15 Summer Activities in Indiana

Summer in Indiana is here and in full swing! Summer provides plenty of opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. As a result, this blog entry exclusively contains outdoor activities for Hoosiers to do this season.

1. Minor League Baseball Games (Fort Wayne and Indianapolis)

A great, cheap activity for summer evenings is either a Fort Wayne Tincaps game or an Indianapolis Indians game. Both ballparks offer quality seating for under $20, even going under $10 for outfield seating in the grass. Even though the ballparks aren’t as grand as MLB ballparks, they are both kept clean and offer a lot of food and drink options. The Tincaps’ stadium even boasts “best ballpark experience” for the past 4 years for Stadium Journey magazine’s evaluation of 160 minor league ballparks. Because minor league experiences are more family friendly, there are plenty of events going on between innings that have audience participation, such as relay races or drawings. Other times, outside acts get brought in to perform throughout the game. Another fun plus is how often the ballparks have themed nights, such as “Star Wars” or “80’s”.

2. Pine Lake Waterpark (Berne)

Pine Lake is the first of several waterparks on this list that stand out from your average public pool. Pine Lake has waterslides, log crossings, diving platforms, a kiddie waterpark, and multiple water activities in the lake itself. If you’d rather just lay out or swim in the lake, there is plenty of space to do that as well. They do not allow food or drinks to be brought in, but concessions are available at a reasonable price. The waterpark is open from 10am-8pm Mon-Sat and Noon-8pm on Sundays until Labor Day. Pricing is $7 for ages 10 and up, $6 for ages 4-9, and free for those under the age of 4. Be aware that since this is an actual lake, you will have fish swimming around you at times.

3. Prophetstown State Park Waterpark (Battle Ground)

Another waterpark to make the list is the one that resides within Prophetstown State Park, which is near Lafayette. It costs $8 for IN residents to get into the park, plus another $5 to get access to the waterpark. That said, the waterpark offers a 30-foot tube slide and a body slide, along with a lazy river, adventure channel, kiddie play area, and an aquatic area to play water sports. There are concessions available as well. The hours are 11am-7pm daily until Labor Day. The best way to get your money’s worth would be to go to the state park and camp for the weekend, allowing you to utilize the park’s hiking trails and spend more time there.

4. Friday Nites Live at Jefferson Pointe (Fort Wayne)

During the months of June-August, the Jefferson Pointe mall in Fort Wayne offers free concerts on Fridays from 6:30-8:30pm. These concerts take place in the fountain area in the middle of the outdoor mall and usually draw quite a crowd. It’s a great venue because you are so close to great places to eat before or after listening to some good music. Even though summer is half over, there are still 7 chances to go and enjoy an evening of music, shopping, and eating.

5. Canoe Country (Danville)

Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing are 3 great summer activities, and there are many places in Indiana where they can be done. However, the one I have personal experience with is Canoe Country. Canoe Country allows you to pick from multiple experiences based on how long you want to be out of the water/how many miles you want to travel down the White River. It is also one of the cheapest experiences that you’ll find in Central Indiana. If you’re interested in a 5-mile trip, you’d pay either $32 for a canoe, $17 for a kayak, or $12 for a tube. Some of the trips involve you being taken to a drop off point and returning to Canoe Country, while others start at Canoe Country and go to a location where they come and pick you up. The hours are Mon-Fri from 8am-6pm, Sat from 8am-7pm, and Sun from 12:30pm-6pm. Be sure to arrive in time to be able to take your trip; don’t expect to be allowed to go on a 2 hour trip if you arrive a 6pm.

6. Splash House (Marion)

Marion’s Splash House offers multiple ways to cool off: a wave pool, a lazy river, a kiddie playground, two racer slides, and a flush slide. There are plenty of chairs for sunbathing, and a concession stand that offers food for decent prices. The hours are 11am-6pm Mon-Sat and 12-6pm Sun until Labor Day. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children, but there have been Groupons available for 38% off all summer.

7. Foellinger Outdoor Movie Series (Fort Wayne)

If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy a free movie, the Foellinger Theatre in Fort Wayne is showing a movie every Thursday at 8pm during the summer. The movies are family friendly, so the list for the rest of the summer contains Despicable Me 3, Minions, Finding Nemo, and Finding Dory.

8. Festivals (various locations)

Summer is the perfect time to spend an evening at a carnival, watch a demolition derby, or attend a concert. Indiana has festivals abound in the summer, ranging from local 4-H fairs to the Indiana State Fair in August. There are multiple websites that have catalogued all of the summer festivals here in Indiana, so peruse at your own leisure. Currently, the Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne is going on. This festival contains rummage sales and flea markets, food trucks, sports tournaments, concerts, a parade, helicopter rides, a carnival, and Junk Food Alley, which is exactly what it sounds like. Check their official website for day-by-day schedules.

