Where is Indiana Located in the United States?

Indiana is located in the Midwestern region of the United States, known for its rich agricultural heritage, automotive industry, and significant contributions to sports and academia. It is bordered by four U.S. states and has access to Lake Michigan to the northwest. The postal abbreviation for Indiana is IN, and the state has a population of approximately 6.8 million people. Indiana spans an area of 36,418 square miles, making it the 38th largest state by area. The state capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union in 1816. The state operates in two time zones: most of Indiana is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), while some counties in the northwest and southwest operate on Central Time (CT).

Bordering States

Michigan

To the north, Indiana shares a border with Michigan, marked by both land and access to Lake Michigan. The northwestern part of Indiana, including cities like Gary and Hammond, has strong ties to Michigan’s largest city, Detroit, through industrial connections, particularly in automotive manufacturing and steel production. Indiana’s access to Lake Michigan gives it a small but significant coastline, which plays a role in shipping, transportation, and tourism.

In addition to industrial ties, the Indiana-Michigan border features shared agricultural regions, with both states contributing to the Midwest’s production of corn, soybeans, and dairy products. Interstate highways such as I-94 and I-69 link the two states, facilitating travel and trade between Indiana and Michigan.

Ohio

To the east, Indiana shares a long border with Ohio, extending over 150 miles. The Indiana-Ohio border region is characterized by rolling plains and farmland, with both states sharing a significant agricultural heritage. The cities of Richmond, Indiana, and Dayton, Ohio, are key hubs near the border, with cultural and economic ties that reflect the interconnectedness of the two states.

The interstate relationship between Indiana and Ohio is enhanced by major highways like I-70, which connects Indianapolis to Columbus, Ohio, promoting trade, transportation, and business cooperation between the two states. Additionally, industries like manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture are prominent on both sides of the border, creating shared economic interests in these sectors.

Kentucky

To the south, Indiana shares a border with Kentucky, primarily defined by the Ohio River, which serves as a natural boundary between the two states. The river is vital for transportation and commerce, with several key cities, including Evansville, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, positioned along its banks. The Ohio River is navigable, allowing for significant shipping and industrial activity, particularly in the transport of coal, steel, and agricultural products.

Cultural ties between Indiana and Kentucky are strong, with southern Indiana reflecting many aspects of Kentucky’s heritage, especially in terms of music, cuisine, and sports. The Kentucky Derby and basketball traditions in Kentucky have a broad influence in southern Indiana, especially in cities like New Albany and Jeffersonville, which are closely linked to Louisville’s metropolitan area.

Illinois

To the west, Indiana is bordered by Illinois, with much of the border defined by the Wabash River. The two states share agricultural interests, with vast fields of corn, soybeans, and other crops dominating the landscape on both sides of the border. The cities of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Danville, Illinois, are key urban centers near the border, fostering economic cooperation and cultural exchange.

The interstate highways I-70 and I-65 are critical transportation routes connecting the cities of Indianapolis and Chicago, Illinois, with millions of people traveling between these two major urban areas each year. The Indiana-Illinois border region is also known for its industrial output, with manufacturing plants and logistics hubs benefiting from proximity to both states’ major transportation corridors.

GPS Coordinates

Indiana’s geographic location places it between 37°46′ N and 41°45′ N latitude and 84°47′ W and 88°6′ W longitude, positioning it in the eastern-central part of the United States. The state is situated within the Midwestern region, giving it a central location that provides easy access to other major U.S. regions, including the East Coast, South, and Great Lakes areas.

The northernmost point of Indiana, located near the town of Angola, is part of the state’s access to Lake Michigan. This northern region of Indiana is characterized by a more industrial landscape, with strong connections to the steel industry and shipping routes through the Great Lakes. The southernmost point of Indiana lies at the border with Kentucky near Evansville, where the Ohio River serves as a vital waterway for trade and commerce.

The easternmost point of Indiana, located near the city of Richmond, borders Ohio and is known for its fertile farmland and small-town communities. In contrast, the westernmost point, located near Mount Carmel, Illinois, along the Wabash River, is part of the state’s rich agricultural region, where crops like corn and soybeans dominate the landscape.

These GPS coordinates place Indiana predominantly within the Eastern Time Zone (ET), though counties in the northwest and southwest, including those near Chicago, operate on Central Time (CT) due to their proximity to Illinois and the broader Chicago metropolitan area. Indiana’s central location and time zone flexibility make it a key state for transportation and commerce.

Levels of Elevation

Indiana’s topography is relatively flat, but the state does have some variations in elevation, from low-lying river valleys to gently rolling hills in the southern regions. The lowest point in Indiana is located at 320 feet above sea level along the Ohio River, where the river flows out of the state near Evansville. This southern area, part of the Ohio River Valley, is characterized by flatlands that have been historically important for agriculture and trade.

In contrast, Indiana’s highest point is Hoosier Hill, located in Wayne County, near the Ohio border. At 1,257 feet above sea level, Hoosier Hill is not a mountainous peak but rather a gently elevated hill that represents the highest natural elevation in the state. The surrounding area is typical of Indiana’s rural landscape, with farmland and forests creating a peaceful, scenic environment.

