Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but it is filled with quirky attractions that are a must-see for any adventurous traveler. From seasonal festivals to unique museums, Indiana has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of Indiana’s most unusual attractions that you won’t want to miss.
The World’s Largest Ball of Paint
Located in Alexandria, Indiana, the World’s Largest Ball of Paint is exactly what it sounds like. This colorful sphere of paint started as a simple baseball, but since its creation in 1977, it has been coated in over 24,000 layers of paint by visitors from around the world. The owner of the attraction, Michael Carmichael, encourages visitors to add their own layer of paint to the ball, which can be seen on weekends.
The Vera Bradley Outlet Sale
Twice a year, the city of Fort Wayne hosts the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale, a shopping extravaganza for fans of this famous brand. The sale, which attracts thousands of shoppers from around the country, offers deep discounts on discontinued or overstocked items. With lines stretching for blocks, this quirky event is an Indiana tradition not to be missed.
The Garfield Trail
Fans of the famous orange cat will want to take a trip to Grant County where the Garfield Trail winds through several towns. The trail features 13 statues of Garfield, each standing at 6 feet tall and painted in fun and unique styles. Visitors can follow the trail to see each statue and snap a picture with their favorite version of the famous feline.
The World’s Largest Sycamore Stump
In Kokomo, Indiana, visitors can see the World’s Largest Sycamore Stump. This unusual attraction stands at 19 feet tall and 52 feet in circumference. The stump marks the site where the Indiana Sycamore tree once stood before it was destroyed by a storm in 1995. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the stump for a unique view of Kokomo.
America’s Smallest Children’s Art Gallery
At just 10 feet wide and 20 feet long, the Children’s Art Gallery in Richmond, Indiana, may be small, but it packs a punch. The gallery features rotating exhibits of artwork created by local schoolchildren, and visitors can purchase their favorite pieces for just $5. This quirky gallery is a must-see for art lovers of all ages.
The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum
Comic book fans will want to make a trip to Elkhart, Indiana, to see the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum. The museum displays over 80,000 comic books and superhero memorabilia, including rare and hard-to-find items. Visitors can see original artwork, costumes, and props from their favorite superhero movies and TV shows.
The World’s Largest High School Gym
The New Castle Fieldhouse in New Castle, Indiana, holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest High School Gym. The gym measures 9,325 square meters and seats a whopping 9,325 spectators. It has been used for movies and TV shows, including the basketball film "Hoosiers."
Conclusion
Indiana may not be known for its tourist attractions, but it has a rich history and some of the most unique and quirky sights in the country. From the World’s Largest Ball of Paint to the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, Indiana has something for everyone to enjoy. Next time you’re planning a road trip, make sure to include some of these attractions in your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.