculptures, holiday extravaganzas, and more. It's cold, but it's who we are, and I can appreciate that.
Of course, Indiana has had its share of devastating historic winter storms, but thankfully, those are the exception - not the rule. Some Hoosiers might even say winter's their favorite season - not something you'd probably hear a lot of in, say, Minnesota (brr)! Hopefully, this year, there will be fewer winter storms in Indiana to speak of - fewer gnarly ones, anyway. If you're interested in learning more about a particularly gnarly winter storm in Indiana, read up about the nightmarish 1991 ice storm in Indiana you may or may not have been around for.
Michigan City Lighthouse taken in Winter at Sunrise from an ice shelf on Lake Michigan
No matter what happens this winter, be sure to stay warm and stay weather-aware! Any given year, our winter temperatures typically don't reach higher than 46 degrees Fahrenheit from November until February, wet or dry, snow or no snow - so plan accordingly and remember to bundle up! Every year, you'd be amazed at how many folks fail to dress for Indiana winters. You never know when Mother Nature will surprise you, so it helps to be ready always—just in case. Drive safe, and be sure to bundle up.
For more information, including the full winter 2024-2025 predictions and more regionally specific ones, be sure to check out the official Farmers' Almanac website. What do YOU think this winter will bring? How much stock do you put into the ol' Almanac? Let me know in the comments!
