Indiana has something of a reputation for being, well, flat. Let’s face it, the Hoosier State is not exactly known for its sprawling mountain ranges and intense bungee jumping expeditions. It’s more of a low-key kind of place, as is most of the Midwest – but just like the other 49 great states, Indiana has its interesting or otherwise notable geography. For example, did you know the highest point in Indiana is the top of a 1,255-foot hill surrounded by farmland and shrouded in lush greenery? It is, and over the years, it’s been turned into something of a monument all on its own — despite its seemingly average location.
It’s incredibly easy to drive past this little hidden gem, which is marked by a small roadside sign that reads:
Doug Kerr/Flickr The elevation listed on the sign - 1,257 feet - was found to be slightly inaccurate. The elevation stated in the introduction is the most up-to-date elevation we’ve got.
The drive to the point involves entering privately-owned land, so be sure to be respectful of your surroundings.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr The above photo is what the high point looks like approaching by car. It’s nestled in the trees on the left-hand side.
From the outside, it’s an average grove of trees surrounded by brilliant green and cornfields.
Skye Marthaler/Wikimedia But make the brief (and wonderfully easy) trek up the hill, and you’ll find a comfortable little place to clear your head.
A stone marker is placed at the exact high point.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Local boy scouts worked to add a bench and picnic table to the spot, and nowadays, it’s a fun little stop on an otherwise average drive.
During the summer, the trees provide plenty of shade, and it’s a really nice place for a picnic or quiet date.
Skye Marthaler/Wikimedia Legend has it that the wind is always blowing up here, but we’re not exactly sure how true that it is.
It’s beautiful, though, despite its overall simplicity.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr There’s something about the seemingly never-ending green fields meeting the crystal-blue sky above that’s simply awe-inspiring, and if you really want peace and quiet, we suggest visiting the high point during the week.
So, what do you think? Have you ever visited the highest point in Indiana? Did you enjoy the short hike up? Tell us your experiences in the comments! To learn more about Hoosier Hill and its history, check out Visit Richmond!
Doug Kerr/Flickr
The elevation listed on the sign - 1,257 feet - was found to be slightly inaccurate. The elevation stated in the introduction is the most up-to-date elevation we’ve got.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
The above photo is what the high point looks like approaching by car. It’s nestled in the trees on the left-hand side.
Skye Marthaler/Wikimedia
But make the brief (and wonderfully easy) trek up the hill, and you’ll find a comfortable little place to clear your head.
Local boy scouts worked to add a bench and picnic table to the spot, and nowadays, it’s a fun little stop on an otherwise average drive.
Legend has it that the wind is always blowing up here, but we’re not exactly sure how true that it is.
There’s something about the seemingly never-ending green fields meeting the crystal-blue sky above that’s simply awe-inspiring, and if you really want peace and quiet, we suggest visiting the high point during the week.
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Address: Hoosier Hill, Franklin Township, IN 47341, USA
