“Theodore Dreiser, road warrior . . . Dreiser’s account of his homecoming will touch a familiar and responsive chord in anyone who has undertaken one.” —The Washington Post Book WorldBy 1914, Theodore Dreiser was a successful writer living in New York. He had not been back to his home state in over twenty years. When his friend Franklin Booth approached him with the idea of driving from New York to Indiana, Dreiser’s response to Booth was immediate: “All my life I’ve been thinking of making a return trip to Indiana and writing a book about it.” Along the route, Dreiser recorded his impressions of the people and land in words while his traveling companion sketched some of these scenes. In this reflective tale, Dreiser and Booth cross four states to arrive at Indiana and the sites and memories of Dreiser’s early life in Terre Haute, Sullivan, Evansville, Warsaw, and his one year at Indiana University.“Because [the book] provides a portrait of the artist as a young man and describes the nation as a mosaic of individual cultures, Dreiser’s journey offers several different lessons. Part travelogue, part autobiography, part collection of essays, A Hoosier Holiday lays out the landscape of a nation that ceased to exist once the highway unfurled across the map.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Though far from the author’s usual musings, this is actually a forerunner to the American road novel and very well could have been one of the inspirations for Jack Kerouac . . . this is a fine addition to public and academic libraries.” —Library Journal Read more

New York Times BestsellerA hilarious full-color guide to Midwestern culture, from comedian and journalist Charlie Berens, creator of the viral comedic series "The Manitowoc Minute"Have you ever had a goodbye lasting more than four hours? Do you lack the emotional capacity to say “I love you” so you just tell your loved ones to “watch out for deer”? Have you apologized to a stranger because she stepped on your foot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, there’s a good chance you’re a Midwesterner—or a Midwesterner at heart. Even if you answered no, you probably know someone who held the door for you from two football fields away. He likely waved at you and said, “Hey there,” like you organized the church bar crawl together. That was a Midwesterner in the wild. We understand that your interaction was strange—but it’s likely to get stranger. Don’t wait until they stick their head in your second-floor window to invite you over for a perch fry because they climbed on your roof to clean your gutters. There’s no need to pull the pepper spray; this species is helpful by nature. And the relationship could be very symbiotic—but only if you let it happen. And that’s where this book comes into play.Inspired by my comedy tours across the Midwest and life growing up in Wisconsin, this book is an exploration into my favorite region on Earth. Some may think the Midwest is just a bunch of bland flyover states filled with less diversity than a Monsanto monoculture. But scratch that surface with your buck knife and you’ll find rich cultures and traditions proving we’re more than just fifty shades of milk. So whether you’re a born-and-bred Midwesterner looking to sharpen your skill at apologies or a costal elite visiting the in-laws for the holidays, this book will help you navigate the Midwest, with everything from the best flannel looks to dating and mating rituals (yes, casserole is involved) to climbing the corporate corn silo to how to handle a four-way stop—and every backyard brat fry in between. And for those of you who don’t like reading, don’t worry—we’ve got pictures! Toss in illustrations, sidebars, quizzes, and jokes worthy of a supper club stall and The Midwest Survival Guide is just the walleye-deep look into this distinctive, beautiful, and bizarre American culture you’ve been looking for. Read more

Indiana is home to the world's third-largest Amish population. Indiana's 19 Old Order Amish and two Old Order Mennonite communities show a surprising diversity despite all that unites them as a distinct culture. This contemporary portrait of Indiana's Amish is the first book-length overview of Amish in the state. Thomas J. Meyers and Steven M. Nolt present an overview of the beliefs and values of the Amish, their migration history, and the differences between the state's two major Amish ethnic groups (Pennsylvania Dutch and Swiss). They also talk about Indiana's Old Order Mennonites, a group too often confused with the Amish. Meyers and Nolt situate the Amish in their Indiana context, noting an involvement with Indiana's industrial economy that may surprise some. They also treat Amish interaction with state government over private schooling and other matters, and the relationship of the Amish to their neighbors and the tourist industry. This valuable introduction to the Indiana Amish deserves a place on every Hoosier's bookshelf. Read more

