Hey there, wanderlusters & wedding guests! 👋 Ready to discover Southern Indiana’s best-kept secrets? Buckle up, because we’re about to take you on a virtual tour that’ll have you itching to hit that ‘book now’ button.
From Insta-worthy nature spots to foodie havens that’ll make your taste buds dance, Southern Indiana is serving up some serious vacation goals. So grab your phone (for all those inevitable selfies), and let’s dive into the coolest things to do in this Midwest gem!
25 Attractions & Things to Do in Southern Indiana
Nature Vibes on Point | Outdoor Adventures
Southern Indiana is basically Mother Nature’s favorite child! Time to get your outdoor fix:
- Brown County State Park: AKA the “Little Smokies.” Fall foliage that’ll break your Instagram. Hike, bike, or channel your inner cowboy with some horseback riding.
- Hoosier National Forest: 200,000+ acres of pure, unadulterated nature. Camping under the stars? Check. Fishing in serene lakes? You bet. Wildlife spotting? It’s like a real-life Pokemon Go!
- Cave Crawl:
- Bluespring Caverns: Underground boat ride. It’s like Venice, but cooler (literally).
- Marengo Cave: Rock formations that’ll rock your world.
- Indiana Caverns: Go big or go home – it’s Indiana’s longest cave system.
- Patoka Lake: Boat rentals, fishing, beach vibes. It’s your Instagram’s next water-filled photoshoot.
- Ohio River Scenic Byway: Road trip alert! River views for days and charm-overload towns.
Time Travel at Historical Hotspots
History buffs, we see you! Get ready to geek out:
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial: Walk in young Abe’s footsteps. Stovepipe hat optional.
- Corydon Capitol State Historic Site: Indiana’s OG capital. History never looked so good.
- Angel Mounds State Historic Site: Ancient Native American city. Proof that #ThrowbackThursday can go waaay back.
- Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site: Victorian architecture that’s fancy AF.
- Howard Steamboat Museum: Because who doesn’t love a good boat story?
Eats and Drinks
Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion:
- Indiana Uplands Wine Trail: Nine wineries. Infinite possibilities. Wine not?
- Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards: Pick-your-own fruit, wine tasting, farm-fresh dining noms. It’s like an adult version of Willy Wonka’s factory.
- Big Four Burgers + Beer: Burgers that’ll make you ghost all other burgers. Sorry not sorry, other burgers.
- Schimpff’s Confectionery: 150-year-old candy store and museum. Your dentist won’t approve, but your inner child will love you forever.
- The Exchange Pub + Kitchen: Farm-to-table deliciousness that’ll have you considering a move to Indiana.
Family-Friendly Fun
Bringing the fam? We’ve got you covered:
- Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari: Roller coasters and water slides. Name a more iconic duo. I’ll wait.
- Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden: Animals and plants living their best lives.
- French Lick West Baden Indoor Karting: For when you feel the need… the need for speed!
- Paoli Peaks: Ski bunnies rejoice in winter, while summer’s all about that mountain bike life.
- Derby Dinner Playhouse: Dinner and a show. Peak adulting achieved.
Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems
Backroads for the ‘gram and the fun:
- The Ruins at Holliday Park: Haunting beauty meets killer backdrop for your next profile pic.
- World’s Largest Ball of Paint: It’s big, it’s paint, it’s weirdly awesome.
- Willard Library: Ghost hunting in a library? That’s some Ghostbusters meets Dewey Decimal realness.
- The Overlook Restaurant: Dine with a view of a maximum-security prison. Dark tourism meets delicious dishes.
- Zimmerman Art Glass: Watch glass get blown. (It’s cooler than it sounds, promise!)
Honorable Mentions | Additional Destinations to Explore
- League Stadium
- Ohio State Park
- Indiana Military Museum
- Azalea Path Arboretum
Southern Indiana | A Mood for Every Season
@gosoin See #SouthernIndiana shine in every season! 🌸☀️🍂❄️ From spring blooms to winter wonders, there’s always something to explore. Plan your visit anytime—there’s no wrong time to enjoy SoIN! Click the link in our bio to start planning now. #creatorsearchinsights #fyp #GoSoIN ♬ Hip Hop Background(814204) – Pavel
Not sure when to visit? We gotchu:
Season |
The Vibe |
Average Temps |
Spring |
Wildflowers poppin’, hiking weather on point |
45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C) |
Summer |
Water park madness, outdoor concerts all day err’day |
70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) |
Fall |
Leaf-peeping paradise, apple picking galore |
45°F to 70°F (7°C to 21°C) |
Winter |
Cozy B&B feels, shredding the slopes at Paoli Peaks |
25°F to 40°F (-4°C to 4°C) |
Your Southern Indiana Cheat Sheet
Ready to make moves? Here are some quick tips:
- Wheels: You’ll want a car to explore. Trust me!
- Crash Pad: Think cute B&Bs, woodsy cabins, or bougie resorts like French Lick Springs Hotel.
- What’s Happenin’: Check local calendars for festivals that’ll rock your world.
- Packing 101: Layers, layers, and more layers! Indiana weather’s got more moods than a teenager.
Oh, and if you’re thinking of getting married in these parts, The Loft at Walnut Hill in Bedford is the dreamiest spot for saying “I do” surrounded by Southern Indiana charm.
Local Legends and Lore
Brace yourselves, ghost hunters! Southern Indiana’s serving up some serious spook. Catch the “Grey Lady” playing hide-and-seek at Willard Library in Evansville, or book a stay with the “Blue Lady” at Story Inn in Nashville (Room 5, if you dare). For some Halloween vibes year-round, hit up Culbertson Mansion’s “Literally, A Haunted House” event in New Albany. And if you’re up for a real head-scratcher, chase the mysterious “Spook Light” in Mooresville. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these Hoosier hauntings will have you sleeping with the lights on. Welcome to the Boo-sier State!
Take a Piece of Indy Home
Ditch the boring magnets! Here are some only-in-Southern-Indiana treasures to snag:
- Locally-made Candles from Warm Glow Candle Company They smell so good, you might be tempted to eat them. (Please don’t.)
- Hand-carved Walking Sticks from Zimmerman’s Woodcarving For when you want to feel like a wizard on your next hike.
- Artisanal Chocolates from Schimpff’s Confectionery Warning: May cause spontaneous happiness and/or addiction.
- Quilts from The Stitching Post Wrap yourself in a hug from Southern Indiana. It’s like wearable folk art!
- Locally-made Spirits from Cardinal Spirits Take home a taste of Hoosier hospitality. Cocktail recipes included!
Enjoy the Hoosier Hospitality!
So there you have it, adventure seekers! Your ultimate guide to the coolest things to do in Southern Indiana. Whether you’re here for the ‘gram, the fam, your wedding, or just to escape the real world for a hot minute, Southern Indiana’s got the goods. ✌️