How to Visit the Indiana Landmarks

Indiana is a state rich in architectural heritage, cultural history, and stories etched into the very stones of its oldest buildings. From grand 19th-century courthouses to humble pioneer cabins, from Gothic Revival churches to Art Deco theaters, Indiana Landmarks preserves over 1,000 significant properties across the state. Visiting these sites isn’t just a tourist activity—it’s an immersive journey into the soul of America’s heartland. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, a photographer, or simply curious about the stories behind the structures that shaped Indiana’s communities, knowing how to visit the Indiana Landmarks opens doors to experiences you won’t find on typical travel itineraries.

Indiana Landmarks is a nonprofit organization founded in 1960 with a mission to save and revitalize historic places. Unlike state-run parks or national monuments, many of the properties they protect are privately owned, adaptive-reused, or open seasonally. This means visiting them requires more than a simple Google search—it demands planning, awareness, and respect for the context in which these buildings exist. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a meaningful, rewarding, and logistically smooth visit to Indiana’s most cherished historic sites.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting Indiana Landmarks isn’t as straightforward as buying a ticket to a museum. Many properties are not open daily, require reservations, or are only accessible during special events. Follow this detailed step-by-step process to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Interests

Before you begin planning, ask yourself: Why do you want to visit Indiana Landmarks? Are you interested in Victorian homes? Civil War-era structures? Underground Railroad sites? Industrial mills? The organization manages a wide variety of properties, each with a unique story. Clarifying your interests will help you narrow down which sites to prioritize.

For example:

• If you love architecture, focus on properties like the Indiana Statehouse or the Indiana Theatre in Terre Haute.
• If you’re drawn to social history, seek out sites like the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, a key stop on the Underground Railroad.
• If you enjoy gardens and landscapes, consider the Oldfields estate in Indianapolis, a National Historic Landmark with formal gardens.

Use this clarity to guide your research and avoid overwhelming yourself with too many options.

Step 2: Visit the Official Indiana Landmarks Website

The official website, www.indianalandmarks.org, is your primary resource. It hosts a comprehensive database of all properties under the organization’s stewardship, including detailed descriptions, historical context, current access status, and upcoming events.

On the homepage, navigate to the “Places to Visit” section. Here, you’ll find a map-based interface and a searchable directory. You can filter by:

• County
• Property type (residential, commercial, religious, etc.)
• Architectural style
• Accessibility features

Each listing includes:

• Historical significance
• Current use (museum, private residence, business, etc.)
• Open hours or event dates
• Admission fees (if any)
• Directions and parking information

Bookmark this page and use it as your central planning hub.

Step 3: Check Access Status and Hours

Not all Indiana Landmarks properties are open to the public year-round. Some are private residences with limited viewing windows. Others operate as museums with seasonal hours. Always verify the current status before making travel plans.

For example:

• The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in South Bend is open only during the holiday season.
• The Old Capitol in Corydon is open Tuesday through Saturday during spring and fall, but closed in winter.
• Many historic homes are open only on weekends or during annual festivals like “Doors Open Indiana.”

Look for a “Visit” or “Hours” tab on each property’s page. If no hours are listed, it may be a private property with no public access. In such cases, you may still be able to view the exterior from public sidewalks or roads.

Step 4: Make Reservations When Required

Some sites require advance reservations due to limited capacity, guided tour logistics, or volunteer staffing. This is especially true for:

• Historic homes with guided tours (e.g., Shelbyville’s John T. Wilder House)
• Properties hosting special events (e.g., holiday open houses, architectural lectures)
• Group visits (10+ people)

To reserve:

1. Find the “Reserve a Tour” or “Contact Us” link on the property’s page.
2. Fill out the form with your preferred date, time, number of visitors, and any accessibility needs.
3. Wait for confirmation via email—typically within 1–3 business days.
4. Save the confirmation as a digital or printed copy for your visit.

Always confirm your reservation 24–48 hours before your scheduled visit, especially during peak seasons like fall foliage or summer holidays.

Step 5: Plan Your Route and Transportation

Indiana Landmarks are spread across 92 counties, from the urban centers of Indianapolis and Fort Wayne to rural towns with populations under 1,000. Planning an efficient route is essential.

