1. Choosing The Right Colors Is Important—And No, We’re Not Talking About Painting Your Walls
Check your wardrobe, because your color choices may play a huge part in how many friends you have here. That’s because there’s a statewide rivalry brewing over here between the Indiana University Hoosiers and the Purdue University Boilermakers. Do you bleed black and gold or cream and crimson?
2. People Who Simply “Fly-Over” This State Are Missing Some Serious Beauty
From the wilderness of Brown County, the deep wooded ravines of Turkey Run State Park and the sandy beaches up north, this state is a virtual treasure-trove of hidden gems. You thought Indiana was nothing but cornfields and flat plains? You thought wrong, my friend.
3. Indiana Is Home To The Greatest Race In The World
No, I’m not talking about NASCAR (but that is here, too). It’s the Indy 500, of course. This annual extravaganza brings fans, celebrities and international racers from all over to witness the fastest race on Earth.
4. And While The Zoopolis 500 May Not Be The Fastest Race, It Is The Most Adorable
And, afterwards, you can witness the slowest race on Earth. The Indianapolis Zoo holds its own race to coincide with the Indy 500, but with turtles! It’s called the Zoopolis 500, and it’s one of many great events held by Indianapolis Zoo, which is an aquarium and a botanical garden too.
5. Pierogi Fest Is The Epitome Of All Things Fun And Polish
Pierogi Fest is a good-natured event where the town of Whiting spends an entire weekend poking fun at their history. The women dress up in babushkas and parade around the streets while the men push lawn mowers in their socks and sandals. It’s a weekend of all things Polish!
6. Nick’s English Hut Is Home To One Of The Greatest Drinking Games Ever
Nick’s English Hut is the perfect place to go to watch the game. It’s also the perfect place to go when you feel the need to get fall-down drunk. That’s because it’s home to best drinking game in Indiana: Sink the Biz! Some friends, a bucket of beer, a few glasses and some poor hand-eye coordination is all you need to have a good time playing this game.
7. Basketball Fans In Indiana Are As Diehard As Fans Can Be
It might be in your best interest to avoid speaking negatively of anything basketball related, because Hoosiers love their basketball. Even before the film made their college team famous, basketball ruled the roost in this Midwest state.
So much so that 15 of the 16 largest basketball auditoriums in the country belong to high schools in Indiana.
8. But After Basketball Season, It’s All About Golf
If Hoosiers aren’t watching basketball, there’s a good chance it’s because they’re out playing golf. The Brickyard Crossing is one of only a few places in the U.S. to host both PGA and LPGA tour events. I’m pretty sure there are a few put-put courses around, as well.
9. Steak n’ Shake Is Officially Cheaper Than McDonald’s And The Food Was Already Way Better To Begin With
Maybe that’s why this restaurant can be found on every street corner in Indiana. It’s a Hoosier’s favorite place to go at four in the morning after an epic night on the town. It’s the shakes. It’s got to be the shakes.
10. Forget Hunts And Heinz–Red Gold Is The Best Ketchup There Is
That huge dollop of ketchup you’re about to slather on your fresh order of fries from Steak n’ Shake? That’s home grown, right there. It’s Red Gold, and they make the finest tomato products in the Midwest, maybe even the world. Leave your Heinz and your Hunts wherever you came from. Why settle for mediocrity when you can have the best?
Hint: Their sloppy joe sauce is beyond amazing.
11. You Can Take The Kids To The Beach
Those sandy beaches I mentioned? They’re part of the beautiful Indiana Dunes State Park. This 40-mile stretch of land along Lake Michigan is a popular vacation spot. It’s also home to a variety of marshes, hardwood forests, swamps and white pine groves. Who was it that said Indiana was all flat, again? Make sure you check out the small bird observatory at the Nature Center while you’re here.
12. The Weather Here Is Unique, To Say The Least
The worst thing about the tornadoes in the spring is when they send all the snow flying into your face.
13. “The World’s Greatest College Weekend” Is In Indiana
Not only is a famous basketball movie based out of Indiana, but so is a pretty popular bike racing film too. I’m talking about “Breaking Away,” the movie that kind-of sort of made Dennis Quaid famous. The film is about the annual Little 500 bicycle race that takes place at Indiana University.
Not only is it one of the biggest college party weekends ever, but it’s a great time for alumni to return and pay homage to one of the greatest little cities in the nation.
14. Indiana Has Produced Worldwide Legends
The man that taught us all how to moonwalk and the thriller dance was reared in Gary, Indiana, but this great state is also called home by other famous celebs. For instance, David Letterman and James Dean were both proud Hoosiers, along with John Mellencamp (who still lives here) and the Subway Guy! And don’t forget Johnny Appleseed–pretty proud of that one.
15. And Even A Local One, Too
Perhaps more famous than any of them in Indiana, or infamous I should say, is none other than basketball legend Bobby Knight. Otherwise known as He Who Throws The Chairs.
This curmudgeonly old fellow became a local hero after leading the IU Hoosiers to three NCAA championships and 11 Big Ten titles. He may be a mean old coot, but he’s Indiana’s mean old coot.
16. The Covered Bridge Festival Is Parke County’s Biggest And Best Event
There are so many covered bridges in this state that they made a whole festival around them. Parke County is home to over 30 covered bridges and, each year, it plays host to the Covered Bridge Festival.
The streets become lined with local food vendors, a hog roast in Montezuma and traditional crafts and “world famous” buried beef at Tangier Community. It all lasts for ten days, with enough to keep you busy for twenty.
