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Indiana is a state packed with interesting landmarks, and there are tons of cool things to see and do. With a rich, historical past, there are plenty of historic buildings, museums, and sites that are well worth a visit, alongside beautiful beaches and forests. We’ve rounded up the best Indiana landmarks.
1. Evansville Museum, Evansville
The Evansville Museum brings together art, science and history under one roof. It’s a general museum with something for everyone and boasts a great location, right in the historic district in downtown Evansville. The museum houses a collection of over 30,000 objects, with something for all ages on display. It covers topics from fine art through to anthropological, and natural history artifacts. The museum is also known to put on excellent art exhibitions and interesting workshops.
2. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a stunning national park, home to some of the best beaches in the state. With soft, sand beaches, tons of eateries and miles of hiking trails there’s plenty to keep you busy. For many people, it’s one of the best places to see in Indiana.
3. Indiana State House, Indianapolis
The Indiana State House was built in 1888. It’s an impressive building that has been laid out in the shape of a cross with a large glass domed ceiling straddling the middle. It’s the fifth building to house the state government and is well worth a visit to marvel at its architecture.
4. Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis
Boasting a collection of almost 60,000 art pieces, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a must-see in the state of Indiana. The museum is located in a beautiful, early-20th-century estate, and is surrounded by acres of well-manicured gardens to explore. The museum’s permanent collection spans across many different eras and cultures, and is known to have one of the world’s best displays of Asian art. There are tons of hotels near Indianapolis, meaning it’s easy to access from your vacation home-from-home.
5. Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a beautiful Roman Catholic church located on the historic Notre Dame University campus. It’s best known as the fifth-largest church in the United States and is an impressive building with ornate detailing. While you’re there, stroll around the campus to soak up the historic architecture and leafy green spaces.
6. Grouseland (William Henry Harrison Mansion), Vincennes
Grouseland, otherwise known as the William Henry Harrison Mansion and Museum, is renown for its architecture and history. The mansion is a large, red-brick home that was built for the ninth President William Henry Harrison during his term as Governor of the Indiana Territory. The house is said to be the first brick home in the state of Indiana. As Harrison was later elected to be the ninth President of the United States, the house is also a presidential site featuring exhibits and artifacts from the presidential campaign and the Battle of Tippecanoe.
7. Victory Field, Indianapolis
Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis is a minor league ballpark where you can catch a game. In recent years it’s been hailed as the ‘best minor league ballpark in the United States’, and can seat almost 15,000 people. Victory Field is home to the Indianapolis Indians of the International League.
8. French Lick Resorts, French Lick and West Baden
One of the most famous hotels in Indiana is the opulent French Lick Resort, which is housed in two historic buildings in French Lick and West Baden. The French Lick Springs Resort in French Lick lies within a historic building dating back to 1901. The building is bursting with historic charm, and inside the hotel, you can find everything from a spa to a casino. The second French Lick resort, which can be found in West Baden, is also famed for its historic architecture, with a six-story free-span dome and period features.
9. Indiana War Memorial, Indianapolis
The Indiana War Memorial Plaza — a tribute to Indiana war veterans from World War I to the Vietnam War — is home to fountains, parks, and memorial statues. There’s also a 30,000-square-foot museum on site which displays military equipment that was used in various wars. It’s one of the largest memorial sites in memory of veterans in the US.
10. Barker Mansion, Michigan City
Barker Mansion was built by John H. Barker, one of the founders of the railcar industry. The mansion is a stunning house and a point of interest for history and architecture lovers alike. The house was built in 1857 and is an English Manor-style home with period features. The house has thirty eight-rooms that have since been turned into a museum and makes for a great afternoon wandering around.