9. Deep River Waterpark (Merrillville)

This waterpark is easily one of the best in the state. Not only does it offer the traditional wave pool, lazy river, and water playground, but it steps up the game with dueling toilet bowl slides, race slides, speed slides, tube slides, body slides, and more. Being a larger waterpark, it also offers a lot more as far as concessions are concerned. Unlike other waterparks, you are allowed to bring in coolers here. The hours are 10am-6pm daily, but keep in mind that the waterpark is in the Central Time Zone. General admission is $24 on weekdays and $26 on weekends, though there are many ways to get a discount. Show an Indiana ID and get $2 off. Show up after 2pm and get $3 off. Each Tuesday the hours are extended until 9:30pm, and if you show up after 5pm, the cost is only $15.

10. Hiking (various locations)

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of a summer day. The trees keep you relatively shaded from the hot sun, but you’re still able to get out and see nature at its finest. Summer hiking offers a chance to see different flowers along the trails and wild raspberries as well. Summer rains make waterfalls much more impressive as well. Look up what state parks may be near you and go explore, or better yet, find a nature preserve near you…those don’t get as much attention and they’re free! Just make sure you bring bug spray and plenty of water.

11. Farmer’s Markets (various locations)

Summer brings out plenty of farmer’s markets, where people can come and enjoy different seasonal fruits and vegetables along with different arts and crafts. Towns small and large hold farmer’s markets, it’s just finding out when and where the markets are at. However, it’s not unheard of to think that the larger the city, the better the farmer’s market. Vendors will typically flock to a place where they are more likely to sell their goods. Marion, my town, does their Hometown Market on Saturdays from 9am-1pm in front of the Abbey Coffee Company.

12. Holiday World (Santa Clause)

Holiday World is an amusement park that also contains a waterpark (Splashin’ Safari). Splashin’ Safari is similar to Deep River Waterpark as far as what it contains: a wave pool, lazy river, tube slides, body slides, a kiddie playpark, race slides, a toilet bowl slide, and regular swimming areas. However, it also has a water coaster. The amusement park side has multiple roller coasters to thrill you and dry you off from your time at the waterpark. The hours are Sun-Fri 11am-7pm and Sat 11am-8pm, though those hours change in August as school starts and the summer seasons begins to wind down. Like Deep River Waterpark, Holiday World is in the Central Time Zone. Admission to Holiday World is $49 on weekends and $43 on weekdays. While that price is decently high, included in that price is unlimited soft drinks, free access to sunscreen, and free Wi-Fi.

13. Shipshewana Flea Market (Shipshewana)

This flea market is the largest flea market in the Midwest! It boasts stall after stall of crafts, food, plants, antiques, home décor, and all other sorts of interesting items for sale. There are over 900 booths at this market and offers a planning packet to prepare people for their trip. There are also 6 different food courts! The market is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8am-5pm through September. Admission is free, but it does cost $3 to park on the grounds. Fair warning: even though there is a large variety of items being offered here, there is also quite a bit of repetition…don’t be surprised if there are multiple vendors selling the same things.

14. Mini Golf (various locations)

Mini golf is a great way to offer fun competition amongst friends and family. Summer nights are the perfect time to go out and play 9 or 18 holes of mini golf. Make it a contest that has the losers buy the winner ice cream afterwards and you’ll be all set!

15. Blueberry Picking (various locations)

The season of summer is when blueberry season occurs, and there are plenty of blueberry patches throughout Indiana. Sure, you can go and buy blueberries from a store, but you’re paying a lot extra for those. Plus, blueberries are better enjoyed when you are the one who picked them. Blueberry season is currently happening, so look online to see where there is a patch near you! I personally like going to The Blueberry Patch in Etna Green. I have never had any issues there and it is one of the closer places to Marion for picking. It’s $1.90 per pound to pick them yourself. Wherever you end up picking, make sure to bring cash; not all patches accept credit cards.

Honorable mention: Drive-in movies!

10 Fantastic Places to Get Ice Cream in Indiana

We are now at the time in the year where hot temperatures reign supreme. One of several glorious solutions to cool off is to get some ice cream. There are plenty of places to get ice cream, such as the grocery store, a gas station, or different fast food restaurants, but today we will be looking at ten different places in Indiana that really stand out. Places like Handel’s, Graeter’s, and Debrand’s, while all good, will not be listed because they are still chain stores.

