The best spots in Indiana for enjoying the great outdoors
Let's be honest, how often do you hear about Indiana? This state is a bit forgotten yet incredibly beautiful, full of natural wonders and outdoor adventure opportunities. Indiana is the 19th state to be incorporated into the United States, and it's the 38th largest and the 17th most populous out of all states. If you are not from Indiana and you have never thought there is something interesting do there, then maybe it's the right time to explore. Here are some of the best spots for adventure addicts in the Hoosier State.
Clifty Falls
The Clifty Falls State Park is a place that all adventurers would like to visit, especially at this time of the year. The park contains numerous waterfalls including Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and the tallest among all, the Tunnel Falls. Adventurist hikers will be surprised to see how many trails the park offers. All visitors can find a trail according to their hiking skills. The trail number two is the most difficult and dangerous, as the ending points are forbidden to the public. The access to the falls is also banned due to falling rocks, but you can still see them from the overlook in the canyon.
Oliver Winery
Oliver Winery is the oldest winery in Indiana, and its tasting room has been open to the public for almost 40 years. The winery produces more than 600,000 gallons of wine every year, so if you want to buy some to take home, you can find it under the label of Creekbend Vineyard.
Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is the largest park in the state of Indiana. This is a perfect place for horseback riders, who can find more than 70 miles of horse trails and enjoy the spectacular vistas. If horseback riding is not your favorite way of spending time in nature, then consider bringing your bicycle and explore the stunning landscapes of the park from one of the mountain biking trails. The mountains in the park are often referred to as the "Little Smokies" because of their similarity to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is probably one of the most picturesque parks that you can visit in Indiana. Within the park, there is a nature preserve known as the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon where you can try climbing on the inside walls of the sandstone gorges. There are six trails in the park that you can follow and experience the beautiful canyons carved by Mother Nature. If you enjoy your visit to the park, but you would like to spend a couple of days exploring the wilderness, book one of the 79 rooms at Turkey Run Inn that's located on the territory of the park.
Nappanee
Nappanee is a town in the state of Indiana, most popular for its Amish population. Although small, Nappanee has plenty to offer to its visitors including the Arts and Crafts Festival, the Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres, and the Nappanee Apple Festival where you can participate in a tractor pull or in a talent show. Whatever you choose to do in Nappanee, you will have fun for sure.
Brown County
For those looking for some live music and entertainment, Brown County, Indiana, is the place to be. Live music events are giving life to every corner of the county during the whole year, so no matter when you decide to visit, there is a good chance you end up jamming out. When you get tired of the music, make sure you visit the forests of Brown County and spend some time in the beautiful nature.
Lake Michigan
The great Lake Michigan is also known as the third coast of the United States, and it's one of the biggest lakes in North America. The lake is enormous and offers plenty of outdoor adventures. Surrounded by amazing parks such as Indiana Dunes State Park and the Indiana National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan is a perfect place for those who want to camp for a couple of days and enjoy the sandy beaches around this massive body of water.
Indiana Dunes State Park
The cherry on the cake! The dunes are one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Hoosier State. This is a place where all the beach lovers can spend countless hours in the sand, where the hikers can explore the 16 miles of trails and climb the dunes, and where the campers can choose between 140 spacious campsites equipped with 50-amp electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, and water hydrants.
Now you know why Indiana is a state worth your attention and visit. Good luck!
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