5 Indiana things that should be on every Hoosier's bucket list

John Tufts, Indianapolis Star
Updated ·4 min read
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Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2023. 

One day you and everyone you know will kick the bucket. Unless you're rock legend Keith Richards — he's probably immortal. Also Chuck Norris, who drinks a mug of nails instead of coffee each morning. But for the rest of us? Oh yeah, the Grim Reaper has our number.

It's why on National Bucket List Day, April 24, we're encouraged to pause from our busy, hectic lives and ask the important questions: what do you want to see, do, and accomplish before kicking the proverbial pail?

If you live in Indiana, here are five things that should be on your bucket list to get the most out of the Hoosier state.

Indiana bucket list items

Take a hike at Turkey Run State Park

One of many ravines at Turkey Run State Park.
One of many ravines at Turkey Run State Park.

The best spot for hiking in the Midwest might be a 90-minute drive west of Indianapolis. The park, 8121 E. Park Road, is about 30 minutes southwest of Crawfordsville and has a cabin commemorating Richard Lieber, the father of Indiana's state park system. If you find Turkey Run too crowded, many locals suggest heading next door to its sister park, Shades State Park, for some equally rugged and picturesque trails.

Turkey Run State Park Inn: Spending a day at the park? Here's what to get for lunch

Experience the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing' at the Indianapolis 500

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Marcus Ericsson (8) celebrates after winning the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Chip Ganassi Racing driver Marcus Ericsson (8) celebrates after winning the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Roughly 300,000 people flock to Indianapolis Motor Speedway each May to catch the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." And for good reason. Hoosiers care about their traditions, like singing "(Back Home Again in) Indiana," the flyover during the national anthem, and of course, the milk. There's amazing music. There's brick kissing. Oh yeah, and there are these cars that zip by at speeds of over 150 mph — that's important too.

And if you really want to cross something amazing off your bucket list, check out the INDYCAR Experience, which allows you to sit in the passenger seat of an IndyCar as it races along Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

More bucket list ideas: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state

Eat fried chicken in Oldenburg, Indiana

Wagner's Village Inn won a James Beard award for their fried chicken. What's their secret? Time and cast irons. The chicken is deep fried in 14 inch cast irons that have been seasoned by lard for over 68 years. Owner Daniel Saccomando bought the restaurant from his mother. Photographed on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Oldenburg.
Wagner's Village Inn won a James Beard award for their fried chicken. What's their secret? Time and cast irons. The chicken is deep fried in 14 inch cast irons that have been seasoned by lard for over 68 years. Owner Daniel Saccomando bought the restaurant from his mother. Photographed on Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Oldenburg.

We can't blame you if you've never heard of Oldenburg, Indiana (population 674). But if you love fried chicken, take a trip down I-74 into Franklin County and step inside Wagner's Village Inn, 22171 Main Street. There you'll find "some of the best fried chicken in the Midwest" sizzling in cast-iron skillets, according to the James Beard Foundation, which named the restaurant a 2023 America's Classics Award winner. About 100 restaurants across the country have received the honor since it was introduced in 1998. The only other Indiana restaurant to win in the category is St. Elmo's Steak House, which was recognized in 2012.

More: Eat James Beard worthy fried chicken in this obscure Indiana town

Take a subterranean boat ride on a mile-long underground river

Bluespring Caverns in Bedford is an idyllic getaway if you (A), love adventure, (B), enjoy boat rides but have an aversion to sunlight. Nautical vampires aside, the caverns offer a unique experience for people to explore one of America's longest navigable underground rivers. The 80-minute tour features an underground waterfall, striking formations and rare Ice Age animal bones about 40,000 years old. Visitors can catch glimpses of the blind, nearly translucent fish who call the dark cave home. And if you do happen to enjoy sunlight, the park above offers picnic areas, gemstone mining, and a nature trail to walk.

More: Indiana Caverns no longer a deep secret

Catch a movie at Tibbs Drive-In Theatre

In this 2006 photo, Jon Martin and Keith Sorgius sit atop their vehicle as they watch the movie, "Cars," at the Tibbs Drive-In on June 16, 2006.
In this 2006 photo, Jon Martin and Keith Sorgius sit atop their vehicle as they watch the movie, "Cars," at the Tibbs Drive-In on June 16, 2006.

You know what this country needs? More screen time... specifically, giant movie theatre-sized screen time at an outdoor drive-in surrounded by family, friends and buttery popcorn. You can find exactly that at Tibbs Drive-In Theatre, which has been an Indianapolis staple since 1967. Owners over the years have included United Artists and private entrepreneurs who added more screens.

Traditions at the drive-in, 480 S. Tibbs Ave., include the playground and ordering favorites like tenderloins, French fries and pizza. Be sure to check out the list of available showtimes and dates before you go.

More: The iconic Tibbs Drive-In Theatre changes owners for the first time in almost 25 years

John Tufts covers evening breaking and trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 5 things that should be on everyone's Indiana bucket list