Between these two extremes, much of Indiana’s elevation ranges from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The central part of the state, including cities like Indianapolis, sits at an average elevation of about 700 feet, making it ideal for urban development and infrastructure projects. The northern part of the state, including the Lake Michigan shoreline, is relatively flat and low in elevation, while the southern part of Indiana is more varied, with rolling hills and valleys formed by the Ohio River and its tributaries.

The rolling hills in southern Indiana, particularly in areas like Brown County and the Hoosier National Forest, are among the state’s most scenic regions. These hills are popular for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation, offering a contrast to the otherwise flat landscape that dominates much of the state.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Indiana’s geographic extremities highlight the diversity of its landscape, from urban centers to rural farming regions and natural rivers.

• Northernmost point: The northernmost point of Indiana is located near the town of Fremont in Steuben County, close to the border with Michigan. This region is known for its proximity to Pokagon State Park and Lake James, popular destinations for outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, and camping. The northern part of Indiana, especially near Angola, is characterized by lakes and woodlands, making it a favorite for nature lovers.
• Southernmost point: Indiana’s southernmost point is located in Posey County, near the town of Mount Vernon, along the Ohio River. This area is part of the broader Ohio River Valley and is known for its rich farmland, industrial activity, and historic significance. The Ohio River has long been a critical trade route, and towns along its banks have thrived due to their access to water transportation.
• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of Indiana lies in Union City, on the border with Ohio. Union City is a small town that straddles the Indiana-Ohio border, with parts of the community located in both states. This area is typical of Indiana’s rural eastern region, with agriculture being the primary economic activity. The flat plains of eastern Indiana are ideal for growing crops like corn and soybeans, which are vital to the state’s agricultural economy.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Indiana is located near the town of Mount Carmel, Illinois, along the Wabash River, which forms the natural boundary between Indiana and Illinois. The Wabash River is a key feature of this region, and the surrounding area is known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity. This part of Indiana is deeply connected to the broader Midwest farming economy, with a focus on corn, soybeans, and livestock.

Major Mountains

Indiana is not known for its mountainous terrain, but it does have regions of elevated land, particularly in the southern part of the state where rolling hills and ridges form the state’s highest points. While the state lacks the dramatic mountain ranges found in other parts of the country, its hilly regions, particularly in the Hoosier National Forest and Brown County, offer some of the most scenic landscapes in Indiana.

The Knobstone Escarpment is the most prominent geological feature in southern Indiana, forming a series of rugged hills and ridges that stretch across several counties. The Knobstone Trail, Indiana’s longest hiking trail, winds through this region, offering hikers a challenging path through forested hills, ravines, and ridges. The Knobstone Escarpment is often referred to as Indiana’s version of the Appalachian Mountains, although its elevations are much more modest.

The Hoosier National Forest, located in south-central Indiana, covers more than 200,000 acres and features some of the most hilly and forested terrain in the state. This region is a popular destination for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. The hills in the Hoosier National Forest, while not technically mountains, provide a stark contrast to the flat farmland that dominates much of Indiana’s landscape.

The Cincinnati Arch, a broad uplift of land that extends from Ohio into southern Indiana, is another important geological feature. This ancient uplift has created rolling hills and valleys throughout the region, particularly in Brown County and surrounding areas. Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest state park, is located in this hilly region and is known for its picturesque landscapes, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. The park’s rugged terrain and steep hills are popular among hikers and cyclists.

Overall, while Indiana lacks towering mountains, its hilly regions provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the state. These areas are also important for biodiversity, with forests, rivers, and wetlands supporting a variety of plant and animal species.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Indiana’s waterways are crucial to its economy, environment, and recreational activities. The state is home to several major rivers and lakes, many of which serve as key resources for agriculture, industry, and tourism.

The most significant river in Indiana is the Wabash River, which flows across the western part of the state and forms part of the border with Illinois. The Wabash River is Indiana’s official state river and plays an important role in the state’s history, commerce, and agriculture. The river’s fertile floodplains provide rich soil for farming, and the Wabash is also a major transportation route for shipping agricultural and industrial products.

The Ohio River, which forms the entire southern boundary of Indiana, is another vital waterway. The Ohio River is navigable and serves as a major conduit for shipping and transportation. Cities like Evansville, New Albany, and Jeffersonville are located along the Ohio River and benefit from its commercial and industrial activity. The river is also popular for recreational activities such as boating and fishing, and its scenic beauty attracts tourists to the southern part of the state.

Indiana is home to several important lakes, including Lake Michigan, which forms the state’s northwestern boundary. Indiana’s small but significant coastline on Lake Michigan provides access to major shipping routes, and the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor is a key industrial port on the Great Lakes. The Lake Michigan shoreline is also a popular destination for tourism, with the Indiana Dunes National Park offering sandy beaches, hiking trails, and unique ecosystems.

Other notable lakes in Indiana include Monroe Lake, the largest inland lake in the state, located near Bloomington. Monroe Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping, drawing visitors from across the region. Patoka Lake, located in southern Indiana, is another large reservoir that supports recreational activities and wildlife habitat. Both lakes serve as important water supply sources for nearby communities.

In addition to its major rivers and lakes, Indiana is dotted with smaller streams, creeks, and ponds that contribute to the state’s agricultural and recreational economy. These waterways support fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, making Indiana a state with diverse water resources despite its relatively flat topography.