iris callahan author at My Family Travels
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Over 250 Majestic Bison Roam Totally Free Across This Scenic 400-Acre Indiana Prairie Trail

Somewhere in a quiet corner of northeastern Indiana, a large herd of bison roams across hundreds of acres of open prairie, living much as their ancestors did centuries ago. This...

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This Hidden Indiana Airport Spot That Lets You Eat Breakfast Right Along An Active Jet Runway

Most people drive past airports without ever thinking about stopping for a meal. But this Indiana café makes dining beside a runway feel surprisingly natural.

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This 200,000-Acre Indiana Forest Hides A Free Crystal Scavenger Hunt Across Its Secret Creeks

Most people think of Indiana as flat cornfields and quiet highways. What many miss is a sprawling 200,000+ acre national forest in the southern part of the state where the landscape...

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The Hidden 70-Acre Indiana Waterfront Paradise That’s 100% FREE For Locals

Most people drive past Olio Road without realizing something genuinely special sits just beyond the tree line. This 70-acre public park in Fishers, Indiana is a free lakeside escape...

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This Free Indiana Fossil Park Lets You Hunt For 440-Million-Year-Old Treasures

Imagine reaching down into a pile of ancient rock and pulling out something that lived nearly half a billion years ago. That is exactly what you can experience at a fossil hunting...

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The Tiny Indiana Beach Town 20 Minutes From Chicago That Tourists Completely Ignore

Most people racing down the highway toward Chicago never think to stop in Whiting, Indiana, and that is honestly their loss. This small lakeside city sits right on the southern...

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The Overlooked 3,000-Acre Indiana Park That Feels a Million Miles Away From the Crowds

Some places have a way of making the noise in your head go quiet the moment you arrive. This Indiana state park is one of those rare spots where sandstone cliffs, deep ravines,...

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Top Chinese Restaurants in Indiana That Never Disappoint

Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of incredible Chinese food, but the state has a quietly impressive dining scene worth exploring.

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This No-Frills Indiana Tavern Is Famous For $18 Steak Specials Locals Crowd For

Some places earn their reputation not through flashy decor or trendy menus, but through decades of showing up for their community. This Broad Ripple neighborhood bar in Indianapolis,...

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This Tiny Indiana Dive Bar Serves A Fried Bologna Sandwich Locals Literally Worship

Some places earn their reputation not through flashy signage or trendy decor, but through years of quietly doing things right. This downtown Evansville, Indiana bar and grill is...

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The Secret 1,000-Acre Indiana Spot Where You Can Walk Through a 19th-Century Village

Most people drive right past it without a second thought, not realizing that one of the most remarkable living history experiences in the country sits just outside Indianapolis....

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This Breathtaking Indiana Church Hides Secret Masterpiece Art Sourced Right From The Vatican

Some places quietly carry centuries of history, art, and faith within their walls, and this landmark at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana is absolutely one of them. What...

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Few Locals Know About The Massive Hidden Labyrinth Tucked Inside This 13-Acre Indiana Woods

Most people drive past without a second glance, never realizing what is tucked just beyond the trees. This peaceful retreat space in Indianapolis, Indiana holds one of the city’s...

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This 170-Year-Old Indiana Inn Looks Like A German Village & Serves Massive Schnitzel

Some places carry history in their walls, and this historic inn in Batesville, Indiana is one of them. Dating back to the mid-1800s, it has welcomed travelers for generations while...

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This Indiana Scrap Warehouse Lets Artists Fill Bags With Cheap Creative Supplies

This creative reuse center in Indianapolis, Indiana is the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid let loose in a treasure chest. Nestled in the historic Irvington neighborhood,...

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The Remote Indiana Beach With Caribbean Blue Water You Have To See To Believe

Most people do not think of Indiana when they picture clear blue water and soft pale sand stretching along the shoreline. This quiet beach in Beverly Shores, Indiana challenges...

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This Hidden Indiana Farm Fresh Dairy Secret Will Make You Quit Grocery Store Cheese Forever

Some dairy farms just sell milk. This Osceola, Indiana creamery does something far more meaningful. Built by a third-generation...

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This 260-Acre Indiana Landmark Features Secret 1830s Mill Ruins And Epic Views

Some parks feel like they were built for postcards. This park in North Vernon, Indiana feels like it was built for people who actually want to explore.

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You Can Walk Through A Swamp Filled With Herons And Turtles At This Hidden Indiana Trail

Most people drive right past Jay County, Indiana without realizing one of the state’s most remarkable natural areas is tucked just off a quiet country road near Bryant, Indiana....

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Gravity-Defying Trails And Fast Forest Loops Make This Indiana Woodland Ride A Mountain Biking Playground

I never expected a small Indiana town to deliver one of the most exciting rides I have had, but this lakeside trail system proved me wrong in the best way. Tucked into Kosciusko...

