Exploring and learning all about the Hoosier state can be lots of fun, but it can also get a little expensive. If you’re looking to save some extra money (and who isn’t?) then you might be searching for incredible and inexpensive places to visit in Indiana. That’s why we’ve compiled this awesome list of 11 free outdoor activities worth exploring in our home state.
- 100 Acres Art and Nature Park - Indianapolis
Juno P./Yelp IF you love the IMA or art in general, you’ll love this free outdoor park that’s part of the IMA gardens. Come explore abstract art and gorgeous Indiana scenery at this free city garden. Find it at 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
- Chocolate Trail - Richmond
Jim Grey/Flickr If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t), you’ll want to check out this incredible trail in Richmond where you’ll receive a free sample of chocolate from a variety of shops and cafes. To get started visit the Welcome Center at 5701 National Road E. (U.S. 40), Richmond.
- West Park - Carmel
Emily F./Yelp West Park isn’t just an incredible, free play area - it also has an amazing splash park that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Find it at 2700 W 116th St, Carmel, IN 46032.
- Evansville Riverfront - Evansville
Mitch A/Foursquare This gorgeous riverfront is a great place to run, walk, bike, or simply relax and enjoy an incredible view of the Ohio River. You’ll find it in Downtown Evansville, IN 47708.
- Lakeside Park Rose Garden - Fort Wayne
McCall E./TripAdvisor This stunning park has gorgeous gardens including an incredible sunken garden. This is a great spot for kids to play and to have a family picnic. You’ll find it at 1401 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
- Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center - Bloomington
Katie U./Yelp If you love learning about other cultures or religions, or simply love exploring distinct architectural structures, you’ll love this free cultural center. If you really enjoy your visit, you can even check out their free meditation classes. Find it at 3655 S Snoddy Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401.
- Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk - Portage
Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk/Facebook If you love the beach, you’ll enjoy this beautiful beach where you can swim, explore the riverwalk, relax on the sand, or fish, all for free! Find it at 1000 Riverwalk Dr, Portage, IN 46368.
- Tuhey Park - Muncie
jpDrumr/TripAdvisor This gorgeous outdoor park is a kid’s (and parents) dream in the summertime. Enjoy an awesome playground, plenty of places to hike, and a public pool to help beat the heat. Find it at the Corner of White River and Wheeling, Muncie, IN 47303.
- The Quilt Gardens - Nappanee
Quilt Garden-Nappanee Center/facebook Check out some of the most amazing floral designs you’ve ever seen by touring the quilt gardens across Elkhart County. Get started at the Nappanee Welcome Center at 302 W Market St, Nappanee, Indiana.
- Architecture Tour - Columbus
wikimedia Take a self-guided tour of this city’s most interesting architectural buildings that have earned worldwide recognition. You can purchase a map or $3 or find all of the sites you’d like on your smartphone. More info is available here.
Have you tried any of these free outdoor activities in Indiana? For an amazing free activity your kids will love, check out this post.
Juno P./Yelp
IF you love the IMA or art in general, you’ll love this free outdoor park that’s part of the IMA gardens. Come explore abstract art and gorgeous Indiana scenery at this free city garden. Find it at 4000 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Jim Grey/Flickr
If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t), you’ll want to check out this incredible trail in Richmond where you’ll receive a free sample of chocolate from a variety of shops and cafes. To get started visit the Welcome Center at 5701 National Road E. (U.S. 40), Richmond.
Emily F./Yelp
West Park isn’t just an incredible, free play area - it also has an amazing splash park that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Find it at 2700 W 116th St, Carmel, IN 46032.
Mitch A/Foursquare
This gorgeous riverfront is a great place to run, walk, bike, or simply relax and enjoy an incredible view of the Ohio River. You’ll find it in Downtown Evansville, IN 47708.
McCall E./TripAdvisor
This stunning park has gorgeous gardens including an incredible sunken garden. This is a great spot for kids to play and to have a family picnic. You’ll find it at 1401 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Katie U./Yelp
If you love learning about other cultures or religions, or simply love exploring distinct architectural structures, you’ll love this free cultural center. If you really enjoy your visit, you can even check out their free meditation classes. Find it at 3655 S Snoddy Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401.
Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk/Facebook
If you love the beach, you’ll enjoy this beautiful beach where you can swim, explore the riverwalk, relax on the sand, or fish, all for free! Find it at 1000 Riverwalk Dr, Portage, IN 46368.
jpDrumr/TripAdvisor
This gorgeous outdoor park is a kid’s (and parents) dream in the summertime. Enjoy an awesome playground, plenty of places to hike, and a public pool to help beat the heat. Find it at the Corner of White River and Wheeling, Muncie, IN 47303.
Quilt Garden-Nappanee Center/facebook
Check out some of the most amazing floral designs you’ve ever seen by touring the quilt gardens across Elkhart County. Get started at the Nappanee Welcome Center at 302 W Market St, Nappanee, Indiana.
wikimedia
Take a self-guided tour of this city’s most interesting architectural buildings that have earned worldwide recognition. You can purchase a map or $3 or find all of the sites you’d like on your smartphone. More info is available here.
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