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Admitted to the Union in 1816, the "Hoosier State" of Indiana is indeed a place of splendid natural beauty, great cultural attraction, and fascinating history. With easy access to Lake Michigan and bordered by the States of Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio, the charm and beauty of Indiana make it an important component of the famed American Midwest. And while larger cities continue to dominate many conversations, Indiana's small towns surely warrant a closer examination. Plenty of history, culture, and welcoming hospitality make these adorable locales worthy of a visit for anyone who loves to experience Americana at its finest.听

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Established in the mid-1800s, the town of Logansport serves as the seat of Cass County and is home to a modest population of just over 18,000 inhabitants. Beautifully situated at the confluence of the Wabash and Eel Rivers, Logansport is a scenic and charming historic town where the young and old can find something to enjoy. Explore several historic landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Courthouse Historic District and the Ferguson House (1895). Meanwhile, numerous popular annual festivals are great for diverse tastes, including the Art on the Avenue and the Jazz and Blues Fest. And with the two beautiful rivers never far away, even just a casual stroll along the water's edge may be just the perfect outing for any traveler.听

Connersville

Situated along the northern bank of the Whitewater River, the town of Connersville can trace its years to the early 19th century and today is home to just over 13,000 people. As one of Indiana's oldest towns, this quiet and historic community is a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life in a most alluring setting. Explore landmarks like the Elmhurst Mansion (1831) and the Canal House (1842), amongst many others listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or simply enjoy the outdoors along the river and in the town's numerous green areas. Spend time at the Doc-O-Lake recreation area or picnic at Manlove Park, where guests of all ages can enjoy the scenery and the quiet atmosphere only a small town can offer.听

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Marion serves as the seat of Grant County, and today, this charming town is the home of nearly 30,000 residents. Located along the Mississinewa River, Marion is indeed a place full of natural beauty and intriguing American history where both the young and old can find something to enjoy. Site of Indiana Wesleyan University (founded in 1920), visitors can also explore such landmarks as the Grant County Jail (1904), the Aaron Swayzee House (1855), and the diverse Downtown Commercial Historic District. Meanwhile, the outdoors lover will not want to miss the beautiful Cardinal Greenway Trail, where splendid opportunities for cycling, jogging, and even birdwatching can be enjoyed in a most serene ambiance.听

New Castle

Incorporated in the early 19th century, the town of New Castle serves as the seat of Henry County and is situated along the Big Blue River (an 84-mile watershed of the Mississippi River). Home to just under 17,500 inhabitants, New Castle is known for its wide-ranging seasonal temperatures, including very hot summers and often cold winters. Just some 44 miles from Indianapolis, visitors can enjoy a charming day trip to New Castle and spend time at the beautiful Summit Lake State Park.

Here, great opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching are all popular, while an exploration of such historic sites as the Henry County Courthouse (1866) and the New Castle Commercial Historic District features an eclectic range of 19th-century architectural styles. And for the sports enthusiast, do not forget to visit the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, which forever honors the very best of the Hoosier State's amateur athletes.

East Chicago

The Indiana town of East Chicago lies near the border with the State of Illinois and is only some 18 miles from Chicago proper. Home to just over 26,000 residents, this charming community is beautifully located along Lake Michigan, where wonderful opportunities for swimming and sailing are always popular. Founded in the 1890s, East Chicago is a good choice for a day trip for both those in Chicago and the nearby Indiana city of Gary, where access to the water makes it a favorite for many visitors. In addition, one can explore the Marktown Historic District and the East Chicago Marina in a welcoming atmosphere. And with its vicinity to the bigger metropolises, East Chicago offers all the comforts and amenities of modern life in a quieter and less hectic environment.

Anderson

The town of Anderson was founded in the early 1800s and today is the home to just over 50,000 inhabitants. The seat of Madison County, this mid-sized town, is just 43 miles northeast of Indianapolis and offers a serene environment with engaging cultural and natural attractions. Visit such places as the Downtown Historic District (with up to 32 buildings of significance listed), Hoosier Park for fun horse racing and other casino games, and the Anderson Museum of Art and its collection of Indiana art. While at the Mounds State Park, visitors can experience indigenous heritage in this fascinating locale that sees up to 400,000 visitors every year.

Santa Claus

Established in the mid-19th century, the unique town of Santa Claus is one of the 海角社区's few places to be named after the beloved Christmas figure. Know as "America's Christmas Hometown," Santa Claus is home to just over 2,500 people who celebrate the Yuletide season year-round. Still, the Christmas season remains the best time to experience this town, where neighborhoods and artificial lakes like Holiday Village and Lake Noel dazzle the young and old. Visit the Santa Claus Museum or spend a fun afternoon at Santa's Candy Castle, perfect for the whole family. And, of course, at the annual Santa Claus Parade, colorful floats, lights, and loads of community cheer make a visit to this town a most unforgettable outing.

Nashville

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The seat of Brown County, the town of Nashville, was founded in the mid-1800s and today maintains a modest population of nearly 1,300 residents. This charming and scenic community is well known in Indiana as an artists' colony, and some of the best American artists have lived or worked in the area. Indeed, numerous specialty galleries, boutique shops, and antique stores can be found in Nashville, giving visitors the unique opportunity to bring home a special piece of American art. In addition, at the nearby Brown County State Park (Indiana's largest), the outdoors lover can enjoy beautiful hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, fishing, and an abundance of wondrous views of trees and their colors.听

Vevay

Situated along the Ohio River, the town of Vevay was established in the 1810s by Swiss immigrants, and today, it is the home of just under 1,800 inhabitants. Seat of Switzerland County, tourists can explore a range of wonderful 19th-century homes and buildings, including the Hoosier Theatre (1837) and the Benjamin Schenck Mansion (1874), for a true feeling of stepping back in time. Meanwhile, at the River History Museum, guests can learn all about life on the Ohio River and the historic growth of this region of the United States. And, of course, any visitor to Vevay cannot miss the very popular Swiss Wine Festival in August. Here, grape stomping, vendors, car shows, live music, fireworks, and boat rides on the River make this truly a fun-filled outing for the youngest to the oldest in every family.听

Crawfordsville

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Founded in the 1820s on the banks of the Wabash River, the town of Crawfordsville is a scenic and charming community with a modern population of just over 16,000 residents. The seat of Montgomery County, Crawfordsville, is the home of Wabash College (1832), where both visitors and students can enjoy the splendid campus and its stunning colors, particularly in the fall. In addition, the town boasts several landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places that are wonderful to explore for the history lover and the casual tourist. Stop by places like the County Jail and Sheriff's Residence (1882), the Lane Place House (1831), and the Montgomery Courthouse (1876), amongst many others. Meanwhile, at the nearby Shades State Park, one can enjoy wondrous views of sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery in a most serene outing for the family and solo traveler alike.

Lovingly known as the "Hoosier State," Indiana's fantastic cultural attractions, natural allure, and fascinating history make it a great place to explore for any tourist in the American Midwest. Whether it is enjoying Lake Michigan's shores or discovering its small towns' beauty, Indiana will surely leave a memorable impression on all who visit. From the very special streets of Santa Claus to the historic center of Logansport and beyond, these adorable and welcoming small Indiana towns shine not only as examples of some of the State's best destinations but of the great diversity found uniquely in America.