What do people do outdoors in Indiana
 

Just curious? What is the landscape like?

Northern Indiana is as flat as flat can be. Corn fields followed by soy bean fields followed by cattle followed by corn ... <BR> <BR>Southern Indiana has some very pretty, gentle rolling hills. The fall can be quite beautiful there. <BR> <BR>

The northern 2/3 of IN is pretty flat (some people would consider that an understatement!). <BR> <BR>The southern 1/3 is quite different, however. This region is characterized by limestone ridges - quarries around Bedford supplied stone for the Empire State Bldg and Natl Cathedral, among others. Hills, forests and lakes combine to create some pretty decent scenery that is hidden from most people, who zoom through on I-80 or I-70 complaining about how flat Indiana is. <BR> <BR>As for what people do, perhaps one surprise is that horseback riding is extremely popular - I know people who go horseback camping for weeks at a time. I'd say there are at least 100 horses in a five mile radius of my parents' home. Hunting and fishing are also extremely popular. <BR> <BR>Some specifics: <BR>- Brown County is well-known for it's fall foliage and artist communities <BR>- Lake Monroe is a substantial reservoir in the wooded hills just SE of Bloomington <BR>- Hoosier Natl Forest seems to cover most of the southern third of the state <BR>- Columbus has one of the highest densities of famous architectural creations in the country. <BR>- Bloomington is a very nice small city, the epitome of the "college town" <BR>- Conner Prairie and Spring Mill State Park are pioneer-related historical sites

from covered bridges to amish settlements. recently was in indy, and enjoyed seeing downtown with it's monuments. it is a farming state, but sure isn't as flat as il! lol

we love canoeing on the rivers in indiana. indiana is nowhere near as flat as illinois.

They also swim in Lake Michigan. The area from Beverly Shores all the way to the Michigan state line have some of the most wonderful beaches in the U.S. (SSSHHHH - this is a secret known only to the people from Indiana and Illinois)

Thank you, a dear friend lives there. He complains about nothing to do for while. I keep telling him this is perception and he just isn't seeking this stuff out. Especially glad to hear about the beaches near Michigan. I am wondering if there is any special food that is indigenous to Indiana. I grew up in New Jersey, our Tomatoes and corn are too die for. I should think bbq in the south, Maryland Crab cakes. Philly cheese steaks. Anything like this in Indiana? I don't care if it is an interesting truck stop (I would stop), a special pie or cuisine, just curious. I like to hear about local food and what sets a state apart. <BR> <BR>PS. Not to be corny and no pun intended but do those corn and soy fields ever flower in some stage of growth. They have to be striking from a distance, no? I live in NYC we do not see stretches of landscape unless we hop in the car for an hour. We probably would not see a major farm for a few hours. Thanks in advance. <BR> <BR>

Nancy, <BR> <BR>Any recommendations would depend strongly on where your friend lives, since the northernmost and southernmost towns in IN are at least 7 hours apart. <BR> <BR>Obviously in such a farming-oriented state there are plenty of fresh produce stands. Also quite a few apple orchards. <BR> <BR>Regarding native cuisine - well, in southern Indiana anything fried certainly has a claim: fried chicken, fried fish, fried potates, fried mushrooms, fried okra, fried squirrel, fried turtle ... which probably explains my current rotundity. <BR> <BR>Up north there are some pretty good Chicago-style pizza places, and any of the college towns (Bloomington inparticular) should offer some variety. South Bend actually had a Lebanese restaurant at one time! <BR> <BR>Northern Indiana has several Amish areas, with the associated "family-style" restaurants. <BR>

As a current Indiana resident and native Illinoisian - I will have to say that Indiana is not nearly as flat as Illinois - as posters above point out. From the NY poster - no the corn and soy bean fields do not flower - no impressive views of that, unfortunately.

I live in a suburb of Indianapolis (15 minutes from downtown), and while most people may think it boring, I find it comforting to literally be a five minute drive from a large farm. The produce in the summer is as good as anywhere in the world. <BR> <BR>As for local food, right now is county fair time, so some of the typical Hoosier foods can be found there: corn on the cob, pork chops, elephant ears, lemon shake-ups. As Dave indicated before, we may not be the most health consious state, but we do have good food!

Oops,,,,,conscious. <BR>I'm not Dan Quayle.....I CAN spell!

what is an elephant ear and a lemon shake up?

Elephant ears are large round flat sweet patries, can be somewhat gooey with their sugar coating. Lemon shake-ups can be wonderful (depending on the vendor), and are, I believe, basically lemonade from scratch--lemon juice, water, sugar, shaken (not stirred ;-). Both are yummy, and both are generally sold at fairs and carnivals. Tums highly suggested. <BR> <BR>As for Nancy's original question of other things to do--hiking is very popular in the southern counties. Brown County--near Nashville (a lovely town, well worth a visit, but which has sadly declined to too touristy for me) and Bloomington--has beautiful hills and trails. All of southern Indiana is especially wonderful in the fall. <BR> <BR>

Since you are a New Yorker, I think you will find that acres of corn & soy fields are quite beautiful! I'm from IL...right in the heart of corn country, but very near the suburbs of Chicago...I can say this honestly, that nothing is prettier than a corn field at it's peak in July & August..well, at least in Illinois there isn't! It does seem comforting to know that farmers have worked so hard to produce their corn, etc. & see the fruit of their labor. It's also sad & scary to see so much of our farmland disapperaing, there is no better soil in America than in the Midwest. Have a great time in Indiana.

