Indiana
These are four of Indiana’s most treasured views. How to find and enjoy them
Outsiders might not associate the Crossroads of America with scenic beauty, but get beyond Hoosiers’ Midwest modesty and Indianapolis residents will point you to some truly inspiring views in their home state.
You can drive from Fremont in far northeast Indiana to Mount Vernon in the state’s southwest in less than six hours, and there are ample day trips to be had in the spaces between. While not an exhaustive list of Indiana’s most treasured places, these sites offer varied experiences that are all breathtaking in their own right.
[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]
Brown County’s fall colors from Bean Blossom Overlook
A day trip to scenic Brown County is a fall rite of passage for many Hoosiers. With acres of wooded hills, Indiana’s “Little Smokies” offer a unique rural refuge only an hour’s drive south of downtown Indianapolis.
From Nashville’s quaint shops and restaurants to Brown County State Park’s numerous trails and views from its 90-foot fire tower, there are relaxing options for all abilities and interests. A five-minute drive north of Nashville on State Highway 135 will take drivers to the Bean Blossom Overlook, one of the best vistas for fall foliage peeping in the county.
Brown County offers year-round cultural and recreational activities, but peak visiting season comes between October and early November when leaves from the region’s American beech, sugar maple, black walnut, shagbark hickory and white ash turn vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.
Things to do:
- Pull off at the Bean Blossom Overlook, 3.7 miles north of Nashville on State Highway 135, and soak in the views from the easily accessible roadside stop.
- Visit Brown County State Park for miles of hiking, horseback riding, or even an overnight stay at the park’s historic Abe Martin Lodge. Brown County State Park offers a variety of free and paid activities, which visitors can research on its website. The daily entrance fee is $7 for Hoosiers and $9 for nonresidents.
- Tour downtown Nashville’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and historical landmarks. From fine dining to ice cream, artisan shops and a pioneer museum, Nashville can offer a fun break and fuel for further outdoor exploration.
Indiana Dunes National Park’s expansive Lake Michigan vistas
With sand between your toes, Lake Michigan gently lapping at its southern shore, and abundant birdwatching, Indiana Dunes National Park brings Hoosiers beach vibes without the full-day drive to Florida or the Carolinas.
Dedicated as a national park in 2019, this 15-mile stretch of sandy beaches, rising dunes and wildlife-filled marshes is unlike anything else in Indiana. Today’s dunes, a 2 ½-hour drive north of Indianapolis, are the result of more than a century of struggle to preserve this ecologically diverse stretch of lakeshore from development and decline.
Park explorers can learn about the dunes’ shifting sands, Great Lakes ecosystem and more through interpretative offerings, or just kick back and enjoy some sand and sun on a hot summer day.
Things to do:
- Take a hike. The park’s 1966 Hiking Challenge is inspired by its 19 hikes covering 66 miles of trail. Ranger-led hikes are held at 8 a.m. Saturdays from late April through August. Those who complete all 19 treks, with a ranger-led group or on their own, can earn a commemorative sticker.
- Plan a beach day. Most of the park’s beaches are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., while West and Porter beaches close at 9 p.m. West Beach offers locker rooms, showers and lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
- Contemplate the cosmos. The park’s Kemil Beach is open 24 hours, allowing stargazers a chance to enjoy dark skies afforded by the park’s remote nature and nearby Beverly Shores’ designation as an International Dark Sky Community.
Indiana Dunes charges a $25 entrance fee per vehicle. America the Beautiful pass holders can enter for free. Learn more about the park, fees and activities at www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm.
University of Notre Dame’s majestic campus
Few university campuses can claim to match the instantly recognizable grandeur of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend. The golden dome of the Main Building towers over a campus filled with iconography of the Catholic faith, Hoosier history and college football tradition.
Campus explorers can find the Gothic-inspired Basilica of the Sacred Heart next to the Main Building, reflect at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, take in the famous mural of “Touchdown Jesus” on the Hesburgh Library and circle legendary Notre Dame Stadium on their own, or as part of one of the university’s guided tours.
Things to do:
- Tour Notre Dame Stadium. Football junkies can schedule a paid tour, ranging from $10 per person to $300 for a private group of 10. The private tours and $20 North Tunnel Experience include a stop at the iconic “Play Like a Champion” sign.
