Here’s a curated list of 51 hidden gems located just outside of Indianapolis that are perfect for exploration. These places offer unique experiences ranging from nature trails and parks to cultural spots and historic sites.

1. Brown County State Park (Nashville, IN)

● Known for scenic hiking and vibrant fall colors.

2. T.C. Steele State Historic Site (Nashville, IN)

● A historic home and art studio of Indiana artist T.C. Steele.

3. Bluespring Caverns (Bedford, IN)

● Explore underground rivers and cave formations.

4. Wilbur Wright Birthplace (Hagerstown, IN)

● Museum dedicated to the Wright brothers’ early life.

5. Columbus Architecture Tour (Columbus, IN)

● Famous for modern architecture by celebrated architects.

6. Exotic Feline Rescue Center (Center Point, IN)

● A sanctuary for big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards.

7. Turkey Run State Park (Marshall, IN)

● A nature lover’s paradise with trails, canyons, and waterfalls.

8. Story Inn (Story, IN)

● A historic village turned into a rustic inn with a ghostly legend.

9. Cataract Falls (Cloverdale, IN)

● Indiana’s largest waterfall by volume.

10. Mounds State Park (Anderson, IN)

● Features earthworks constructed by prehistoric Native American people.

11. Indiana Dunes National Park (Chesterton, IN)

● Stunning dunes along Lake Michigan’s southern shoreline.

12. Oliver Winery (Bloomington, IN)

● One of the largest wineries in the Midwest, offering tours and tastings.

13. Conner Prairie (Fishers, IN)

● An interactive history park with a historic village and balloon rides.

14. Marengo Cave (Marengo, IN)

● A U.S. National Natural Landmark with guided cave tours.

15. Historic Metamora (Metamora, IN)

● A canal town offering a step back in time with unique shops and scenic rides.

16. French Lick Resort (French Lick, IN)

● A luxury resort with a historic casino and mineral springs.

17. Spring Mill State Park (Mitchell, IN)

● Features a pioneer village, hiking trails, and caves.

18. Indiana Caverns (Corydon, IN)

● A subterranean adventure offering boat rides through an underground river.

19. Indiana Medical History Museum (Indianapolis, IN)

● The oldest surviving pathology laboratory in the U.S.

20. Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area (Rockville, IN)

● A lake perfect for fishing, boating, and hiking.

21. Hesston Steam Museum (La Porte, IN)

● Vintage steam-powered locomotives and machinery in action.

22. Squire Boone Caverns (Mauckport, IN)

● A cave system with unique rock formations and an underground waterfall.

23. Clifty Falls State Park (Madison, IN)

● A park known for its waterfalls and rugged trails.

24. Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site (Rome City, IN)

● The home of famous author and naturalist Gene Stratton-Porter.

25. Monroe Lake (Bloomington, IN)

● The largest lake in Indiana, great for boating and fishing.

26. Shipshewana (Shipshewana, IN)

● An Amish community known for its flea markets and auctions.

27. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, IN)

● A family-friendly theme park with a water park.

28. Paoli Peaks (Paoli, IN)

● A ski resort offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter.

29. Prophetstown State Park (West Lafayette, IN)

● A park offering a blend of Native American history and beautiful landscapes.

30. Whitewater Memorial State Park (Liberty, IN)

● A quiet park known for its lakes and outdoor recreation.

31. Newfields: Indianapolis Museum of Art (Indianapolis, IN)

● An art museum and garden with diverse collections.

32. Parke County Covered Bridges (Rockville, IN)

● Famous for its 31 covered bridges and scenic drives.

33. Levi Coffin House (Fountain City, IN)

● A National Historic Landmark known as the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad.

34. The Virgil I. Grissom Memorial Museum (Mitchell, IN)

● Dedicated to astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom, one of the original Mercury astronauts.

35. James Dean Gallery (Fairmount, IN)

● A museum dedicated to the iconic actor James Dean.

36. Madison Historic District (Madison, IN)

● A preserved 19th-century river town with over 130 historic buildings.

37. Indiana University Campus and Art Museum (Bloomington, IN)

● The beautiful campus is home to iconic architecture and a renowned art museum.

38. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge (Seymour, IN)

● A sanctuary for migratory birds and wildlife.

39. Big Walnut Nature Preserve (Greencastle, IN)

● An untouched nature preserve with hiking and birdwatching.

40. Ferdinand State Forest (Ferdinand, IN)

● A peaceful forest known for its hiking trails and fishing lakes.

41. Rotary Jail Museum (Crawfordsville, IN)

● One of the few rotating jails in the U.S., now a museum.

42 Charlestown State Park (Charlestown, IN)

● Indiana’s third-largest state park, with scenic views and wildlife.

43. Seiberling Mansion (Kokomo, IN)

● A beautifully restored Victorian mansion-turned-museum.

44. Sullivan Munce Cultural Center (Zionsville, IN)

● A hub for art, history, and genealogy research.

45. LaPorte County Historical Museum (La Porte, IN)

● A treasure trove of local history and artifacts.

46. Fair Oaks Farms (Fair Oaks, IN)

● An interactive farm experience showcasing modern agriculture.

47. The Exotic Animal Experience (Center Point, IN)

● A unique experience interacting with exotic animals.

48. Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum (Battle Ground, IN)

● A historic site of the 1811 battle between U.S. forces and Native Americans.

49. Spring Mill Inn (Mitchell, IN)

● A historic inn nestled in Spring Mill State Park.

50. Fairmount Historical Museum (Fairmount, IN)

● Home to artifacts from actor James Dean’s life.

51. Saint Meinrad Archabbey (St. Meinrad, IN)

● A serene Benedictine monastery with beautiful grounds.