By John Lindell
Indiana is the smallest state (in terms of area) of the lower 48 located west of the Appalachian Mountains, being 35,867 square miles in size. Indiana joined the Union on December 11th, 1816, becoming the 19th state to do so. Indiana has produced some of the biggest names in Hollywood, with such stars as Steve McQueen, James Dean, Karl Malden, Carole Lombard and director Howard Hawks all hailing from the "Hoosier State."
Notre Dame
Indiana is home to the University of Notre Dame, one of the leading colleges in the U.S. and an institution with a storied tradition in athletics. Located in South Bend, the school was established in 1842.
Bluesprings Caverns
The Bluesprings Caverns is the longest underground river system in the U.S., stretching some 21 miles through limestone caves. Tourists can tour three miles of these passages in a boat. The caverns are 80 miles south of Indianapolis.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore runs for 25 miles along Lake Michigan in northern Indiana. Part of the National Park System, the area has an incredibly diverse landscape and a wide array of plant and bird species.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park in the western part of Indiana offers hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and horseback riding among its many activities. There is also a planetarium and a nature center within the 2,382 acre park.
Sports
Indianapolis, the state capital, hosts the annual Indianapolis 500 race at the Indianapolis Sepedway every May. The Indianapolis Colts of the NFL, the Indiana Fever of the WNBA and the Indiana Pacers of the NBA are the three professional sports teams in the state.
Resources
About the Author:
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
