Sunshine peekin' through, days stretchin' long, and that sweet smell of freshly cut watermelon in the air – summer #INIndiana is finally here! But with so many amazing things to see and do, how do you make the most of this glorious season? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Buckle up and get ready to dive into the ultimate Indiana summer bucket list!
Get Outdoors!
Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area
Named after the Redbird Coal Mine, the property is approximately 1400 acres of former surface and underground coal mine land. Its unique history has given us both treasures and challenges. Miles of trails for all skill levels lure ORV enthusiasts to the property and reward them with rich and diverse experiences. From gentle slopes to the technically difficult, it can be found at Redbird.
Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is a waterfall located in northern Owen County. The largest waterfall by volume in the state, it is part of the Lieber State Recreation Area.
Pete Dye Golf Trail
Indiana proudly lays claim to having more Pete Dye designed courses than any place in the world. The goal of the Pete Dye Golf Trail is to showcase this incredible collection of courses for the golf traveler while paying tribute to this golf visionary. The trail brings together a combination of challenging golf experiences and unique destinations.
Rent a Canoe/Kayak
One of the best ways to explore nature is to hit the water in a kayak or canoe. Indiana is home to beautiful scenery that can be experienced on the state's creeks, rivers, lakes and streams. A day on the water can be a great adventure for family and friends, making memories that last forever.
White Rock Park
From cliff jumping and swimming to camping and fishing, White Rock Park has an entire itinerary of outdoor fun for the full day booked!
It's Getting Wild!
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary
Nestled on 18 acres in Northern Indiana Lake Country, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is the forever home to over 75 captive-raised exotic and wild animals.
Columbian Park Zoo
Home to over 190 animals representing nearly 90 different species, the Columbian Park Zoo offers a variety of educational programs teaching appreciation for the world's wildlife.
Exotic Feline Rescue Center
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center is a nationally recognized leader in big cat rescue, conservation, care and education. They are home to about 150 exotic felines and one of the largest rescue centers in the U.S. Being a 501 (C) 3 NOT FOR PROFIT organization we depend upon the public to care for these cats.
Fair Oaks Farms
Escape to the country with outdoor fun, food and learning where you can explore family farms and reconnect with nature animals and our planet.
Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
See eye to eye with sea lions, sharks, tigers, and more on your zoo adventure. Enjoy four amazing rides, 1,000+ animals, daily sea lion shows, giraffe feeding, touch a stingray and more. Named the 7th best zoo in the United States and the 20th best in the world by TripAdvisor. Open Memorial Day through Oct. 31. Fall hours: 9 am - 5 pm ET.
Indianapolis Zoo
Pet sharks, view dolphins, feed giraffes, touch elephants, experience nature and learn how to save it at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Mesker Park Zoo
Situated on 45-acres of rolling hills on Evansville’s northwest side, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is home to hundreds of animals from around the globe. Their mission is to foster the preservation of the Earth’s diverse species and living systems through an active role in education and conservation in our regional and professional community.
Potawatomi Zoo
South Bend’s first zoo, the South Bend Zoo, began as a modest duck pond in Leeper Park in 1902. In 1921, the Potawatomi Zoo was established in Potawatomi Park, where it continues to exist today. As one of the oldest zoos in Indiana, the Potawatomi Zoo is rich in history and building a promising future.
Washington Park Zoo
Located on the southern shoreline of beautiful Lake Michigan since 1928, the Zoo is spread out over 15 acres. Its natural hillside terrain, meandering tree-covered pathways, and historical WPA (Works Progress Administration) structures enhance your visit as you discover the wonders of the natural world.
Wilstem Wildlife Park
Go on a guided trail ride and enjoy over 30 miles of scenic trails on 1,100 rolling acres. Experience the thrill of a 4,000-foot-canopy zipline tour, hiking, biking, horseback riding and encounter exotic animals including Elephants, Giraffes, and Kangaroos!
Wolf Park
Enjoy a howl with wolves at this nonprofit educational wildlife facility. See and learn about wolves, coyotes, fox and bison.
Classic Summertime Favorites:
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world and is located just minutes from Downtown Indianapolis.
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana has been a favorite spot to take children for educational, historic, fun experiences they won't find anywhere else.
Fort Wayne TinCaps at Parkview Field
Parkview Field is the home of Fort Wayne's Minor League Baseball team and an amazing place for the family to catch a game.
Horse Racing at Hoosier Park & Indiana Grand
Harrah's Hoosier Park is a premier gaming, racing, dining and entertainment destination. All just minutes north of Indianapolis. Open 24/7, year-round.
Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is an annual state fair that spans 18 days in July and August in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. The Indiana State Fair debuted in 1852 at Military Park in Indianapolis and is the sixth oldest state fair in the U.S.
Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field
The Indianapolis Indians are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They are located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and play their home games at Victory Field, which opened in 1996.
Movies at the Drive-In
Did you know Indiana has the fourth most drive-in theatres in America? A trip to the drive-in is more than just a movie. It’s a chance to make memories. These 20 Drive-In Theatres in Indiana are all fantastic spots to watch a movie under the stars.
Shipshewana Flea Market
Home to the Midwest’s largest flea market, Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is a must-see Hoosier attraction. (Open Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 8 am – 4 pm, May – September. Plus extended market dates for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor, and two special weekend markets the 3rd Friday & Saturday in June and the 1st Friday and Saturday in August.) You’ve never seen shopping like this! Situated on 40 acres, featuring vendors offering a wide variety of products including everything from home décor, clothing, produce, plants, tools, crafts, books, beauty supplies, accessories, handmade items, vintage items, new, old and everything imaginable. Not to mention all the amazing food options on site. Located at 345 S. Van Buren Street in Shipshewana, IN. Parking is just $5 and admission is free.
South Bend Cubs at Four Winds Field
The South Bend Cubs are a Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. They are located in South Bend, Indiana, and play their home games at Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium.
Feeling Artsy?
Columbus Architecture Tours
Tour 70+ modern structures or visit the Miller House and Garden, the nation's finest modern home. Check website for tour times and reservations.
Indiana State Historic Sites
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a statewide museum system with 12 locations. Whether interested in art or architecture, history or science, there’s something for everyone and every interest. The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and offers a year-round schedule of changing exhibits, hands-on experiences, programs and events. The 11 state historic sites are located throughout Indiana, stretching from Rome City in northeastern Indiana to Evansville in the southwest.
Quilt Garden Tour
The annual, award-winning Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail joins quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind event featuring super-sized hand-painted Quilt Murals and more than one million vibrant blooms in gigantic Quilt Gardens.
