Travel the USA (Visit Indiana)

It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 14th to visit is none other than Indiana, abbreviated IN. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, Indiana, the Hoosier State, is not to be missed.

Visit state # 14- INDIANA

Indiana, whose name is thought to mean ‘land of the Indians,’ is a constituent state of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan and the state of Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Illinois to the west. The Ohio River forms the southern border, and the Wabash River forms part of the western border. Indiana, an integral part of the American Midwest, was admitted to the union in 1816 as the 19^th state. Its capital has been Indianapolis since 1825.

The Hoosier State is greatly admired for the hard work ethic of the people, and the pride of the state is largely attributed to its 19^th century American roots. Per Britannica, “It is not by coincidence that Indianan’s nickname, Hoosier, remains a symbol in the country’s lore for a kind of homespun wisdom, wit, and folksiness that harks back to what is popularly regarded as a less-hurried and less -complicated period of history.”

Most of the state’s surface was modified by glaciers and resulted in an interesting topography, depositing some rich and fertile soil upon which to farm and grow agriculture. The highest elevation of the state is near the Ohio border, and the lowest point is in the southwest where the Wabash River enters the Ohio River. The northern half of the state contains many small glacial lakes, and some of the state’s largest. Of interest, a high percentage of the forested land is privately owned.

Indiana Dunes National Park is among the most visited attractions within the state. In fact, the park welcomes over 3 million visitors each year, per the National Park Service. The park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers 15,000 acres and over 50 miles of trails that traverse dunes, wetlands, prairies, rivers, and forest land. For those interested in wildlife, grab the binoculars, and participate in a migratory bird expedition in the park, led by a birding expert from the Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society. During agreeable temps, enjoy a bike ride and picnic outdoors, or bring a swimsuit and spend time in the water or relaxing on the beach.

The city of Indianapolis offers a combination of green space, parks, and fascinating museums, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. This large museum boasts over 54,000 pieces of art from across the world, showcasing artwork from America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Monument Circle, featuring the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and White River State Park are two must-see destinations in downtown Indianapolis. White River State Park boasts over 250 acres to explore and includes TCU Amphitheater, IMAX Theater, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Central Canal, and Indians Baseball at Victory Field.

Indiana features a hot-summer and humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons. During wintertime, the north and northwestern parts of the state receive more snow than the south due to winds that blow across Lake Michigan to produce lake effect snow bands. Whether you decide to visit the Indiana Dunes National Park to the north, the scenic Hoosier National Forest to the state’s south or explore some of the iconic higher institutions of learning, such as the legendary University of Notre Dame or Purdue University, there are tons of valuable points of interest in this vibrant state.

Next up: Iowa