10 Most Beautiful Places to Photograph in Indiana (2024)
There is no denying that the state of Indiana is one stunning destination. With an abundance of natural beauty, magnificent state parks, glorious sand dunes, and a downtown capital city that is home to many beautiful and historic landmarks, Indiana is sure to catch the eye of any visitor. Sprawled throughout the Hoosier State are stunning natural landscapes, including earthen mounds, cascading waterfalls from great heights, and intricate cave systems that invite the adventurer in you to bring your camera and snap up some once-in-a-lifetime pictures. Not to mention the many splendid lakes that come alive under the glowing rays of a sunset.
For capturing some breathtaking pictures of more postcard-worthy attractions, don’t forget to check out Michigan City for its scenic lighthouses and beautiful sandy shores. Even the Indiana Statehouse, with its embellished exterior that dates back to over 100 years, is worth photographing.
10 Most Beautiful Places to Photograph in Indiana
Here is a complete guide on some of the most beautiful places to photograph in Indiana.
1. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Overlooking the stunning shores of Lake Michigan near the Illinois border, Indiana Dunes is one of the most unique landscapes in Indiana that is a dream for every photographer. As you watch the gentle waters lapping the shores and lakeside landscape, you will get many Instagram-worthy shots from any spot here. And not to mention that the unique landscape of Indiana Dunes is also a dream destination for all adventure seekers as it is possible to indulge in a wide range of outdoor activities here. This is also one of the most common picnic spots and attractions for visitors and locals of Indiana. What’s more, the nearby state park of the same name also provides many opportunities for biking, hiking, and beach-going, as well as many opportunities to get some picture perfect shots.
Visitors to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore can also enjoy fishing and boating at the lakeshore, while camping is possible at the seasonal Dunewood Campground. In the winter months, these activities change over to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. And if you simply want to sit and relax, then the best time to come here would be at sunset to see the golden rays of the sun disappearing into Lake Michigan.
2. Brown County State Park
Sitting just outside Bloomington in the south-central part of Indiana, Brown County State Park is the largest state park in the state. Located inside this magnificently picturesque park are acres and acres of waterways and woodlands. The park is spread over 16,000 acres, giving you plenty of opportunities to capture that perfect photograph. And while you are here, you can also take part in some of the popular activities here, including camping, hiking, and sunset watching. This is one of the best places in Indiana to capture some of the greatest sunset shots.
If you are a photographer, the best time to visit the Brown County State Park is during the fall or autumn months, when the changing foliage brings alive the park in a blended riot of colors.
3. Michigan City Lighthouse
The Michigan City Lighthouse is the most inspiring attraction in Indiana for photographers, painters, writers, and anyone who loves a beautiful view. The Michigan City shoreline on Lake Michigan seems to be just out of a postcard image. This century-old lighthouse adds to the scenic appeal of this place, along with the eye-catching catwalk that is used to access the lighthouse. The lighthouse is still in operation today, and it guides visitors and tourists to this beautiful lakeside community.
4. Prophetstown State Park in West Lafayette
Prophetstown is the newest addition to the Indiana State Park system and another stunning paradise for photographers. Full of natural beauty and cultural history, Prophetstown State Park is a beautiful park to enjoy and interact with the environment. Located inside the state park is the 125-acre Farm at Prophetstown, which provides you with a full hands-on experience in gardening, livestock feeding, homesteading, and you get to learn what all is involved in living on a farm.
The state park is located in a beautiful location, at the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers, and also features a vast network of hiking trails that are ideal for all levels of hikers. The park also has a huge Aquatic Center that draws a lot of visitors owing to its 30-foot waterslide, zero-depth entry pool, and lazy river. Interested tourists can also find out more about the overall area at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park.
5. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Another beautiful place to click lots of photos is located in Fishers. The Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is literally a living history museum. For history buffs, this is the best way to dive into the past. Conner Prairie is a unique recreation of how local life used to be like in the 19th century. Not only is this an educational visit, but you will also find many fun and engaging activities to take part in here.
While here, you must check out the William Conner home, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are numerous exhibits, activities, and interactive fun to be had for people of all ages here. This is the perfect attraction to visit in Indiana to take a step back in time and find out what life was like so many decades ago, while capturing it all in your camera.
6. Monument Circle in Indianapolis
Located in the heart of Indianapolis is the towering Soldiers and Sailors Monument, that is a delight to capture. The monument comprises the iconic downtown Monument Circle and serves as the true symbol of this beautiful city. Surrounded by magnificent skyscrapers, bustling city streets, and many places to sit and enjoy the view, you can take a walk up the steps inside the monument to check out an observation deck that provides some of the most stunning views of the city.
7. Cataract Falls
Sitting just an hour’s drive southwest of Indianapolis, Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall in the state of Indiana. Apart from the cascading, churning appeal, this set of two waterfalls is surrounded by a stunning picturesque environment that takes you through a new color in every season of the year. There is also a covered bridge located here that not only adds to the beauty of the overall landscape but also enriches the area’s sense of history.
8. Marengo Cave US National Landmark
One of the most visited natural attractions of Indiana is the Marengo Cave. You won’t be able to stop yourself from photographing this unique landscape. This is a privately owned cave system located in the southeastern part of the state. There is plenty of room for visitors to move around freely, and you can also book a guided tour, which includes trips to the Crystal Palace, which is filled with thousands and thousands of breathtaking cave formations.
9. Indiana Statehouse
Built with white oak and Indiana limestone, the Indiana Statehouse is a sight to behold. The building was first built in 1888 with Doric-inspired architecture, and today, this stately government building serves as a true testament to the architectural wonder of that time. Visitors to Indianapolis can enjoy this embellished face at any time they want. You can also book one of the several guided tours if you want to see the ornate interiors of the building.
10. Market Street Catacombs in Indianapolis
One of the most exciting and unique things to photograph in Indiana is the one-of-its-kind market street catacombs located in the capital city of Indianapolis. This highly mysterious underground network of passageways was constructed in 1886, and it is hidden underneath downtown Indianapolis.
The Market Street Catacombs are spread out over 22,000 square feet, and the elaborate underground system has over 130 columns that give it a labyrinth kind of look and feel. However, visitors can relax knowing that there are no dead bodies or even paranormal sightings here.
Tunneled underneath the streets of this bustling city with brick and limestone archways, the catacombs were used for transporting and storing meats and other products that were to be sold in the City Market. This huge subterranean area remained much cooler than the streets above, which is why the catacombs were used to help preserve food for the whole market at night while the vendors waited to set up stalls again the next day.
Today, over a century later, several parts of the catacombs are still remarkably intact, but certain parts are crumbling because of their limestone foundations. Owing to the excellent preservation efforts of the City Market, the Indianapolis catacombs are one of the few catacomb sites that still exist in the US.
The best way to explore this magnificent underground labyrinth is to join a tour offered by the Indiana Landmarks. There are guided tours that are available on every third first, and third Saturday of the month.
Apart from these beautiful attractions, there are many other incredible places to visit in the beautiful state of Indiana, including the McCormick’s Creek State Park, Sample Gates in Bloomington, the Turkey Run State Park, Indiana Central Canal, Spring Mill State Park, Clifty Falls State Park, and the Pokagon State Park.
