7 Great Ways to Challenge Yourself in Indiana This New Year

As we ring in a new decade, people are making plans on how to start 2020 on the right foot. Resolutions are being made with the best intentions, and there are plenty of places in Indiana that can help one challenge themselves in one way or another.

1. The Cardinal Greenway and Monon Trail
These two trails are perfect for people who are setting physical goals for themselves for the new year. Both trails cater to runners, bikers, hikers, skaters, and cross country skiers and can be accessed in all 4 seasons. Being active outdoors is far more satisfying and offers a better change of scenery than staying inside and going on a treadmill or stationary bike. Plus, it’s free! The Cardinal Greenway runs 62 miles from Converse to Richmond (though not always by that name), while the Monon trail runs 26 miles from Sheridan to Indy.

2. Ziplining (various locations)
Looking to conquer your fear of heights this year? Ziplining is a great way to do just that because you’re taken through a course with a guide and are harnessed and clipped in for maximum safety. There are over a dozen different ziplining options throughout Indiana, with some options offering unique attractions. For example, some zipline courses also offer rope bridges/wood pathways between trees or ziplining from tree to tree. You can even go to Indiana Caverns and zipline underground!  Most zipline experiences will set you back at least $50, so be prepared to spend some money.

3. Trivia Nights (Various locations)
If you’re looking for more of an intellectual challenge, try attending a trivia night on a regular basis! Trivia competitions work differently depending on where you go, but the idea is that teams are asked random trivia questions, and the team to get the most right wins! Sometimes, trivia nights can be themed (TV shows, History, Pop Culture, etc). Bars and Breweries are the typical locations for trivia nights, and you will usually find these places in larger cities like Indy, Fort Wayne, Lafayette, Muncie, and so on. Certain chains like The Stacked Pickle and Wings Etc. each are known for doing trivia as well.

4. 3 Dunes Trail Challenge (Indiana Dunes State Park)
Another great physical challenge would be to complete the 3 Dunes Trail at the Indiana Dunes. The trail has, you guessed it, 3 large dunes to climb up (and down) on a 1.5-mile trail that is marked as “rugged” on park maps. The dunes are 176 feet, 184 feet, and 192 feet in height, and at times the trail has a 40-degree slope! What’s nice about this challenge is that it is not timed, so you can go at your own pace. Also, once you complete the challenge, you can stop at the Visitor’s Center and get a free sticker!

5. Cooking Classes (Mostly Indy, some in Bloomington and South Bend)
Food is amazing. It’s even more amazing when you can make delicious food on your own without having to go out to eat! A good resolution for the new year could be to better learn to cook for yourself, and there are plenty of great cooking classes available to help with that. Some classes are specific about what you’ll be making (Macarons and Marshmallows from sweet shops), while other places like Nestle Inn B+B or Chef JJ’s BackYard offer different foods on different nights. Depending on what you’re making, classes can range from an hour to 5 hours and cost anywhere from $10-$150. Below is a link of some great options in Indianapolis:
https://www.indystar.com/story/life/food/2013/05/30/14-cooking-classes-in-indy-can-you-handle-the-heat/28936311/
Just a heads up, that article is from 2013, so it’s likely not all of those places offer classes anymore.

6. Swing Dancing (Fountain Square Theatre, Indianapolis)
Learning to dance well is most certainly a way to challenge yourself this coming year. There are many types of dance and many different places to learn how to dance, but I’m just focusing on one particular place that friends of mine have checked out and liked. Fountain Square Theatre offers swing dancing on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month. If you come from 7:30-8:30, you can get lessons on how to swing dance. Then, from 8:30-11:30, there is a live band and open swing dancing. According to my friends, an activity like this is fun to do as a group, where you can learn together and switch off partners throughout the night. It costs $14 for the lesson and dancing or $12 if you come just to dance.

7. Run a Race (various locations)

One of the more common challenges people give to themselves for a new year is to be able to run a race of some kind, whether that be a 5K or full marathon. Luckily, Indiana is host to over 390 races of various kinds throughout the 2020 calendar year. A 5K (3.1 miles) is the most popular race to find, and even the smaller towns put those on throughout the year. The bigger races are typically held in bigger cities, like the popular Indy Mini Marathon (half marathon). If you don’t like the idea of being timed, there are plenty of fun races that happen throughout the year as well, with the Color Run being a prime example. For a list of races in Indiana this coming year, visit this website:
https://www.runningintheusa.com/race/list/map/in/upcoming

12 Great Indiana Weekend Getaway Ideas

Indiana happens to be home to all kinds of fun destinations, as my blog entries have shown over the years. However, it also contains some fascinating lodging options as well! The following vary from commercial hotels to intimate cabins. Some of the places cater more to warmer months, but other can easily be enjoyed year-round.

