Indiana, often celebrated for its bustling cities and rich cultural heritage, also harbors a collection of charming, secluded towns that offer a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Tucked away in serene landscapes, these hidden gems invite visitors and residents alike to experience tranquility amid historic settings, lush forests, and riverside views.
Whether you’re an adventurer seeking a peaceful getaway or someone looking to explore the state’s quaint side, these ten towns showcase Indiana’s best-kept secrets. Join us as we count down the most secluded towns in the Hoosier State, each with its own unique allure ready to be discovered.
10. Aurora: Quaint Beauty on the Ohio River
With a population of just under 4,000, Aurora is a picturesque town nestled along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana. This charming locale is known for its historic downtown, lined with 19th-century buildings that house antique shops, cafes, and local boutiques. Visitors can explore the Hillforest Victorian House Museum, a National Historic Landmark that offers a glimpse into the opulent past of riverboat captains. The town’s main industries have historically revolved around river trade and agriculture, adding to its timeless appeal. Aurora’s secluded nature stems from its quiet riverfront setting, away from the main tourist trails, offering serene views and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for leisurely strolls along the riverbank.
Where is Aurora?
Aurora is located in Dearborn County in southeastern Indiana, just a stone’s throw from the Ohio state border. Its position along the Ohio River places it off the beaten path, contributing to its secluded charm. The town is accessible via U.S. Route 50, but its distance from major highways and cities like Indianapolis means it remains a quiet retreat. Driving to Aurora offers scenic routes through rolling hills and river landscapes, making the journey as delightful as the destination itself.
9. Cannelton: A Riverside Town Steeped in History
Cannelton, home to approximately 1,500 residents, is a small town perched along the Ohio River in southern Indiana. Known for its rich industrial heritage, the town’s historic district features the Cannelton Cotton Mill, an impressive limestone structure that’s a testament to 19th-century architecture. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the riverfront, fish in the tranquil waters, or explore nearby hiking trails in Hoosier National Forest. The main industries today are manufacturing and tourism, but the town’s early economy was tied to coal mining and cotton processing. Cannelton’s seclusion is enhanced by its riverside location and the surrounding dense forests, offering a peaceful ambiance away from urban hustle.
Where is Cannelton?
Situated in Perry County, Cannelton lies in the southern part of Indiana, bordering Kentucky across the Ohio River. Its remote position amidst rolling hills and forests adds to its secluded feel. The town is accessible via Indiana State Road 66, which winds along the river, but it’s removed from major interstates, keeping it off the main path of travelers. The serene drive to Cannelton showcases picturesque landscapes, making the journey an escape in itself.
8. Winamac: Serenity Along the Tippecanoe River
Winamac, with a population of around 2,400, is a quaint town located along the peaceful Tippecanoe River in northern Indiana. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like canoeing, fishing, and hiking in the nearby Tippecanoe River State Park. Visitors can also explore the Panhandle Pathway, a scenic trail perfect for biking and walking. Agriculture remains a key industry in Winamac, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to the surrounding farmlands. The town’s secluded charm comes from its tranquil riverside setting and the lush greenery that envelops it, providing a quiet retreat from the fast-paced world.
Where is Winamac?
Winamac is located in Pulaski County, nestled in the north-central region of Indiana. Its location away from major cities and highways contributes to its sense of seclusion. The town is accessible via U.S. Route 35, but remains tucked away amid expansive countryside and forested areas. The journey to Winamac offers travelers a chance to unwind as they pass through serene rural landscapes, making it a perfect getaway spot that’s both accessible and delightfully removed.
7. New Harmony: A Historic Utopian Retreat
New Harmony, a town of about 800 residents, is rich with history and culture, once the site of two early 19th-century utopian communities. Known for its well-preserved historic architecture, the town offers attractions like the Roofless Church and the Harmonist Labyrinth, inviting visitors to explore its spiritual and philosophical heritage. Art galleries, antique shops, and peaceful gardens contribute to its serene atmosphere. While tourism and the arts are the main industries today, New Harmony’s roots are steeped in communal living and progressive thinking. Its seclusion is enhanced by its tranquil setting along the Wabash River and its deliberate preservation of a slower pace of life, making it a haven for reflection and relaxation.
Where is New Harmony?
Located in Posey County in southwestern Indiana, New Harmony sits close to the Illinois border along the Wabash River. Its remote location, away from bustling urban centers, adds to its secluded appeal. The town can be reached via Indiana State Road 66, but remains largely untouched by heavy traffic and commercialization. Surrounded by rural landscapes and the calming river, New Harmony provides a peaceful escape that’s both geographically and spiritually removed from the noise of modern life.
6. Beverly Shores: A Hidden Lakeside Gem
Beverly Shores, a small community with a population of around 600, is a tranquil town located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Known for its pristine beaches and the unique collection of historic Century of Progress homes relocated from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, the town offers a mix of architectural intrigue and natural beauty. Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking the Indiana Dunes, and bird watching in this biodiversity hotspot. The town’s main industries revolve around tourism and conservation efforts. Beverly Shores’ secluded nature comes from its position within the Indiana Dunes National Park, providing a peaceful seaside retreat away from crowded tourist destinations.
Where is Beverly Shores?
