There's More than Corn in Indiana

CrteIf you think the title of this article is familiar, you're correct. It's a slogan for Indiana Beach which just recently opened back up. It won't make this list though as it is one of the more well-known spots.

I'm a Hoosier born and bred and have I seen everything Indiana has to offer?

No, not at all, but that doesn't mean I've been twiddling my thumbs, building my Netflix queue, or visiting the same five places.

In fact, one of my favorite things to do is search for fun places in my home state and visit them. It gives me a better view of an area I've spent more than three decades in and helps me give a tour to my out-of-state friends.

100 Acres: Indianapolis, IN

Located near the Art Museum on 38th street, 100 Acres is home to gorgeous hiking trails, amazing sculptures, and fun playgrounds for the kiddies. Among the amazing sculptures is one written by famous Hoosier author, John Green, known for The Fault In Our Stars and Paper Towns, is Funky Bones.

Not only is this sculpture perfect for selfies, it can also double as the perfect background for fun family memories.

Eagle Creek Park: Indianapolis, IN

To no true Hoosier's surprise, the next one on my list is the breathtaking Eagle Creek Park. Off exit 124 on Highway 65, there exists a little slice of serenity, silence, and the occasional songbird.

Hiking, fishing, and learning about nature are just a few activities at this local park.

Consisting of more than 1400 acres of water and 3900 acres of forest, this is just the right atmosphere for parties or that elusive alone time.

Oldenburg, Indiana: Franklin County

This next one isn't just something fun to do in a town, it is a town. And it will be something extra fun for anyone with a Germanic heritage or interest in German culture.

Yes, there exists a mini German town in the so called drab Midwest.

Oldenburg has a rich and long history and as such has many activities to do on a normal day such as Freudenfest, an annual "festival of fun" held in July, or even walking around the German named streets such as Perlen Strasse (Pearl Street).

Unlike the other ones on the list, I haven't actually been to this one sadly, but it is definitely a soon-to-be visited site.

Brown County, Indiana

Located in Nashville, Indiana, Brown County is a popular destination in the Fall. Brimming with the gorgeous forest of reds, oranges, and yellows swirling carefree onto the paved roads, Brown County is one of the best places to go when you want to see a flurry of color.

But really Brown County is an amazing place no matter the season. With shops offering homemade and unique goods, just walking the town will give you something fun or delicious to purchase.

And if you're looking for something less pocket picking, there's always amazing hiking and biking trails and a beautiful waterfall as well as interesting restaurants.

Children's Museum: Indianapolis, IN

Almost every Hoosier bred kid could tell you about their childhood adventures at the Children's Museum. Whether you dug for bones or were more fascinated by the dinosaur bones, the Children's Museum has never been short of fun things to do.

Located on North Meridian street, this place has been the field trip go-to for schools. Although most teachers would prefer a leash when going through the museum, it can be enjoyable for all ages especially nowadays. The exhibits from my own childhood were space and dinosaur-related, but sadly, I have not had the chance to explore the new dinosaur exhibit or the sports outdoors. One day though.

Children are not required, but encouraged at this awesome place as viewing history of the world through a child's eyes is an unparalleled experience.

Indiana Dunes: Chesterton, IN

Picnics, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, etc are just a few things you can do among the miles of water stretching around Lake Michigan.

15 miles of beach, 50 miles of trails, and beautiful historic buildings offer many sightseeing opportunities as well as opportunities to make family, romantic, road trip, or even solo memories. It also can serve as a breathtaking background for some selfies and group shots.

Downtown Indianapolis

Though traveling through downtown can have its hazards such as reckless drivers or panhandlers (true homeless not counted among them, they actually need the money; but panhandling is still a huge problem in Indianapolis), Downtown Indianapolis also has its perks.

Whether it's riding, boating, or walking along the Canal or hitting Circle Center Mall, Downtown Indianapolis has its own kind of character.

If you're hungry, there are a million delicious restaurants.

If you want to do some shopping, the Circle Centre Mall offers many interesting shops as well as shops you see in every mall across America. If you're looking for book shopping, there is not a bookstore unfortunately, but there's a Barnes and Nobles shop at the IUPUI campus that is just a couple of miles from the Mall.

There's also a nice theater at the top of the mall and it's a good place to validate your parking. At least with the price of a movie, you get an hour of parking and something to watch.

There's also trails and beautiful scenery.

One of my favorite areas is Mass Ave. They have a nice Starbucks and cute little shops as well as murals and art all over the place. There's also Indy Reads, a cheap bookstore where the majority of money goes to literacy charities.

In the future when things settle, I'd love to write one of these for Chicago or Philly, two cities I'm obsessed with.

As it is, venture through your cities, country roads, and have some fun travelling even if it is only through your area.

Don't take any step or mile for granted. You never know if you'll go another one.