1. Serenity Springs (La Porte)
If you and a significant other are looking for a nice getaway location, Serenity Springs is perfect. Just off the interstate in northern Indiana, it provides a way to disconnect from reality and just relax. Serenity Springs offers cabins that each have themes, like Sunset or Safari, and offer other nice amenities like an indoor jetted tub right in the floor, a back porch with gas firepit, large, comfy beds, and a wall of movies and games to pick from on arrival. Another plus is the call box each cabin has that gets filled with goodies like smores supplies, cheesecake, and fruit and muffin baskets throughout the trip. On the grounds, there are several scenic lakes to walk around/bike around, and there are even horse rides offered from the parking lot to your cabins. Several minor downsides here are that you can still hear some of the traffic from the interstate, horse rides can be unavailable due to weather/other reasons (and their van they use as a backup is super sketchy), and some rooms show more wear than others. That being said, I took my wife here for a weekend, and we had a blast.

2. West Baden Hotel (French Lick)
French Lick is definitely a tourist destination, but the West Baden offers a way to stay in style. The hotel is huge, with the 200-foot dome being the most eye-catching feature. The hotel has a casino, golf courses, spa, restaurants, pools, and amazing architecture. The area offers plenty to do, but the hotel itself is quite marvelous. I would recommend the West Baden for a couple’s getaway, while families might better enjoy the sister hotel, the French Lick Springs Resort. Both offer access to all the things I listed above, but the West Baden is the more expensive of the two hotels. Online reviewers say the West Baden Hotel is a first-class experience, with only 100 of the 2,300+ Tripadvisor reviews rating it below 4/5 stars.

3. New Harmony Inn (New Harmony)
New Harmony Inn boasts 90 rooms with a fun, old style décor. Apart from the rooms, the inn features 4 different guesthouses for larger groups. The grounds and surrounding area are described as calm and peaceful, with plenty of greenery and water. The town of New Harmony offers some fun shops and restaurants, but the inn has a heated pool, fitness center, restaurant, spa, tennis courts, walking trails, and more. This is one of the cheaper options on this list, but you won’t be getting as great as an experience as some of the more expensive places. I’d recommend this for a couple’s getaway that is focused on relaxing and quiet.

4. Patoka Lake Floating Cabins (Birdseye)
Patoka Lake is known for its beauty and plentiful water activities, but it’s also becoming known for the floating cabins that can be rented on its shore. Each of these cabins has an outdoor back deck and includes all the usual amenities of a regular cabin. People highlight the uniqueness of the floating cabins, as well as the view of the lake that they offer. Renters can pick from either a 2-bedroom option or a 3-bedroom option. I wouldn’t necessarily pick these cabins if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, but they certainly look like a fun experience.

5. Clayshire Castle (Bowling Green)
Ever wanted to stay in a castle that has a distinct Medieval ambiance? Clayshire Castle is a B&B type lodging that goes all out in providing guests with a fun, unique stay. Open in 2013, Clayshire is home to 5 different guest room, each with a different theme. Each room has a queen bed and sofa bed, and a gourmet breakfast is provided. Guests also have the opportunity to pick from over 100 costumes to wear while here. Things to do while here include walking trails, an exercise room, a cedar hot tub, and a library. They even host a Medieval Fair once a year. The one downside people have mentioned is that there is no nearby option for lunch/dinner.

6. Mary Rose Herb Farm and Retreat (Bristow)
Have you ever heard of a yurt before? Think of it as a fancy teepee. This retreat destination offers 2 yurts that provide quite the glamping experience. Each yurt has 2 double beds, a microwave, fridge, and heating/cooling. This is a perfect getaway for people who enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, but don’t feel up to sacrificing modern conveniences. There is also a Japanese soaking tub that can be used as well, but it requires advanced notice and does cost extra. Breakfast, however, is provided.

