Indiana is home to more than 400 small towns; obviously, as with many places, the small towns drastically outnumber the big cities, and we couldn’t be happier with that. There’s just something special about little towns that ensure each has a certain magic about it; small towns in the Hoosier State are a part of our very heritage. Let’s take a look at some of these small towns that might just have the best downtowns in Indiana. Of course, this list is nowhere near exhaustive, and it was ridiculously tough to choose just a few to mention here. Here are the ones that came to mind first and foremost, in no particular order:
- Madison, Jefferson County
Paul/Flickr Madison, IN, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Madison is one of those adorable little towns that you might expect to see on a postcard someday. Nestled right on the river near the Kentucky/Indiana state line, this one is a must-do for all lovers of small town charm. Click here to read more about this cute little town. Madison, IN, USA
- Hammond, Lake County
David Wilson/Flickr
Eric Allix Rogers/Flickr Okay, okay, maybe Hammond isn’t quite a “small” town anymore, but it’s not a big city, either. It is, however, the only city in Indiana to share a border with Chicago. It may not be in the top three biggest cities or in the top ten smallest towns, but its downtown area is so adorable that it’s very much worth a mention. Visit the official website to learn more about Hammond. Hammond, IN, USA
- Hobart, Lake County
Samuel Love/Flickr
Adam Moss/Flickr Random fun fact: Hobart is known not for its arts, entertainment, or shops (though there are plenty!), but instead for its legacy as a town that knows its… brick making? Yep. That’s right. But, you know, for a town famous for its bricks, it sure does have a pleasant little downtown. Read more about Hobart on the official website. Hobart, IN, USA
- Angola, Steuben County
David Wilson/Flickr
*Hajee/Flickr Angola is the county seat of Steuben County, and it’s growing rapidly. However, today, it’s still pretty small - and hugely cute! The downtown area in Angola is vibrant and alive, with plenty to see and do and enjoy. Check out this previous article about Angola to learn more. Angola, IN 46703, USA
- Bloomington, Monroe County
Indiana Public Media/Flickr
Ali Eminov/Flickr Bloomington is southwest of Indy, and it’s adorable. You’ll find this town on plenty of “best of Indiana” lists, as it’s crafted itself into quite the epicenter of activity in recent years. Plan your trip to Bloomington with the help of its official travel website. Bloomington, IN, USA
- Franklin, Johnson County
the.urbanophile/Flickr
garden beth/Flickr Another town in close proximity to Indianapolis, Franklin was platted in 1823. Fun fact: in the 1920s, Franklin found fame when its local high school’s basketball team won championships for three years in a row. Click here to learn more about Franklin and its attractions. Franklin, IN 46131, USA
- Corydon, Harrison County
OZinOH/Flickr
StevenW./Flickr Corydon is a historic town with plenty to love. It’s nestled in deep southern Indiana and was founded way back in 1808! It’s been around a while, and it’s seen some things - but its downtown area is simply to die for. Make sure to check out Corydon’s claim to fame, a pharmacy known as Butt Drugs. Corydon, IN 47112, USA
What do you think? Did your town make the list? Which towns would you put on your own list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Paul/Flickr
Madison, IN, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Madison is one of those adorable little towns that you might expect to see on a postcard someday. Nestled right on the river near the Kentucky/Indiana state line, this one is a must-do for all lovers of small town charm. Click here to read more about this cute little town.
David Wilson/Flickr
Eric Allix Rogers/Flickr
Okay, okay, maybe Hammond isn’t quite a “small” town anymore, but it’s not a big city, either. It is, however, the only city in Indiana to share a border with Chicago. It may not be in the top three biggest cities or in the top ten smallest towns, but its downtown area is so adorable that it’s very much worth a mention. Visit the official website to learn more about Hammond.
Hammond, IN, USA
Samuel Love/Flickr
Adam Moss/Flickr
Random fun fact: Hobart is known not for its arts, entertainment, or shops (though there are plenty!), but instead for its legacy as a town that knows its… brick making? Yep. That’s right. But, you know, for a town famous for its bricks, it sure does have a pleasant little downtown. Read more about Hobart on the official website.
Hobart, IN, USA
*Hajee/Flickr
Angola is the county seat of Steuben County, and it’s growing rapidly. However, today, it’s still pretty small - and hugely cute! The downtown area in Angola is vibrant and alive, with plenty to see and do and enjoy. Check out this previous article about Angola to learn more.
Angola, IN 46703, USA
Indiana Public Media/Flickr
Ali Eminov/Flickr
Bloomington is southwest of Indy, and it’s adorable. You’ll find this town on plenty of “best of Indiana” lists, as it’s crafted itself into quite the epicenter of activity in recent years. Plan your trip to Bloomington with the help of its official travel website.
Bloomington, IN, USA
the.urbanophile/Flickr
garden beth/Flickr
Another town in close proximity to Indianapolis, Franklin was platted in 1823. Fun fact: in the 1920s, Franklin found fame when its local high school’s basketball team won championships for three years in a row. Click here to learn more about Franklin and its attractions.
Franklin, IN 46131, USA
OZinOH/Flickr
StevenW./Flickr
Corydon is a historic town with plenty to love. It’s nestled in deep southern Indiana and was founded way back in 1808! It’s been around a while, and it’s seen some things - but its downtown area is simply to die for. Make sure to check out Corydon’s claim to fame, a pharmacy known as Butt Drugs.
Corydon, IN 47112, USA
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Address: Madison, IN, USAAddress: Hammond, IN, USAAddress: Hobart, IN, USAAddress: Angola, IN 46703, USAAddress: Bloomington, IN, USAAddress: Franklin, IN 46131, USAAddress: Corydon, IN 47112, USA