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Nationally recognized for its agricultural and industrial significance, Indiana's best small towns are the perfect destination if you're looking for an unspoiled, off-the-beaten-path all-American experience. One of the Heartland states of America, Indiana, is a cultural haven fueled by the economic prosperity of its many industries yet preserves its midwestern heritage. From calm destinations to mount a tent and zone out into nature like Beverly Shores to eco-rich, family-friendly vacation towns, read along to plan your visit to the Hoosier state.聽

Paoli

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, Paoli boasts outdoor adventures, a warm, welcoming community, and a historic district of over 144 buildings that date back to the 19th century. Located in Orange County, Paoli stands out as a popular escape for its endless ski resorts like Paoli Peaks, yet it is also a year-round destination for its remote nature-centric destinations like Wilstem Wildlife Park. The tree-lined main street is dotted with an extensive array of upscale dining options and antique shops while also hosting one of the town's only destinations to learn about its developing history, the Orange County Historical Museum. Visitors to the museum can find a range of artifacts from clothing to old letters and household items while also making stops at some of the best dining options in Paoli, like Connie's Country Kitchen for some authentic American grub or El Compadre for some Mexican cuisine located adjacent from the Orange County Circuit Court. Additionally, those visiting Paoli for its nature can stay in the far-out wooden cabins of Wilstem Wildlife Park, making it a perfect family-time weekend vacation.聽

New Harmony

The small town on the聽Wabash River聽is synonymous with flowers and gardens and is one of the best in Indiana for its quirky history of being a religious colony formed by a group of priests over 200 years ago. From the town's lush labyrinths shaped like a maze encouraging visitors to zone out into nature to its iconic roofless church, there are many unusual attractions in New Harmony. The small town escape in New Harmony is also beautified with community events like the Plein Air Paintout, which invites artists for a painting festival amidst vibrant nature, and the New Harmony Antique Show, bringing together collectors from all over. Leather Leaf Inn, Bed and Breakfast, New Harmony Inn Resort, and the cozy Victorian AC Thomas Home are top-rated lodging options for those aiming for a memorable escape to Indiana.聽

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The thriving city of Goshen is built around its industrial advantage of being a prominent recreational vehicle manufacturer and ranks as one of the best places to visit in Indiana for its abundance of attractions. As a sizeable and productive community, Goshen is a perfect blend of small-town charm, from parks and nature to quirky displays and stunning architecture. Explore Shanklin Park, embark on a hot air balloon adventure with Stutsman Ballooning, and catch a live performance at Goshen Theater when visiting. The community element of Goshen is enhanced by markets and events like the Maple City Market, Goshen Farmers Market, and the state-renowned Elkhart County 4-H Fair. The Old Bag Factory, housed in a century-old abandoned industrial building, is one of the best destinations for local shopping in Goshen. At the same time, Janus Motorcycles and Electric Brewing offer an insightful view into the town's industrial history.

Metamora

The historic town of Metamora is a traveler gateway to the early days of Indiana for being home to Indiana's oldest still operating mill, Metamora General Store, and the Metamora Historical Society located in the old 1888 town hall. While the Metamora Grist Mill is the town's iconic landmark, one-of-a-kind historic experiences include horse-drawn boat rides down the whitewater canal. Wooden front buildings like The Village Smith on Main St emphasize the old-time ambiance complemented by annual events like the 鈥嬧�媠ummertime Metamora's Old Settlers Days festival, which has been part of the local tradition since 1910. Despite the town's size of 2.2 mi, there is no shortage of dining and lodging options. Visit the Terroir 3:17 Your Home Kitchen for a homely meal or Biscuits and Gravy for brunch, and choose between central overnight stays like Metamora Inn and Cornerstone Inn.聽

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Home to the 1,260-acre Pokagon State Park and a preserved charm depicted through stunning Italianate and Classical Revival architecture. Sitting 32.9 mi from聽Fort Wayne, Angola is also one of the best family-friendly small towns for its experience-based attractions like the Fun Spot Amusement Park & Zoo, the Angola Bowl bowling alley built in 1961, and the 1963 Brokaw Movie House, where visitors can experience old-school cinematic entertainment. Watersport activities are also a significant part of the small-town experience in Angola, for being located near Crooked Lake and Fox Lake, among the best nearby destinations frequented for fishing, kayaking, and catching relaxing sunsets. Angola is located near scenic lakes and offers outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and a friendly ambiance. Angola's natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it an appealing destination for all ages. Indulge in culinary excellence at Captain's Cabin, a locally-favored restaurant with a complementary forestry setting, and embrace local talents at Buck Lake Ranch, the number one spot in town to catch live country and folk performances.聽

Shipshewana

Shipshewana is an unforgettable small town in Indiana for its distinctive elements of simplicity and community engagement. Known for its Amish community and seasonal Auction & Flea Market, Shipshewana is also the perfect destination to experience Hoosier hospitality through community events and the creative efforts of locals, such as artistic street murals and more. The small-town experience is also enhanced by a productive local scene offering everything from homemade goods to a booming agricultural scene and a range of bakeries and in-home dining options. Visit Hoosier Banquets for an authentic homemade culinary experience, and explore the town with the guidance of locals on tours like the Blue Gate Carriage Tours and My Amish Indiana Tour Guides. The Old Carriage Inn and Farmstead Inn stand out as two of the best overnight stays for a memorable countryside living experience, while Morton House Inn is a popular central stay.聽

Beverly Shores

Finally, Beverly Shores adds a unique twist to the small-town escape by being a beach escape on Lake Michigan's shores. Surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Park, Beverly Shores is state-renowned for having some of the best beaches and being a hotspot for nature enthusiasts. From hiking to camping and watersport activities, there is no shortage of adventurous experiences in the small community of less than 1000 residents. Despite being the perfect nature escape, the entire town can be fully explored in less than a day and is limited in amenities and lodging options. Visitors to Beverly Shores will often stay in nearby towns like Michigan City, which is 6 miles away, or Porter, which is 9 miles away. Thanks to its far-out location, the area also enjoys abundant wildlife, making for the perfect relaxing birdwatching getaway. Aside from aqua-centric activities and embracing untouched nature, cool places to check out in town include the Beverly Shores Depot Museum & Art Gallery and The Standalone Pink Tropical Florida House, built in 1933 as part of a home exhibition.

The small-town experience in the Hoosier State is emphasized by unique natural settings, from secluded beachfront escapes to fertile agricultural lands. From the secluded beach town of Beverly Shores to the historic town of Metamora, celebrating history with cultural events, every small town differentiates itself with a unique competitive edge. However, despite their distinctiveness, all the best towns in Indiana to visit in 2024 are enriched by down-to-earth, welcoming locals and elements of creative efforts.聽