Waveland IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waveland, Indiana.
1. Lake Waveland DNR Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Waveland DNR Recreation Area is a 600-acre property featuring boating, fishing, camping, and swimming opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the serene 360-acre lake created in 1970 when Demeree Creek was dammed, creating a perfect spot for water recreation. The area hosts various events throughout the year, making it a central attraction for both locals and tourists seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
2. Lake Waveland Underwater Phantom Bridge
SUBMERGED HISTORICAL STRUCTURE
The Lake Waveland Underwater Phantom Bridge is a unique 1920s Warren pony truss bridge that became partially submerged when Lake Waveland was created in 1970. Rather than being removed during the lake's formation, the bridge was left in place as the water level rose, with approximately two feet of the side rails remaining visible above the water line. Today, this unusual landmark serves as a fascinating tourist attraction known to every boater on Lake Waveland, offering glimpses into the area's transformed landscape and history.
3. Shades State Park
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Shades State Park offers visitors stunning natural scenery with rugged ravines, sandstone cliffs, and peaceful hiking trails through mature forests. The park features numerous challenging trails that lead hikers through unique geological formations and offer spectacular views of Sugar Creek. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse plant and animal life, while adventurers can explore the park's more rugged terrain that has earned it a reputation as one of Indiana's most beautiful state parks.
4. Kuusi Nordic Spa At Sugar Creek Retreat
RELAXATION AND RENEWAL
Kuusi Nordic Spa At Sugar Creek Retreat provides a tranquil escape with authentic Nordic-inspired wellness experiences set against the natural beauty of rural Indiana. Visitors can indulge in traditional hot and cold therapy circuits, including saunas, cold plunges, and relaxation areas designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing. The spa's serene environment complements the surrounding landscape, offering guests a rejuvenating retreat from everyday stress while enjoying professional spa services.
5. Clements Canoes Outdoor Center
RIVER ADVENTURE HEADQUARTERS
Clements Canoes Outdoor Center offers exciting canoe and kayak trips along the scenic waterways near Waveland, allowing visitors to experience Indiana's natural beauty from a unique perspective. Their guided day tours provide safe and memorable adventures suitable for various skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers. Equipment rentals, instruction, and shuttle services make this an accessible way for tourists to explore the region's picturesque streams and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
6. Indiana Zipline Tours
THRILLING CANOPY ADVENTURES
Indiana Zipline Tours offers exhilarating treetop adventures that combine adrenaline-pumping excitement with breathtaking views of the Indiana countryside. Visitors can soar through the forest canopy on a series of ziplines that vary in height and length, providing different perspectives of the natural landscape below. The highly-rated experience includes professional guides who ensure both safety and fun while educating participants about the local ecosystem and environment.
7. Turkey Run State Park
GEOLOGICAL WONDER TRAILS
Turkey Run State Park features dramatic sandstone gorges, lush ravines, and fascinating geological formations that have made it one of Indiana's most beloved natural areas. Visitors can hike through stunning canyons carved by Sugar Creek, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging routes requiring ladder climbs through narrow passages. The historic Narrows Covered Bridge and the park's nature center add cultural and educational dimensions to this outdoor destination that showcases some of the state's most impressive natural scenery.
8. Badlands Offroad Park
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE PARADISE
Badlands Offroad Park provides adventure seekers with over 800 acres of diverse terrain specifically designed for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Visitors can navigate challenging trails that range from muddy paths and steep hills to rocky obstacles and open areas, accommodating various skill levels and vehicle types. The park's organized events and convenient facilities make it a premier destination for ATV, UTV, truck, and motorcycle riders looking for an adrenaline-fueled outdoor experience in western Indiana.
9. Sugar Creek
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
Sugar Creek winds its way through the picturesque landscape near Waveland, offering exceptional opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in a tranquil natural setting. The creek features clear waters that flow past impressive rock formations, lush forests, and occasional wildlife sightings that create a memorable outdoor experience. Seasonal variations in water levels ensure different experiences throughout the year, from gentle summer paddling to more challenging spring adventures when the creek runs fuller and faster.
10. Crawfordsville Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Crawfordsville Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers to offer visitors a taste of authentic Indiana culture and cuisine. Shoppers can browse stalls filled with fresh seasonal produce, handcrafted items, baked goods, and specialty foods while chatting with the people who created them. The market's friendly atmosphere and community focus make it not just a shopping destination but a cultural experience that connects visitors with the agricultural heritage and creative spirit of the region.
11. General Lew Wallace Study & Museum
LITERARY HISTORY LANDMARK
The General Lew Wallace Study & Museum preserves the personal study of the renowned author of 'Ben-Hur', Civil War general, and statesman in a unique brick building surrounded by beautiful grounds. Visitors can explore Wallace's original furnishings, personal artifacts, and artwork in the space where he wrote his famous novel and conducted his varied intellectual pursuits. The museum offers insights into 19th-century literature, politics, and culture through the life of one of Indiana's most accomplished historical figures, whose legacy extends far beyond his hometown.
12. Wabash College
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Wabash College's beautiful campus features distinctive limestone buildings, expansive green spaces, and a rich academic atmosphere that visitors can explore through self-guided tours. Founded in 1832, this prestigious all-male liberal arts college combines historic architecture with modern facilities, creating an environment that reflects both tradition and innovation. The college regularly hosts public cultural events, athletic competitions, and art exhibitions that welcome community members and tourists alike to experience this educational landmark.
13. Rotary Jail Museum
UNIQUE HISTORICAL PRISON
The Rotary Jail Museum houses one of the only remaining rotary jails in the United States, featuring an innovative 1882 design where the cells rotated around a central axis. Visitors can witness demonstrations of this unusual mechanism and learn about historical criminal justice practices through guided tours of the facility and its attached sheriff's residence. The museum's exhibits combine architectural curiosity with social history, providing insights into law enforcement evolution and daily life in late 19th-century Indiana.
14. Monte Casino Chapel
TINY HISTORIC SHRINE
Monte Casino Chapel holds the distinction of being one of the smallest churches in the world, measuring only 16 by 9 feet and offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century religious architecture. Built by Benedictine monks in 1870, this miniature limestone chapel features beautiful stained glass windows and craftsmanship that reflect the European heritage of its creators. The peaceful hillside setting provides a contemplative atmosphere for visitors exploring this unique historical and spiritual landmark that has survived for over 150 years.
15. Lane Place
PRESERVED VICTORIAN MANSION
Lane Place showcases the elegant lifestyle of prominent 19th-century Hoosiers through the beautifully preserved home of Senator Henry Lane and his wife Joanna. Visitors can tour rooms filled with original furnishings, artwork, and personal items that reflect the refined tastes and political connections of this influential family during America's Victorian era. The mansion's architectural details and formal gardens provide additional points of interest for those fascinated by historical homes and the social history of the Midwest during a transformative period in American history.