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Indiana Travel Guide 2025: Explore the Heartland with Insider Tips, Hidden Gems, and Must-See AttractionsUnlock the best of Indiana with this comprehensive guide, designed for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers. Whether you're fascinated by the state's rich history, vibrant cultural scene, or stunning natural beauty, this book will help you discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks across the Hoosier State.From the vibrant city of Indianapolis, with its museums and thriving downtown, to the serene beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park, this guide will ensure that you experience the very best that Indiana has to offer. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or indulging in local cuisine, this book provides you with all the information you need for an unforgettable trip.Inside, you'll find:Detailed maps, itineraries, and travel tips for a smooth experienceMust-see attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Amish Country, and historic covered bridgesOff-the-beaten-path spots, perfect for travelers looking for hidden treasuresLocal dining, entertainment, and shopping recommendations, from family-friendly activities to romantic escapesBudgeting tips, travel logistics, and transportation options to help you plan your trip efficientlyHighlights include:In-depth coverage of Indiana’s major cities and picturesque small townsSeasonal travel tips and advice on the best times to visitFamily-friendly activities, nature escapes, and cultural festivalsEssential travel information on accommodations, dining, and transport optionsGet ready to explore Indiana’s most unforgettable destinations and experiences! Grab your copy of the Indiana Travel Guide 2025 today and start planning your adventure in the heartland. Read more

Lost In Indiana is not your average travel book and more than just a list of places to visit. Mike Sonnenberg (Author of Lost In Michigan) tells stories of strange and historic locations in the Hoosier State not found on most travel brochures. If you love exploring out of the way locations and wonder about their story, then this is the book for you. Including historic sites from the founding of the United States to bizarre abandoned places that have tragic tales waiting to be told. Over fifty spots around the state include cemeteries, historic homes, old jails, and monuments that each have their own unusual history and tell stories of Indiana's past.Lost In Indiana covers all regions of the state from the farmland of the northeast to the secluded Hoosier National Forest. There are tales of places on the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan and the Ohio River in the South. Detailed addresses are given for each location if you want to visit and explore any of them. Whether you are a long time resident of the Hoosier State, or visiting for the first time, you are sure to read about new places to discover on your next adventure. It's time to explore the Hoosier State and get Lost In Indiana. Read more

Brown County State ParkBrown County Indiana State Park offers visitors a premier hiking experience as well as wonderful camping opportunities. This guidebook includes the history of the park as well as historical and tourism information for Brown County, and Nashville Indiana. Lodging, Camping and HikingBrown County State Park offers over 12 miles of hiking trails as well as well as 25 miles of mountain biking trails. Campers can enjoy a variety of camping and lodging choices from family friendly Abe Martin Inn to family cabins and campsites ranging from modern electric campgrounds as well as primitive and group camping.Horse CampgroundEquestrians can bring their horses to ride the extensive horse trail system and camp in the horseman campground. If you don't have your own horse, horses are available to ride on guided tours. Nature AdventuresExplore the Brown County countryside by visiting the nature preserves in and around Brown County. Yellowwood State Forest, Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve, Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill, Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve as well as several others provide some unique nature exploring experiences to view birds and other wildlife. The Hoosier National Forest and Monroe Lake also provide other outdoor experiences. The gardens and art studio of T. C. Steele are nearby, affording visitors a chance to explore the idyllic beauty of this Indiana artists home and grounds.Nashville and Brown County IndianaNearby Nashville's quaint shops and restaurants are just a short drive from the park. The Brown County Historical Museum Pioneer Village allows visitors an insight into the history of Brown County with several pioneer structures and displays depicting the early settlement of Brown County. Read more

Where in the landlocked state of Indiana can you sunbathe on a beach in the shadow of hulking steel mills, surf by an oil refinery, or scuba-dive to see old shipwrecks? A blend of Indiana and neighboring Chicago, Northwest Indiana is a one-of-a-kind place filled with wonders, like Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes and a hike USA Today described as one of the country’s most scenic. And behind its unique “coastal” setting lie some equally intriguing hidden gems and untold stories. Secret Northwest Indiana: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure leads a whirlwind tour of the Calumet Region that extends from Chicago’s far South Side, through the south suburbs and Northwest Indiana, and into Southwest Michigan. Read about a submarine inventor who sailed under Lake Michigan and the free-spirited Diana of the Dunes, who inspired preservation efforts that led to the Indiana Dunes National Park. Explore hidden Nike missile silos, bygone ski jumps, secret spots to photograph the jets taking off for the Chicago Air and Water Show, and the infamous Marriage Mill, where celebrities flocked to get hitched. Prepare for singing porta-potties, tree graveyards, and other strangeness. Local author and journalist Joseph S. Pete gives you a look behind the curtain in a region you might think you already know well. With his stories and tips, you’ll find no shortage of new secret places to explore in Northwest Indiana. Read more

