In Indiana, we’re known for beautiful, sweeping farmland (corn!), but summer in our state can also be filled with rugged hikes, massive sand dunes, quirky festivals, local sports, and unique outdoor dining. Here are 30 things topping our summer bucket list.

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

  1. Indiana Dunes National Park (Michigan City)Swap the cornfields for sandy shorelines. Located right on Lake Michigan, this national park offers 15 miles of beaches, rugged dune trails, and diverse ecosystems perfect for a weekend of camping and swimming. More info: gov
  1. Turkey Run State Park (Marshall) Known for its deep sandstone ravines and ancient hemlock groves, Turkey Run feels completely different from the flatlands. Wading through the creek beds and climbing the wooden ladders is a summer must-do for hikers. More info: in.gov
  2. Hidden Paradise Campground (St. Paul) You don’t have to camp to enjoy this spot. It features an 80-acre rock quarry with incredibly clear water where you can swim, jump on water trampolines, tackle a floating obstacle course, or rent paddleboards. More info: hiddenparadisecampground.com
  3. Falls of the Ohio State Park (Clarksville) Sitting on the banks of the Ohio River, this park features one of the largest naturally exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. Late summer, when the river is lower, is the perfect time to walk out on the dry beds and hunt for 390-million-year-old fossils. More info: fallsoftheohio.org
  4. Cataract Falls (Spencer) As the largest waterfall by volume in Indiana, Cataract Falls is a fantastic spot for nature photography and warm-weather picnics. A historic covered bridge adds to the scenery. More info: in.gov

Fairs and Festivals

  1. The Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis) Running through the height of August, this is the ideal Hoosier summer event. Beyond the livestock and deep-fried foods, the fair brings in major music acts, midway rides, and interactive exhibits. More info: indianastatefair.com
  2. Pierogi Fest (Whiting) Held every July, this massive, quirky festival celebrates Eastern European heritage. Expect a Mr. Pierogi mascot, a lawnmower drill team, polka music, and some of the best food in the state. More info: pierogifest.net
  3. Three Rivers Festival (Fort Wayne) Fort Wayne goes all out in July for this nine-day summer celebration featuring an international village, an art walk, raft races on the river, and “Junk Food Alley.” More info: threeriversfestival.org
  4. The Tipton Pork Festival (Tipton) The Tipton Pork Festival is a celebration of Indiana agriculture and community. Known for its legendary pork burgers, the festival brings together local farmers, businesses, food vendors, and families for a weekend full of food, entertainment, and hometown pride. More info: tiptoncountyporkfestival.com/

Attractions and Family Amusement

  1. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus) This incredibly clean, holiday-themed amusement park in southern Indiana boasts world-class wooden roller coasters and one of the best water parks in the country. Plus, they offer free soft drinks and free sunscreen all summer. More info: holidayworld.com
  2. The Madam Carroll (Monticello) Spend an evening on Lake Freeman aboard the largest boat in Indiana. They offer summer dinner cruises, a boat bar, and live music right on the water. More info: madamcarroll.com
  3. Conner Prairie’s Symphony on the Prairie (Fishers) Pack a picnic and a blanket, and head to the outdoor amphitheater at Conner Prairie. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and various tribute bands put on fantastic outdoor sunset concerts all summer long. More info: indianapolissymphony.org
  4. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park (Indianapolis) Located inside Eagle Creek Park, this treetop adventure course features massive zip lines over the reservoir, suspended bridges, and Tarzan swings for an adrenaline break. More info: goape.com
  5. The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience (Indianapolis) The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis takes the fun outside in the summer with this massive interactive sports complex. Kids (and adults) can race pedal cars, play mini-golf, and try out baseball, football, and hockey drills. More info: childrensmuseum.org
  6. Grissom Air Museum (Peru) History buffs can get up close and personal with Cold War-era jets and military aircraft. It’s an expansive outdoor area where kids have plenty of room to run and explore the history of aviation. More info: grissomairmuseum.com

