Indiana is often referred to as the "Heartland of America," and for good reason. It's located at an interesting geographic crossroads connecting the east and west coasts. Moreover, it is an important state for agricultural products, such as corn and soybeans. Although its the smallest state west of the Appalachians, Indiana literally helps sustain the American going economy.
But Indiana boasts more than a good geographic location. Many famous individuals have called Indiana their home, at least early in their lives, and popular and successful sports clubs also reside in the Hoosier State.
And while the two largest cities – Indianapolis and Fort Wayne – have a good portion of the market in terms of culture, there are always fun and interesting things to see and do state-wide. It has a culture and beauty – what more could you ask from a state?
Geography
Indiana borders Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Illinois to the north. It's northwest corner also touches Lake Michigan. Known as the Hoosier State, Indiana is divided geographically into five regions: the Great Lakes Plains in the north, the Till Plains in the middle of the state, and the Southern Plains and Lowlands in the south. The Ice Age vitally influenced Indiana geography, accounting for the dramatic differences over such a small piece of land.
Climate
Indiana is a solidly Midwestern state. But because of it's geographic location the climate seems to have a mind of its own. The summer temperatures average in the 80s, but it can drop down into the 20s during the winter. However, whether there is snow during the winter is another story entirely: while it may get chilly, the weather conditions are temperamental. While the weather is generally pleasant, humidity may be a factor, even when there is little rain.
History
Indiana was first and foremost claimed by various Native American tribes, dating back to 100 CE. By approximately 1600, the main tribes occupying the territory were the Shawnee and the Miami Indians. Claimed by France in the early 1700s, the area soon became a contentious zone of conflict. Ostensibly handed over to the British following their victory in the French and Indian War, the Native American tribes living there were none too thrilled with the onslaught of British settlers. Most settlers were driven out during the 1760s and hostilities were reduced. After the American victory in the American Revolutionary War and the establishment of the Northwest Ordinance in 1787, it was thought relations between the United States and Western Confederacy of tribes would improve. While largely true, various tribes, egged on by British agents operating out of the Great Lakes forts, began waging war upon new colonial settlers. Hostilities were finally ended with General "Mad" Anthony Wayne's victory at Fallen Timbers over the Native American Chief Blue Jacket in 1794. Indiana became its own recognized territory in 1800, a moniker continued until it achieved statehood on December 11, 1816.
With it's proximity to Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and the Ohio River, the population of Indiana soon exploded; between 1820 and 1830 the population more than doubled. The building of the Wabash and Erie Canals helped propel the shipment of people and goods westward. Once the West started to be explored and developed in earnest, Indiana's canals became a major player in transitioning supplies towards St. Louis. With the advent of the railroad, however, the canals soon became unused, and by 1876 they were abandoned.
During the 1930s, John Dillinger and his gang wreaked havoc across the Midwest. Originally from Indiana, Dillinger was killed in 1934.
Sports
There are a number of Division I-A sports in the state of Indiana, some, traditional powers in major sports. The premier programs in the state are found in Notre Dame with the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in West Lafayette with the Purdue Boilermakers, and in Bloomington with the Indiana University Hoosiers. These programs have long-standing traditions of athletic excellence: Notre Dame in college football, Indiana in college basketball, and Purdue with fingers in both pies. There are several other Division I schools, however, including Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indiana University Purdue University – Fort Wayne (IPFW), the University of Evansville Aces, the Indiana State Sycamores, the Ball State University Cardinals, the Butler University Bulldogs, and the Valparaiso University Crusaders.
Indianapolis is also home to three major sports teams: the NFL World Champion Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers of the NBA, and the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association. In addition, the state also is home to numerous minor league sports teams. The Fort Wayne Wizards (Midwest League, Class A baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres), the Fort Wayne Komets (International Hockey League), and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (National Basketball Developmental League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons) are all teams out of Fort Wayne. Indianapolis has the Indiana Ice (United State Hockey League) and the Indianapolis Indians (Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates). The South Bend Silver Hawks (Midwest League, Class A baseball affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks) also call Indiana home.
However, one of the most famous sporting events in all sports is the Indianapolis 500 auto race. Held every Memorial Day weekend since 1916, the IndyCar race runs at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is one of the most important motor races in the world. The Motor Speedway also hosts the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (a NASCAR event) and Formula One race the United States Grand Prix.
Outdoor Activities
There are a number of state parks in Indiana that are quite enjoyable to visitors. Pokagon State Park, in Angola, is popular for vacation recreation. Abutting both Lake James and Snow Lake, the park has beaches and camping areas open to the public. As well, Pokagon has a tobaggon run, where speeds of up to 40 miles per hour can be reached. The Run operates on weekends between Thanksgiving and the end of February; the park itself is open all year.
For a more centrally located destination, Brown County State Park, in Nashville, IN, is a beautiful destination for a weekend getaway in the hills and woods. There are numerous activities from which to choose, including camping, horseback-riding, hiking and fishing. As Indiana's largest state park, Brown County's rolling hills provide for beautiful scenery and magnificent vistas.
Entertainment
When it comes to activities, Indiana boasts a large variety in a plethora of genres. Whether it's theater, art, dance, music, or just shaking your tailfeathers, Indiana can accommodate all requests.
In music, don't miss the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. The ISO performs over 200 concerts per year, and is also focused on music education, hosting day concerts for students. The FWP debuted in 1944, and hasn't looked back since. Currently performing more than 400 concerts a year, the FWP season consists of full orchestra performances, chamber-only performances, an "Unplugged" series, and a Pops series, among others. The FWP has also won awards for adventuresome programming from ASCAP.
If clubbing is your thing, one location you don't want to miss is Piere's Nightclub, located in Fort Wayne. One of the largest nightclubs in the country, Piere's has five different dance floors from which to choose. As well, Piere's hosts national musical touring acts on a constant basis.
There are a number of art museums to choose from when visiting the Hoosier state. Some of the highlights include: the Swope Art Museum (Terre Haute), the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Indianapolis), and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art (Indianapolis).
Dance Kaleidoscope is Indiana's foremost contemporary dance company, and has been established since 1972. It is one of the premier touring contemporary dance studios in the country and is located in Indianapolis.
As the commercial once proclaimed, "There's more than corn in Indiana." Indeed, how true that is. Whether you're in the mood for sporting events, museums, or the nightlife, Indiana has what you're looking for, whatever that may be.