Where was James Dean's hometown? What do A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Al Unser have in common besides winning the Indianapolis 500? Where was the world's first theme park? Find these answers and more in Little Indiana: Small Town Destinations. Featuring towns of 15,000 or fewer inhabitants, Little Indiana explores where to eat, stay, play, and shop in over 90 small towns. After six years of traveling the state in search of amazing local experiences, blogger and TV host Jessica Nunemaker shares a treasure trove of what to expect in Hoosier small towns. Perfect for any length of excursion—day or weekend—the book is organized by region and town and provides travelers easy access to information found nowhere else. From wineries to antique shops, alpaca farms to chocolate stores, unique attractions are awaiting discovery. Full-color images showcase specialty stores, mouth-watering meals, and exciting attractions tucked off the beaten path. Proof that there's always something to do in a small town, this book is the perfect way to kick-start your next Indiana adventure! Read more

Up-to-Date ➡️ Based on the Official Indiana Driver License Manual ✔️100 Practice Questions Similar to the Actual BMV Exam 🥇Proven Results to Get Your Indiana Driver's License 🪪BenefitsBoost Your Confidence: This guide will make you feel assured and ready for your driving test, eliminating uncertainties and nerves.Save Time: Efficiently structured, enabling quick learning and easy recall of vital information.Convenience: Available as a paperback with Prime 2-day shipping! Get it quickly and start your preparation without delay.Key FeaturesPractice Questions & Detailed Explanations: Not just answers, but in-depth explanations to help you understand the 'why' behind each answer, reinforcing your learning and comprehension.Road Signs & Traffic Laws: Get a complete rundown of all road signs and traffic laws specific to Indiana Drivers Permit Study Book, vital for both your written and practical road skills tests.Insider Tips on Driving Skills Test: Gain insights into what to expect during the driving skills test, with expert tips on how to prepare and excel on your exam!Who Is This Book For?Perfect for new drivers, those new to Indiana, or anyone needing a refresher before taking their driving test.Your Certification is Our ReputationAt Easy Route Test Prep, Our Focus is on Your Success. We understand that you're not just preparing for a driver’s license exam; you are laying the groundwork for safe driving habits as you navigate the roadways. Our goal is to equip you with the Practical Tips, Essential Tools, and Insightful Guidance to excel on your exam and your future travels.Get Your Copy Today!Start your path to passing the Indiana Driver's License Exam with ease. Grab your copy now and take the first step towards hitting the road with your new driver's license! Read more

THE ONLY HIKING GUIDEBOOK DEDICATED TO OUR NATION'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK! Imagine a place where you can stroll magnificent Lake Michigan beaches and scramble over towering sand dunes, where you can explore mysterious marshes filled with carnivorous plants and amble about peaceful oak savannas, where you can roam among migrating birds on their stopover and traipse about historic turn-of-the-century homesteads. The place is real: It’s called Indiana Dunes National Park. With the park stretching more than two-dozen miles from end to end and the large crowds, though, how can you ensure that you see its main sights when vacationing or driving through? That’s what Best Sights to See at Indiana Dunes National Park answers. In this volume, we’ve listed the top 10 most popular sights and detail the top day hiking trails to best experience them. This book includes TWO BONUS SECTIONS: "Day Hiking Primer" AND "National Parks Primer." ROB BIGNELL is a long-time hiker, editor, and author of the popular “Best Sights to See,” “Hikes with Tykes,” “Headin’ to the Cabin,” and “Hittin’ the Trail” guidebooks and several other titles. He and his son Kieran have been hiking together for more than a decade. Rob has served as an infantryman in the Army National Guard and taught middle school students in New Mexico and Wisconsin. His newspaper work has won several national and state journalism awards, from editorial writing to sports reporting. In 2001, The Prescott Journal, which he served as managing editor of, was named Wisconsin’s Weekly Newspaper of the Year. Rob and Kieran live in Wisconsin. Read more