7. Nestle Inn (Indianapolis)

Mere blocks from downtown Indy is a B&B called the Nestle Inn. It’s known for great service and for providing all modern necessities for a bed and breakfast: a quiet, comfy room with a shower, free Wi-Fi, and free snacks and local coffee. Apart from the amazing location, one thing about the Nestle Inn that stands out from other B&B’s is the cooking classes that they offer. The kitchen here is huge, and they bring in local chefs to teach people how to make things like Thai food, scones, and more. Visitors can’t help but have great things to say about this place.

8. Fort Harrison State Park Inn (Lawrence)

Many state parks in Indiana have inns where people can stay, but Fort Harrison’s inn provides a whole different feel. The area around the state park used to be an active military base, so the inn makes use of buildings that used to be a part of that. The inn itself has quite a bit of history, but larger families and groups can stay in one of the Officer’s Quarters, which are set up to be more like a house. Apart from being next to the state park, the inn is also across from a Pete Dye constructed golf course. Guests here rave about great treatment from staff, the proximity to golf and hiking, and the unique feel of the place itself.

9. Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn (Roanoke)

Joseph Decuis is a 5-star restaurant in the tiny town of Roanoke that is one of the very few places in the state that you can order Wagyu beef. However, they also have a bed & breakfast associated with their name. The Farmstead Inn is a restored 1884 farm house, carriage house, and barn. This rural getaway offers 6 bedrooms (each w/private bath) and an opportunity to learn what farm life is like. Some rooms also have private, screened in porches. Despite having an older feel to it, this B&B contains quite a few modern luxuries, though not as much info is available about it online as other places on this list.

10. Charlie Creek Inn (Wabash)

This inn has a very distinct Victorian/French feel to it as soon as you walk in the doors. The beautiful architecture is also a part of the inn’s 30 rooms, though the old school feel doesn’t extend to the amenities offered. Along with free wi-fi, televisions, and comfy beds, the inn provides several food options. There is a cocktail bar, wine and cheese shop, ice cream and dessert shop, and a full service restaurant on site, and guests also have access to the YMCA during their stay for free. Online reviews highlight cleanliness and great staff.

11. Oakwood Resort (Syracuse)

Oakwood Resort offers a great option for a weekend getaway in a warm month. This resort is situated right on Lake Wawasee and offers great views and a lot to do. Guests can use the swimming pier and beach area to swim in the lake, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and boats, or take advantage of nearby walking/bike paths. The property also has a picnic area, fire pit, basketball court, and space for yard games. Inside, the resort has a small fitness center and a small game room, plus a salon/spa. As far as food is concerned, there is a restaurant on site, and complimentary breakfast is offered on weekdays. Cleanliness and service are highlighted here, and cost per night is actually pretty low. Don’t expect anything super swanky, but it’s a great find!

12. Blue Heron Guest House (Winona Lake)

Staying at the Blue Heron is essentially like renting a room in a mansion overlooking a lake. It’s a beautiful property right on Winona Lake, and while the design makes it look vintage, it’s only a decade or so old. Housed inside are 3 different suites that are available to rent, each with their own private deck or patio. One of the 3 options has a hot tub on the deck too! As this is a bed and breakfast, morning meals are provided each day you’re here. One only review on Tripadvisor is a 4/5, and the rest are all 5/5 reviews.

10 Restaurants in Indiana That Stand Out

Indiana is home to plenty of great restaurants, some of which are quite unique. This entry is going to focus on 10 places to eat that are a bit more out of the ordinary than your usual burger joints, steakhouses, and fast food establishments.

1. Mudbugs Cajun Café (Carmel)
Mudbugs delights in all the traditional Cajun food: red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, etc. Their interior gives off Mardi Gras vibes and the people working there are quite friendly. Tuesday nights they offer all you can eat gumbo, and on Wednesdays you can get ½ an order of their amazing beignets for free with an entrée purchase. Another draw is that they even get gator every once in awhile.

2. Jamaican Reggae Grill (Carmel)
Just a short drive from Mudbugs is Jamaican Reggae Grill. This restaurant has a small menu that has all kinds of incredible food on it. Jamaican jerk chicken is very delicious, and this place offers it in quarters, wings, or on a sandwich. They also have curried chicken and goat. Another staple in the Jamaican culture are their patties, which is bread on the outside that is stuffed with either chicken or beef along with curry and other seasonings. The final suggestion to try there would be their fried plantains.