- Shop at the bookstore. The Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore, 1 Eck Center, is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Sure, it sells college essentials, but the wide variety of Fighting Irish memorabilia is the real draw for visitors. Pro tip: Notre Dame is a cashless campus, so be ready to break out your debit or credit card.
- Dine on campus. Exploration is hungry work, and Notre Dame has numerous options for visitors seeking a step up from the dining halls. Legends of Notre Dame and Rohr’s are both open to the public and take reservations. Legends pub is just south of Notre Dame Stadium, while the more upscale Rohr’s is located in Morris Inn.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, right before the Indy 500
You didn’t think we’d forget “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” did you?
You don’t have to be here on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend to enjoy Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A newly renovated museum, the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, and IndyCar Experience two-seat race car rides are among the diverse options to take in racing’s hallowed grounds.
But there’s nothing else in the world like the moments before the Indianapolis 500, as more than 300,000 fans gather for “(Back Home Again in) Indiana,” the national anthem and military flyover, and the unmistakable roar after “Gentlemen, start your engines!”
Race fans can enter the grounds and browse the IMS Museum’s gift shop for free outside of event days, or pay to attend any number of events on the track. Outside of the Indy 500, the annual IMS schedule stretches into October, with NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks, and the Indy 8 Hour Intercontinental GT Challenge among the late summer and early fall offerings.
Things to do:
- Kiss the bricks: Recreate this Indy 500 tradition by kissing the bricks at the track’s finish line. The track’s “Kiss the Bricks Tour” runs $15 for adults with discounted rates for kids and seniors. Museum admission is required for all tours and costs $25 for adults.
- Take in a race: Visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com/season-schedule for a full schedule of upcoming events and plan a visit around a day of racing.
- Grab some gear: The official IMS shop is attached to the speedway’s museum, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, though hours vary in May. Race junkies need to be prepared for impulse buys, though, as everything in the store is an eye-catcher. The museum is at 4750 W. 16th St., in the track’s infield.
Eric Larsen is IndyStar’s executive editor. Reach him at ericlarsen@indystar.com
Indiana
Why Caitlin Clark went back to Indiana Fever locker room in season opener
Caitlin Clark explains what she learned from injury in Indiana Fever season
Caitlin Clark spoke for seven minutes on the opening day of Indiana Fever training camp. Here’s what she learned from an up-and-down season, and more.
INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark has some new strategies to help keep her loose throughout games, and one garnered a lot of attention in the Indiana Fever’s season opener against the Dallas Wings.
Saturday was Clark’s first regular season WNBA game since July 2025, when she suffered a right groin injury against the Connecticut Sun. She was limited to just 13 games last season because of various injuries that compounded and lingered throughout the season, including to her left groin, right groin, left quad, and ankle.
Clark, who finished with 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 30 minutes, went back to the Fever’s tunnel twice throughout the 107-104 loss, and she said postgame it was just to get her back readjusted. It’s something new for the Fever star after she missed most of last season because of various injuries, but she didn’t report any major issues with her back.
“It gets out of line pretty quickly,” Clark said. “It’s just that, getting my back put back in place a little bit, but other than that, I feel great.”
Buy Caitlin Clark merch!
Clark also started wearing a heat therapy pad on her back as well when she’s on the bench, but that doesn’t automatically mean an injury, either. Former Fever player Natasha Howard wore one while sitting on the bench the entire 2025 season, and she did not miss a game.
These back issues, Fever coach Stephanie White said, shouldn’t keep her out of the game.
“We wouldn’t have played her 30 minutes if she wasn’t OK,” White said.
Clark’s response postgame came after ABC’s commentators reported in-game that trainers were working on Clark’s hip flexor and groin area — the same that kept her out of most of the 2025 season. When asked about ABC’s in-game report, White said: “That would be the first time I’ve heard that.”
Fever communications staff added that they did not provide an official update to ABC on why Clark left for the tunnel, so everything reported on the broadcast in-game was speculation.
“I think it’s just part of maintaining the body,” White added of the tunnel trips. “… I mean, look, when we’re all really young, we don’t learn proper mechanics, and then it doesn’t get exposed until something happens, and we’re trying to get her body mechanically the way it needs to go. This is gonna be an ongoing thing, and not just her. We’ve had multiple players who have gone back, and we don’t have a blue tent, right, but they’re gonna go back and get it adjusted and make sure that the body’s working.”
Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at chloe.peterson@indystar.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67. Get IndyStar’s Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. Subscribe to IndyStar TV: Fever for in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage and more.
Indiana
6 Best Towns Near Indianapolis For Retirees
The six towns below all sit within a two-hour drive of downtown Indianapolis, close enough for a quick trip into the city, far enough that housing money goes considerably further. Each one brings something specific to the trade. Frankfort pairs lower-than-state-median home values with a small-town pace and an 18-hole course right next to its top assisted-living campus. Connersville has a working heritage railroad running through downtown and a population where nearly one in five residents is already over 65. Greenville, just over the Ohio line, splits the difference between Indianapolis and Dayton and still keeps a Main Street that earns the name.
Frankfort, IN
About 40 minutes from Indianapolis, Frankfort is one of the best blends of senior resources and affordability around the capital. Rent comes in well below the average inside Indianapolis city limits per Zillow, and home values sit below the state median. Combined with healthcare at IU Health Frankfort Hospital and senior living communities like Wesley Manor, independence in retirement is realistic here.
Things happen at a slower pace, which might be just the speed a senior is looking for in a new community. The historic downtown holds shops and eateries like the locally loved Downtown Diner. For golf, Frankfort Commons Golf Course is a well-maintained 18-hole course right next to the Wesley Manor campus.
Crawfordsville, IN
Crawfordsville sits roughly 55 minutes from downtown Indianapolis and offers an affordable alternative for retirees who want some distance from the city. The proximity keeps seniors connected to a wealth of resources when they’re not using in-town options like emergency and specialty care at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville or social programming at the Crawfordsville Community Center. The cost of living here runs 10% below the national average per the Economic Research Institute, with rent and home values below the state median.
Cultural life is a big draw, much of it tied to Wabash College’s programming. The town was also the home of Lew Wallace, who wrote Ben-Hur, and residents can dig into that history at the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum. Outdoor options include Turkey Run State Park’s views and trails or Sugar Creek Nature Park’s nearly 64 acres for birdwatching.
Shelbyville, IN
Shelbyville sits about 35 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. Its centuries-old architecture is a draw, and its commitment to senior living is solid. Ashford Place Health Campus is a top-tier assisted living facility with a life enrichment team on site. Healthcare is conveniently placed via the Indianapolis proximity, with smaller clinics in town for specialty and short-term care. Home values run below the state median per Zillow.
To see the ‘Streets of Old Shelby,’ visit the Grover Center Museum and Historical Society. The free attraction has storefronts from the early 1900s, including a bank, post office, and saloon. The Historic Strand Theatre opened in 1916 and still plays films, hosts concerts, and works as a community gathering spot. A few miles away, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers horse racing and casino games for anyone wanting a livelier change of pace.
Connersville, IN
Connersville has long been a solid option for seniors, which is probably why nearly 20% of the population is over 65. The town sits about an hour and 15 minutes from Indianapolis, a reasonable drive for those commuting regularly. The cost of living offsets the distance, falling below the national average across most categories. If assisted living becomes a need, places like Hickory Creek promote independent living with various levels of assistance.
Standing here since 1813, Connersville blends history and nature for retirees ready for a slower pace. The historic downtown district has a few protected properties, including the Canal House, a museum focused on Fayette County’s history. The Whitewater Valley Railroad runs along the historic Whitewater Canal on diesel locomotives with a direct connection to Metamora. Connersville is also a gateway to Brookville Lake, with 25 miles of shoreline and access for fishing, camping, and hiking.
Greenville, OH
Crossing into Ohio, Greenville sits about an hour and forty-five minutes from Indianapolis and only about 50 minutes from Dayton. The cost of living runs below the national average, including a $650 a month median rent that comes in below what people pay in Indianapolis. Connection is another big draw, starting with Wayne HealthCare’s facilities, which now include a helipad and robotic technology for orthopedic surgeries. For assisted living, Trustwell Senior Living at Oakley Place is a top option.
Greenville works for seniors looking for an American Main Street town. Local history is on display at the Garst Museum & National Annie Oakley Center. The historic downtown has many protected facades and shops including the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe, which has been there since 1934. Greenville also hosts the Great Darke County Fair in August, with entertainment, showcases, rides, and harness racing.
