Summer Getaways.

• Author: MAYER, KATHY
• Position: Tourist attractions in Indiana - Brief Article

Check out www.EnjoyIndiana.com.

Are we there yet?" That oft-heard travelers' plea can be answered with a hearty "yes" for Hoosiers vacationing at home this summer. You'll enjoy short trips, more time to play and great fun, say Indiana tourism officials, who tout everything from nature and wildlife spots to amusement parks, a children's circus, historical adventures, 10 riverboat gaming casinos and more.

"You'll be surprised by what all you'll find in Indiana," says Rhonda Jones, western region marketing manager for the Indiana Tourism Division. Her top pick for an unusual and little-known spot: "Inland Aquatics in Terre Haute. It's the largest indoor coral reef in the United States. It's loaded with fish, and they offer educational programs, too," she says. And admission is free.

Other perks you'll benefit from as you "Enjoy Indiana," the theme for this year's tourism-promotion campaign, are fewer hassles than flying or driving long distances and less expense than going to faraway spots. You'll develop a greater sense of place and connection to your home state, and at historical spots you'll gain an enhanced respect for those who came before us.

Besides a great time for you and your family, Indiana vacations boost the state's economy to the tune of nearly $6 billion each year. Some 15,000 private and non-profit businesses depend on visitor spending for their success.

Try this sampling of spots or learn about all 850 of the state's attractions from the Indiana Tourism Division (www.EnjoyIndiana.com; 800/289-6646). You'll be in good company--of the state's nearly 54 million travelers each year, about half are Indiana residents, reports Cheri Wagner, public relations manager for Indiana Tourism.

GET BACK TO NATURE

From 38 state parks, reservoirs and recreation areas, to scenic drives along the Ohio River and through Hoosier National Forest, Indiana is brimming with getaways to quiet nature spots.

Two state parks that defy Indiana's flat-land reputation are Turkey Run, loaded with deep sandstone ravines for challenging hikes, and Clifty Falls, where seven waterfalls cascade.

Caves take you to another world in southern Indiana at Wyandotte Caves, Marengo Cave and Squire Boone Caverns.

HAVE SOME FUN

There's nothing like water and action for summer fun, and both Holiday World in Santa Claus and Indiana Beach in Monticello pour it on.

Knowing kids--and adults--get thirsty, Holiday World gives away soft drinks. It's a nice perk on top of the water...