3. Milktooth (Indy)
Milktooth is a breakfast/lunch spot in Indy that is all about crazy flavor combinations. You don’t go here for regular pancakes or waffles; you come here for strawberry dutch baby pancakes with lemon curd and sourdough pearl sugar waffle with honey corn butter, cherry compote, and a graham cracker crumble. Many breakfast items are turned on their heads in a way that has thrilled critics and regular folks alike. Expect portion sizes to be smaller here and no substitutions.

4. Harry and Bud’s (Terre Haute)
This may be the most unique restaurant in Indiana. First of all, their hours aren’t fixed. If the light is on outside, they’re open…that’s it. It has no signage and no advertising anywhere…it looks like an abandoned barbershop from the outside. There also isn’t a menu. Sounds sketchy, right? Well, people who have dined here can’t help but give 5-star reviews on Yelp, Tripadvisor, and Facebook. Apparently, once you go in, the chef talks to you about your likes and dislikes (and allergies), then creates something for you based on your preferences. They are also reservations only, with parties going between 6-12 people. Reviewers highlight the quantity and quality, as well as the cost: $50 a person for an experience like this.

5. Caplinger’s Fresh Catch (3 Indy area locations)
This place is a seafood lover’s dream. The amount of variety here is astounding. They operate as both a restaurant and a market, so you’ll have people coming to sit down and eat and others to just pick up an order of king crab legs. You can get oysters, crab, lobster, all kinds of fish, shrimp…the list goes on! Portion sizes are very generous and the prices are fair for what you get. The staff is helpful despite dealing with many customers, and the ambiance is fun. The also make the bread for their sandwiches themselves. They’re actually ranked #1 for all of Indy for Quick Bites to eat and #8 out of over 2,000 restaurants overall in Indy.

6. Turkuaz Café (Bloomington)
Turkish food is something not often found in Indiana, so finding a place that serves up such great Turkish dishes is a real gem. Bosphorous in Indy in good too, but here you can pick whether you want to sit at a table or on the floor on rugs and pillows in a raised front section. People who come here rave about the Turkish coffee, pide, lentil soup, and more, but I was won over by the lamb chops and whatever the bread was that was served with it. Reviewers also point out the friendliness of the chef/owner, which is not something you see often in reviews.

7. Lucky Indian Cuisine (Kokomo)
This restaurant is relatively new to Kokomo, but it is getting stellar reviews online. Even though not many folks have reviewed it yet, it has perfect 5-star ratings on both Yelp and TripAdvisor, which is not an easy feat. People are talking about the great food, great smells, great ambiance, and great service. They also advertise a $12 lunch buffet, which according to pictures offers a great variety of food. If you have never tried Indian food, it isn’t all spicy; I can’t do spicy and LOVE certain Indian dishes and naan bread. Give it a try!

8. Junk Ditch Brewing Company (Fort Wayne)
Junk Ditch stands out for the same reason that Milktooth does: interesting flavor combinations. For example, instead of a regular burger on their lunch menu, they have a burger that has Wagyu beef. Another great example is that their biscuits and gravy come with lime and scallions, or how their waffle in the chicken and waffles is a sweet potato waffle that comes with orange, maple, and parsley. Their menu is relatively small compared to a lot of these other restaurants (except Jamaican Reggae Grill), but that is because they’re also a microbrewery and have a lot of beer options as well. Because of the quality of their ingredients, one should also prepare for a more expensive meal, though not one that will break the bank.

9. The Eagle (Indy)
I had the best fried chicken in my life at this restaurant. They flaunt how good their fried chicken is with an over-sized picture on their website and by having it as the first item on their menu. They serve it in quarters, halves, and whole chickens, and it’s incredible. The restaurant serves other Southern dishes, but if you’re coming here and not getting something with chicken, you’re doing it wrong. The sides are phenomenal too, which include cornbread with maple butter, sweet potato casserole, brown sugar bacon, mac and cheese with breadcrumbs, and more. It’s fun atmosphere inside, but it can get loud.

10. Das Dutchmen Essenhaus (Middlebury)
This Amish style restaurant serves food 3 different ways: buffet, family style, or by menu order. The have a buffet to go with each meal of the day that offers everything you could want. Typical menu items are broasted (or fried) chicken, beef and noodles, fish, pot roast, and meatloaf. Their breakfast buffet is $10 while lunch and dinner go up to $13.50 and $15 respectively. They also have around 30 types of pies to pick from, many of which show up on the buffets. What is even better is that there is a bakery on the premises as well, which is highly praised by people who have been here. Folks also have plenty of good things to say about the service.

