The Indiana Insider Blog » NWI Travel

Milk Cow Music Festival at Fair Oaks Farms

nwiltrout — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:21:45 +0000

Fair Oaks Farms is one of my favorite Indiana pitstops, a great place to stop and take a break when on a road trip along I-65 in the northwest part of the state. While it’s an unlikely spot for family fun (its main purpose is supplying milk and other dairy products to customers all over the United States!), the farm has a little something for every traveler: great food, beautiful outdoor space, educational tours, interactive exhibits and play areas.

On June 2, Fair Oaks Farms will add concert venue to its growing list of purposes when it hosts the Milk Cow Music Festival. (Great name, huh?) There will be live music from country acts Little Texas and Amber Martin, a barbeque competition, car show, and more. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online here. A ticket will provide you full access to the farm, so if you’ve never been, this would be a great time to plan a visit.

If you can’t make it to the festival on June 2, mark your calendar for June 23 when Travis Tritt will perform. Tickets to this show are $35.

More information is available by watching this fun video:
June Events at Fair Oaks Farms (video)

Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Farms.

Milk Cow Music Festival at Fair Oaks Farms is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Shipwrecks in Indiana

nwiltrout — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:55:09 +0000

With the centennial anniversary of the tragic sinking of the Titanic (and of course, the re-release of the blockbuster movie), talk of shipwrecks is making the rounds among both history buffs and pop culture lovers. When I think of shipwrecks, I think of enormous vessels buried deep below the ocean’s surface. I definitely don’t think of Indiana, so I was certainly surprised to hear that more than a dozen ships met their end in the Hoosier state and now rest comfortably beneath our waters.

The Muskegon

If you’ve ever experienced the beautiful shore along Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes State Park, you’ve probably noted that it seems as though you’re vacationing along the coasts. Here you’ll find the Muskegon shipwreck, a steam-powered passenger vessel that sank in 1910. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In a strange twist of fate, also near this area is the J.D. Marshall, a ship which sank in 1911 when it was sent to salvage some of the equipment from the Muskegon. The propeller from the J.D. Marshall is on display in the park.

Lake Maxinkuckee in Marshall County is home to approximately 15 wreck sites, mostly small- to medium-sized steam passenger boats. You can visit the lake and imagine the days when steamboats were a popular attraction in the town of Culver at Culver Park.

This pamphlet about Indiana’s shipwrecks is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these fascinating sites. You can also learn more about the Indiana shoreline of Lake Michigan’s maritime history by visiting the Old Lighthouse Museum in Michigan City.

These wrecks are still being studied and explored. You can follow along with their progress and research at the Diving Indiana blog.

Photo courtesy of the Indiana DNR.

Shipwrecks in Indiana is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Make a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Christ’s Passion

ammagan — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:51:43 +0000

In the Christian world, this Sunday is Palm Sunday, which marks the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his suffering and death. As a reminder of this, Christians around the world follow the final days of Christ by re-enacting or praying the Stations of the Cross. The Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Indiana is a pilgrimage destination, honoring the last days of Christ from the Last Supper to the resurrection.

Visitors will find a half-mile, winding, but handicapped accessible pathway that leads through each of the final events in Christ’s life, depicted by 40 life-size bronze statues. Each station includes an audio-recorded description of the scene told by CBS veteran journalist Bill Kurtis. Background music is played throughout the walk, adding to the meditative spirit of the Shrine.

The statues were created by Texas artist Mickey Wells.

Named “Attraction of the Year” by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, the Shrine of Christ’s Passion offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

In addition to the interactive Passion pathway, visitors can spend time at the onsite Marian Wayside Shrine honoring the mother of Jesus and the Sanctity of Life Shrine. A visitors center and gift shop offering inspirational gifts and books for people of all faiths are also located on the grounds. Tour buses are welcome.

The Shrine of Christ’s Passion is located southwest of Merrillville, Indiana. For more information, call (219) 365-6010 or visit www.shrineofchristspassion.org.