These stories reflect what I have experienced and learned about northern Indiana's Lagrange-Elkhart County Amish settlement (the third largest Amish settlement in the country)—first as a tourist here, and now as the place I call home. The 80+ stories are illustrated with over100 color photographs and are divided by subject into twelve sections:Beginnings and BackstoriesSundaysGetting HitchedSpecial PeopleAll God's CreaturesSchool DaysVisitorsGary and MeWhoopie Pies and Other TreatsLife and DeathMore Things I've LearnedVisiting Amish IndianaMy hope is that they both entertain and educate. Read more

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In the misty woods of Indiana, strange shadows wait to be seen. For generations, people have seen strange creatures in places like the murky waters of Lake Michigan and the dense forests of Brown County. These sightings have left onlookers both scared and fascinated.In this book, you will discover creatures likeBeast of BuscoPukwudgiesSouthern Indiana SasquatchDevil's Lake BeastMill Race Monsterand many more.Learn about some of the most interesting animals that live in Indiana, from the tall humanoid figures that can be seen near abandoned trains to the strange animals that live in the state's lakes and rivers. There are stories from real people, history records, and scientific studies in this well-researched book that look into the idea that strange animals may live in Indiana.Find out the truth about sightings, strange tracks, and strange events that have been going on for decades. With detailed maps, photos, and first-person accounts, this all-around book takes you to Indiana's wildest spots, where myth and reality become less clear. These stories will make you question everything you thought you knew about Indiana's natural past, whether you believe them or not. Read more

A cultural history of a northern Indiana Amish community and its success in maintaining itself and resisting assimilation into the larger culture.While most books about the Amish focus on the Pennsylvania settlements or on the religious history of the sect, this book is a cultural history of one Indiana Amish community and its success in resisting assimilation into the larger culture. Amish culture has persisted relatively unchanged primarily because the Amish view the world around them through the prism of their belief in collective salvation based on purity, separation, and perseverance. Would anything new add or detract from the community’s long-term purpose? Seen through this prism, most innovation has been found wanting.Founded in 1841, Shipshewana benefited from LaGrange County’s relative isolation. As Dorothy O. Pratt shows, this isolation was key to the community’s success. The Amish were able to develop a stable farming economy and a social structure based on their own terms. During the years of crisis, 1917–1945, the Amish worked out ways to protect their boundaries that would not conflict with their basic religious principles. As conscientious objectors, they bore the traumas of World War I, struggled against the Compulsory School Act of 1921, negotiated the labyrinth of New Deal bureaucracy, and labored in Alternative Service during World War II. The story Pratt tells of the postwar years is one of continuing difficulties with federal and state regulations and challenges to the conscientious objector status of the Amish. The necessity of presenting a united front to such intrusions led to the creation of the Amish Steering Committee. Still, Pratt notes that the committee’s effect has been limited. Crisis and abuse from the outer world have tended only to confirm the desire of the Amish to remain a people apart, and lends a special poignancy to this engrossing tale of resistance to the modern world.“In this careful community study, Pratt (a professor and assistant dean at Notre Dame) analyzes the tension between assimilation and cultural distinctiveness among the northern Indiana Amish in the 19th and 20th centuries. . . . A worthy case study of resistance to change.” —Publishers Weekly Read more

A beautifully photographed tour of the Indiana capital from city streets to state fairs to the world’s biggest Christmas tree.Indianapolis shines like never before in this one-of-a-kind book filled with stunning images. Photographer Lee Mandrell showcases a Circle City of unique architecture and natural areas, outstanding museums, and historic landmarks. Readers will be drawn into the rich culture, history, and art of Indianapolis as well as all things modern.Stroll along the famous Canal Walk. Explore the largest children’s museum in the world. Wander through the city’s parks and enjoy beautiful seasonal displays. Marvel at the campuses of Butler University and IUPUI—and see the two hundred eighty-four-foot-tall Soldiers and Sailors Monument covered in lights and the world’s largest Christmas tree.“This book will inspire with joy and reverence a greater love of Indianapolis.” —Senator Dick Lugar Read more