17. The Massive Number Of Corn Mazes Make Halloweens Here Tough To Beat
There’s no denying that Indiana probably takes the cake when it comes to the state with the most cornfields per square foot. But they sure know how to put them to good use.
You can either walk them during the day to see if you can solve the maze, or go in October and maybe get carried away by the guy from Jeepers Creepers. Your choice.
18. The Lotus World Music & Arts Festival Is The Very Definition Of International
Because of its status as a college town, Bloomington is a bit of a cultural wonderland. Especially during the annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival, when musical acts from around the world converge on this quaint community and offer up a wonderful variety of musical experiences.
Get your groove on to traditional folk music from Quebec or bust a move to the beating drums from traditional African tribal songs.
19. Eating Out At Bonge’s Tavern Sometimes Feels Like Tailgating Before A Football Game
You might think you’ve taken a wrong turn into a football game when you pull up to Bonge’s Tavern and see all of the people tailgating in the parking lot. Don’t fret, though, they’re just killing time while they wait for a seat in this must-try gem.
It’s always packed here and the energy is cranked up as high as can be. You’ll understand why when you get your hands on a plate of Perkinsville Pork.
20. Ligonier Always Smells Amazing Because It Has The Only Real Perfumery In The U.S.
Not only are Hoosiers an overall friendly group of people, but they smell nice too! Annie Oakley Perfumery, located in Ligonier, is the only place that actually creates and packages perfumes in the whole country. Cartier ain’t got nothin’ on Annie Oakley.
21. Hoosiers Might Take The Holidays A Little Too Seriously
Over half a million letters and Christmas wish lists are mailed to Indiana every holiday season. Why? Because Santa is all over the town that’s named after him: Santa Claus, Indiana.
It’s home to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, the coolest little holiday-themed amusement park in the world. You can catch a ride on one of the world’s two longest water coasters, Wildebeast and Mammoth, and hang out with the Easter Bunny all in one day.
22. The Burgers Here Are Made Of Bison
Indiana is where the buffalo roam. It is part of the Midwest, after all. And as such, you can find delicious buffalo burgers in just about every restaurant in this state. Probably supplied by Cook’s Bison Ranch. I’ve heard they have over 300, and they’ll even let you feed and pet thm before you eat them. Just don’t get too attached.
23. St. Elmo Steak House Out-Grills All Other Steak Houses
Hoosiers who love to dine in style hit up the world famous St. Elmo Steak House. The food here is so scrumptious that Forbes declared it to be one of the “10 Great Classic Restaurants Well Worth Visiting.” That list was made up of restaurants from all over the planet..
It’s the spicy shrimp cocktail with Missouri horseradish. That stuff will set your mouth on fire, but in a great way.
Fun fact: NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” filmed Ron Swanson’s bachelor party at St. Elmo’s
24. Hoosiers Were Born To Run
What could make former and current Olympians come together in one Indiana city? The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, of course. Residents and athletes converge to compete in the largest half-marathon in America every year. There’s even a 5K for anyone who wants to participate, but hasn’t worked up to the longer trek yet.
25. Hoosiers Love The Circus Because The Ringling Bros. Used To Hang Out In Peru, IN
The town of Peru has a heritage deeply rooted in circus history. It was the home for such famous shows as Ringling Bros. and Buffalo Bills’ Wild West Show for many years and is nicknamed the “Circus Capital of the World.”
The town celebrates this every year by putting on its own show during the Circus City Festival. It’s a week of big top performances, elephant rides and amazing aerobatics that ends with a great parade for the kids!
26. This State Is More Gay-Friendly Than Yours
That small little college city in the south called Bloomington, affectionately known as B-town, has claimed the title of “4th Gayest City in America.” It has the fifth largest gay households per-capita in the nation, showing that a state known for it’s traditional values certainly isn’t afraid of a little love and diversity.
27. Hoosiers Are Friends Of The Amish And Mennonites
Did watching Harrison Ford fall in love with an Amish woman in “Witness” excite your inner passions and make you want to try out some Amish loving of your own? No? Well, that’s okay because they don’t typically date people with cell phones, anyway. And that movie was kind of bad, right?
But you can check out how the Mennonites and Amish live up in the northeastern part of the state. One of the nation’s largest Mennonite congregations is located in Bern.
28. Indiana Gave You The Man Who Freed The Slaves
America’s favorite president of all time* was raised in Indiana. They’re pretty proud of that, as they should be. So proud that they have a wonderful museum all about Abraham Lincoln. Make it a point to check it out when you can.
*There may not be an official data to back this up but, come on, you know it’s true.
29. You’re Welcome For Empire State Building
Also, the Pentagon, the Rockefeller Center and fourteen of our state capitol buildings.
No, seriously, if it weren’t for Indiana these buildings might not even exist today. That’s because the Hoosier state is filled with miles upon miles of the rich limestone deposits that these buildings are made from. The Indiana Limestone Company helped created the foundation of this nation, literally.
30. Don’t Call It A Fly-Over State
Hoosiers are a friendly people but, whatever you do, don’t call their beloved home a fly-over state. You’ve probably never come up against an angry corn-fed boy in an empty field and, believe me, you don’t want to. But after reading this list you probably don’t think of the Hoosier state as a place to simply fly over any longer, anyway.
What do you love about living in Indiana? Tell us in the comments below!