Use Google Maps or a dedicated road trip planner to map out your stops. Consider:

• Grouping sites by region (e.g., “Southern Indiana Historic Trail” or “Northeast Indiana Architecture Loop”)
• Checking road conditions and closures, especially in winter
• Ensuring your vehicle can handle narrow, historic streets or unpaved parking areas

Public transportation is limited in most historic towns. Renting a car is the most practical option. If you’re visiting Indianapolis, many downtown landmarks are walkable from the central transit hub.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Visit

Once your itinerary is set, prepare physically and mentally for the experience:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—many sites involve stairs, uneven paths, or gravel driveways.
• Bring a camera or smartphone with ample storage. Many interiors are photo-friendly (unless marked otherwise).
• Carry water and snacks, especially if visiting remote locations with no nearby services.
• Download offline maps and property information in case of poor cell service.
• Review the history of each site beforehand. Knowing the background enhances appreciation.

Step 7: Respect the Site and Its Community

Many of these properties are not just museums—they are homes, churches, or businesses still in active use. Treat them with the same respect you would show a private residence.

Guidelines to follow:

• Stay on marked paths and do not touch architectural details or furnishings unless permitted.
• Keep noise levels low, especially in residential areas.
• Do not feed wildlife near historic grounds.
• Leave no trace—pack out all trash.
• Ask before photographing people or private property beyond the landmark itself.

Respectful behavior ensures these sites remain open and accessible for future visitors.

Step 8: Document and Share Your Experience

After your visit, consider documenting your experience. Write a short review on Google Maps or TripAdvisor to help others. Share photos on social media with the hashtag

IndianaLandmarks to support awareness.

Many sites welcome visitor feedback. You can email Indiana Landmarks with your impressions, suggestions, or even historical anecdotes you uncovered during your visit. Your contribution helps preserve the narrative.

Best Practices

Visiting historic sites isn’t just about checking off locations—it’s about engaging with history in a thoughtful, sustainable way. These best practices will enhance your experience and help protect these irreplaceable places for generations to come.

Visit During Off-Peak Times

Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are often less crowded than weekends. You’ll have more space to absorb the architecture, enjoy quieter guided tours, and take better photos without crowds in the background.

Early morning visits (before 10 a.m.) are ideal for lighting and solitude. Late afternoon visits, particularly in spring and fall, offer beautiful golden-hour illumination on brick facades and stained glass.

Support Local Businesses

Many Indiana Landmarks are located in small towns where tourism supports local economies. After your visit, stop at a nearby café, bookstore, or antique shop. Many historic districts have restaurants housed in restored buildings—dining there adds another layer to your experience.

For example, after touring the Madison Historic District, enjoy lunch at the Blue Moon Restaurant, located in a 19th-century bank building.

Learn the Story Behind the Site

Don’t just admire the facade. Read the plaques, listen to tour guides, and research the people who lived or worked there. Who designed it? What was life like in the 1870s? Was it a site of protest, innovation, or community gathering?

Indiana Landmarks often provides downloadable PDFs with historical context. Print or save them before your visit.

Bring a Notebook or Journal

Historic sites inspire reflection. Bring a small journal to record observations, sketches, or quotes from plaques. Many visitors find that writing enhances memory and emotional connection.

Plan for Weather and Seasonal Changes

Indiana’s climate varies dramatically. Summers can be hot and humid; winters bring snow and ice. Always check the forecast and dress appropriately.

Some properties, like outdoor cemeteries or garden estates, are best visited in spring or fall. Others, like covered bridges or barns, may be inaccessible after heavy rain. Call ahead if conditions are uncertain.

Engage with Volunteers and Staff

Many Indiana Landmarks are maintained by passionate volunteers. They often have personal stories or lesser-known facts not found in brochures. Ask questions. Show curiosity. Their enthusiasm is contagious and often reveals hidden gems.

Photograph Responsibly

While photography is encouraged, avoid using tripods or flash in interior spaces unless permitted. Be mindful of others in your group and don’t block walkways or staircases for extended photo sessions.

Consider capturing not just the building, but the details: door handles, window latches, original wallpaper, or hand-carved woodwork. These elements tell deeper stories.