Dubbed the “Athens of the Prairie” for its array of stunning modern architecture, Columbus still endured its share of unsavory citizens, crime-ridden neighborhoods and tales of woe. Many residents avoided the infamous slums of Smoky Row and Death Valley, while others gave in to the allure of Lillian “Todie” Tull’s famed house of ill repute on North Jackson Street. Two different father-and-son hoodlum partnerships, the McKinneys and the Bells, terrorized the area in the 1800s. And a brutal fistfight between a newspaper editor and the mayor sparked a scandal in 1877. Author Paul J. Hoffman guides the reader on a wild ride through the city’s salacious side. Read more

The classic guide to hiking the Hoosier State, now updated and in full-color!Written by award-winning outdoor editor and author Phil Bloom, this guide includes more than 70 hikes, ranging from easy afternoon jaunts to multi-day backpack trips. Enjoy the richly diverse offerings throughout the state, from Indiana Dunes National Seashore on Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of Brown County State Park, from the banks of the Wabash River to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness in Hoosier National Forest.Each featured hike includes detailed hike specs and descriptions, trailhead location, mile-by-mile directional cues, gorgeous full-color photography, and detailed maps throughout. Read more

Exploring Indiana: A Comprehensive Pocket Travel Guide to the Heart of the Hoosier StateIn the tranquil silence of Indiana’s expansive cornfields, there is a beguiling story that unfolds with the rustling wind. Can you hear it? As the early morning light dances upon the waters of Lake Michigan, do you feel the tug of curiosity to uncover the tales it whispers to you? Have you ever yearned to penetrate the untold mysteries of a place, echoing over centuries and waiting for you to explore?"Exploring Indiana" is a key that unlocks these narratives and more. It's not just a guidebook; it's your personal storyteller, creating an intimate travelogue that blends facts with emotions, bringing Indiana's rich history, vibrant culture, and myriad attractions to life in the palm of your hand.This pocket travel guide does more than just show you where to go. It invites you to immerse yourself in the spirit of Indiana, to walk its cities and countryside, to taste its flavors, and to become part of its story.Exploring Indiana will enable you to:Navigate Indiana’s historic landmarks, charming towns, and natural wonders with ease.Savor the best of Indiana’s diverse food scene, from Midwest classics to ethnic delicacies.Unearth lesser-known attractions, providing unique experiences beyond the usual tourist trails.Engage with Hoosiers heart-to-heart, understanding their stories, their lives, and their unique Indiana spirit.Personalized travel itineraries - handcrafted routes that guide you through Indiana's vast diversity, whether you are driven by history, nature, gastronomy, or the thrill of the offbeat.Built-in Travel Journals: These are not just pages; they are canvases for your memories. Chronicle the richness of your Indiana exploits and revisit them whenever wanderlust beckons.But beware! This book is a teaser, revealing just enough to ignite your imagination and then leaving you yearning for more. Behind each turn of the page lies another intriguing surprise or a captivating story about Indiana's rich past and dynamic present.Does the size of the book concern you? Fear not! Good things, indeed, come in small packages. Think of this pocket guide not as a mere book but as a magical portal, compact yet expansive, waiting to transport you to the heart of Indiana, anytime, anywhere.Are you ready for this all-in-one package that fits snugly in your pocket but overflows with the spirit of the Hoosier State? Here’s an invitation to delve into the vibrant world of Indiana, a state teeming with unexpected delights and unforgettable stories.Order Exploring Indiana now—for yourself or as a heartwarming gift for a loved one. Open your heart to the lure of the Midwest and let its magic sweep you off your feet. With Exploring Indiana, you’re not just buying a book; you're investing in a myriad of experiences that will remain close to your heart long after your journey concludes.Embark on this unforgettable journey right from the comfort of your home. Only one question remains: Are you ready to explore Indiana? Your personal guide is just a click away. Leap into the adventure that awaits you! Read more

Every Indiana Hoosiers fan has a bucket list of activities to take part in at some point in their lives. But even the most die-hard fans haven't done everything there is to experience in and around Bloomington, Indiana. From visiting the campus to copying Keith Smart's jump shot to win the 1987 national championship, author Terry Hutchens and Bill Murphy provide ideas, recommendations, and insider tips for must-see places and can't-miss activities near the Assembly Hall. But not every experience requires a trip to campus; long-distance Hoosiers fans can cross some items off their list from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you're attending every home game or supporting the Hoosiers from afar, there's something for every fan to do in The Indiana Hoosiers Fans' Bucket List. Read more