Major Cities
Valparaiso, Crown Point, and La Porte are the county seats in Northwest Indiana.n You'll find a diverse economy based in industrial, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, education, medical, and many others. Touching the Lake Michigan southern shore, recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities are abundant. The Indiana Dunes State Park and National Lakeshore beaches, dunes, and forests are the main attractions with their miles of sand and trails.
As interesting as life in Indiana's big cities can be, the true hallmark of Indiana living is found in the small towns located all over the state. Here you'll find some of the symbols of America at its best: picturesque main streets leading to historic town squares, quiet neighborhoods lined by white picket fences and tall maple trees, high school gymnasiums filled to the rafters with basketball fans, and community events for every season.
Natural Landscape
Relatively flat farmland comprises the majority of Indiana's terrain. The state's fertile soil and nearly unbroken topography create the perfect setting for millions of acres of cropland. The southernmost portion of the state does contain rolling limestone hills and scenic river valleys.Economy
Most think of Indiana's agricultural contributions to the nation, but manufacturing is actually the single most important activity in the state in terms of economic impact. Farmland does cover some 6.1 million acres of Indiana, and corn is the leading crop grown in most years. The state also produces significant quantities of wheat and soybeans.Then various service industries employ a sizable portion of the population, in part due to the state's role as a transportation hub. Wholesale and retail trade industries are prominent in commercial centers around the state.
Culture and Recreation
In Indianapolis, you will find the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, as well as the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is considered one of the best symphonies in the Midwest. Symphony orchestras also perform in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Terre Haute, and Evansville.Hoosiers also have a strong affinity for sports and recreation. Outdoor activities are popular throughout the state, as are auto racing and football. No sport in Indiana surpasses basketball in popularity. High school games are major events in towns around the state. Loyalties to college teams also run deep, and at the professional level fans can root for the Indianapolis Pacers.