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This Coastal Indiana Bike Path Connects Lake Michigan Beaches, Parks, And Scenic Dune Views

I have to be honest: I did not expect a bike trail in Indiana to leave such a lasting impression on me. This lakeshore greenway stretches for dozens of miles along the southern...

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This Indiana Steakhouse Is The Last Of Its Kind Serving Its 50-Item All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

There are restaurants you visit, and then there are restaurants you make a pilgrimage for. This longtime steakhouse in Vincennes, Indiana falls firmly into that second category.

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Swim Surrounded By Miles Of Forest At This Hidden Indiana Summer Oasis

There is something about driving deeper into the southern Indiana hills, watching the trees close in around the road, and knowing that something special is waiting at the end of...

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Indiana Floating Obstacle Course Uses High-Speed Slides And Inflatable Towers To Launch You Into Lake Michigan

I never expected to find something this thrilling just a short drive from home, but this floating inflatable obstacle course on Lake Michigan completely changed the way I think...

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You Can Walk From Indiana To Kentucky On This Half-Mile Historic Pedestrian Bridge

There is something genuinely thrilling about standing on a bridge and looking out over the Ohio River, knowing you are crossing between two states on foot. This converted railroad...

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Soar Over Lakes And Forests At This Indiana Zipline Adventure Packed With Adrenaline

There is something about standing on a platform high above the treetops in southern Indiana that makes everything else in the world go quiet. I have explored a lot of outdoor spots...

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This Historic Alabama River Town Is A Budget-Friendly Day Trip Full Of Charm

I've always been drawn to small Southern towns that somehow manage to preserve their character while welcoming visitors with open arms. Eufaula sits along the Chattahoochee River...

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This Indiana Smokehouse Has A Devoted Following For Its Brisket, Ribs, And Pulled Pork

I’ve eaten my way through countless barbecue joints across Indiana, and I can tell you that finding truly great smoked meat in the Midwest is not always easy. Too often, ribs...

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This Giant 120,000-Square-Foot Antique Warehouse In Alabama Is The Kind Of Place Where You Can Easily Spend An Entire Day Browsing

I’ve always been drawn to places where the past feels close enough to touch. Walking into a massive antique warehouse like that for the first time feels less like shopping and...

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Dine Inside A Massive 1906 Grain Elevator That Reaches 112 Feet Into The Indiana Sky

I never thought I would say this, but eating dinner inside a former grain elevator might be one of the most memorable dining experiences Indiana has to offer. This Greenfield restaurant...

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This Indiana Family Favorite Is Known For Family-Style Pan-Fried Chicken, Homemade Pie, And Warm Down-Home Service

I’ve driven past small-town Indiana diners my whole life, but few have stopped me in my tracks quite like this one. This roadside restaurant in Morristown isn’t just another...

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The Indiana Conservation Area Where Raptors, Foxes, And Small Mammals Roam Quiet Forest Paths

I’ve always been drawn to places where you can actually hear yourself think. This kind of nature escape offers exactly that feeling of quiet reset.

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Step Into a Hidden Indiana Paradise Where Century-Old Stone and Secret Springs Await

I still remember the first time I walked through these gardens in Muncie, Indiana, and felt like the rest of the world had simply stopped. The stone walls, the whisper of a hidden...

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This Indiana Secondhand Giant Features Entire Living Room Sets That Appear And Disappear Within Days

I’ll be honest, I drove past this place more times than I can count before finally pulling in. Something about this kind of resale warehouse in Griffith, Indiana felt different...

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The Scenic Indiana Reservoir Known For Productive Fishing And A Family-Friendly Shallow Beach

I have always believed that the best getaways are the ones hiding in plain sight, and a quiet reservoir just a short drive northeast of Bloomington is exactly that kind of place....

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The Best Cheeseburger In Indiana Is Hidden Inside This Gritty Dive Bar With A Massive Cult Following

Some of the best food in Indiana does not come with fancy decor or a trendy name on the sign. I have driven past plenty of polished restaurants only to find the real magic tucked...

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A Peaceful Indiana Retreat Where Rolling Hardwood Forests Surround a Scenic Man-Made Lake

There is something about a large state park in eastern Indiana that pulls you back every single time. Nestled in the rolling hills of Union County near Liberty, this 1,200-plus-acre...

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This Indiana Hub Lets You Hike A Historic Rail Trail Before Watching 24/7 Train Traffic From A Raised Lookout

I never expected a small northwest Indiana town to completely change how I think about railroads, history, and outdoor adventure all in one afternoon. Griffith sits at a crossroads...

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The Indiana Brisket Spot That Quietly Built A Loyal Local Following

Some restaurants earn their reputation loudly, but a barbecue spot in Valparaiso, Indiana built its following one perfectly smoked brisket at a time. I first heard about it through...

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The Indiana Butcher Shop Where You Can Still Buy Your Week’s Dinner Like It’s 1921

There are grocery stores, and then there are places that make you feel something the moment you walk through the door. A long-standing butcher shop on a busy street in Indianapolis...