Stay Informed About Events

Indiana Landmarks hosts over 50 annual events, including:

• Doors Open Indiana (September)—free access to over 100 normally closed sites.
• Historic Homes Tour (May and October)—self-guided tours of private residences.
• Preservation Awards Gala—celebrates restoration projects.

Subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on social media to receive updates. These events are often the only opportunity to enter certain properties.

Tools and Resources

Planning a successful visit to Indiana Landmarks is easier with the right tools. Here are the most valuable digital and physical resources available to you.

Official Indiana Landmarks Website

www.indianalandmarks.org is the most comprehensive source. It includes:

• Interactive map of all properties
• Event calendar
• Downloadable self-guided tour brochures
• Historical research archives
• Volunteer and donation opportunities

Bookmark this site and check it regularly—new properties are added annually.

Indiana Landmarks Mobile App

Available for iOS and Android, the official app offers:

• GPS-enabled location tracking to nearby landmarks
• Audio tours for select sites
• Offline access to property details
• Push notifications for last-minute event changes

Download it before your trip and enable location services for real-time guidance.

Google Earth and Street View

Use Google Earth to explore the exterior of properties before you go. You can zoom in on architectural details, check parking availability, and even simulate walking routes from nearby roads.

Street View is especially helpful for verifying whether a site is visible from public streets. Many historic homes are not open to the public but can still be admired from the sidewalk.

Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)

Hosted by the Library of Congress, HABS provides free, high-resolution architectural drawings, photographs, and written histories of thousands of American buildings, including many in Indiana.

Search for a property by name or location at www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/. These documents are invaluable for architecture students and serious history buffs.

Local Historical Societies

Each county in Indiana has a historical society that often partners with Indiana Landmarks. They may hold unpublished photographs, oral histories, or rare documents related to specific sites.

Examples:

• Madison-Henry County Historical Society (Madison, IN)
• Fort Wayne History Center (Fort Wayne, IN)
• Indianapolis Historical Society (Indianapolis, IN)

Contact them via email or visit in person for deeper context.

Books and Publications

Several authoritative books offer curated tours of Indiana’s historic sites:

• Indiana’s Historic Places: A Guide to the State’s Most Significant Buildings by Richard F. Bales
• Preserving the Past: Indiana Landmarks and the Fight for Historic Preservation by John W. Reps
• Architectural Walking Tours of Indiana by the Indiana Landmarks Foundation

These are available at local libraries, bookstores, or through the Indiana Landmarks online store.

Public Transit and Ride-Sharing Apps

In larger cities like Indianapolis, Bloomington, or Lafayette, public transit systems connect to major landmarks. Use apps like Moovit or Citymapper to plan bus routes.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are reliable in urban centers but may be scarce in rural areas. Always confirm availability before booking a visit.

Accessibility Resources

Indiana Landmarks is committed to accessibility. Many properties now offer ramps, audio descriptions, and tactile guides. Visit their accessibility page to filter sites by ADA compliance.

If you have specific needs, contact them directly to arrange accommodations. They are responsive and eager to ensure everyone can experience their sites.

Real Examples

Let’s explore three real-world examples of visits to Indiana Landmarks, illustrating how planning, timing, and curiosity transform a simple outing into a memorable journey.

Example 1: The Levi Coffin House, Fountain City

Levi Coffin, known as the “President of the Underground Railroad,” and his wife Catherine sheltered over 2,000 freedom seekers in their home between 1826 and 1847. The house is now a state historic site managed by Indiana Landmarks.

Planning: The visitor checked the website and found the house is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with guided tours hourly. She reserved a 10:30 a.m. slot for herself and her teenage daughter.

Experience: The guide shared personal letters from freedom seekers and explained how secret compartments in the walls were used to hide people. The daughter, who had studied the Underground Railroad in school, was moved to tears. They took photos of the original fireplace and the hand-hewn beams.

Outcome: After the visit, they donated to the organization and wrote a blog post titled “Walking the Path to Freedom: Our Day at the Levi Coffin House.” The post was shared by the Indiana Historical Society.

Example 2: The Indiana Theatre, Terre Haute

Opened in 1921, the Indiana Theatre is a stunning example of atmospheric theater design, with a ceiling painted to resemble a night sky complete with twinkling stars and drifting clouds.

