Celebrate the Beauty of Indiana Winter at These Incredible Places

You know, winter sometimes gets bad press. For every person you meet who loves winter, you will meet three others who to hate this. They usually have many reasons; they don’t like biting cold, or the snow is bothersome. Maybe they’ll say there’s nothing to really To do since Hoosier State isn’t really known for its amazing skiing like, say, Colorado might be. Well, we’re here to kindly inform those folks that they’re wrong: winter is, in fact, one of the most amazing times of the year. It is beyond photogenic, and we found some great photos to prove it! Winter in Indiana may be cold, but it’s not terrible. Here are a few places that will surely make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland (because, spoiler, you are):

In these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list at a later date.

Michigan City, Indiana is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. It’s ridiculously photogenic, and when the ground is covered in a layer of untouched, untouched snow, it takes on even more majesty. In some years, following storms, you may arrive here to find a layer or two of ice covering everything, which is a treat to photograph and admire. You might want to try this enchanting lighthouse walk!

Indiana Dunes National Park, 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304, USA

This one is a 150% must have in the winter. It’s not very far from Michigan City, in fact, so you can easily do both in one trip. Dunes create a spectacularly unique landscape, especially in a place like Indiana, where we’re all used to, well, mostly plains and grasslands (with a few woods thrown in for good measure). Indiana Dunes National Park, when snow covered, is truly a winter lover’s dream come true. Learn about the history of Indiana’s newest national park in this article.

McCormick’s Creek State Park, 250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA

Okay, honestly, any of Indiana’s amazing state or national parks could make this list. Even if you’re not a big fan of snow, you have to admit that sometimes it’s absolutely stunning. McCormick’s Creek State Park is home to tons of waterfalls, and if you’ve never seen a frozen waterfall in real life, here’s your chance. This park is excellent for winter hiking.

Upper Cataract Falls, Jennings Township, IN 47460, USA

This one is, quite possibly, the most epic item on this list (except maybe the lighthouse). Believe us when we say there’s NOTHING like checking out Indiana’s tallest waterfall (by volume) when it’s cold. The river has a strong current and does not tend to freeze over, so the calm, still white snow that decorates the landscape around the river is simply breathtaking. Learn more about this important little place in this article.

Rising Sun, IN 47040, USA

Rising Sun is a criminally underrated town in Hoosier State. It’s quaint and full of personality, kindness and, of course, gorgeous views. You’ll feel like you’re in a tiny snow globe town; it is positively enchanting! Kill time at or on the river, or maybe the shops. Either way, it’s a must. If you end up wanting to move here, we don’t blame you: so do we.

What could be more amazing than a snow globe city like Rising Sun? A snow globe county. Parke County is known as the “Covered Bridge Capital” of Indiana and is home to more than 30 of these charming historic structures. There’s just something about covered bridges covered in snow that brings out our inner child (and our inner photographer).

Hathaway Nature Preserve Loop Trailhead, Lagro Township, IN 46992, USA

Hathaway Nature Preserve is located at Ross Run Nature Preserve, so it’s like double the winter delights. This place is pretty amazing all year round; in summer there are many wildflowers. In autumn, the colors are to die for. In winter, the whole reserve covered in a fine layer of snow offers truly amazing views, like the waterfall you see above. Learn more about the reserve on the official website.

So what are some of your favorite places in Indiana in the winter? Tell us about them in the comments – and be sure to send us some pictures! We love hearing from you and we love pictures, so it’s all going well. Let us know!