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A Hidden Indiana Forest Ridge Trail Where You Can Walk For Hours Without Seeing Another Person

I have walked a lot of trails across Indiana, but nothing quite prepared me for the kind of quiet that settles in once you get deep into a long backcountry route through one of...

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This Indiana Seafood Shack Is Serving Up Giant Platters of Southern-Style Catfish Fiddlers and Frog Legs

Living in Indiana, I never thought I’d find a place that made me feel like I was sitting somewhere deep in the South, with a plate of perfectly seasoned catfish in front of me...

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This Indiana Liquidation Warehouse Offers Huge Savings On Brand-Name Electronics And Housewares

If you have ever walked past a store and wondered whether the deals inside were actually worth your time, I completely understand that hesitation. But this liquidation warehouse...

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The Middle-of-Nowhere Indiana Steakhouse Where People Wait Hours for the Rolls Alone

I will be completely honest with you. I drove past this steakhouse more times than I can count before I finally pulled in, and I am still kicking myself for waiting so long.

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The Cozy Indiana Noodle House Where Black Garlic Oil Meets Homestyle Comfort and Pure Anime Vibes

There is something genuinely exciting about finding a ramen spot that feels like it was made for people who care about both good food and good vibes. This ramen house in downtown...

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The Historic Indiana Lake Freeman Classic Where Boat-In Diners and Famous Fried Fish Rule the Summer

There are places in Indiana that feel like they belong to a different, slower era, where the water is wide, the food is honest, and every summer weekend feels like a celebration....

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This Easy 0.8-Mile Indiana Hike Ends At A Secret Waterfall Created By A Historic Hidden Dam

There are places in Indiana that quietly steal your breath the moment you arrive, and this hidden lake loop in Brown County State Park is absolutely one of them. I stumbled onto...

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The Giant Indiana Deadstock Warehouse Where You Can Find Discontinued Gems for Pennies

I still remember the first time I walked into this liquidation warehouse on the west side of Indianapolis and felt like I had stumbled onto something the rest of the city was keeping...

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8 Unique Indiana Historic Sites That Are Surprisingly Instagrammable

I'll be honest, I never expected Indiana to stop me in my tracks the way it did. I grew up thinking historic sites meant dusty rooms and faded placards, but then I started exploring...

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This 120-Acre Indiana Escape Feels Like You’ve Stepped Into a Fairytale With a Medieval Castle and a Hedge Maze

I never expected to find a real medieval castle in the middle of rural Indiana, but there it was, rising out of the countryside like something from a storybook. Sitting on 120...

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This New Indiana Asian Grill Features Fresh Healthy Options For Customizable Bowls

Fort Wayne just got a whole lot more exciting for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful food that actually makes you feel good after eating it.

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This Indiana State Historic Site Features the Sprawling Ruins of a Prehistoric Mississippian Native American City

There is something genuinely humbling about standing on ground where a thriving city once buzzed with life nearly a thousand years ago. Just outside Evansville, Indiana, there...

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This Peaceful Indiana Lake Cruise Is the Chillest Surprise Hiding in Plain Sight

Some of the best experiences in Indiana are the ones you almost drive past without noticing. I had no idea what to expect the first time I heard about a nearly century-old paddleboat...

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This Indiana Hike Leads to a Stunning Sandstone Canyon and Deep Rock Potholes That Stay Cool All Summer

I had no idea Indiana was hiding something this dramatic until I first set foot at this nature preserve in west-central Indiana. The moment the forest opens up and reveals a sandstone...

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The Indiana “Grand Canyon” Featuring a Massive Sandstone Bowl and Seasonal Waterfalls

There is a place in western Indiana that genuinely stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw it. A massive sandstone bowl carved by centuries of water and wind, surrounded by...

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The Year-Round Indiana Farm Stand Where the $7.50 Fish Tail Sandwiches Are Large Enough to Feed Two People

There are places you stumble upon once and never stop thinking about, and one longtime farm market is exactly that kind of place. Sitting along a quiet road since the late 1960s,...

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The Indiana Trail Where You Can Quench Your Thirst with a Literal Hand-Operated Freshwater Pump

I never expected a half-mile loop trail to stop me in my tracks the way this one did. There is something quietly powerful about walking through a hardwood forest, listening to...

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This High-End Indiana Seafood Spot Features Expertly Prepared Sushi and Flame-Grilled Fillets

Carmel has quietly become one of the most exciting dining destinations in the entire Midwest, and this spot is a big reason why. Set right in the middle of a polished, walkable...

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This 60-Mile Indiana Trek is the State’s Longest Backpacking Trail for True Adventurers

Indiana is not usually the first state that comes to mind for serious backpacking, but there’s a trail here that changes that conversation quickly. Stretching roughly 58 to 60...

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This Indiana Strip Mall Is Hiding The Best Soup Dumplings Of Your Life

Some of the best meals I’ve ever had in Indiana have come from places I almost drove past without a second glance. Tucked...

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