Is there anything better than discovering a secret place hidden in your own home state? Indiana is full of popular tourist destinations that are simply incredible, but sometimes you just want to discover a hidden place you never knew existed. Here are 9 hidden places in the Hoosier state that are some of Indiana’s best kept secrets.
- Pine Lake - Berne
Pine Lake Waterpark/Facebook This incredible lake and waterpark offers a fun-filled day for families. Enjoy tons of waterslides, ziplining, a log walk, a splash pad, volleyball, and so much more. Find out the full scoop on this incredible lakeside park here.
- Sunken Gardens - Huntington
rsteup/Flickr Have you ever wanted to explore a place that looks like it popped straight out of a fairy tale? This enchanting park in Indiana is full of wonder and whimsy - you won’t believe it’s been hiding in your own backyard all of these years. Find out more about this magical sunken garden full of wonder here.
- Lyles Station Historic Community
wikimedia Are you interested in learning unique and neat facts about Indiana’s extensive history? Find out more about the incredible story of Lyles Station, one of the last standing historic African American communities in the midwest. This community was one of the only free communities for African Americans established over two centuries ago. Learn more about this amazing historical spot here.
- Hardin Ridge - Bloomington
Alison B./Yelp It’s hard to keep beaches a secret, but somehow Hardin Ridge in Bloomington remains relatively unknown to many Hoosiers. This charming beach offers kayaking, swimming, and boating, plus has an incredible view of the Hoosier National Forest. To learn more about this gorgeous beach, read on.
- Rose Island - Charlestown
Alexis B./TripAdvisor If you like slightly eerie, overgrown, abandoned places, you’ll absolutely love Rose Island. Rose Island is a small island you can get to by bridge from Charlestown. It used to be an amusement park and now remains of the park can be explored by hiking through the overgrown wilderness. Learn more about the beautiful park nature has reclaimed here.
- Prophetstown Water Park - Prophetstown
MEKA354/TripAdvisor Indiana has a ton of great waterparks, but sometimes it’s the ones you’ve never heard of that offer the best experience. This community waterpark is relatively new and has everything you could ask for in a waterpark: a kids’ play area, a lazy river, waterslides, and so much more. Get full details here.
- Clayshire Castle - Bowling Green
Clayshire Castle/Facebook Have you ever wanted to be whisked away to a magical land full of lords, ladies, and knights? Live out all of your medieval fantasies at Clayshire Castle, a magical hotel and medieval experience that will offer you a stay you’ll never forget. Get full details on all of the magic here.
- Shades State Park - Waveland
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr Shades State Park doesn’t get as much love as other state parks, but is arguably one of the most beautiful. If you’re looking for a peaceful hike set in one of the most gorgeous natural locations in the state, you’ll want to visit this incredible park. Learn more here.
- Krider World’s Fair Garden Park - Middlebury
Brian Hubbard/Flickr This magnificent little park has an incredible history and offers some of the most unique and breathtaking sights in the entire state. If you enjoy charming statues and sculptures and whimsical displays, you’ll fall in love with this garden. Find out more here.
Have you been to any of these amazing hidden places in the Hoosier state? For more great places to explore, check out this 2017 bucket list.
Pine Lake Waterpark/Facebook
This incredible lake and waterpark offers a fun-filled day for families. Enjoy tons of waterslides, ziplining, a log walk, a splash pad, volleyball, and so much more. Find out the full scoop on this incredible lakeside park here.
rsteup/Flickr
Have you ever wanted to explore a place that looks like it popped straight out of a fairy tale? This enchanting park in Indiana is full of wonder and whimsy - you won’t believe it’s been hiding in your own backyard all of these years. Find out more about this magical sunken garden full of wonder here.
wikimedia
Are you interested in learning unique and neat facts about Indiana’s extensive history? Find out more about the incredible story of Lyles Station, one of the last standing historic African American communities in the midwest. This community was one of the only free communities for African Americans established over two centuries ago. Learn more about this amazing historical spot here.
Alison B./Yelp
It’s hard to keep beaches a secret, but somehow Hardin Ridge in Bloomington remains relatively unknown to many Hoosiers. This charming beach offers kayaking, swimming, and boating, plus has an incredible view of the Hoosier National Forest. To learn more about this gorgeous beach, read on.
Alexis B./TripAdvisor
If you like slightly eerie, overgrown, abandoned places, you’ll absolutely love Rose Island. Rose Island is a small island you can get to by bridge from Charlestown. It used to be an amusement park and now remains of the park can be explored by hiking through the overgrown wilderness. Learn more about the beautiful park nature has reclaimed here.
MEKA354/TripAdvisor
Indiana has a ton of great waterparks, but sometimes it’s the ones you’ve never heard of that offer the best experience. This community waterpark is relatively new and has everything you could ask for in a waterpark: a kids’ play area, a lazy river, waterslides, and so much more. Get full details here.
Clayshire Castle/Facebook
Have you ever wanted to be whisked away to a magical land full of lords, ladies, and knights? Live out all of your medieval fantasies at Clayshire Castle, a magical hotel and medieval experience that will offer you a stay you’ll never forget. Get full details on all of the magic here.
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr
Shades State Park doesn’t get as much love as other state parks, but is arguably one of the most beautiful. If you’re looking for a peaceful hike set in one of the most gorgeous natural locations in the state, you’ll want to visit this incredible park. Learn more here.
Brian Hubbard/Flickr
This magnificent little park has an incredible history and offers some of the most unique and breathtaking sights in the entire state. If you enjoy charming statues and sculptures and whimsical displays, you’ll fall in love with this garden. Find out more here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
