Earlier this year, Indiana Connection set out to celebrate the unique and vibrant offerings of our great state by asking our readers to nominate the “Best of Indiana.” This contest brings together contributions from communities across the state, highlighting the places, experiences, and flavors that define Indiana.
From charming bed-and-breakfasts and bustling breweries to family-friendly attractions and delectable dining options, Best of Indiana showcases the diverse spirit and pride of Indiana residents. As our readers nominated their favorites, they not only reflect their personal preferences but also support local businesses and foster a sense of community.
After organizing the nominations, we asked readers to vote for the top three nominees in each category. Read on as we reveal
the winners who embody the best of what Indiana has to offer.
Bed and breakfast
Story Inn, Nashville
Story is a national historic district that operates as a destination hotel, acclaimed restaurant, award-winning event venue, and dive bar. The old general store is now the bed-and-breakfast, Story Inn, and all the cottages on the property also serve as overnight accommodations. Inclusive overnight dining packages start at $200. The menu is crafted from food grown in the hotel’s gardens. The orchard, vineyard, and nature trails are available for guests to explore.
For reservations, events calendar, and the 1851 Club family and town rentals, visit storyinn.com or call 812-988-2273.
Other finalists
Market Street Inn, Jeffersonville
The Whittaker Inn, West Lafayette
Brewery
St. Benedict’s Brew Works, Ferdinand
St. Benedict’s Brew Works opened in October 2015 on the grounds of the Monastery Immaculate Conception in Dubois County.
The brewery produces a variety of craft beers, including year-round lagers and ales, as well as sought-after seasonal brews. Belgian-style monastic beers are often on tap, including Tripels, Dubels, and Quads.
Owner Vince Luecke has appreciated the community’s support since the brewery opened. Brewer Evan Becker describes beer production as both an art and a science that requires tremendous discipline and creativity to consistently produce high-quality beer. St. Benedict’s Brew Works takes the time to make decisions that prioritize the highest quality in their ingredients, processes,
and people.
For more information, visit saintbenedictsbrewworks.com, call 812-998-2337, or check out the brewery’s Facebook page.
Other finalists
Patoka Lake Brewing, Birdseye
Upland Brewing, Bloomington
Campground
Patoka Lake Modern Campground, Birdseye
Patoka Lake is one of the state’s largest and most popular recreation areas. Covering about 8,800 acres of water and bordered by thousands of acres of forest, the lake attracts visitors for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
The modern campground at Patoka Lake offers a comfortable outdoor experience with hundreds of electric campsites designed for both RVs and tents. Most sites include electric hookups, concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers also have access to modern restrooms, hot showers, drinking water, playgrounds, and nearby recreational facilities. The campground is open year-round and provides easy access to the lake’s beaches, trails, and boating areas.
To make a reservation, go to indianastateparks.com or call 812-338-5589.
Other finalists
Brown County State Park, Nashville
Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell
Tenderloin
Miller’s Tavern, North Vernon
Miller’s Tavern, which opened in 1937 in historic downtown North Vernon, boasts a classic pub, hometown atmosphere, with new, expanded seating for casual comfort and an outdoor patio. This historic bar offers counter seating and a community spot for dining in, along with carry-out. Famous for their large, crispy, breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, the menu also includes ribeye sandwiches, fish, burgers, and appetizers.
For more information, call 812-346-1195 or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Other finalists
Greazy Pickle, Portland
One Eyed Jack’s, Winamac
Community festival
Marshall County Blueberry Festival, Plymouth
The Marshall County Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, is celebrating its 60th year Sept. 4-7. The festival, named in honor of Marshall County’s agricultural history, now serves as a family-friendly celebration for the community.
Every day of the festival offers activities for kids and musical entertainment, with over 600 food, craft, and commercial booths. Saturday ends with a drone show, and on Sunday, enjoy the fireworks show.
Among the shops and sweets, there are plenty of events to enjoy, many of which support worthy causes. The Blueberry Splash one-mile open swim funds swim lessons for kids in need, and souvenirs purchased at the Blueberry Store fund scholarships for the festival’s pageant winners. The festival also features the Blueberry Splash and the Blueberry Stomp 5K and 15K runs. Look for the festival mascot, Blueberry Hank, at the races and other events.
Admission is free, with parking available for $10 and a complimentary tram service. The festival opens at noon on Friday and at 9 a.m. on the weekend, and closes at 9 p.m. nightly.
For more details, visit blueberryfestival.org or call 888-936-5020.
Other finalists
Harvest Homecoming, New Albany
Kendallville Apple Festival, Kendallville
Place to take the kids
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis ignites joy, wonder, and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. It’s the world’s largest children’s museum, with 485,000 square feet of public space, including five floors of indoor exhibits and 7.5 acres of outdoor space in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience.
