My Indiana: 101 Places to See

The Indiana Historical Society's "My Indiana: 101 Places to See" is a colorful, informative guide to touring the state of Indiana. Every one of the 101 sites gets two pages, including at least two color photos (some have as many as four), a multi-paragraph, well-written description of the place and a section called "If You Go" that includes direction, phone numbers, websites, hours of operation and fees. The choices are all solid and are spaced throughout the state. But, I could easily come up with 101 more places to go and see so hopefully the author is considering another volume. Two notes of correction: 1) the entry for West Baden Springs (pp. 200-1) is out of date (thankfully). What was just an abandoned hulk of a ruined hotel (impressive even with pealing paint and no prospects for large-scale repair when this book was written) has become a 5 star resort and casino. I saw the atrium pictured on page 201 during the Christmas season and it is now a breathtaking spectacle that caused my 3 & 8 year old daughters to suck in their breaths and quietly say, "Wow!" And, they were inspired play princess in the castle for 20 minutes while my wife and I looked around and spoke with a very nice concierge about the building. 2) #29 is the Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Indiana. What was once the largest privately held museum of Lincoln memorabilia is now closed. The entire collection is now in the hands of the Indiana State Museum in White River Park in downtown Indianapolis (see #39 for White River Park). The collection will be part of a permanent display that opens in February 2010. You may ask, "Why Lincoln? Isn't he from Illinios?" Well, sort of. He grew up in Indiana. He lived in Indiana from age 7 to age 21 (see location #90 for his boyhood home).

Of the various books that goes to various places of a state, especially those for Indiana, this is my favorite. With full-color high-quality pictures, the book discusses 101 different locales. A few are state historic sites, a few are state parks, a few are private affairs. It even tells how to get to each place. Since the selection was not based on 101 Greatest Places, but merely 101 places worthy of mention, it easily allows for further book in a series, allowing for at least 3 more books of a similar vein. Plus, with it being backed by Indiana Historical Society, it means that it is worthy of both the enjoyment of the would be tourist, but of the scholar as well.

My Indiana: 101 Places To See by Earl L. Conn (Dean Emeritus, College Of Communications, Information And Media, Ball State University) is a stunningly illustrated travel compendium of 101 unforgettable tourist hotspots to visit in Indiana. From the site of the world's very first train robbery, to the annual Draft Horse Auction, to Mount Baldy and Versailles State Park, Indiana's local cover and rich history offer a unique sense of charm and appeal. Each site has a two-page description that includes full-color photographs, directions for driving there, admission hours, phone numbers and web sites with more information, and fee information. A fun supplement to any Indiana vacationer, and armchair travelers are sure to enjoy paging through My Indiana as well.