Make a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Christ’s Passion is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Great Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Around Indiana

nwiltrout — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:23:32 +0000

The day when people drag out that green sweater only worn once a year, speak in an Irish brogue, and drink dark beer is fast approaching. St. Patrick’s Day is next week, and if you’re wondering how to celebrate in the Hoosier state, I’ve provided a few ideas below. Also, keep in mind that this year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday, so some celebrations are taking place the day prior, on Friday, March 16.

Northern Indiana:

Crown Point St. Patrick’s Day Parade: I’d love to check out this parade sometime, mostly because it’s held at dusk and the floats are lighted. How fun! There’s also a corned beef and cabbage dinner at the Crown Point Firehouse from 1-7 p.m.
J.K. O’Donnell’s: I had a fantastic and quite authentic meal at this downtown Fort Wayne Irish pub this summer. On Saturday, March 17, there will be a party tent from 11 a.m. to midnight with live music, bag pipers and more. All ages are welcome. Admission is $5 for those 12 and older (kids are free), and this includes a free drink.

Central Indiana:

Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade: I had the pleasure of walking in the parade a few years ago and it was so fun to see everyone in such a festive mood, from families to downtown workers in suits. Bring a bag to collect candy! The parade will be held on Friday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. through the streets of downtown.
The Golden Ace Inn: An eastside Indianapolis bar that comes to life each year on St. Patrick’s Day. There will be a big tent with live music, lots of beer and plenty of good cheer. Expect big crowds, this is a popular gathering spot. The adults-only celebration will begin Friday, March 16 and run through Saturday, March 17.

Southern Indiana:

Madison, Indiana: Did you know that this quaint Indiana river town is home to the steepest railroad incline in the country? It was built by hundreds of Irish laborers, and the town will celebrate the night before St. Patrick’s Day at Paddy’s Party. From 5 to 9 p.m. on March 16 in the historic district, it will feature events like Irish Road Bowling. Wondering what Irish Road Bowling is? I guess you better go check it out! Call 800.559.2956 for more information.
Ireland, Indiana: Quite possibly the most spirited celebration in the state given its name, Ireland offers everything from a Paddy Whack competition to crowning the Miss Shamrock Queen. Events and activities are scheduled all week.

These are just a few of the many celebrations taking place around the state. Where do you like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Indiana?

Great Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Around Indiana is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Stargazing Around Indiana With Your Valentine

nwiltrout — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:01:20 +0000

Challenger Learning Center in Brownsburg

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one or your kids? Nothing says romance like stargazing! And fortunately, there are many places to do that around Indiana. In the warmer months, any clear night in a rural area will do just fine. But while the temperatures are still cold, consider looking up at the stars indoors.

This Valentine’s Day, you can go on a “Fly Your Sweetie to the Moon” mission at the Challenger Learning Center in Brownsburg. One of three community missions scheduled for 2012, this will be geared toward adult couples. For $65, you’ll get fresh flowers, a framed picture, chocolate, and most importantly, the chance to land on the moon. Call 317.852.1008 to reserve one of the limited spots.

Or attend a show at one of Indiana’s planetariums. Below is a link to information on public shows at these locations:

Many high schools around the state also have planetariums. Check with your local school system for more information on public programs and shows that may be available.

Don’t let the boundaries of the atmosphere limit your Valentine’s Day plans. Escape to outer galaxies and make wishes from shooting stars with the ones you love this year.

See how the stars are aligning this Valentine’s Day in this article by Mike Lynch.

Photo courtesy of the Challenger Learning Center in Brownsburg.

Stargazing Around Indiana With Your Valentine is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Ringing in the New Year Around Indiana with Kids

nwiltrout — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:07:31 +0000

You might think that when you embark on a life with young kids that celebrating New Year’s Eve is a thing of the past. Afterall, the typical New Year’s Eve late night soiree, with fancy clothing, loud music and lots of cocktails, isn’t exactly a family-friendly environment. But in Indiana, there is a lot of fun to be had on December 31 where children are not only welcome, but encouraged to join in. So keep the 2011 party rolling and bring the kids along to these events:

Northern Indiana

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve at Deep River Waterpark
9001 E. U.S. 30, Merrillville
5-10 p.m.
$5 per person
There will be ice skating, music, and even a juice toast at 8 p.m.