5 Unique Ways to See a Movie in Indiana

The arrival of summer also means the arrival of summer blockbuster movies. We’ve already had spectacles like Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin, and Godzilla: King of Monsters, and there are plenty more slated for the rest of the season. With that being said, the theater is the best place to watch these movies. Indiana has all kinds of unique locations to watch these flicks, so I’ve focused on 5 specific types of theater for this entry.

1. Drive-in theaters

Indiana has the 4th most number of drive-ins among the 50 states. A simple Google search will give you a comprehensive list of all of the drive-ins in the state, but the nearest to the Marion area (where I’m writing from) would be the 13-24 Drive-In in Wabash and the Huntington Twin Drive-In. The 13-24 Drive-In has the largest vehicle capacity of any single screen drive-in in the state and only costs $5 for adults (kids 12 and under are free!). The one in Huntington has 2 screens and plays 2 movies on each screen for $8.50 ($4 for children 11 and under).

2. Dinner and a movie

If you’re one who enjoys dinner and a movie night out, some theaters have adapted so that you can do both in the same place! I’m not talking about ordering the flatbread pizzas and washing them down with pretzels and candy either. A select few theaters have opened in Indiana with the concept of you ordering and being served while in your seats in the theater. Flix Brewhouse in Carmel seems to have done this best, even having their own beers that they brew. Based on reviews on Yelp, it is best to avoid Studio Movie Grill in Indy due to poor service and dirty, worn theaters.

3. IMAX theaters

One of the best theater experiences is with IMAX theaters. If you’re going to see any animated movie or action movie, IMAX is the way to go if you really are looking forward to the movie. You get a huge screen and incredible sound to go with it. I don’t think every genre of movie is right for IMAX, and the close-up seats are not pleasant movie-going experiences, but the price bump is well worth it for seeing blockbuster movies on a grand scale. Muncie, Noblesville, Fort Wayne, and Indy all have IMAX theaters, so go for whatever one is nearest to you!

4. Dolby theater

Until recently I was not aware of Dolby theaters, but they are presented as a cinema experience that surpasses IMAX. The seats of a Dolby theater are leather and are remote-controlled to recline. The picture is just as clear as IMAX and the sound is even better because of the surround sound setup (speakers on the ceiling and behind you). The price is about the same as IMAX as well. Plainfield and Indy are the only 2 cities in the state where you can go watch a movie at a Dolby theater, but I recommend trying it out if you can.

5. Retro theaters

Indiana also has quite a few unique theaters from way back in the 1900’s that are still operating today. Many opened in the 1920’s and have needed to be remodeled or reopened after being closed since then, but they all have a fun charm to them. Many of them are just one or two screens, but the price is usually cheaper. Also, be aware that these types of theaters don’t always do shows every day, so it’s good to check their websites for details. Only in Your State has compiled a list of 7 good ones, so I’ll share a link to that here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/indiana/7-incredible-theaters-indiana/

10 MORE Odd/Fascinating Locations in Indiana (Part 2)

Last month, we took a list at some fascinating, unique locations in Indiana that you may not have known existed. Here’s the link to that if you’re curious: https://tylerbwhite.blogspot.com/2019/04/10-oddfascinating-locations-in-indiana.html . This month we continue with part 2!

1. Hall of Heroes (Elkhart)

Advertised as the only superhero and comic museum in the world, the Hall of Heroes offers something truly special for visitors. After paying the $6 admission ($4 for 9 and under), you get an opportunity to check out thousands of superhero items and memorabilia. Whether you like Marvel or DC, this place showcases comics, toys, replicas, props, and other rare finds. To add icing on the cake, the building that houses the museum is a two-story replica of the Hall of Justice from the comic “Super Friends”.

2. Wolf Creek (Brookville)

Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue gives people a chance to interact with three different packs of wolves. You will get to go into the enclosures and actually be able to go up to and pet the wolves.  It costs $50 to be able to interact with the wolves, but if you’d rather just observe from afar, there is an observation deck that is free to go up on and take pictures. There are all kinds of rules that need to be followed in order to go in (don’t wear red, have sunglasses on, specific dress code, etc), so be aware and read up if this is something you’re interested in doing. They’re open on weekends from 10-2/4 (2 if it’s over 85 and humid).

