Summer is quickly approaching, which means there’s more time for Hoosiers to explore the state outdoors. If you’ve been experiencing cabin fever this winter, don’t worry. We’ve got a great list of summer fun coming your way.
- Take a boat ride through a cave
wikimedia Indiana Caverns in Corydon has the longest caves in Indiana to explore. Go on a walking tour through these gorgeous caves or explore via boat.
- Check out some rescued animals
Becker1999/Flickr The Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion is a really neat place to explore. This sanctuary houses all types of animals, from common to exotic, and is funded mostly by visitor fees. Check out some incredible rescue animals and support a great cause.
- Take a dip
WFIU Public Radio/Flickr Nothing says summer like the sun, water, and beaches. Enjoy all the perks of lake life along Lake Monroe in Bloomington. Go for a swim, lounge in the sun, or take your boat out for a spin.
- Tour some awesome flowers
PunkToad/Flickr Quilt Gardens in Elkhart provides awesome tours of flower gardens and murals that are free to the public from June to October. With over a million blooms to witness, you’ll want to explore this unique garden.
- Enjoy the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
sciondriver/Flickr The Indianapolis Cultural trail connects several of Indy’s most popular districts like Fountain Square, Fletcher Place, Mass Ave, the Canal and White River State Park, and Broad Ripple. Enjoy this trail by walking, jogging, or biking using the Pacer’s Bikeshare to get moving this summer.
- Catch the Colts Training Sessions
David Armstrong/Flickr The Indianapolis Colts Training Camp takes place every summer (starting in August) at Anderson University in Anderson. If you’re a huge Colts fan, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on.
- Get artsy
ryan griffis/Flickr The Festival of Murals in Wayne County is a summer long competition that has local artists creating murals and other masterpieces. It’s a great way to view local art with a Hoosier theme.
- Visit the State Fair
Natalie Curtiss/Flickr If you don’t go to the State Fair, did summer even come? Hoosiers know how big of a deal the State Fair is, so you have to make sure you stop by this summer for food, music, fun, and more!
- Get amused
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr The Indiana Beach amusement park is a great way to spend your downtime during the summer. Located in Monticello, this beach themed resort has great food, rides, water, camping, and so much more.
- Soar to new heights
Jasper Nance/Flickr Have you ever wanted to see the world from a completely different angle? Well, at Midwest Balloon Rides in Fishers, you can view our gorgeous state in a stunning new light from miles above.
- Take a wine trail tour
kdemerly/Flickr If you’re near southeastern Indiana or are up for a drive, we have a 6 spot wine challenge for you! Visit all six wineries to complete your status as a wine afficionado. Travel to Ertel Cellars in Batesville, Ridge Winery Tasting Room in Vevay, Stream Cliff Farm in Commiskey, and three wineries in Madison: Lanthier, Madison Vineyards Estates, and the Tomas Family Winery.
- Witness the best of the Bard
Dan Dzurisin/Flickr Enjoy your favorite Shakespearean works brought to life at the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival in South Bend. Shows change throughout the summer so check in to catch your favorites before they’re gone.
- Get poppin'
Steve Johnson/Flickr Love popcorn? Come celebrate your love for this salty treat at Valparaiso’s Popcorn Festival this summer. Enjoy all the popcorn you can handle!
- Enjoy all the food
Marc Buehler/Flickr Every first Friday in the summer, the Old National Centre in Indianapolis hosts a huge gathering of food trucks which is appropriately titled Food Truck Fest. Discover your new favorite treat and enjoy a great, diverse meal.
- Explore Lake Michigan
Tom Gill/Flickr There’s so much to do at the Indiana Dunes, you’ll never grow bored. Swim, lounge, explore, hike, camp, bike…whatever you love to do, do it across the 15 miles of dunes in northeastern Indiana.
Make this summer the best summer yet by exploring every inch of Indiana. What do you think of these bucket list items? Is there anything we should have added?
wikimedia
Indiana Caverns in Corydon has the longest caves in Indiana to explore. Go on a walking tour through these gorgeous caves or explore via boat.
Becker1999/Flickr
The Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in Albion is a really neat place to explore. This sanctuary houses all types of animals, from common to exotic, and is funded mostly by visitor fees. Check out some incredible rescue animals and support a great cause.
WFIU Public Radio/Flickr
Nothing says summer like the sun, water, and beaches. Enjoy all the perks of lake life along Lake Monroe in Bloomington. Go for a swim, lounge in the sun, or take your boat out for a spin.
PunkToad/Flickr
Quilt Gardens in Elkhart provides awesome tours of flower gardens and murals that are free to the public from June to October. With over a million blooms to witness, you’ll want to explore this unique garden.
sciondriver/Flickr
The Indianapolis Cultural trail connects several of Indy’s most popular districts like Fountain Square, Fletcher Place, Mass Ave, the Canal and White River State Park, and Broad Ripple. Enjoy this trail by walking, jogging, or biking using the Pacer’s Bikeshare to get moving this summer.
David Armstrong/Flickr
The Indianapolis Colts Training Camp takes place every summer (starting in August) at Anderson University in Anderson. If you’re a huge Colts fan, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss out on.
ryan griffis/Flickr
The Festival of Murals in Wayne County is a summer long competition that has local artists creating murals and other masterpieces. It’s a great way to view local art with a Hoosier theme.
Natalie Curtiss/Flickr
If you don’t go to the State Fair, did summer even come? Hoosiers know how big of a deal the State Fair is, so you have to make sure you stop by this summer for food, music, fun, and more!
Jeremy Thompson/Flickr
The Indiana Beach amusement park is a great way to spend your downtime during the summer. Located in Monticello, this beach themed resort has great food, rides, water, camping, and so much more.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
Have you ever wanted to see the world from a completely different angle? Well, at Midwest Balloon Rides in Fishers, you can view our gorgeous state in a stunning new light from miles above.
kdemerly/Flickr
If you’re near southeastern Indiana or are up for a drive, we have a 6 spot wine challenge for you! Visit all six wineries to complete your status as a wine afficionado. Travel to Ertel Cellars in Batesville, Ridge Winery Tasting Room in Vevay, Stream Cliff Farm in Commiskey, and three wineries in Madison: Lanthier, Madison Vineyards Estates, and the Tomas Family Winery.
Dan Dzurisin/Flickr
Enjoy your favorite Shakespearean works brought to life at the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival in South Bend. Shows change throughout the summer so check in to catch your favorites before they’re gone.
Steve Johnson/Flickr
Love popcorn? Come celebrate your love for this salty treat at Valparaiso’s Popcorn Festival this summer. Enjoy all the popcorn you can handle!
Marc Buehler/Flickr
Every first Friday in the summer, the Old National Centre in Indianapolis hosts a huge gathering of food trucks which is appropriately titled Food Truck Fest. Discover your new favorite treat and enjoy a great, diverse meal.
Tom Gill/Flickr
There’s so much to do at the Indiana Dunes, you’ll never grow bored. Swim, lounge, explore, hike, camp, bike…whatever you love to do, do it across the 15 miles of dunes in northeastern Indiana.
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