Op/Ed: School starts soon. Check out some of these Indiana treasures before summer's over.
Indianapolis has wonderful attractions, and our Hoosier state parks are second to none. But as the summer ends, why not take a day trip someplace off the beaten path?
I surveyed about 20 Hoosier friends and family and learned of places all over our state that offer adventure, history, culture and fun. Grab grandma and the kids, gas up or charge the car and head out before the routine of the school year returns.
Check the link on each destination for specific hours, fees and information.
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. From Oscar Robertson to Larry Bird, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle showcases our greatest heroes and our love for the game.
Lyles Station. Located in Gibson County, Lyles Station was once a thriving town of 800 African Americans, named after founder Joshua Lyles in 1886. The historic school offers a glimpse into rural African American life a century ago.
Lew Wallace Study and Museum. Indiana has born many famous authors, but only one was a famous Union general. The author of "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" is honored at his former home in Crawfordsville with exhibits about his life and work.
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St. Meinrad Archabbey. An active Benedictine seminary, the St. Meinrad Archabbey, located in the southern hills, is a photographer's dream. Tours are available to learn about the Benedictines, the extensive art collection, casket-making and architecturally stunning buildings.
Shipshewana. By far the most cited place, Shipshewana is in north-central Amish Country. The large weekly flea market and auctions for antiques, horses and livestock are a big attraction.
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Pine Lake Water Park. Any child or child at heart will love this water park west of Berne. Having spent many summers around Lake Wawasee, lakes scream summer to me. This park has four slides and giant Rubber Duckie pedal boats.
Antiques Alley. Lovers of old things will love two trails of antique stores near Richmond. In Wayne County's Cambridge City alone, there are 10 antique stores in the downtown area.
The Village at Winona Lake. Winona Lake in Kosciusko County has more than a century-old history of tourism. Today, you can park your car and easily walk to swimming or boating, games, playgrounds, shops and restaurants. The walking areas are beautifully landscaped. End your day in an Adirondack chair, watching the sunset over the lake.
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Marengo Cave. The second most noted site by my friends and family is Crawford County's Marengo Cave. Discovered in the 1880s, Marengo Cave has since been open for tours. Bundle up. It's always 52 degrees in the cave. Amazing formations of rocks, not seen above ground except in museums, are fascinating.
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Columbian Park. Lafayette's Columbian Park has been my favorite since childhood, offering a zoo and lake activities. My favorite has to be the adjacent Original Frozen Custard Stand which has been serving customers since 1932.
Space dictates featuring only 10, but every one of our 92 counties has something special about it and is easy to explore. Many of these attractions have wonderful, eclectic non-chain restaurants nearby. (My favorites are The Chicken Place in Ireland; Carol's Corner, South Whitley; House of Pizza, Hammond; Almost Home, Greencastle; Gerst House, Evansville; and Treece's Restaurant and Lounge, Rossville.
Amy McVay Abbott is a journalist and author who lives in southwestern Indiana but has also lived in northeast and central Indiana and enjoys visiting all parts of our state.
This story was updated to correct the name of Indiana Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: School starts soon. Hurry and check out these 10 Indiana attractions.
