Indiana is a beautiful state with so many things to do that it might seem overwhelming to anyone just trying to decide what to do with their day. Luckily for us, there’s an array of awesome things to do for free in Indiana, and they’re all epic in their own ways. Here are our picks for some of the best:
- Jug Rock, Shoals
Figmig/Wikimedia Jug Rock is one of those unique little places in Indiana that is depressingly underappreciated. It’s special, you know, as the largest tea-table rock formation east of the Mississippi River. It’s located on the Jug Rock Nature Preserve, and it’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Address: 722 Albright Lane, Shoals, Indiana, 47581
- Portland Arch, Covington
Amy Franklin Pickett/AllTrails The Portland Arch is a stunning natural bridge located near Covington. Over millions of years, Bear Creek has eroded the rock in this area away, resulting in this intriguing formation. Plus, this area is the only area in Indiana where Canada blueberry grows, and it’s also home to the rare bush honeysuckle. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, so bring a camera!
- Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Bloomington
Lizzie Wickstrom/AllTrails The Charles C. Deam Wilderness is home to numerous awe-inspiring spots to hike and explore. It’s tucked away within Hoosier National Forest, and it’s 13,000 acres of awesomeness with 37 miles of trails to hike to your heart’s content. Of course, there are special restrictions to camp here, so make sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
- Williamsport Falls, Williamsport
Steve Lilly/AllTrails Williamsport Falls is another underappreciated place of Indiana beauty. At 90 feet high, it is the second-highest waterfall in the state! You can even get up behind the falls for unique photos if you don’t mind getting a little (or a lot) wet.
Address: 25 North Monroe Street, Williamsport, Indiana, 47993
- Thistlethwaite Falls, Richmond
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr Okay, okay, maybe this one isn’t 100% “natural”, as it was originally created by man, but it’s so cool that it’s worth a mention, too. This area is great for fossil-hunting and it’s open from dawn until dusk.
Address: 65 Waterfall Road, Richmond, Indiana, 47374
- The Seven Pillars, Peru
Kevin Audette/AllTrails Coming in as yet another underappreciated natural wonder on this list is the Seven Pillars, near Peru, along the Mississinewa River. This intriguing and unique formation has been molded over hundreds of years by wind and water erosion. Hike the Francis Slocum Trail to get right over them!
Address: 3667 Mississinewa Road, Peru, Indiana, 46970
- Hemlock Cliffs, English
Teddy O’Connel/AllTrails Hemlock Cliffs is a gorgeous natural area with streams, waterfalls, gorges, a box canyon, and so much more to explore. Make sure to look closely at the sandstone rock formations - they’re “honeycombed”!
So, what are your thoughts? What are some of your favorite things to do for free in Indiana? Tell us yours in the comments – and we love pictures, too!
Figmig/Wikimedia
Jug Rock is one of those unique little places in Indiana that is depressingly underappreciated. It’s special, you know, as the largest tea-table rock formation east of the Mississippi River. It’s located on the Jug Rock Nature Preserve, and it’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Address: 722 Albright Lane, Shoals, Indiana, 47581
Amy Franklin Pickett/AllTrails
The Portland Arch is a stunning natural bridge located near Covington. Over millions of years, Bear Creek has eroded the rock in this area away, resulting in this intriguing formation. Plus, this area is the only area in Indiana where Canada blueberry grows, and it’s also home to the rare bush honeysuckle. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, so bring a camera!
Lizzie Wickstrom/AllTrails
The Charles C. Deam Wilderness is home to numerous awe-inspiring spots to hike and explore. It’s tucked away within Hoosier National Forest, and it’s 13,000 acres of awesomeness with 37 miles of trails to hike to your heart’s content. Of course, there are special restrictions to camp here, so make sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Steve Lilly/AllTrails
Williamsport Falls is another underappreciated place of Indiana beauty. At 90 feet high, it is the second-highest waterfall in the state! You can even get up behind the falls for unique photos if you don’t mind getting a little (or a lot) wet.
Address: 25 North Monroe Street, Williamsport, Indiana, 47993
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
Okay, okay, maybe this one isn’t 100% “natural”, as it was originally created by man, but it’s so cool that it’s worth a mention, too. This area is great for fossil-hunting and it’s open from dawn until dusk.
Address: 65 Waterfall Road, Richmond, Indiana, 47374
Kevin Audette/AllTrails
Coming in as yet another underappreciated natural wonder on this list is the Seven Pillars, near Peru, along the Mississinewa River. This intriguing and unique formation has been molded over hundreds of years by wind and water erosion. Hike the Francis Slocum Trail to get right over them!
Address: 3667 Mississinewa Road, Peru, Indiana, 46970
Teddy O’Connel/AllTrails
Hemlock Cliffs is a gorgeous natural area with streams, waterfalls, gorges, a box canyon, and so much more to explore. Make sure to look closely at the sandstone rock formations - they’re “honeycombed”!
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Address: 722 Albright Ln, Shoals, IN 47581, USAAddress: N Portland Arch Rd, Troy Township, IN 47932, USAAddress: Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Bloomington, IN 47401, USAAddress: Williamsport Falls, 25 N Monroe St, Williamsport, IN 47993, USAAddress: 65 Waterfall Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, USAAddress: 3667 Mississinewa Rd, Peru, IN 46970, USAAddress: Hemlock Cliffs, Union Township, IN 47118, USA