 

1. Antiqology (Huntington)

This store has morphed quite a bit over the 5 years that they’ve been in existence. Currently, their store houses some cool antiques, which makes a very fun ambiance. There is also a wall of glass bottled sodas for you to try. Owners Adam and Rebecca Hanson sell over 700 different glass bottled sodas, many of which are from small businesses you’ve never heard of before. They even do their own line of sodas and have 1919 Root Beer on tap. For the sake of this entry, however, we must discuss the delicious ice cream that they have. If you’re more of a traditionalist, they do have your usual chocolate and vanilla, but they also have some more uncommon flavors. Some of my favorites include cinnamon churro, peanut butter brownie, and cookie jar. Others that are very popular are raspberry rendezvous, fudge mint cookie, and mocha almond fudge. Antiqology also changes things up by having a weekly flavor and having different flavors for different seasons, such as a peppermint one in winter and a strawberry cheesecake one in summer. What’s even better is that one can mix these ice creams with any of their sodas to create a float!

2.  Payne’s (Gas City)

Payne’s may be more well know for their excellent British themed menu, but their custard is certainly worth including on this list. You can get servings of it on its own (chocolate or vanilla), which are good, but their selections with mix-ins are really where it’s at. My personal favorite is the Cookie Monster, which is vanilla custard with Oreos, cookie dough (real, large pieces…not the fake stuff fast food restaurants have), and hot fudge. Other great options are: Jenny’s Reese (vanilla custard, peanut butter, hot fudge, Reese’s cups), Turtle (vanilla custard, hot fudge, pecans, caramel), Jimmy Dean’s Payne (vanilla custard, espresso, raspberries), and Worms and Dirt (vanilla custard, Oreos, gummy worms).

3. Ivanhoe’s (Upland)

Ivanhoe’s is probably best known for the sheer number of options that they have as far as ice cream is concerned. Sure, they have ice cream that you can simply get in a cone or bowl, but that’s not as fun as trying different mix-in options from their list of 100 different shakes and 100 different sundaes. They have something called the 100 Club, which is for people who have tried all 100 options on the shake or sundae menu. Ivanhoe’s is usually very generous with the portion sizes as well, which is another big plus. My favorite to get here is the Trojan Two, which consists of vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, peanut butter, and chocolate covered graham crackers. They are also known for their seasonal strawberry shortcakes, which are piled high with strawberries and whipped cream. Ivanhoe’s does have quite a bit of notoriety, and as a result, is often very busy. Plan on waiting for your food/ice cream while here.

4. Zaharakos (Columbus)

One of the oldest ice cream parlors in the state (since 1900), Zarharakos has a lot going for it. It boasts a retro ambiance and even has a small museum in it that shows some old soda fountains and music machines. You are able to get meals here, but the focus is the homemade ice cream. Because everything about the parlor is old fashioned, the ice cream flavors are pretty traditional: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint chip, cookies n’ cream, etc. They also do floats, shakes, brownie sundaes, and banana splits. The one time I’ve been there, I got some cookies n’ cream and was very satisfied with it. The one downside to this place according to online reviews would be spotty service.

5.  Just Cream Ice Cream Boutique (Fort Wayne)

This is a fairly new ice cream parlor, but they bring 50 different flavors of ice cream to the table, complete with dairy-free, sugar-free, and vegan options. The location is not the easiest to find, but once you get in, you are greeted by a quaint atmosphere. The employees are usually pretty patient with people as they try and figure out what to get. They trend more towards the fun and interesting flavors, but the traditional ones are available as well. Prices are a little higher than your typical walk-up ice cream vendor, but portion sizes are decent for what you’re paying. They also serve the popular Intelligentsia coffee. They have a lot of competition in Fort Wayne, with Coldstone, Zesto, and Debrand’s, but they hold their own quite well.

6.  Fair Oaks Farm (Fair Oaks)

Fair Oaks deserves a place on this list not only for the ice cream they have, but for the whole experience they offer as well. Going to Fair Oaks gives you a chance to see how all of the dairy products we enjoy are made, starting with the cows. Visitors can go on different “adventures”, where they get to see how the whole process takes place, from milking the cows to turning the cream into cheese/yogurt/ice cream/etc. They have a café and a restaurant onsite and a lot of interactive things to keep kids interested. Reviewers rave about not only the ice cream, which is said to be quite creamy and smooth, but all of the dairy products they offer. A place like this that offers a lot will likely find a way to drain your wallet, so be wary of costs going in.

7.  Rocket Science (Nappanee)

Rocket Science often makes the lists of top ice cream places to visit in Indiana, and it’s because it was one of the first places to offer ice cream made with liquid nitrogen. Everything in an order is mixed together, then flash frozen, then served to you to enjoy. There are over 25 different options for you to pick from, all using quality grade ice cream and ingredients (something they pride themselves on). You are also able to create your own order. Many reviewers comment how this ice cream stands out and tastes much better than traditional ice cream, while other point out how portion sizes are great for the price they paid.