Beverly Shores is situated in Porter County in northwestern Indiana, nestled between the lake and the dunes. Its location within the Indiana Dunes National Park gives it a sense of isolation, despite being less than an hour’s drive from Chicago. Accessed via U.S. Route 12 and the South Shore Line train, it’s reachable yet feels worlds away due to the surrounding natural landscapes. The lack of commercial development and its protected environment make Beverly Shores a hidden treasure along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
5. Shipshewana: A Quiet Amish Countryside
Shipshewana, with a population of about 700, is a charming town in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country. Known for its horse-drawn buggies, handcrafted goods, and traditional Amish cuisine, the town offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Visitors can explore the famous Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market, one of the largest in the Midwest, or take a leisurely ride through the countryside on a buggy tour. Agriculture and artisanal crafts are the main industries, reflecting the town’s commitment to tradition. Shipshewana’s seclusion is embodied in its peaceful rural setting, where modern distractions are minimal, and the pace of life is refreshingly unhurried.
Where is Shipshewana?
Located in LaGrange County in northeastern Indiana, Shipshewana sits amidst rolling farmlands and quiet country roads. Its remote location away from urban centers contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. The town can be accessed via Indiana State Road 5, but remains largely untouched by heavy traffic and commercial development. The surrounding Amish farms and lack of modern amenities like streetlights and billboards enhance its secluded feel, making it a true countryside escape.
4. Nashville: Artistic Haven in the Woods
Nashville, Indiana, not to be confused with its Tennessee namesake, is a small town of around 1,000 residents nestled in the rolling hills of Brown County. Renowned as an artist colony since the early 1900s, the town is filled with art galleries, studios, and craft shops. Visitors can enjoy live music, local theater productions, and a vibrant arts scene, all set against the backdrop of lush forests. Tourism and the arts are the primary industries here, with Brown County State Park offering ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Nashville’s seclusion is attributed to its woodland surroundings and the absence of major highways, fostering a serene environment that inspires creativity and relaxation.
Where is Nashville?
Nashville is located in Brown County, south-central Indiana, roughly an hour’s drive south of Indianapolis. Its placement within the densely forested region of the state adds to its secluded atmosphere. Accessed via State Road 46, the town is off the beaten path, surrounded by the largest state park in Indiana. The winding roads through the hills and forests to reach Nashville enhance its sense of remoteness, making it a cherished retreat for artists and nature lovers alike.
3. French Lick: Secluded Luxury Amidst Nature
French Lick, a town of about 1,800 people, is renowned for its historic resorts and revitalizing mineral springs. The French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel are grand establishments that offer luxury accommodations amidst the town’s natural beauty. Visitors can indulge in spa treatments, play a round of golf on championship courses, or explore nearby Hoosier National Forest. While tourism is the main industry, the town maintains a peaceful ambiance due to its surrounding hills and woodlands. French Lick’s seclusion is enhanced by its remote location and the enveloping natural landscapes, providing a serene getaway that balances opulence with tranquility.
Where is French Lick?
French Lick is situated in Orange County in southern Indiana, nestled among rolling hills and dense forests. The town is somewhat isolated, located away from major highways and urban centers. Accessible via Indiana State Road 56, the journey to French Lick takes travelers through scenic countryside. Its distance from the hustle of city life, combined with its luxurious accommodations, makes it a unique secluded destination where visitors can truly unwind.
2. Metamora: Indiana’s Canal Town Frozen in Time
Metamora, with a modest population of around 200, is a historic village that captures the essence of 19th-century life. The town is famed for its preserved Whitewater Canal, complete with a working grist mill and the only wooden aqueduct in the United States. Visitors can ride the canal boat, powered by horses walking along the towpath, and experience the quaint charm of the era. Shops and eateries housed in historic buildings offer handcrafted goods and local treats. The main industries are tourism and artisanal crafts, maintaining the town’s historical focus. Metamora’s seclusion is rooted in its dedication to preserving the past, tucked away in the countryside and offering a peaceful respite.
Where is Metamora?
Located in Franklin County, southeastern Indiana, Metamora is situated along the Whitewater River. The town is somewhat isolated, accessible via U.S. Route 52, and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Its distance from major interstates and cities ensures a quiet environment. The scenic drive, often through winding roads and picturesque landscapes, adds to the feeling of stepping back in time upon arrival, enhancing Metamora’s allure as a secluded historical gem.
1. Story, Indiana: A Hidden Historic Village
Story is perhaps one of Indiana’s best-kept secrets, a tiny town with a population that can be counted on one hand. Founded in 1851, this historic village is nestled within the Hoosier National Forest and is home to the Story Inn, a bed and breakfast that occupies the town’s original buildings. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, explore the surrounding forest trails, or simply bask in the rustic charm of structures preserved from the 19th century. There are no main industries besides the inn itself, adding to the town’s untouched atmosphere. Story’s seclusion is absolute; with no commercialization and surrounded by vast woodlands, it offers an unparalleled escape into tranquility and history.
Where is Story?
Story is located in Brown County, south-central Indiana, deep within the Hoosier National Forest. Its remote location is accessed via winding country roads, specifically State Road 135, which emphasizes its detachment from urban life. The town’s isolation is a result of both its geographic location and the preservation efforts that maintain its historic state without modern intrusions. Reaching Story feels like a journey back in time, through dense forests and rolling hills, culminating in a destination that epitomizes seclusion and historical charm.