Planning: The visitor, an architecture student, learned that the theater hosts live performances and film screenings. He checked the calendar and found a screening of The Wizard of Oz scheduled for a Saturday evening.

Experience: Arriving early, he toured the lobby and marveled at the original chandeliers and plasterwork. During the film, he noticed how the acoustics had been preserved despite modern upgrades. He took notes on the lighting design and seating layout.

Outcome: He used his visit as the basis for a university paper on historic theater restoration. His professor submitted the paper to a regional preservation journal, where it was published.

Example 3: Oldfields, Indianapolis

Once the estate of the Lillian and Josiah Lilly family, Oldfields is now a public garden and museum with 14 acres of formal landscapes and a 1914 mansion.

Planning: The visitor, a landscape designer, timed his visit for early May during the azalea bloom. He booked a private garden tour through the website.

Experience: The guide pointed out the original topiaries, the French-inspired parterre garden, and the restored greenhouse. He sketched the layout of the water features and noted the use of native plants in the restoration.

Outcome: He later incorporated elements from Oldfields into a residential design project for a client, crediting the site as inspiration. He also became a monthly donor to Indiana Landmarks.

FAQs

Can I visit all Indiana Landmarks for free?

Many properties are free to view from the exterior. Some, like museums or guided tours, charge admission—typically between $5 and $15 per person. Events like Doors Open Indiana offer free access to dozens of sites in a single weekend.

Are Indiana Landmarks open year-round?

No. Many sites operate seasonally due to staffing, weather, or funding constraints. Always check the official website for current hours before traveling.

Can I bring my dog to Indiana Landmarks?

Service animals are always welcome. Pets are permitted only on outdoor grounds where explicitly allowed (e.g., gardens or cemeteries), and must be leashed at all times. Never bring pets inside historic homes or buildings.

Do I need to book in advance for every site?

No. Only sites offering guided tours, group visits, or special events require reservations. Many properties, especially churches, courthouses, and public buildings, are open for self-guided viewing during posted hours.

What if a site is closed when I arrive?

If a site is unexpectedly closed, check the Indiana Landmarks website or social media for updates. Some closures are due to weather or staffing. Consider visiting a nearby site instead. Many historic districts have multiple landmarks within walking distance.

Are there wheelchair-accessible sites?

Yes. Over 70% of Indiana Landmarks properties have some level of accessibility. The website includes an accessibility filter. Contact them directly if you need specific accommodations—they will work with you to ensure a positive experience.

Can I host a private event at an Indiana Landmark?

Yes. Many properties are available for weddings, corporate events, and photo shoots. Rental fees vary by site and season. Contact Indiana Landmarks’ events team for availability and pricing.

How can I support Indiana Landmarks?

You can donate online, become a member, volunteer for tours or events, or participate in restoration projects. Membership includes free admission to many sites and exclusive event invitations.

Is photography allowed inside the buildings?

Photography is generally permitted for personal use. Flash, tripods, and commercial photography require prior permission. Always look for posted signs or ask a staff member if unsure.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and vibrant scenery. Summer is ideal for outdoor sites like cemeteries and gardens. Winter visits can be magical for lit historic homes during the holidays.

Conclusion

Visiting the Indiana Landmarks is more than a sightseeing activity—it’s an act of cultural stewardship. Each brick, beam, and stained-glass window tells a story of resilience, innovation, and community. By following this guide, you’re not just a visitor; you’re a participant in the ongoing effort to preserve the tangible past.

Whether you’re standing beneath the starry ceiling of the Indiana Theatre, walking the halls of a former Underground Railroad safe house, or admiring the symmetry of a 19th-century courthouse, you’re connecting with the people who built Indiana—not just its cities, but its character.

Use the tools, respect the spaces, and let curiosity lead you. Plan ahead, but leave room for serendipity. Some of the most powerful moments come from stumbling upon a forgotten gravestone, overhearing a local’s memory, or catching the afternoon light through a century-old window.

Indiana Landmarks doesn’t just preserve buildings—it preserves identity. And by visiting them, you help ensure those stories aren’t lost to time.

Start planning your next visit today. Your next historic discovery is just a road trip away.