Central Indiana

Countdown to Noon at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Normal admission costs.
Enjoy all the wonderful exhibits and seasonal displays at the museum, and include a fun countdown to noon in front of the Water Clock.

Family New Year’s Eve at the Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis
6-9 p.m.
$11 for non-members, $6 for members
This event will feature face painting, stilt walkers, clowns and music. A balloon drop at 8 p.m. is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

Southern Indiana

Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park
451 McCormick Creek Park Road, Spencer
A family of four can stay at the Inn for just $223.42, which includes dinner on December 31 and breakfast the next morning, dancing and youth activities, and overnight lodging.
Reserve online using GROUP CODE 1231NE.

These are just a few ideas for family-friendly fun on New Year’s Eve. How do you plan to bring in 2012 with your family?

Ringing in the New Year Around Indiana with Kids is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

The Art and Earth Trail in Northern Indiana

erikdeckers — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:00:30 +0000

There’s a lot to do in Northern Indiana. So much that you could take about 7 weekends to get visit that region, and still not see everything there is to see.

The Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission has plotted out 7 driving trails to help you get a handle on what’s going on in their part of the state. You can visit the

Dunes Loop (Valparaiso & the Indiana Dunes)
Michigan City Laporte Loop
Notre Dame Loop
Time to Unwind Loop (Plymouth)
Heritage Trail (Elkhart)
Lakes Loop (Warsaw & Syracuse)
Shipshewana Loop

Having lived in the Lakes Loop area for 12 years, I can tell you there’s a lot to see and do up there and still have a nice relaxing weekend. You can visit galleries and restaurants in Winona Lake, home of Grace College and preacher Billy sunday, look for Antiques in Pierceton, visit Alpacas in Milford, catch a show at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, get a real, old-fashioned soda for dessert at Zales Drugs in Warsaw, and stay at the Anchor Inn in Syracuse (I used to live in the neighborhood behind the Anchor Inn), or the Brooke Pointe Inn.

You can also visit Garwood Orchards & Farm Markets and the Hesston Steam Museum on the Michigan City Laporte Loop, eat at the Bread Box Bakery and Café and Scherger’s Kettle and visit Galarina Folk Arts on the Shipshewana Loop, and visit b on the river and stay at the Country Victorian Bed & Breakfast on the Heritage Trails Loop.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Northern Indiana, but didn’t know where to start, check out the Art & Earth Trail website, pack your bags, and take a nice relaxing visit up to one of the most scenic parts of the state.

The Art and Earth Trail in Northern Indiana is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Free Entry to Indiana State Parks on September 11

nwiltrout — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:08:02 +0000

In so many ways, it’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since the tragedies of September 11. I remember hearing about the World Trade Center while heading out to my first class of the morning my senior year at Butler University. Later that day, I remember taking a long walk through Holcomb Gardens on campus to try to clear my head.

Many Americans will mark this anniversary in a variety of ways. Some in prayer, some in solitude. One way I’ve always tried to find peace in troubled times is to spend time in nature. In that spirit, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has waived the entry fee to state parks, reservoirs and forests on Sunday, September 11. More information, including participating properties, is available here.

Shades State Park

A quiet hike in the woods with your family is a great way to escape the graphic images that will likely flicker on television all day long this Sunday. Or maybe a picnic, a few hours spent fishing, or some birdwatching is more your speed. Regardless, do consider getting outdoors on this occasion.

This is also a great time to visit the park system. The weather has cooled but the fall foliage seekers haven’t started arriving in mass yet. If you’re looking for a few ideas as to which park to visit or what to do while there, I’ve written several posts about some of my favorite state parks.

The freedom to spend a Sunday afternoon doing whatever I want is something I hold dear to my heart as an American. Perhaps you’ll choose to spend it at one of Indiana’s natural beauties this Sunday.

