Where Is Indiana? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

When someone mentions Indiana, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Most probably the Indy 500, which is a car race held in Indianapolis every year. Other than that, Indiana is well known as part of the corn belt because its fertile land is used for farming. Indianans are proud of their state and call themselves Hoosiers.

Located in the Midwest United States, most people know about Indiana and the major cities in the state. But the real question is, do people know where Indiana is? Do people know about the neighboring states around Indiana? If you are wondering where Indiana is, let’s take a look at where it is on the US map. We’ll also explore Indiana’s surrounding states, when the state officially joined the union, the climate in Indiana, and other facts about the Hoosier State.

Where Is Indiana Located on the Map?

Indiana is located in the midwestern region of the United States. With an area of 36,418 square miles, it is the 38th largest state in terms of size. But where is Indiana on the map? Let’s take a look below.

When Did Indiana Officially Join the US?

Indiana was part of the Indiana Territory, which was originally part of the Northwest Territory before being broken up. There were plans of making part of the Indiana territory into a state but it was delayed for more than a decade. This was partly due to the War of 1812. When the war was over, Congress took up the issue of declaring Indiana a state. On December 11, 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state. The first capital of the state was Corydon, but in 1825 it was moved to Indianapolis.

Which States Border Indiana?

Four states border Indiana — Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Illinois to the west, and Kentucky to the south. The state shares a border with Lake Michigan to its north. Let’s take a look at the four states that border the Hoosier State.

Michigan

Nicknamed the Wolverine State, Michigan borders Indiana to the north, along with Lake Michigan. Michigan is mainly known as the land of cars because there are so many automobile plants in the state. It all started when Henry Ford built the first cars in Detroit, which is why the city is called the “Motor City.” With a population of 10 million, Michigan’s capital is Lansing and it was the 26th state admitted to the union.

Ohio

Ohio is nicknamed the Buckeye State and it has a population of 11.7 million. Its capital is Columbus, although the biggest city (in terms of greater urban/metro population) is Cleveland. The state straddles along Lake Erie. Its nickname comes from the abundance of buckeye trees in the state. Ohio is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is located in Cleveland.

Illinois

Illinois is located to the west of Indiana and is one of the most populous states in the US. It is nicknamed the Prairie State because of its rich, fertile land used for farming. Like its neighbor Indiana, the state also borders Lake Michigan. The state’s most famous city is Chicago, which is the third most populous city in the nation. Illinois was the 21st state admitted to the union and currently has a population of 12.8 million. 

Kentucky

Kentucky is Indiana’s neighbor to the south and it is named the Bluegrass State because its abundance of grass with blue-purple buds seems as if the grass is more blue than green. The state is home to Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and the Kentucky Derby, the worldwide famous horse race that takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Kentucky became the 15th state to join the union in 1792 and currently has a population of 4.5 million.

Is Indiana a Good Place to Live?

Living in Indiana can be affordable, which means that if you’re looking to escape high-rent places in the big cities straddling both US coasts, Indiana is a great place. There are also low crime rates, which is perfect if you want to raise a family without the worry of what crime can pop up in your neighborhood. Lastly, it has all four seasons, which can be quite different if you’ve only experienced weather in places like San Diego or Miami.

Unfortunately, to every pro, there are also cons. Speaking of all four seasons, if you’re not used to cold winters, it will be a rude awakening. If you are looking for more diversity, you won’t find it in Indiana as it is one of the least diverse states in the country. The state is also more conservative than others, except for big cities, so be aware of that fact.

What Is the Climate in Indiana?

Indiana has a mostly humid continental type of climate and the state experiences all four seasons. This means that summers will get hot and winters will get very cold. The northwest portion of the state, by Lake Michigan, will get more snow and will be more cold than other parts of Indiana. When it comes to record temperatures, the hottest temperature was 116 degrees Fahrenheit on July 14, 1936. The lowest recorded temperature was -36 degrees Fahrenheit on January 19, 1994. Indiana is quite vulnerable to tornadoes.

What Is Indiana Most Known For?

Indiana is known for several things like its corn fields and the Indy 500. If you visit Indianapolis you can’t miss going to a car race, as it’s quintessential Indiana. The atmosphere will be contagious and you will soon find yourself rooting for the underdog. Besides that, Indianapolis is a thriving city with a proud sports culture. 

When it comes to wildlife in Indiana, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity in the state. Indiana is home to bobcats, muskrats, and meadow jumping mice. If you look up at the sky, you may spot bald eagles, eastern bluebirds, and even woodpeckers pecking at trees. You may even find leopard frogs and American bullfrogs in the state, too.

The state is also home to various types of flora like white oak, the tulip tree, blue mistflower, and violet-colored tall bellflowers. 

Fast Facts About Indiana

• Capital: Indianapolis
• Population: 6.7 million
• Governor: Eric Holcomb
• Lieutenant Governor: Suzanne Crouch
• State tree: Tulip tree (Liriodendron)
• State bird: Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
• State flower: Peony (Paeonia)

Conclusion

Indiana is a beautiful, but important state in the US. Because much of its land is covered in agricultural fields, Indiana is one state that ensures Americans are fed. Driving through the state, you’ll see an abundance of corn fields that might seem like it’s straight out of a scene from Children of the Corn, but think of it this way: if it weren’t for these corn fields, there wouldn’t be chicken feed and thus, chickens and eggs for consumption.

Indiana is a much more affordable state than other more popular and populous ones like California or New York. If you’re yearning for a big city, Indianapolis is your best bet. You will have to get accustomed to the culture and pride of being a Hoosier. But the great thing is, you won’t run out of things to do. You can go on a nice picnic by the lake or take a cornfield tour. In no time, you’ll even call yourself a Hoosier!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com