8. The Chief (Goshen)

This is a wildly popular walk-up ice cream parlor that almost always has a long line. Many reviewers say the line does go quickly, however. They boast flavors like mango pineapple, mint chip, raspberry, black cherry, peanut butter, blue moon, and more! They have weekly flavors that they cycle through as well as seasonal flavors. Their ice cream is homemade and hand scooped, and it seems like decently generous portions. They have been operating out of the same small building for quite some time now and seem to really know what they’re doing. They also offer shakes, sundaes, and some grill food. One accolade they boast is that Thrillist named them the best ice cream in Indiana in 2016. Like many walk-ups, they do have an off-season where they are closed and offer picnic tables for seating.

9. Trader’s Point Creamery (Zionsville)

Trader’s Point is similar in a lot of ways to Fair Oaks Farm (#5 on this list). They are a farm that gives tours to show how the whole dairy process works, plus there is a farm-to-table restaurant set inside a beautiful building. The ice cream is found at the dairy bar, which offers their chocolate and vanilla ice cream along with rotating seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, peppermint, and wildberry. Places like this that allow customers to get ice cream right from the source are almost always guaranteed to be delightful experiences. The farm store allows you to purchase ice cream too, along with all of their other products, which they proudly claim as 100% organic.

10.  Hartzell’s Ice Cream (Bloomington)

Rounding off the list is a place that works hard at pleasing traditionalists as well as those who like to try new things with their ice cream. Hartzell’s is a small parlor that has an amazing rotation of specialty flavors that are really worth trying. Here are a few examples: cherry wasabi, curried coconut, blueberry muffin, green tea, chocolate basil, black raspberry, and dirty vanilla. Be warned, though: as they are specialty flavors, they cost more than your traditional flavors. If you aren’t willing to spend more, then you still have dozens of flavors to pick from. Another interesting addition to Hartzell’s is their Carbolite ice cream, which only has 8 calories per ounce.

Honorable mentions: Valpo Velvet Shoppe (Valparaiso), Sycamore Drive-in (Logansport), The Chocolate Moose (Bloomington), BRICS (Indianapolis), Sundae’s Homemade Ice Cream (Indianapolis), Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream (Carmel), Frosty Boy (New Palestine)

10 things to do in Indiana in the spring

Spring is the wonderful time of the year where everything starts growing and looking vibrant again. In Indiana, it tends to be a season where the temperatures fluctuate quite a bit, but there are plenty of fun outdoor activities that are only available during this time. Some items on this list are time sensitive, while others are best done in spring (in my humble opinion).

1. The Indianapolis Mini Marathon/5K (Indianapolis)
There are plenty of races in Indiana throughout the year, but the one that seems to really get a lot of attention is the Indy Mini. Tens of thousands of people register every year to do the 13.1 mile trek, and plenty of businesses in the area get involved in some way. One of the more unique aspects of this race is how the path of the race takes you into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to do a lap of the track. The racetrack is enormous and is a lot to take in. The park at the end of the race is packed full of things to look at afterward, including food trucks, a massage station, and different vendors. For those who want part of the experience for just a portion of the amount of running, there is a 5K at the beginning of the day. The Indy Mini is usually the first weekend in May, so even though it is too late for this year, it’s a great time to start training for next year!

2. The Quilt Gardens (Elkhart/Middlebury/Goshen area)
Beginning May 30 and going through October 1, the quilt gardens are a collection of 18 gardens that have flowers set in the shape of patchwork quilt patterns. Along with the gardens, there are also 21 different quilt-themed murals that can be viewed. The gardens and murals are free to view during this time, so you’d only be spending money on gas. There is a specific route to take to view the gardens in the different towns, which can be viewed at this address: http://www.amishcountry.org/assets/QGHTMap2018.pdf

3. Taltree Arboretum and Gardens (Valparaiso)
Taltree offers quite a wide variety of land on which to hike and explore. There are hiking trails there that pass through wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and manicured gardens that total 6+ miles in length. There are facilities available to rent for different venues, plus an area where concerts are performed a few times per year. One of the main attractions of the arboretum is the Railway Garden, a garden scale model of a train system with miniature trees, bridges, and water. Taltree costs $10 for general admission, though it offers discounts for young children, military, seniors, and college students. It is open April-October from 8am-7pm.