Named the best children’s museum in the country by USA Today for three years in a row, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is home to 14 permanent exhibits, including Dinosphere, the museum’s most popular exhibit with an immersive collection of real dinosaur fossils and an active working paleontology lab. Founded in 1925, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis celebrated its 100th birthday in 2025.
For tickets and other information, visit childrensmuseum.org, call 317-334-4000, or follow @childrensmuseum on social media.
Other finalists
Cornucopia Farm, Scottsburg
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus
Museum
Dubois County Museum, Jasper
The Dubois County Museum in Jasper opened in 1999. In 2024, the museum moved to a former factory building and now has 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. The collections have grown to over 68,000 pieces, with about 14% on display.
The museum’s display in Room One is a Germanic history of the area, archeological finds, sports, religious and military items, and other temporary displays.
Room Two showcases a collection of antique farm machinery, a Wildlife Room, a complete log home, items from pioneer days,
15 murals of local towns, and model trains. Children have their own room to play in, and a 17-room Main Street depicts life
in the early 1900s.
Room Three displays the history and products of the local wood factories.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. To learn more, visit duboiscountymuseum.org or call 812-634-7733.
Other finalists
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis
Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis
Restaurant
Schnitzelbank Restaurant, Jasper
Celebrating its 65th year in 2026, the Schnitzelbank Restaurant has become one of Indiana’s most iconic dining destinations. What began as a small tavern on Jasper’s south side was transformed in 1961 by Larry and Betty Hanselman into a family restaurant built on hospitality, tradition, and great food. Today, the second generation of the Hanselman family proudly carries on that legacy.
Rooted in the rich German heritage of southern Indiana, the Schnitzelbank offers authentic German-inspired specialties alongside American favorites, ensuring there is truly something for everyone. From handcrafted schnitzels and sauerbraten to fried chicken and homemade desserts, generations of families have made the Schnitzelbank part of their
own traditions.
A recent addition, the beautifully restored Glockenspiel, celebrates Jasper’s German roots and has quickly become a destination in its own right, delighting visitors with its music and animation throughout the day.
For 65 years, the Schnitzelbank has remained committed to one simple philosophy: serve great food, welcome guests like family, and create memories that last a lifetime.
To learn more, visit schnitzelbank.com or call 812-482-2640.
Other finalists
The Chicken House, Sellersburg
Red Yeti, Jeffersonville
Place for live theater
Lincoln Amphitheatre, Lincoln City
The Lincoln Amphitheatre, nestled inside Lincoln State Park, is a majestic 2,200-seat venue conveniently located off I-64. Opened in 1987, it was built just steps from where Abraham Lincoln spent his boyhood years.
For decades, the venue was best known for staging a variety of long running theatrical tributes to Lincoln’s Indiana roots. Recently, renewed investment has expanded the amphitheatre’s capabilities, seating, and technical infrastructure to support a wider range of programming.
Today, the venue hosts an eclectic mix of concerts, theatre productions, and community events. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the state park, the Lincoln Amphitheatre blends history, culture, and outdoor entertainment.
To learn more about upcoming shows and purchase tickets, call 812-937-2329 or go to lincolnamphitheatre.com.
Other finalists
Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis
Derby Dinner Playhouse, Clarksville
Winery
Oliver Winery, Bloomington
Oliver Winery traces its origins to the 1960s, when Indiana University law professor William Oliver turned a simple hobby into something extraordinary. Planting a vineyard northwest of Bloomington in the Indiana Uplands AVA, Professor Oliver soon found his vines producing far more grapes than a hobbyist could use — and a vision for something greater began to take shape.
Ever the advocate, Professor Oliver championed legislation that would change Indiana’s wine landscape forever. The Indiana Small Winery Act was passed in 1971, and Oliver Winery officially opened its doors in 1972. Early success with Camelot Mead set the winery on a trajectory of steady growth, and today Oliver Winery distributes award-winning, fruit-forward wines to more than 40 states, with nationwide shipping available.
The winery is most well known in Indiana for its Sweet Red, Sweet White, and Sweet Rose wines. More recently, its Blueberry and Cherry Moscato wines have been huge hits. Oliver’s latest offerings are the new Spritz Collection wines, including Italian Lemon and Blood Orange Spritz. For those who prefer drier wines, the Flight Series has some wonderful offerings, including Cabernet, Shiraz, and the winery’s favorite blend, Casse-Tête.
In 2026, Oliver Winery proudly celebrated 54 years of craftsmanship, community, and bringing people together through the shared joy of wine.
To purchase wines or learn more about the tasting room, visit oliverwinery.com or call 812-876-5800.
Other finalists
Huber Winery, Borden
Turtle Run Winery, Corydon