3. Fair Oaks Farm (Fair Oaks)

EDIT: https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Fair-Oaks-Farms-under-investigation-after-undercover-video-exposes-animal-abuse-511044431.html

4. Wilstem Ranch (Paoli)

This ranch sits on over 1000 acres and has all sort of fun activities to do! The first major activity would be the animal encounters, and I’m not talking about sheep and cows. Your options include: elephants (which you can bathe as well), giraffes, grizzly bears, kangaroos, lemurs, and parakeets. Apart from the animals, Wilstem also offers ATV tours, zipline tours, and horseback riding. You are also invited to stay at one of their eleven accommodations, which include cabins, carriage houses, and a lodge. All of these different activities have a specific cost, so check their website if you’re curious about specific activities.

5. Pogue’s Run (Indianapolis)

If you boil it down to the simple facts, Pogue’s Run is a stream that runs near downtown Indy. However, this stream is almost all underground in the downtown area because of how the city grew outward from the middle of downtown. It has a very interesting history, which can be read about here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/you-can-follow-a-hidden-stream-beneath-indianapolisif-you-know-where-to-look . Nowadays, people like the idea of starting at the point where the Run goes underground and following it for two and a half miles until it comes out from under the concrete. Numerous graffiti artists have picked Pogue’s Run as a place to display their artwork, though the artwork doesn’t go too far beyond the entrances/exits. People like to bring bikes and ride the length of the tunnel too, but anyone venture here needs to beware of large rats and bugs, not to mention an unpleasant odor. Despite those drawbacks, the Run has show up in two books, the most recent of them being John Green’s “Turtles All the Way Down”.  

6. Marengo Cave (Marengo)

This destination is likely the most well known on the list, but Indiana doesn’t have many large caves, so it is worthy of note. There are two different tours offered: Crystal Palace, which is 40 minutes, and Dripstone Trail, which is 60 minutes. Going on both tours is recommended not only because they offer different things to see, but because you get a much better deal compared to just seeing one. The combo package to see both is $28, while seeing only one tour would cost either $18 or $21. The tours are not meant to be strenuous and are very well lit. Marengo Cave is open daily from 9-5, and the temperature of the cave is 52 degrees year-round.

7. Wildlife in Need (Charlestown)

Wildlife in Need is the most controversial place on this list. It’s a place that houses exotic animals, and they give the public the opportunity to interact with these animals one-on-one. Currently, people can pay $25 to go into a room with a group and learn about the animals as they walk through the room freely. You are allowed to touch the animals, but you can’t pick them up or hold them down. Recent reviews discuss that sloths, otters, lemurs, primates, and foxes have been part of this experience. The controversy comes from how they used to have this experience with baby tigers, and they had a run-in with PETA. Due to that issue, they are no longer allowed to do the “hands-on” experience with the tigers, though they do still have them available for viewing onsite. I will say from experience that the baby tiger experience was fun and engaging, and I don’t feel like the animals were mishandled, but I also don’t know all the rules and regulations about exotic animal care.

8. World’s Largest Ball of Paint (Alexandria)

In 1977, Mike Carmichael’s son coated a baseball in blue paint. It gave him the idea to create the world’s largest ball of paint, and so he set about getting all of the materials together. Nowadays, the ball is hung from a giant hook and weighs over 2.5 tons. It has over 25,000 coats of paint on it and is over 14 feet in circumference. Visitors can add to that number for free, but you have to call and let them know you’re coming first.

9. Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (Bloomington)

You may not think of Indiana as a place to have many Buddhist temples, but it has been here for over 40 years! This center is not just catered towards those who practice Buddhism, though. They give tours, host yoga and meditation classes, and have overnight accommodations in 3 yurts on the premises. These yurts are modern and are placed in a scenic forested area on the property, so a lot of people come here just to stay overnight.

10. Mid-America Windmill Museum (Kendallville)

Indiana may play host to quite a few wind turbines, but those don’t compare to the history of the windmills collected at this museum. The museum has over 50 windmills in its collection and prides itself on existing to educate people on the history of wind power and making people aware of how windmills have progresses through the years. For $5, you can peruse the exhibits, photos, interactive displays, and get a guided tour.