4. Gravity Hill (Mooresville)
This is an interesting phenomenon that involves optical illusions and a sense that you are defying gravity. The idea behind Gravity Hill is that you find the hill, put your car in neutral, and you get seemingly “pulled” uphill (backwards). Because of no real horizon line and the rolling hills around you, it looks and feels like you are going uphill, but you actually are not. There is no specific address to use for a GPS, but here are some helpful directions from Only in Your State’s website: “(the closest we can give you is 705 Keller Hill Rd.), but you will find it roughly a mile from the turnoff from Hwy 42 onto Keller Hill Road. It works best when you are facing west (away from Hwy 42—you will be pulled east, back toward the highway). When you think you’ve found it, stop your car at the bottom of the hill and shift into neutral. Be patient; it takes a few seconds for your car to start rolling. It may take you a few tries, but it really is worth the effort.” Be cautious while doing this, however. It is an active road with plenty of regular traffic, so be sure to use your hazards and be aware of other cars.

5. Wellfield Botanic Garden (Elkhart)
If you enjoy bright spring flowers, Wellfield is the place to go. The botanic garden is home to plenty of colorful flowers, especially tulips. You’ll find hundreds of tulips of different hues throughout the gardens, along with waterfalls, an Old English cottage, and a Japanese bridge. Like Taltree, there are plenty of events to watch for throughout the seasons, such as concerts, yoga classes, and other outdoor-themed gatherings. Wellfield is open from 9am-7pm Mon-Sat and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Admission is only $8 for adults and $4 for kids, and for a place where guests typically spend 2 hours at, that’s a great price.

6. Connor Prairie (Fishers)
Connor Prairie is a park in which you can immerse yourself in different aspects of Indiana’s history. It is divided into different areas, each of which represents an era of time. Staff in these areas dress in ways that people in that specific era would dress and show guests what life was like for someone during that time period. There is often quite a bit of audience participation involved. There is an area where a Civil War town is recreated, an area that shows what the pioneer lifestyle was like, a wigwam/log cabin area, and an area where the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra puts on performances. One big draw here is the 105 foot helium balloon, which is tethered to the ground and gives rides to passengers to up to 377 feet in the air. Two other great areas are the petting zoo area and the treetop adventure, which has a 4 story treehouse with all kinds of engaging activities around it. Admission to Connor Prairie is $18 for adults and $13 for kids ages 2-13 (the balloon ride is $9-17 extra depending on the day you go). They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm.

7. Lavender Lane (Rome City)
Lavender Lane is a unique garden whose name is self-explanatory. The farm grows over 21 different types of lavender and allows guests to roam around and take in the lovely smells. Peak time is June, so hurry in this month to get the most out of this experience! There are over 700 lavender plants here, as well as a gift shop that sells all things lavender: soap, tea, honey, lotion, shampoo, etc. For those who aren’t aware of lavender’s great qualities, it is know as a plant with soothing/relaxing properties that can even help you sleep. It also heals minor bug bites, scars, burns, and acne. Lavender Lane is open from April to December from 10am-4pm Tuesdays-Saturdays. DISCLAIMER: The farm’s Facebook post says this year in particular wasn’t great for crops due to the volatile temperatures, so there isn’t as much lavender as usual for 2018.

8. Rustic Driving Range and Miniature Golf (Indianapolis)
This is not like any type of mini-golf you have played before. This place offers 27 holes that are about 3 times as long as a typical mini golf hole and don’t have any barriers keeping your ball from going off the “green” …you’re playing in grass. It gives mini-golfers a chance to hit their golf balls a little harder than usual and is much more challenging (most pars are a par 4). Prices are as follows: $7 for 9 holes, $9 for 18 holes, and $14 for 27 holes. It is CASH ONLY. They are open from 10am-10pm Mon-Sat and are open from noon til 8pm on Sundays. There is also a driving range here.

9. Hiking
Hiking will honestly be on each of the lists I make of “things to do” for the 4 seasons. Indiana offers such a wide variety of hiking opportunities that a lot of time is needed to explore them all. Plus, hiking in spring is a totally different experience than hiking in the fall. If you’re willing to pay the $7 fee to enter a state park, I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for free hiking, check out a previous entry of mine where I detail some great free hiking places. Nature preserves are great for those not looking to spend a whole day hiking, as most preserves have trails that total 4 miles or less. There are also many state recreation areas, state forests, and city parks that contain great trails.

10. The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (Center Point)
This is a place that is worth the drive, no matter where in Indiana you’re coming from. Just like the name states, it is a rescue center for more than 200 exotic felines that have been abused or neglected. Since it was founded in 1991, the EFRC has rescued cats in 24 different states and has given them a home in which to live out the rest of their years. These animals get treated well and are quite cared for by a loving staff and plenty of volunteers. As more cats come in, the center continues to grow; the initial 15 acres bought for the cats has now turned into 108 acres. The public has the opportunity to come in and take a 1-hour tour of the center with a guide for $10 ($5 for kids under 12). One thing to realize is that this is not a zoo; it is not meant to be flashy by any means. Also, you will only get a chance to see about 25% of the cats at the center on your tour. For $200, 2 adults can stay overnight at a house of the premises that is not a part of the public tour area. The EFRC is one of the very few places that exist on Yelp and TripAdvisor that has a 5-star rating with over 100 reviews, and it is well worth the money to check out. They are open from 10am-5pm daily. 

