Overview

Bordered by the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Michigan, Indiana is located in the Midwest area of the United States. This state is also nicknamed the "Hoosier State".

The name Indiana at its simplest form translates into "Indian Land" or the "Land of the Indians". Pre-dating to 1768, during the days of the Indiana Land Company, this name was used by the Congress when it created the Indiana Territory, which was originally the land of the native Indians. The landscape of Indiana is primarily rural, with few major cities and towns.

Activities & Attractions

Indiana is split into three regions; its northern region is near Chicago and Lake Michigan; the central province houses the state's capital, Indianapolis; and the southern region is famed for its caves and rolling hills. The cities of Indiana are well-known and the state also features some significant towns and locations. South Bend was the home of Notre Dame and Seymour happens to be the hometown of a world famous rock star, John Mellencamp. Purdue, another well-known university is located in West Lafayette.

The national parks and forests in Indiana host a number of activities for the adventurous mind and even a few historical sites such as Lincoln's Boyhood National Memorial, which has acquired national park status along with the other sites - George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Indiana also houses the Hoover National Forest, a delight to all nature enthusiasts. In addition, the Parke County in Indiana is known for its Covered Bridges. And if you were a researcher of Native American history, you would be thrilled to see one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites located in the Southwestern part of the state, Angel Mounds State Historic Site, near Evansville.

Indiana is famous for its sports teams and athletic events. The most notable of these include the Indianapolis 500 motor sports race and the Indianapolis Colts NFL football franchise.

Indiana bustles with activities and events between late April and mid-October. During this period, scores of festivals and events are organized throughout the city that create a platform for visitors to meet the locals and experience the life of the native Indiana.

Lodging

If you were looking for lodging options during your vacation in Indiana, you would be delighted to find a wide range of accommodations available. For instance, the quaint areas of the state provide old, rentable log cabins. Inns, bed & breakfasts, lodges, resorts, along with the traditional hotels and motels are available for travelers to Indiana. Adam's Mark Hotel, Crowne Plaza, and the Canterbury are some of the well-known hotels in Indianapolis.

Transportation

Indiana has a bus system with buses called Megabus. The tickets are fairly reasonable and it is a great way to travel around the state. You can also hire taxis or rent a car to drive around. Coordinated public transportation connects the various regions of the state.