Monon Indiana
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Monon, Indiana.
1. Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
SCENIC WATERFALL | OWEN COUNTY IN
Cataract Falls is Indiana's largest waterfall system featuring both Upper and Lower Falls along Mill Creek. Visitors can explore the historic covered bridge that spans the creek or hike trails offering stunning views of cascading water formations. Picnic areas provide space for relaxation after admiring the limestone ledges and rushing waters below. This peaceful natural retreat is ideal for photographers and families seeking outdoor bonding moments.
2. Conner Prairie
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM | FISHERS IN
Conner Prairie combines history and innovation across its expansive 800-acre campus to create an immersive experience for all ages. Visitors can step back in time at 1836 Prairietown or explore the William Conner House while engaging in hands-on activities like fur trading at the Lenape Indian Camp. Unique attractions include soaring on a tethered hot air balloon or climbing the Treetop Outpost for panoramic views. With interactive exhibits blending history and science, Conner Prairie is both educational and entertaining.
3. Chain O' Lakes State Park
LAKE COUNTRY PARADISE | ALBION IN
Chain O' Lakes State Park boasts nine interconnected kettle lakes formed by glacial activity, making it a haven for kayaking, fishing, and hiking enthusiasts. Its scenic trails wind through rolling hills and bogs while cabins provide cozy accommodations for overnight stays. With electric motor-only boating restrictions preserving tranquility, visitors can immerse themselves in nature while exploring this picturesque park's unique geological features.
4. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
INTERACTIVE WONDERLAND | INDIANAPOLIS IN
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the world's largest children's museum, boasting five floors of interactive exhibits and seven acres of outdoor activities. Highlights include the Dinosphere exhibit with life-sized dinosaur replicas and fossil labs, ScienceWorks focusing on Indiana's natural environment, and cultural displays like Take Me There: Greece. With attractions ranging from glass art to space exploration exhibits, this museum offers endless learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.
5. McCormick's Creek State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY | SPENCER IN
As Indiana's first state park, McCormick's Creek offers visitors stunning limestone canyons, waterfalls, caves like Wolf Cave, and diverse hiking trails through lush forests. Historical landmarks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps add charm to this 1,924-acre park that also features camping facilities and the Canyon Inn for overnight stays. Recreational activities include horseback riding at the Saddle Barn, fishing in White River, or exploring interpretive exhibits at the Nature Center. It's an all-season destination blending outdoor adventure with historical significance.
6. Greenwood Park Mall
SHOPPING DESTINATION | GREENWOOD IN
Greenwood Park Mall is a premier shopping center located on the south side of Indianapolis, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor retail experiences. With over 150 stores, including popular brands like Macy's, Von Maur, and Forever 21, it caters to diverse shopping needs. Dining options range from quick bites to sit-down restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Its convenient location and family-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
7. Potawatomi Zoo
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS | SOUTH BEND IN
Potawatomi Zoo is Indiana's oldest zoo and home to over 400 animals across diverse exhibits like giraffes, lions, red pandas, and rhinos. Visitors can participate in interactive animal encounters with bison or rhinos for an up-close experience with these majestic creatures. Families love feeding goats at the farm area or riding the handcrafted Endangered Species Carousel before hopping on the Zoo Train for scenic views of the grounds.
8. Indiana State Museum
CULTURE & SCIENCE | INDIANAPOLIS IN
Situated in White River State Park, the Indiana State Museum showcases the state's art, science, and cultural history through engaging exhibits. Visitors can journey through time, from prehistoric fossils to modern innovations, across three floors of thematic galleries. The museum also features an IMAX theater and hosts rotating exhibits that highlight Indiana's contributions to various fields. This destination provides an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
9. Glenbrook Square
SHOPPING DESTINATION | FORT WAYNE IN
Glenbrook Square in Fort Wayne is one of Indiana's largest malls with over 1 million square feet of retail space housing 130 stores including anchors like Macy's and Barnes & Noble. Visitors can enjoy casual dining options such as P.F. Chang's or Red Robin alongside shopping opportunities ranging from fashion to electronics. Renovated multiple times since its opening in 1966, Glenbrook Square remains a bustling hub for shopping enthusiasts in northeast Indiana.
10. The Fashion Mall at Keystone
LUXURY SHOPPING | INDIANAPOLIS IN
The Fashion Mall at Keystone is Indianapolis' premier destination for high-end shopping and dining. Featuring luxury retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton alongside popular brands like Apple and Crate & Barrel, this mall caters to diverse tastes. Visitors can enjoy gourmet dining options such as The Cheesecake Factory or Seasons 52 while exploring stylish boutiques and specialty stores. Its modern design and convenient amenities make it a top choice for shoppers.
11. Washington Park Zoo
ANIMAL ADVENTURE | MICHIGAN CITY IN
Nestled within Washington Park, this 15-acre zoo houses over 220 animals from around the globe in naturalistic settings. Highlights include grizzly bears, Bengal tigers, and a walk-through aviary filled with colorful birds. Educational exhibits like the “Castle†showcase smaller species such as fennec foxes and corn snakes. The zoo's historic charm and focus on conservation make it a must-visit for families.
12. Versailles State Park
OUTDOOR HAVEN | VERSAILLES IN
Versailles State Park invites visitors to enjoy its 230-acre lake with options for fishing, kayaking, or paddleboating. The park features hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Seasonal events like the Versailles Pumpkin Show add a festive touch to this serene retreat. With picnic areas and camping facilities, it's perfect for family outings or solo escapes into nature.
13. Spring Mill State Park
CAVES & HISTORY | MITCHELL IN
Spring Mill State Park offers visitors a unique blend of natural and historical attractions. The park features several caves, including Twin Caves, which can be explored via a boat tour, and an 1860s Pioneer Village with restored buildings and a limestone watermill. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating on Spring Mill Lake. The Gus Grissom Memorial Museum honors the local astronaut with fascinating artifacts, making this park a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
14. O'Bannon Woods State Park
PIONEER HISTORY | CORYDON IN
Nestled within Harrison Crawford State Forest near Corydon, O'Bannon Woods State Park features unique attractions like a restored haypress barn powered by oxen and a pioneer farmstead showcasing early American life. Blue River flows through the park offering canoeing opportunities alongside scenic hiking trails through dense forests. Visitors can also explore Wyandotte Caves located nearby to experience Indiana's underground wonders firsthand in this historically rich park setting.
15. Newfields
ART & NATURE | INDIANAPOLIS IN
Newfields is a sprawling cultural campus featuring art galleries, gardens, performance spaces, a historic home, and one of the largest art-and-nature parks in the country-the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres. Guests can explore inspiring exhibitions at the Indianapolis Museum of Art or enjoy concerts at The Toby theater while strolling through lush gardens with refreshments in hand. With its blend of art history and natural beauty, Newfields provides dynamic experiences for visitors of all ages year-round.