There are lots of wonderfully iconic small towns in Indiana; in fact, there are so many that we don't think we could ever list them all in a single article. It's pretty hard to narrow them down, even, to just a top ten - so we didn't. We did, however, put together a general list of six Indiana small towns that the Hoosier State just wouldn't be the same without. Of course, these are in no particular order - and by no means is this list an exhaustive one - but, should you be looking for your next day trip destination, these hotspots might be a great place to start:
1. New Harmony
New Harmony is an interestingly unique town in Indiana in the sense that it all started as something of a social experiment. One thing led to another, and eventually, it became this quirky small town that we all know and love. And if you don't know it, well, what better time than now?
2. Corydon
History geeks will love a trip out to Corydon, a delightful historic town in Indiana with plenty to do, see, and experience. With less than 4,000 residents, it's got the small-town charm thing down perfectly. It's home to Indiana's first capitol building and has some wonderful shops and eateries, too.
3. Shipshewana
Ah, Shipshewana. No list of iconic Indiana towns would be complete without Shipshewana, right? This beautiful Amish town in Indiana often feels like something out of a fairy tale. You'll see horse-drawn carriages galore, and don't miss out on any one of the incredible Amish restaurants in town like The Blue Gate.
4. Nashville
Nashville is a unique small town in Indiana where you can kick up your feet and forget about life for a while. It's in Brown County, and you know what that means: natural beauty abounds, and yes, there is natural beauty on every single side of Nashville. We love the eclectic shops and eateries, but don't forget to appreciate nature while you're here. Goodness knows there is plenty!
5. Angola
Nestled in Steuben County is Angola, a tiny town founded in 1838 that tends to often make all those "best of" Indiana lists you'll find on the internet (including this one). It's a really lovely place to escape to, and it makes for one of our downright favorite day trip destinations in Indiana.
6. Madison
Madison is an adorable small town in Indiana with a vibrant and interesting Historic District. While you're here, be sure to check out must-see historic attractions like the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site. It's a gorgeous riverfront paradise, and you're sure to fall in love with it again every single time you visit.
So there you have it: six small towns that, if they were to suddenly disappear from the map, would change Indiana forever. The Hoosier State just wouldn't be what it is now without them, and each one is an essential item on the ol' to-do list.
Need more small-town Indiana? Check out these peaceful small towns in Indiana that offer nothing more than bliss and quiet.
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