Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Indiana

1. State Motto: "The Crossroads of America".
2. State Bird: Northern Cardinal.
3. State Flower: Peony.
4. Indiana is home to the Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous car races in the world.
5. The state’s name means "Land of the Indians."
6. Indiana Dunes National Park has over 15,000 acres of sandy beaches and trails.
7. Notre Dame University is one of the most prestigious universities in the U.S.
8. Indiana is a major producer of corn and soybeans.
9. The first professional baseball game was played in Fort Wayne in 1871.
10. Indiana is the birthplace of famous figures like Michael Jackson and James Dean.
11. Santa Claus, Indiana, receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa every year.
12. Hoosier Hill is the highest point in Indiana at 1,257 feet above sea level.
13. French Lick was once a luxury destination for famous celebrities and politicians.
14. Indiana has one of the largest Amish populations in the U.S.
15. The Wabash River is the state’s official river and a significant waterway in Indiana’s history.

Geography of Indiana

Indiana’s landscape ranges from flat farmland to rolling hills and forests. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Hoosier Hill (1,257 feet).
• Lowest Point: Ohio River at 320 feet above sea level.
• Major Rivers: Wabash River, Ohio River, and White River.

A Brief History of Indiana

Indiana’s history blends Native American heritage, agriculture, and industrial growth:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Miami and Shawnee.
• Part of the Northwest Territory before becoming a state.
• Became the 19th state of the U.S. on December 11, 1816.

Top 10 Things to Do in Indiana

1. Attend the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2. Explore Indiana Dunes National Park.
3. Visit the University of Notre Dame and its Golden Dome.
4. Hike through Hoosier National Forest.
5. Relax in the historic town of French Lick.
6. Tour the Indianapolis Museum of Art and its gardens.
7. Walk along the downtown Indianapolis Canal Walk.
8. Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children’s museum in the world.
9. Discover history at Conner Prairie, an interactive history park.
10. Explore the charming town of Nashville in Brown County.

Top 10 Destinations in Indiana

1. Indianapolis
2. Indiana Dunes National Park
3. Hoosier National Forest
4. French Lick
5. Notre Dame

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Indiana, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Indiana