Unique Stays, Food, and Culture

  1. Huber’s Orchard, Winery and Vineyards (Borden) Here you can pick seasonal summer produce, taste whiskey at their Starlight Distillery, grab a scoop at the ice cream shop, and listen to live music on the patio. More info: visithubers.com
  2. Union Restaurant and Game Yard (Jeffersonville) If you want an elite summer patio experience, this is the spot. It features an expansive lawn filled with giant beer pong, cornhole, and fire pits, paired with a great craft cocktail and food menu. More info: uniongameyard.com
  3. Newfields Summer Nights Film Series (Indianapolis) The Indianapolis Museum of Art turns its lush amphitheater into an outdoor cinema during the summer. Bring a lawn chair and drinks to watch classic movies under the stars. More info: discovernewfields.org
  4. Michigan City Pier and Lighthouse After visiting the zoo or hiking the dunes in Michigan City, walk out onto the local pier to see the historic lighthouse. It’s the only public operating lighthouse in Indiana and the perfect spot to catch a summer sunset over Lake Michigan. More info: michigancitylaporte.com
  5. The Old Jail Inn (Rockville) For a weird but memorable summer road trip, book a night here. You can literally sleep in a converted jail cell, complete with barred doors, in a town famous for its historic covered bridges. More info: oldjailinn.com

Hidden Gems and Summer Classics

  1. Geist Waterfront Park (Fishers)
    Bring your kayak or paddleboard to this 70-acre park to explore the water at your own pace. It also features a pirate-themed playground, and miles of shaded walking trails away from the busy boat traffic. More info: fishersparks.com/parks-amenities/geist-waterfront-parks/
  2. Big Four Bridge (Jeffersonville)
    Rent a bike or take a walk across this mile-long pedestrian bridge that stretches over the Ohio River, connecting downtown Jeffersonville to Louisville, Kentucky. The bridge lights up with LED colors every evening after sunset, making it a perfect post-dinner stroll. More info: gosoin.com/listing/big-four-bridge-(louisville)/60/
  3. Rose Island (Charlestown)
    Tucked inside Charlestown State Park, a moderately rugged hike leads you down to the eerie but fascinating ruins of a destroyed 1920s riverside amusement park. Following the paved paths through stone archways and an abandoned swimming pool footprint offers a great mix of local history and hiking. More info: gosoin.com/listing/rose-island/48/
  4. Shipshewana Flea Market (Shipshewana)
    Every Tuesday and Wednesday from May through September, the Midwest’s largest flea market opens its gates in Amish country. You can spend an entire day hunting for antique treasures, handmade crafts, and fresh local produce across hundreds of open-air vendor booths. More info: shipshewanatradingplace.com/flea-market/
  5. Victory Field (Indianapolis)
    Catching an Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball game in downtown Indy is a staple summer evening. Grab a blanket and lawn seats in the outfield to enjoy local craft beer and ballpark food while the sun sets behind the city skyline. More info: milb.com/indianapolis/ballpark/victory-field
  6. Marengo Cave (Marengo)
    If you need a break from the intense July humidity, head underground. This massive cave system is an easy walk and sits at a constant 52 degrees year-round, offering guided tours through towering stalagmite and stalactite formations. More info: marengocave.com/
  7. Whitewater Canal State Historic Site (Metamora)
    Step back in time in this uniquely preserved historic canal town. You can take a leisurely 25-minute cruise down the Whitewater Canal on a horse-drawn wooden boat and visit a working 1853 grist mill right on the water. More info: indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/whitewater-canal/
  8. Brown County State Park (Nashville)
    Often called the “Little Smokies,” Indiana’s largest state park is a haven for mountain biking. With nearly 30 miles of rugged, world-class trails winding through deeply forested hills, it is a premier destination for anyone who loves two-wheeled summer adrenaline. More info: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brown-county-state-park/
  9. Cool Creek Park & Nature Center (Carmel)
    Head just north of Indianapolis for some classic creek stomping. This 90-acre park has shallow, rocky creek beds perfect for wading, along with shaded woodland paths and a fantastic nature play area built into the trees. More info: visithamiltoncounty.com/listing/cool-creek-park-%26-nature-center/245/
  10. Wolf Park (Battle Ground)
    Visit this wildlife research facility near Lafayette for their unique summer “Howl Nights.” As the sun goes down, you can observe the resident gray wolves, foxes, and bison, and listen as the pack howls together in the dark. More Info: wolfpark.org/

 

What are your favorite summer spots? Did we leave out your hometown festival, your go-to weekend campground, or the best patio in the state? Drop your must-dos and hidden gems in the comments below so we can check them out!