Indiana in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Nestled along the Ohio River, the town of Madison offers more than just charming scenery—it’s a living set for several films and television productions. About an hour and a half southeast of Indianapolis, this historic river town boasts one of the largest collections of 19th-century architecture in Indiana, making it an ideal backdrop for period dramas. Visitors can stroll through the Madison Historic District to spot buildings featured in movies like “Jefferson in Paris.” The well-preserved brick streets and antebellum homes provide a tangible sense of history that brings cinematic stories to life. Madison’s beauty truly shines in autumn when the fall foliage adds a warm, cinematic glow to every frame.
Further west near the city of Muncie, the Ball State University campus served as a filming location for the movie “The Joneses.” Just about 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis, the university’s blend of classic collegiate Gothic and modern architecture stands out. Walking through the Arboretum and the surrounding campus, visitors can trace scenes shot on its lawns and quads. The arboretum itself offers quiet walking trails and vibrant seasonal blooms, providing a peaceful contrast to the buzz of film production. Springtime is particularly delightful here when flowers are in full bloom, and the campus hums with renewed energy, echoing the youthful spirit captured on screen.
In the northern reaches of Indiana, the Indiana Dunes National Park near the shores of Lake Michigan has become a favorite for filmmakers looking for dramatic natural landscapes. Located just about 50 miles east of Chicago, this park features towering sand dunes, forest trails, and sprawling beaches that have been showcased in various commercials and films seeking a rugged lakeside aesthetic. Hiking the West Beach Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop, offers stunning views of the dunes and lake, a setting that’s both majestic and cinematic. Summer and early fall are the best times to visit when the weather is warm, and the waves gently lap the shore, replicating that perfect movie moment of lakeside tranquility.
Indianapolis itself holds its own on the silver screen, particularly the Soldiers and Sailors Monument downtown. This iconic structure, standing tall in Monument Circle, has been featured in films like “Breaking Away,” capturing the city’s heart and spirit. Visitors can admire the monument’s intricate sculptures and climb to the observation deck for sweeping city views. The monument is especially striking at twilight, when the city lights begin to twinkle and the monument is softly illuminated, offering a movie-like atmosphere right in the city’s core.
Traveling southwest to Vincennes, the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park celebrates the heroics that shaped early Indiana history and has appeared in educational films and documentaries. About an hour and a half southwest of Terre Haute, this park offers a detailed visitors center and walking trails through the surrounding fields that reenact historic battles. The expansive green spaces and reconstructed fort provide a cinematic backdrop for stories of bravery and frontier life. Late spring, when wildflowers carpet the grounds, enhances the vividness of the outdoor scenes and brings history to life in a colorful way.
Just outside of Bloomington, the small community of Ellettsville is home to Brown County State Park, which has been featured in nature documentaries and indie films thanks to its sweeping vistas and dense hardwood forests. Roughly 15 miles northwest of Bloomington, the park’s popular hiking trail, the Four Winds Trail, is a moderate 6-mile loop that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the hills and valleys below. Brown County’s vibrant fall colors make this park a spectacular place to visit when the leaves turn, creating an almost otherworldly backdrop that filmmakers prize for its natural beauty.
Finally, in the northeastern town of Bristol, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival has drawn attention from filmmakers capturing the spirit of Americana and folk music culture. About 15 miles southeast of Elkhart, Bristol’s historic downtown district, with its vintage storefronts and community vibe, provides a vivid setting for scenes celebrating Midwestern small-town life. Visiting during the festival in early September offers a chance to experience the live music and lively street scenes that inspired those on-screen moments. The energy and warmth of the crowd create a palpable connection to the state’s rich cultural tapestry, making it a memorable stop on any film-lover’s itinerary.