Called “The Crossroads of America” for its central position in the U.S., Indiana is a contrast between urban areas, Amish villages, state parks and rural highways. Positioned between Lake Michigan to the north and the Ohio River to the south, Indiana took advantage of its location by digging canals to connect the state’s rivers, building roads and constructing railroads to provide farmers with a means of getting their goods to the national markets. Industry growth in Indiana was aided by a deepwater port on Lake Michigan, completed in 1970, which provided access via the St. Lawrence Seaway to international markets.
      The economy in Indiana is excellent. Agriculture is a large industry in the state and contributes greatly to the economic stability. Corn and soybeans are two of Indiana’s main crops, along with tomatoes, spearmint, peppermint and cantaloupes. The state is the leader in life sciences and is home to Eli Lilly and Company, Biomet, Cook Group, Inc. and Zimmer. Indiana is a leading producer of recreational vehicles, mobile homes, compact discs, motors and generators, caskets, musical instruments, large household appliances, household furniture and elevators. The second largest FedEx hub in the country is at Indianapolis International Airport and Toyota’s second largest vehicle production center in North America is in Princeton.

Did You Know...

State Nickname: The Hoosier State State Capital: Indianapolis State Flower: Peony State Bird: Cardinal

      With a population of approximately 6.2 million, Indiana is one of the least expensive places to live in the Midwest. The median family income is $65,009 and the median home value is $100,762 with 71.8 percent of home units owner-occupied.

Just over 70 percent of all housing is single-family detached homes.
      Total land area of Indiana is 36,291 square miles, placing the state 38th in size. The lowest point is 320 feet, on the Ohio River, to the highest at 1257 feet on a hill in Franklin Township in Wayne County.
      There are nearly 50 colleges and universities in Indiana, many with multiple campuses. Purdue Research Park is the #1 university research park in the country; Indiana University’s Emerging Technologies Center is one of the fastest growing think tanks in the nation, and Rose-Hulman is the nation’s top Master’s level engineering school.
      There are more than 400 lakes in Northern Indiana, providing recreation and relaxation. Fishing is popular as anglers cast their lines for bass, pike, perch, catfish, and trout. Many of Indiana’s 23 state parks are situated along rivers or on lakes. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan features scenic trails that traverse around and over the ever shifting and swirling sands.

      There are 15 State Memorials including one for Wilbur Wright at his birthplace near Millville. The Indiana State Museum celebrates the state’s natural and cultural history with re-created canal locks, a hands-on science lab and exhibits about Native Americans, pioneer life and prominent Indiana residents. The Indiana State Library contains a large genealogical collection and various historical documents. The University of Notre Dame has an extensive collection of medieval ephemera, art and books. Historical societies throughout the state operate museums to further preserve the history of the state.
      Historical sites include the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, a stop on the Underground Railroad at the Levi Coffin Home and the President Benjamin Harrison Home. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is the site of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The Lincoln Museum contains Lincoln’s personal items including photographs, paintings, books, and papers.
      Other places of interest include the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, showcasing the Indiana-made luxury vehicles; the Ruthmere Museum with opulent décor and a Beaux Arts design; the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art; the College Football Hall of Fame at University of Notre Dame; and the Northern Indiana Center for History. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in 1908 as an automobile proving ground and race track. The famed Indianapolis 500 created many automobile improvements such as the rear view mirror, balloon tires and ethyl gasoline. There is a museum inside the track displaying winning cars, memorabilia and equipment. Archeological sites include Mounds State Park and Angel Mounds.