Free Entry to Indiana State Parks on September 11 is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Free Admission to Many Hoosier Museums September 24

nwiltrout — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:12:08 +0000

If you’ve ever visited Washington DC, then you probably went to at least one of the world-famous Smithsonian museums. All of the Smithsonian museums are free to visit, and in that spirit, one day each year the Smithsonian Magazine hosts Museum Day, when many museums all over the country open their doors free of charge.

This year, Museum Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 24. Many museums in Indiana are participating, including:

Conner Prairie

Arts Depot in Union City
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis
Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany
Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County in Crawfordsville
Center for History in South Bend
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers
General Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville
GHCS Museum of Gary History and Culture in Gary
Gruenewald Historic House in Anderson
Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum in Mishawaka
Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion in Jeffersonville
Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis
Jasper Arts Center – Krempp Gallery in Jasper
Johnson County Museum of History in Franklin
Lake of the Red Cedars Museum in Cedar Lake
Lane Place in Crawfordsville
Life on the Ohio River History Museum in Vevay
Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City
Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart
Minnetrista in Muncie
Monroe County History Center in Bloomington
Muncie Children’s Museum in Muncie
National Military History Center in Auburn
National Model Aviation Museum – AMA in Muncie
New Harmony Working Men’s Institute in New Harmony
Porter County Museum of History in Valparaiso
Rotary Jail Museum in Crawfordsville
Studebaker National Museum in South Bend
Switzerland County Historical Museum in Vevay
The Museum Of Miniature Houses And Other Collections in Carmel
Whitley County History Museum in Columbia City

(Be sure to visit the Museum Day website for a complete and up to date list of participating Indiana museums.)

The only catch? You must plan ahead and order your tickets in advance. You can order your ticket here. Each ticket is valid for two free admissions, but there is a one ticket per household limit.

So mark your calendar for September 24, browse this list of Indiana museums, and make your selection. What a great chance to try a new museum at no cost!

Photo courtesy of Conner Prairie.

Free Admission to Many Hoosier Museums September 24 is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like:

Catch Indiana’s Baseball Teams Before Summer Ends

nwiltrout — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:37:41 +0000

It’s hard to believe that in just a few weeks, the crack of the bat, the smell of hot dogs and the beauty of freshly striped lines on a ballfield will be just a distant memory. But with the arrival of August, so brings with it an end to baseball season here in Indiana. While we may not have a Major League team (who needs those inflated ticket prices anyway!), there’s still plenty of unique venues and quality baseball to be found around the state.

Bosse Field in 1920

My sister lived in Evansville for a few years, and one of my favorite memories from visits down there was an Evansville Otters game. The team plays at historic Bosse Field, perhaps best known as the location for the movie League of Their Own and one of the nation’s most historic ballparks (only Fenway and Wrigley are older). The team has 12 home games remaining between now and September 1.

The Fort Wayne Tin Caps end their season at Parkview Field September 2 (with 17 home games scheduled between now and then). Lawn tickets start at just $5, but a variety of ticket options are available. The Tin Caps are the Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.

The Gary Southshore Railcats play at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary. Their season ends this month, but 17 home games are still to be played. Friday night games feature fireworks and if you attend on a Saturday, you’ll go home with a souvenir. All tickets are $10 or less!

School might be back in session, but summer is never really over in Indianapolis until the Indians play their last home game at Victory Field (this year, September 2). It’s always been one of the best bang-for-your-buck entertainment options in the city, with lawn tickets just $9 for adults. As the Triple A team of the Pittsburgh Pirates, these guys are just a home run or two away from the big leagues.

The South Bend Silver Hawks‘ last home game is August 30, but the team plays 16 additional home games between now and then, so get to a game at “The Cove” while you can. The Silver Hawks are the Single A team that feeds into the Arizona Diamondbacks. You can catch these future pros for $6 (bleacher seats) or $8 (box seats).

Photo courtesy of Willard Library.

Catch Indiana’s Baseball Teams Before Summer Ends is a post from The Indiana Insider Blog. Check out more great content from the Indiana Insider.

Did you enjoy this post? Here are some related posts you might also like: