There’s a reason why small towns can be so enchanting; they exude the allure of a Hallmark movie, where anything can happen as you stroll down the quaint main street.
Recently, World Atlas named Galena the best small town in all of Illinois; however, it’s not the only place they recognized, as they named one town in each state.
Fortunately, Illinois is surrounded by five states, most of which are relatively close to Chicago. One of these states, Indiana, boasts a town that radiates creativity and is full of cultural attractions.

A guide to Nashville, Indiana
Nashville, Indiana, is regarded as a historic artists’ colony situated in the mystical Blue Hills of Brown County, Indiana, and is recognized as the center of the Brown County Art Colony.
Galleries, museums, theatres, and fine restaurants create a picturesque environment with tons of ways to enjoy yourself. For example, watch a play at the Brown County Playhouse or indulge in some art at the Brown County Art Gallery.
If you’re not drawn to the cultural scene, Nashville also has stunning natural attractions.
Namely, Brown County State Park, the largest of Indiana’s 24 state parks, is the complete package for nature lovers visiting Nashville. To this end, the park’s 1.2 million annual visitors engage in a plethora of pursuits, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and even ice fishing. From man-made to nature’s creativity, there is much to do in this artistic Indiana town.
How to get to Nashville, Indiana
By car: Nashville, Indiana, is about a 4-hour drive from Chicago via I-65 N
By bus: Take FlixBus 2512 to Bloomington, Indiana, then rent a car.