1. Life Is Extra Peachy In Indiana
Seven miles outside of Vincennes, Ind. lies the “world’s largest peach.” Built in 1954 as a tribute to the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the peach stands at around 20 feet tall. Oddly enough, it’s accompanied by a replica of the Washington Monument.
2. Indiana Is Home To A Tiny Rollercoaster
Just down the road from the huge peach is the home of John Ivers, a rollercoaster enthusiast. Tired of travelling to ride rollercoasters, John created one in his own backyard—complete with a 360 corkscrew. The ride lasts only 10 seconds but is sure to thrill any rider.
3. Indiana Had A Whole Lot Of Nerve… Gas
Newport Chemical Depot, roughly 30 miles North of Terre Haute, was built during World War II but was repurposed in 1961 to store chemical weaponry. Since then, they’ve neutralized their supply of over 1,000 metric tons.
4. Step Aside London, Indiana Has Its Very Own Big Ben
When Old Ben died in 1910, owners preserved him and presented him as a gift to the nearby town of Kokomo. Weighing in at 2.5 tons, Old Ben is the world’s largest preserved steer. He was put down after he slipped on ice and broke two of his legs.
5. Indiana’s Got The World’s Largest Ball Of Paint
Holding the Guinness World Record since 2004, Mike Carmichael’s paint ball has been covered in over 24,400 coats of paint and weighs over 4,000 pounds. Visitors can help the ball grow by visiting Alexandria and painting a layer on themselves.
6. You Know What They Say About States With Big Feet… Big Shoes
Larger than a car, New Castle is home to one of the world’s largest sneakers. This roadside attraction makes a great photo opt for visitors passing through.
7. The Mummy’s Curse Has Made It All The Way To Bedford
Bedford is known as “the limestone capital of the world,” and nearby in the town of Needmore is a partially constructed replica of the Great Pyramid of Giza. With initial plans for the limestone monument to reach 95 feet, the project got shut down before completion and was deserted.
8. Hoosiers Can Witness The Miracle Of Bovine Birth At Fair Oaks Farm
Roughly 80 baby cows are born every day at Fair Oaks Diary Farm in Fair Oaks, Ind. The farm invites cheese-seeking visitors to join them for the birthing experience, which is part of their “Dairy Adventure” tour. Aside from seeing the different steps of making cheese, visitors get to sample their different products and can purchase a variety of cheese-based snacks, like a quesadilla or a milkshake, all made with fresh product.
9. The Original Rebel Has Cause To Rest In Indiana
The original “rebel without a cause” was born in Marion, Ind. Despite the fact that he died in California, his family brought his body back to Fairmount to bury him. Discretely placed among other graves in a humble cemetery, visitors can pay their respects and also visit the local James Dean Gallery.
10. Everyone’s Favorite Fat Feline Is A Hoosier
Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, calls Marion his home. To honor their hometown legend, the town has constructed human sized statues of the orange tabby all around the city. Garfield can be seen donning a fireman’s hat or sporting a tracksuit for the local high school, among other things.
11. Indiana Is An “Egg-sellent” Place For An Egg Hunt
Weighing in at 1.5 tons, the 10 foot tall concrete egg in Mentone, Ind. has been dubbed the “world’s largest egg.” Constructed to attract attention to a local annual egg festival in 1946, Mentone has become know locally as “the Egg Basket of the Midwest.”
12. What Would Jesus Do? Cheer For Notre Dame Football, Obviously
At least that’s what the huge mural outside of the stadium would lead people to believe. At 134 feet in height, the “Word of Life” mural, created by Millard Sheets, depicts Jesus with outstretched arms resembling the signal referees use after a touchdown is scored.
13. Santa Claus Picks Up His Junk Mail In Indiana
Kris Kringle may live at the North Pole, but he gets his mail forwarded to Santa Claus, Ind. Home to the nation’s first theme park, Holiday World, St. Nick’s elves in Santa Claus help him sort the mail and respond to his fans around the country.
14. Things Do Get Pretty Wild At The Exotic Feline Rescue Center
A lot of big cats roam around Center Point, Ind., home to the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. With more than 215 cats, the facility is one of the largest in the country. Visitors can come to see not only lions and tigers, but also bobcats, leopards, and pumas.
15. This Indiana Park Will Have You Howling For More
Wolf Park, in Lafayette, Ind., helps dog lovers get their fix, allowing visitors to get up-close and personal with huge canines. On the weekends, Wolf Park often hosts a “howl night” in which people are invited to literally howl with the wolves.
With huge fruit, wild animals, and a place that celebrates Christmas year round, Indiana has a lot of quirky things to keep its Hoosiers entertained.
Did we miss anything? Tell us your favorite secret spot in Indiana in the comments below!
