why are Indianas attractions overlooked and underrated? (Fort Wayne, South Bend: amusement park, home)

[Tex?Il?]

I think Indiana has some great attractions that are not even known to other midwesterners. Indiana has some very underappreciated places.

One of the more obvious ones:

Indiana Dunes, I always thought that for such stunning scenery SOO close to the countries third largest city its rather underutilized, underappreciated, and little known. I mean a lot of Chicagoans don't seem to know about it, and aren't even interested in NW Indiana.

The east coast and California have thriving beach resort towns centered around scenic coastal areas. We don't have this nearly to the extent around Chicagoland area. I guess I shouldn't complain, the relative solitude is a very good thing.

The othe major area I am interested in checking out, but have never been to, is the Brown County art colony/Nashville, IN.

I've never even heard of this place! Its amazing and know on knows about it. I checked it out online, I mean, wow! So little known.

Most people would just assume Indiana is all about nascar and hunting, country music (not that theres anything wrong about that).

Are there other hidden jewels in Indiana. Its ok, I understand if you don't want to let me in on the secrets.

[ShadowCaver]

ssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Please, you really want MORE peoples coming to the Dunes?!?!?





Seriously - IMHO, there are too many people at the Dunes; many times have to scramble to find a parking spot.
Me, the fewer peoples, and the more scenery, the better.

PS: check out - http://www.city-data.com/forum/india...dden-gems.html

[domergurl]

I like Washington Park Beach in Michigan City myself.

[Future Trooper]

Well most people think that indiana is "plain" thats why most of our attractions go unnoticed and underrated but if you scratch the surface you will see our attractions are much better than what people think they are!!!

[cleoT]

I've been dreaming of Brown County lately. My husband told me that, once we get moved and settled back home in Indiana, he's going to take me away for a long weekend. If I have any say, it'll be Nashville. We haven't been there since my oldest was about ten months old.

The Hoosier Nat'l Forest in general is so peaceful and relaxing. And I'm also a fan of the Southern IN caves. Oh, and Shipshewana and Parke County.

Yeah, maybe it's best IN attractions stay a secret.

[RangerDuke08]

Yes one of the most interesting things I've noticed traveling the country is that there are Indiana plates everywhere, a diaspora you may say, but that is probably just a lack of pride from some, as Indiana has some great state parks and not to mention the fighting Irish, COLTS, great football teams, I say there are great place everywhere, not to mention some great corn fed people in IN.

[ischyros]

Really? You think Brown County is a hidden gem that no one knows about? Brown County State Park averages 1.4 million visitors a year. That's more than many national parks include the Florida Everglades!

I think Holiday World is a hidden gem. Outside the Midwest, it seems only true coaster enthusiasts know about it and that's only because they have three excellent wooden roller coasters. Most people bound for an amusement park vacation would pass up Holiday World for Cedar Point. Not to detract from Cedar Point because I absolutely love it there, but Holiday World has free soft drinks!!

[Jakehorror]

I live in Elkhart and we have nothing but trailer factories and Walmart, but if I go over the South Bend, Mishawaka area there are waaaaaay more things to do and the scenery is even better and the people are much nicer. I am finding that I don't really "hate" Indiana as much as I thought I did, I just hate Elkhart due to it's poverty and narrow minds brought on by the trailer industry.
Now, to answer your question... Since we have to live in Indiana for a couple more years I have MADE myself search for entertainment. The Dunes are great!!! Not the Pacific Ocean, but for this area the dunes are alot of fun!!!!!! Also just driving the country side on the weekend can actually be relaxing too. Lots of cows and farms and if it's sunny out it makes you feel really good. Sometimes you can stop and pick up some fresh fruit or veggies from an Amish stand, and it's waaaaaay better than the bland crap they sell in the store!
Only being 2 hours from Chicago has it's advantages too! Fort Wayne has a killer chocalate shop and mall.'
So yeah, there's stuff to do you just gotta look for it. Indiana is not like L.A. or NY or Nashville, here, you have to LOOK for things to do, but you can find them. I don't think Indiana is "underated" though. There are plenty other states with much more to offer.

[domergurl]

See Jake, we aren't so bad

[WildWestDude]

Indy is becoming somewhat of an attraction as well the last few years but its dwarfed when compared to Chicago