10 Places that offer FREE hiking in Indiana

Now that spring and warm temperatures are finally here, people can spend more time outdoors. Hiking is one of my favorite pastimes and is a great way to get exercise. Indiana has quite a few state parks in it that provide all kinds of great trails and beautiful scenery. However, Indiana charges $7 per car to get into state parks, so if you’re looking for some free hiking, I have 10 (11 if you count the two I combined) great options for you.

1. Kokiwanee Nature Preserve 5825 E 50 S, Lagro, IN 46941

This preserve is one of the largest in the area, with 140 acres and 4.5 miles of trails. The parking lot is small, so parking can be iffy at times. However, once you get onto the trails, you’ll forget all about that. The trails wind throughout the preserve, with some elevation changes depending on what trails you take. There are a couple of trickling waterfalls and one nice sized waterfall that you can climb behind if you’re careful. One of the trails also skirts around a small pond, passing through a pine plantation as well. Great views of the Salamonie River on a couple of trails.

 

2. Tel-Hy Nature Preserve 1429 N 300 W, Huntington, IN 46750

Tel-Hy features just over a mile of trails, which offer great views of the Wabash river. There are a few elevation changes, but nothing for the average person to be concerned about. One unique thing about this preserve is that it also features a personal collection of outhouses that are displayed right by the parking lot.

 

3. Asherwood Nature Preserve 7550-7598 County Rd 600 S, Wabash, IN 46992

Asherwood is unique because it is actually owned by a school corporation. Marion Community Schools holds a management lease for it, though Acres Landtrust will gain ownership of it in 2024. It boasts just over 2.5 miles of trails that wind through some small hills covered with trees. Some trails are paved, some wide, and some just wide enough to fit a person. There are several bridges that help cross water or tougher areas to traverse. 

 

4. Bicentennial Woods Nature Preserve 340 W Shoaff Rd, Huntertown, IN 46748

Like Asherwood, Bicentennial Woods offers a little over 2.5 miles of trails. As the name states, there are quite a few trees in this preserve that boast an age of over 200 years, which makes for excellent scenery. An impressive creek cuts its way through the preserve, which offers a great photo opportunity as you cross on the bridge. As it is located in Northern Indiana (just above Ft. Wayne), there isn’t a whole lot of elevation change. However, the beauty of the forest is more than enough to enjoy this hike.

 

5. Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run 1866 E Baumbauer Rd, Wabash, IN 46992

This nature preserve contains 2 miles of trails and has multiple scenic views within its trails. The first section of the trails goes along Ross Run, a creek whose aesthetics increase as you travel down the path. You end up gaining some elevation until you’re looking 75 feet down a bluff as the water in the creek cascades down over a small waterfall. It is possible to go down to this waterfall and explore the creekbed as well, which I highly recommend. If you stay on the trail, it continues to wind through a forest until you come to a young pine tree plantation. You skirt along the side of the pine trees for awhile before the trail leads you into them. Further down the trail, you come out into a meadow that is beautiful in the summer.

 

6. Seven Pillars Nature Preserve 5000 Mississinewa Rd, Peru, IN 46970

This preserve is located down the road from the Seven Pillars of the Mississinewa, a collection of 25 foot limestone pillars along the river that make for a great photo opportunity. The trails are just shy of totaling 2 miles, while providing a slightly more strenuous hike due to the elevation changes. The trail starts by following a creek through the woods, then takes you up a hill and through an evergreen plantation. It circles back down and goes up and down a few smaller hills before bringing you back to where you started. The trail signs are helpful here because there are a few times where it’s hard to figure out if you’re still on a trail or not, especially in the fall. Across from the pillars themselves is a small open area that has a trail that leads a short way into the woods and goes by a dome-like structure made of sticks.

7. DePauw Nature Park  1400 W County Road 125 S, Greencastle, IN

The DePauw Nature Park is one of my favorite hikes in Indiana. DePauw University bought an old quarry and put a whole bunch of trails going into and around the quarry, making for some truly breathtaking views. Water takes up a good portion of the bottom of the quarry, but there is still room for a trail to snake through it. Apart from the quarry, there are some great trails that pass through the woods and follow a nearby creek, as well as a trail that leads all the way back to campus. The park’s trails add up to 10 total miles, which aren’t all necessary to do on a trip there if you don’t want to (maps are available and a big help for deciding what trails to do). It may be a bit of a journey from the other ones on this list, but it’s well worth the visit.