Richmond, IN
About an hour and 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Richmond is one of the most cost-effective and connected options on the entire list. The general cost of living runs below the national average and below Indiana’s average. Reid Health’s campus covers emergency, cardiovascular, orthopedic, and vascular care. The town has multiple senior amenities including Springs of Richmond and the Friends Fellowship Community for retirees who need more attention as they age.
Richmond has historical depth from several angles. Wayne County’s evolution gets the full treatment at the Wayne County Historical Museum, housed in an old Quaker house from the 19th century. Richmond was also home to Gennett Records, a recording studio that produced songs for Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke, now honored at the Gennett Records Walk of Fame. The arts side runs through the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, with a packed performance calendar from Richmond’s own professional symphony.
Towns near Indianapolis can mean greater savings for seniors without giving up the resources of the big city. Each of the six places listed brings something different, whether it’s the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe in Greenville serving loose meat sandwiches since 1934 or riding the rails on refurbished diesel locomotives from downtown Connersville.
Indiana
Thief takes game store’s valuable Pokémon cards
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A business owner on the city’s south side on Friday morning reported a theft, saying a person stole thousands of dollars’ worth of Pokémon cards from his store.
Security footage captured the suspect breaking into Grandmaster Games and targeting valuable card collections.
The thief gained entry by breaking through a window and immediately went to a display case containing high-value cards.
The suspect bypassed six other display cases, making a direct route to the owner’s private collection, which included a One Piece card alone worth approximately $12,000. Other stolen cards are valued between $5,000 and $6,000 each.
Alex Bradshaw, owner of Grandmaster Games, said many people underestimate the value of such collectibles. “People think ‘cardboard,’ not really worth a lot. Except for these instances where a bunch of stuff gets taken. You can see the suspect trying to break into the display case, but couldn’t get it open.”
Bradshaw described the suspect’s actions inside the store. “He came over here to where our Pokémon cases are, and he smashed one of our cases that had our ungraded cards. Took the top row of those and moved on to graded cards.”
Approximately 60 Pokémon cards were stolen during the break-in, with their total value estimated to be between $10,000 and $15,000. The suspect was inside the store for only about five or six minutes.
Bradshaw thinks the suspect had prior knowledge of the store’s layout due to the targeted nature of the theft. “Because if you aren’t familiar with my store, you wouldn’t necessarily know to go to this display case because this has stuff of value.”
Grandmaster Games has been in business for about a decade, and it’s the first break-in the store has experienced.
Following the theft, Bradshaw is reconsidering how he displays his valuable collection. “I don’t know if I’m going to completely take this display down because there’s a lot of cool nostalgic stuff from the last 20 years — especially the Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! items. But the manga collection is definitely going into the safe. I realize having this stuff out makes me a target.”
With the PopCon Indy convention underway during the weekend at the downtown Indiana Convention Center, Bradshaw was concerned the stolen cards could easily be sold or concealed among other merchandise.
Despite the significant loss, Bradshaw has expressed a desire not to press charges. He attributes the theft to potential desperation and indicated he would rather offer assistance than punishment. “Nobody steals because they want to. They steal because they need to. Most of the time, people are at the end of the rope. They want something easy, which you can’t blame them for wanting something easy. If you need some help, most of us are willing to help one way or another.”
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department encouraged anyone with information regarding the theft to contact them.
Bradshaw said he simply wants his cards returned.
-
News4 minutes agoHow Is Pope Leo Shaping the U.S. Church? Bishops.
-
Politics11 minutes agoAfter Virginia Redistricting Map Is Tossed, Democrats Search Desperately for a Response
-
Business17 minutes agoSales Are Up. Celebrities Are In. Is Gap Officially Back?
-
Science23 minutes agoWhat Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
-
Health29 minutes agoA 17¢ Supplement Is Changing Lives for Women Over 50—Here’s How
-
Culture40 minutes agoXia De-hong, 94, Dies; Persecuted in China, She Starred in Daughter’s Memoir
-
Lifestyle47 minutes agoA Monument to Chocolate Is Wrapped in Layers of Mexican History
-
Education53 minutes agoHow Brandeis Is Trying to Change College Shopping