Hi Nancy, <BR> <BR>What part of Indiana does your friend live in? I'm a Hoosier native and spent my first 29 years of life there, near Gary - BEFORE it became what I hear it now is! ;-) <BR> <BR>As many have posted before me, there's a vast difference in the northern and southern part of the state. Even an hour drive down I-41 or I-65 leaves the congested area behind, to farms and yep, flat land! <BR> <BR>I spent many summers at the Dunes on Lake Michigan, or on drives to the eastern part of the state to Amish "country," to Brown County, which is wonderful, and the Covered Bridge Festival near there brings back happy memories. Lake County has a fun fair (each August), and Chicago isn't far away if he's in the northwest part of the state. Although I've never been to Indianapolis, I've heard there are many exciting things to do and see there, one of which is an outstanding children's museum. <BR> <BR>I really don't think there's a food that's particularly indigenous to the state - we just like it good, hearty, homegrown! ;-) I will say if you, your friend or anyone reading this has the opportunity to go to an Amish community - DO! Their food is delicious, especially the fresh baked bread! <BR> <BR>When people ask me where I'm from originally and I say Indiana, most people reply "oh, corn fields and the Indy 500." There's SO much more to the state than that! :-)

i grew up in gary and my dad just moved out of there last year. yes it can be scary going thru the city so don't- unless you know what areas to avoid. but the beaches at lake michigan are great and i have been to a lot of beaches-just don't go after a rain they usually are closed due to high bacteria levels. a drive east along route 12 and then into michigan on the red arrow highway is nice. try redamak's for a burger in new buffalo,mi just over the state line-mmm.

Yes, Indiana is very diverse from the north part of the state to the south. I am originally from South Bend and now live in a suburb of Indianapolis. For traditional "Indiana" food, definitely try an Amish family-style meal, typically found in Northern Indiana. The Amish have a simpler way of life and everything tastes like home-cooking, from the fried chicken to the apple pies. The Amish still use horse and buggies so be prepared for a slow journey.<BR> In the North, also try the Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, or visit Notre Dame, it's a very beautiful campus. Or go to Michigan City, IN for some shopping (tons of great outlet stores!). There are also sand dunes in the NW part of Indiana. <BR> In the southern part of Indiana is Brown County, which actually has a lot of hills for Indiana! But very beautiful, especially if you like hiking. There are also covered bridges on the West side. Indianapolis has tons to do, whether you like shopping, visiting the race track of the Indy 500, going back to pioneer days at Conner Prairie, or visiting a world-famous Children's Museum. Our local foods I would have to say, are corn, pork loin sandwiches, apple butter, and fried chicken. We also have a wonderful Zoo and Museum of Art.

Hi Nancy<BR>Michigan City In has a beautiful beach with clear waters and sandy shores. It also has one of the best marina's around with great fishing available on charters and many, many sailboats (Washington Park Marina). You can walk out on the cat walk to the lighthouse if the waves are not high. The Blue Chip Casino is a few blocks away from the Marina and Lighthouse Place, a shopping outlet, is a few blocks in the other direction.

You mention that your friend is near Michigan. I would suggest a stop at Shipshewana, a short hop off of the toll road. It is an Amish community that features a huge outdoor flea market, buggy rides and to die for family style meals. The Blue Gate (if they've finished remodeling) has the most excellent home made peanut butter pie. <BR><BR>A few miles south (off of IN-5) you'll find Yoder's Popcorn. Indiana is the largest popcorn producer in the world. They'll hang out a little sign on the days the shop is open. <BR><BR>From there, travel west on the country road. You'll pass through the real Amish country side and see their front yard gardens, harness shops and schools. <BR><BR>In about 10 minutes you'll reach IN-9. Head North for a few miles and you'll hit LaGrange. This small town is home to a growing hispanic population. In the block just south of the courthouse, there is a small Mexican restaurant (sorry, forget the name but the town is small, you'll find it.) They serve a fabulous burrito.<BR><BR>Back South for a block or two, turn East on US 20 and follow it to I-69 near Angola. Exit North and in less than 10 minutes you'll see an exit for Pokagon State Park.<BR><BR>It's a gorgeous place with trails, horseback riding and a sandy beach on a large lake where you can rent paddle boats by the hour. If you come in the winter months there are cross country ski trails (with equipment rental) and a refrigerated toboggan run that I guarantee will give your friend a thrill.<BR><BR>If you travel the central part of the state, don't miss The Beef House. It's a sprawling restaurant off of I-74 near the Indiana/Illinois state line. IMO, the best steakhouse in the world.<BR><BR>If you need to work up an appetite first, head to Turkey Run State Park (about 40 minutes south and east) for a day of hiking or canoeing down the Sugar (?) Creek.<BR><BR>There's plenty to do in Indiana. Enjoy!

Wow I just thought about this post yesterday! How far are you from Minnesota in Indiana. I always wanted to go the annual Minnesota state fair. Ok I have an idea you are far but how far?