 

8. Salamonie State Forest 5124 County Rd 100 S, Lagro, IN 46941

Salamonie State Forest is situated right by the Salamonie Dam and has quite a bit going on in the 850 acres of land that it sits on. It has over 15 miles of horse trails, which are also accessible for hikers. It has 21 primitive camping spots and 15 horse camping sites, as well as plenty of fishing opportunities. There are a few shelters in the area as well, including ones with stone ovens. The best part for hikers is the 3 Falls trail, which is only listed as .33 miles and takes you to, go figure, 3 waterfalls. This trail easily connects to others around it and makes it fun to wander the area by the water. It’s also fun to make your way along the river to the dam itself, which is very imposing. There are quite a few ups and downs on the trails if you venture off the 3 Falls trail.

 

9. Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve 2401 Village Point, Chesterton, IN 46304

Containing wetlands, woods, and prairie, this 157-acre preserve covers several different views while hiking. To go along with the different environments, Coffee Creek contains boardwalks, brick trails, woodchips and granite paths. In total, the trails here add up to over 5 miles, which includes a 3-mile perimeter loop trail. What sets this area apart from other preserves is that it has an amphitheater and pavilion, both of which can be reserved for events. Those who have been here talk about how peaceful of a place it is and are thrilled with different events that happen here, such as a 5K run.

 

10. Fall Creek Gorge (potholes)/ Portland Arch 1598 N 025 E, Williamsport, IN 47993/1599 W Scout Camp Rd, Covington, IN 47932

These two preserves were added together because 1. They’re not far from each other (11.5 miles apart) and 2. I wanted to include both and didn’t want to have 11 items on the list.  The Fall Creek gorge is a narrow canyon made of sandstone that contains quite a sight: potholes created by the water over time. These holes range in size but can be several feet across and several feet deep. I couldn’t find any details about how long this trail actually is, but that’s because the focal point of this area is the potholes.

Portland Arch is another sandstone gorge, this one having the arch itself as a focal point. Fun fact: the  7.5 foot arch is the only natural bridge in Indiana that has water flowing through it.  It offers a mile or two of trails with a north and south trail available for hiking, though the north trail is the one that leads to the arch.

Depending on where in Indiana you live, I’d recommend checking out acreslandtrust.org to find some preserves near you. Their website provides maps and trail descriptions as well.

10 "Diner" Restaurants In Indiana That You Must Try

Local diner-type restaurants are wonderful staples to communities because they bring in all kinds of people. You have regulars rubbing elbows with first timers, waitresses busily taking orders and zooming through tables, and good food being served. These places usually do a good job of keeping their prices fairly low and still delivering delicious food. While it is occasionally frustrating that some of these restaurants don’t stay open for dinner, I find that it adds to the character of the place. The following restaurants all fit the same description of making delicious breakfast and lunches that focus on classic American food.

      1. Nick’s Kitchen (Huntington)

Nick’s is the home of the Breaded Tenderloin. Its recipe was created in 1908 and has not changed since. The tenderloin was named “Indiana’s Best” in a 2017 survey, and for good reason. It has also been on TV a couple times over the years and has developed quite a reputation. Nick’s has a homey feel about it, with pictures adorning the walls of different historical events from the Huntington area. Aside from tenderloins, people also rave about the great breakfasts and the pies, specifically the sugar cream pie. It is located right in the middle of downtown Huntington and has the following hours: Mon+Tues: 6am-2pm, Wed-Sat: 6am-8pm.  

2. Country Café and Bakery (Marion)

This is easily one of the most underrated places on this list. Their menu is smaller than some of these other places, but pretty much everything you will eat there is homemade. When you walk in, you immediately see all of the baked goods they have behind the glass. They make their own breads, noodles, jams, salsas, sauces, and more! Much of their food, including the meat, comes from local places or their own farm, Creech Farms. The coffee there comes from Midwest Coffee Company, which is a local coffee shop in Marion. One whole side of the menu is taken up by grilled cheese options, which range from $4-7. There are some fun options for a grilled cheese, such as a pepperoni pizza one, which has mozzarella, marinara, and pepperoni, all inside tomato Italian bread. Another great option is the Grown up, which has bacon, cheddar, carmelized onions, and BBQ sauce. The other side of their menu features tasty breakfast options (Lumberjack Bowl) and several sandwiches. Country Café is open Mon-Sat from 7am-2pm.

