Amish Country
Most of northern Indiana is heavily agricultural, and in a handful of farming communities at the top of the state, that heritage is complemented by an active Amish population that greatly contributes to the area’s culture. Indiana’s Amish country is the quintessential back-roads destination, with plenty of opportunities for art, shopping and personal encounters.
There are a number of ways for groups to learn about the area’s Amish country. Perhaps the best is Amish Acres, a historic Amish farmstead that now has interpretive exhibits, a family-style restaurant, shops and the Round Barn Theater. More complete historical information is featured at the Menno-Hof Museum.
The best part of a visit to the region is the opportunity to Meet and interact with Amish people. There are numerous Amish-owned stores and businesses that sell locally made products to visitors, and the area convention and visitors bureau can also make arrangements for groups to have meals in Amish family homes.
Southwest Indiana
In the hilly area of southwest Indiana, fall foliage envelops signature attractions in brilliant hues. Groups will find a number of hidden treasures in towns such as French Lick, West Baden, Jasper, Huntingburg and Ferdinand.
The region is perhaps best known for the French Lick Resort, where natural springs first attracted vacationers in the 19th century. Today, the resort offers numerous outdoor activities, as well as a modern casino. Just down the road in West Baden, the West Baden Springs Hotel is also part of the French Lick Resort organization. This 1902 hotel features a massive, ornate domed lobby, newly renovated rooms and beautiful gardens.
There are numerous faith-based attractions in nearby towns. Groups can tour the 1880 St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper, the 1889 Shiloh Meeting House in Huntingburg and the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, dubbed the “castle on the hill,” in Ferdinand.
www.visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com
Covered Bridge Country
On the western edge of the state, near Terre Haute and the Illinois border, Parke County and the surrounding area feature 30 covered bridges, and local tourism officials claim that it is the largest concentration of covered bridges in the nation. Groups can see them all on a driving tour through the county, which doubles as a great opportunity to enjoy the fall color in this scenic part of the state.
The area also has a number of historic mills. Bridgeton Mill is said to be the oldest continually operating mill west of the Allegheny Mountains, and visitors can tour and watch as the millstones grind wheat and corn into flour and meal.
Nearby, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College has been growing in popularity as a group tour destination. This campus is the site of the shrine to St. Mother Theodore Guerin, and groups can tour the campus, cathedral, shrine, museum and working farm.
