To some, Indiana is one big cornfield, but to true Hoosiers, we know that Indiana is more than just cornfields; it is home to beautiful sites, fun activities and more!
Despite the Midwest’s chilly winters, Indiana has many options for getting off the couch and staying active in the winter.
Visit Indiana is a great resource full of exciting activities to do in the wonderful state of Indiana, and it specifically contains your complete guide to winter outdoor activities in Indiana. Some of these activities include:
Places to ice skate in Indiana
No matter your level of ice skating ability, use this winter season as your opportunity to become the next Michelle Kwan. Find an ice skating location near you to check out today!
Carmel Ice Rink in, you guessed it, Carmel is open for the season, but due to COVID-19 restrictions has reduced capacity in its public and cosmic skate rinks. Check the website for hours of operation, safety guidelines and how to purchase tickets to skate.
Howard Park Ice Skating in South Bend is an ice rink that was recently rebuilt and re-opened to the public. Visit Howard Park to ice skate and stop by one of the small cafes nearby for a cup of coffee or a small bite to eat.
Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion is in Indianapolis. The pavilion offers public skating sessions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Do your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews have a birthday this winter? Host a birthday party at Pop Weaver this winter!
Frank Southern Ice Arena is in Bloomington. Come one, come all to Frank Southern Ice Arena for public skating, holiday skating and special events. Check out its website for the full schedule.
Fuel Tank in Fishers is open for the season! This ice rink has received the Business Hall of Fame award five years in a row. Do you have limited to no skating experience but want to learn how? The rink offers “learn to skate” group classes for beginners or those individuals getting back on the ice.
Places to ski, sled and snowboard in Indiana
Plan a winter activity extravaganza this season! There are many places to get active in the snow this winter that are fun for all ages. Check out these skiing, snowboarding and tubing locations and start planning your outdoor extravaganza on the slopes.
Perfect North Slopes is in Lawrenceburg and offers an alpine skiing resort that boasts 23 trails ranging in difficulty level. Not only can you ski, but you can also snow tube and snowboard. For COVID-19 safety guidelines, make sure to check its website or call to find out more.
Paoli Peaks is located in Paoli. Paoli Peaks Mountain Resort is a great destination for skiing, snowboarding and arctic blast tubing for winter lovers. Paoli Peaks opens for the season Dec. 18, check its website for hours of operation and to purchase your tickets for a fun-filled day!
Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes is located in Noblesville at Strawtown Koteewi Park. Check its website to purchase snow tube tickets and season passes t, as well as view the safety guidelines
Simon Moon Park, located in Westfield, has multiple attractions to choose from, but during the wintertime Simon Moon Park is best known for its sledding hill. Open from sunrise to sunset, bring your fastest sled and enjoy the wintry outdoors!
Places to hike in Indiana
Hiking in Indiana isn’t just for the warmer months. Check out these hiking trails throughout the state and enjoy a crisp hike in the fresh, winter air!
Fort Harrison State Park, located in Indianapolis, has many trails that visitors can walk or run on throughout the year. One of the highlights of Fort Harrison State Park in the winter is that it has one of the biggest sledding hills in the area. Grab your family and sled and have fun!
Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis offers more than 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of forest. You are sure to love these beautiful trails and a park full of adventure. Visit the website to read more about its history and the Eagle Creek Park Foundation.
Brown County State Park in Nashville is one of the most popular spots in southern Indiana. Brown County offers scenic views, hiking and biking trails and a quaint area in downtown Nashville with shops and restaurants you can enjoy.
Lindenwood Nature Preserve in Fort Wayne showcases trails that are for all levels of hiking experience. Located near the heart of Fort Wayne, it is the perfect excuse to stop in the downtown area and enjoy a quick bite to eat after exploring the outdoors.
Rum Village Nature Center is in South Bend and includes 160 acres of natural woodland. The hiking trail runs three miles long and goes throughout the center. In addition to the hiking trail, Rum Village has a dog park, nature center, disc golf and mountain bike trails that guests can enjoy year-round.
Are these locations practicing safety guidelines?
Although many of these activities take place outdoors, each facility or park has its own set of safety guidelines for guests. To learn more about each location’s protocols, simply visit their website or call for more information before you make the trip.
Find time this winter to step outside and have fun while enjoying one of these Indiana winter activities!