 3. Johnny’s (Huntington)

Johnny’s is a unique location that has some real charm to it. The building itself has no sign on the outside and looks more like a mini castle than anything else. The inside is circular with a bar in the middle. The waitresses here are sassy and will sit down in your booth with you to take your order. All of this adds to the fun ambiance of the place, but we’re here to talk about food as well. The most popular thing here is the cinnamon rolls, which are a dollar for 2 rolls. These aren’t typical cinnamon rolls either…its more like a biscuit that in doused in icing and cinnamon sugar. Regardless, they are HEAVENLY. Their food is cheap and delicious, with the main highlight being their breakfast food. However, their burgers and fries (try with the BBQ seasoning) are good too. They are known for their pies here as well, but if you’re going to pick a dessert from here, try the cinnamon rolls first. Johnny’s is open from 6am-3pm Mon-Thurs, 6am-8pm on Friday, and 6am-3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

4. The Roost (Fishers)

The Roost is one of those restaurants that looks unassuming from the outside but has a lot of wonderful food to offer. What really stood out to me on my trip there was the chorizo omelet that I got. People typically come here for the breakfast food, though they do serve lunch options as well. Apart from the many omelets offered, reviewers recommend trying the corn casserole and the coffee cake. The Roost’s hours are Mon-Sat from 6:30am-3pm and Sunday from 7:30am-3pm. 

5. Spyro’s (Fort Wayne)

Spyro’s is touted as THE place to go get breakfast in Fort Wayne, and I can see why after just one trip there. There is usually a crowd there if you go at regular breakfast/lunch hours, but the wait is worth it. The portion sizes here are huge, so I’d advise sharing with someone unless you really brought an appetite. The omelets and pancakes take up the whole plate as taste great, and many people highly recommend their skillet dishes. Spyro’s is open Mon-Sat from 6am-3pm, and Sunday from 7am-3pm. 

6. J&L (Marion)

J&L is another place that has quite a unique interior. Their directions have always seemed a little haphazard to me, and it is a very dark place due to the wallpaper and lighting. However, the food here is pretty good. My small group likes to try and come here after church for lunch, but we often find ourselves having to wait because of how packed this place gets on weekends. One of the main highlights here are the peanut butter chocolate chip pancakes, which are a good size and taste delicious. The bacon is done just the way I like it here as well, which is a big plus. Their hours are Wed-Sat from 5am-3pm and Sunday from 5am-2pm. 

7. The Lemon Drop (Anderson)

This restaurant fits the classic description of a diner. They are best known for their burgers, fries, and quick service. The building itself has quite a bit of character, from the bright yellow exterior to the toy locomotive that circles the restaurant on a track above everyone’s head. It is a small building, so there really isn’t a lot of room to sit. However, that doesn’t stop droves of people from coming here and enjoying their food. The two most talked about items are the onion burger and the tenderloin, which isn’t a surprise from an Americana place like this. The one complaint people have is that the food can be pretty greasy at times. They are open Mon-Sat from 10:30am-9pm. 

8. Three Sisters Café (Indianapolis-Broad Ripple)

The Three Sisters Café is one of the more popular brunch locations in Indy, and the reviews for it can’t help but talk up their unique fare and as well several classics. People like to rave about the beer biscuit sandwiches and lemon corn cakes, as well as several vegan options. Classic options like French toast and waffles get a lot of attention here as well. Many reviewers on Yelp and TripAdvisor also like the quirky, quaint vibe that the place has, and the comments about the service are almost all positive. While I have only mentioned breakfast so far, they do serve lunch as well. They are open daily from 8am-4pm 

9.  Rosie’s Place (Noblesville)

Located right in the downtown square of Noblesville, Rosie’s claims the #1 spot to eat in town according to TripAdvisor. It probably helps that this restaurant also sells baked goods that people can’t stop talking about (especially butter cookies). As far as meal options go, reviewers talk a lot about their Eggs Benedict and seasonal specials. Portion sizes are talked up here, as is the ambiance of the place. It has exposed brick walls and old wood floors, which combined is often described as cozy and comfortable. Their Sunday brunch tends to draw quite a crowd, though many people are content waiting for the food (I take this as a good sign). Their hours are Mon-Fri from 7am-3pm and Sat-Sun from 8am-2pm. 

10. Triple XXX Family Restaurant (Lafayette)

I imagine the word “Family” in the name was crucial to them gaining as much popularity as they have…but all jokes aside, this place has made quite a name for itself. For one, their root beer is bottled at stores nationwide, and it is a solid root beer. As far as the food goes, the burgers and fries reign supreme here. Many people talk highly of the Purvis burger, which has peanut butter on it, and the Drew Brees Special. The interior has the typical diner feel to it, but the outside of the building really stands out. While the food here is not as cheap as other diners that don’t have as big of a name for themselves, it really it a cheap dining option. Their hours are 5:30am-11pm (10pm on Sunday).