There are plenty of things to do in Indiana to satisfy the interest, taste, and budget of just about anyone. The attractions in the state include the beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan, riverboat casinos, the excitement of the Indy 500, and the Holiday World Amusement Park. You'll find that Indiana trips will reveal wonderful attractions throughout the state, from weekend getaways and day trips in Indiana to all-inclusive vacation packages.

Most people who visit the state will find their Indiana trips spend some time exploring Indianapolis, the state's capital and largest city. This is where one of the state premier events is held, the exciting Indy 500. Held at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this is one of the most important races on the NASCAR circuit. For a racing enthusiast, getting a ticket to this race is like getting a ticket to the Super Bowl for a football lover. When people think of the state, this is almost always on the list of things to do in Indiana that comes to mind. It's one of the most important events in Indiana, and one of the most visited Indianapolis tourist attractions. The famous Speedway, established in 1909, its an integral part of the history of Indiana, and boasts a museum with an impressive automotive collection. Races are held here throughout the summer.

Most day trips in Indiana will be done while staying in one of the major cities, and chief among these is Indianapolis. Here, you should definitely spend some time exploring Broad Ripple Village, a district within the city that encompasses six cultural neighborhoods that boast museums and galleries, shops and restaurants. The Indianapolis Museum of Art has a prestigious collection of art from around the world. There is also a lovely park made up of 100 acres of forests and wetlands full of bird life as well as a lake. If you're traveling with your family, drop into the Children's Museum of Indianapolis (which bills itself as the largest children's museum in the world). Kids will be fascinated with the museum's many interactive exhibits.

Indiana Map

The Indianapolis Zoo is a delight for all, with tigers and polar bears, cheetahs and dolphins, and everything in between. The zoo is located in White River State Park, another of the Indianapolis tourist attractions that is excellent for day trips in Indiana and is also popular with locals, being the only urban park in the city. There are many green spaces, an IMAX theater, and the respected Eiteljorg Museum of American West and Native America.

There are plenty of outdoor and recreational things to do in Indiana for the entire family. With more than 400 courses for golfing in the state, Indiana is a prime destination for the sport. There are excellent hiking trails, including forested state parks that are great for fishing and camping, as well as beaches and dunes along Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan coastline, shared by the state of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois, is a very popular Indiana trips destination in the summer months, and the Indiana beaches here are considered the best on this Great Lake. In the southern part of the state, you will find almost 26,000 acres of pristine wilderness surrounding the 9,000-acre Patoka Lake. This is a prime destination for Indiana trips concentrating on the great outdoors, offering opportunities for boating and camping. It's also one of the best ice fishing spots in the state. If you're very lucky, you may spot one of the pairs of nesting bald eagles that reside here.

Other things to do in Indiana include a town named Santa Claus, site of the Holiday World Amusement Park and a post office handling thousands of letters addressed to Santa every year. Bloomington, home of Indiana University, has wineries onsite. You can explore four beautiful caves in the southern part of the state or go shopping at a surprising number of malls and shops in Terre Haute.