Most people may associate Indiana with its well-known cities, such as South Bend or Indianapolis.
Beyond the well-known locations, however, the state has certain towns with names so out of the ordinary that they pique interest.
Although Indiana, sometimes known as the Hoosier State, was admitted as the 19th state in December 1816, some of its settlements date back much earlier.
Examine Vincennes, which has such a rich history that a French journalist described it as “a colony in a remarkable surviving mode.”
These seven oddly called towns have histories as distinct as their names, ranging from whimsical and odd to downright odd.
These tiny towns provide a window into Indiana’s history and are full of worthwhile attractions, regardless of whether their names are the result of folklore, mispronunciations, or pure inventiveness.
Gnaw Bone
Tourists flock to this less than 200-person town to learn the meaning behind its name. The offshoot from the original French settlement of Narbonne is one of the theories.
Some associate it with drought in the 1930s and poverty in the region during the Great Depression.
A dog chewing on a bone along the highway is the subject of perhaps the most intriguing folklore, which became known as “the corner where the dog gnaws on the bone.”
Take a picture at the 1838 Ramp Creek Covered Bridge or the 1875 Homestead Bed & Breakfast to remember your stay.
French Lick
This 19th-century spa town is a well-known resort destination that doesn’t need much more hype than its name.
Originally founded as a French trading post in the middle of the 20th century, the term “lick” alludes to the salt lick, or adjacent spring, that served as the foundation for a fortified ranger post in 1811.
Originally called Salt Spring, the town’s springs, which many years later were found to have health benefits, attracted vacationers and wellness seekers, leading to the establishment of numerous casinos for the latter group.
With its distinctive displays and artifacts, the French Lick West Baden Museum provides an interesting view into the town’s past.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the magnificent French Lick Scenic Railway offers amazing views as it travels.
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Montezuma
The 900-person community is located about 70 miles west of Indianapolis and serves as the western entry point to Parke County’s yearly Covered Bridge Festival.
Its name is still unknown, although it suspiciously sounds like Moctezuma II, the ninth Emperor of the Aztec Empire (also known as the Mexica Empire), who ruled in the early 16th century.
People who are here for the bridges have a lot of options. Within a 15-minute drive are Mecca Bridge, Phillips Bridge, and the stunning West Union Bridge.
Cherry, Poplar, Sycamore, and Walnut—not the local farmers market, but the street names—combine with the town’s riverfront charm to provide a delightful family getaway.
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Valparaiso
With a number of golf courses, excellent athletic events, and cultural entertainment, Valparaiso has plenty to offer in every season. Between family-friendly eateries and lodging facilities, the name’s hints are concealed by nearby landmarks.
The top-tier Beautiful public grounds are available at Valparaiso University, and the neighborhood park system includes the tranquil Ogden Gardens Park and Fairgrounds Park.
While strolling around the area, shopping, or spending a family day at Central Park Plaza, you will come across amiable locals.
The Chicago Street Theatre, the Brauer Museum of Art, and the Memorial Opera House are some of the city’s cultural attractions. Visitors can take in live music, local art, or a theater at these locations.
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Shipshewana
Shipshewana, named for a local Potawatomi Indian, is a quaint town that offers a range of tourist attractions while preserving its Amish tradition.
The best way to experience the rich cultural legacy of this early Amish village in Newbury Township is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Whether you want to fish, have a picnic, or just take in the serene waterfront, you must visit Shipshewana Lake Park.
The Shipshewana Quilt Festival, which attracts quilt lovers from all over to view and buy gorgeous handcrafted quilts, is a must-see if you’re traveling in June.
Visitors interested in history should visit the Menno-Hof Museum, which provides a thorough examination of the Amish and Mennonite customs of the area.
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