Higher Education  

In Indiana, there are about 40 colleges and universities and 25 community colleges. The largest state institution is Indiana University, with has its main campus in Bloomington and branch campuses in Gary, Kokomo, New Albany, Richmond, and South Bend. Indiana University-Purdue University has campuses in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Purdue University's main campus is in West Lafayette; its branch campuses are in Hammond and Westville. Other large state universities are Ball State University, in Muncie; Indiana State University, in Terre Haute; and the University of Southern Indiana, in Evansville. Some of the state's private institutions are Butler University, in Indianapolis; DePauw University, in Greencastle; Earlham College, in Richmond; University of Notre Dame, in South Bend; Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, in Terre Haute; University of Indianapolis, in Indianapolis; and Wabash College, in Crawfordsville.

Geography

With a total area of 93,994 square kilometers, Indiana is the smallest of the twelve midwestern states. Indiana's three main land divisions are the Great Lakes Plains, the Till Plains area, and the Southern Hills and Lowlands region. Located in the northern quarter of the state, the Great Lakes Plains is a level area, part of which borders Lake Michigan. The Till Plains area, containing Indiana's most fertile soil, is characterized by flat lands and gentle hills. The Southern Hills and Lowlands is a scenic region noted for its hills, sharp ridges, valleys, steep bluffs, natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls. The Wabash River is Indiana's longest river. Other rivers are the St. Joseph River, the St. Mary's River, the Pigeon River, and the Elkhart River. Monroe Lake is a large man-man lake covering 75 square kilometers. Indiana's largest cities are Indianapolis (capital), Fort Wayne, Evansville, Gary, South Bend, and Hammond. The state's population is over 5.5 million.

Climate

Indiana experiences hot summers and relatively cold winters. January temperatures average from -4° C in South Bend in the northern part of the state, to 2° C in Evansville in the southern part of the state. Average July temperatures range from 23° C in South Bend to 26° C in Evansville. The average annual precipitation in Indiana is 91 centimeters. Snowfall in the state is typically much heavier in the north than in the south.

Cultural Profile

Major performing arts organizations include the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indiana University's opera workshop, and Nashville's Brown County Playhouse. Many of the state's colleges and universities host musical, dramatic, and dance events each year.

Museums located in Indianapolis include the Indiana State Museum, the Children's Museum, the Speedway Museum, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Other museums are the Evansville Museum of Arts and Sciences; the Indiana University Art Museum, in Bloomington; the House of Clocks Museum, in French Lick; and the Wilbur H. Cummings Museum of Electronics in Valparaiso.

Recreation

One of the most famous sporting events held in Indiana is the annual Indianapolis 500 auto race, which attracts thousands of spectators from all over the world. Indiana has dozens of state parks, state forests, and state fish and wildlife areas. The Hoosier National Forest, located near Bedford, covers 76,082 hectares. Having more than 1,000 lakes, Indiana offers water sports such as boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. For spelunking enthusiasts, there are many caves to explore in the southern part of the state.

Interesting Facts

In 1870, the first college sorority in the USA was started at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. The people of Indiana are known as "Hoosiers." Some famous Hoosiers are James Whitcomb Riley (poet); Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (writer); Jim Davis (creator of the "Garfield" comic strip); Hoagy Carmichael (songwriter); Cole Porter (songwriter); James Dean (actor); Steve McQueen (actor); Jane Pauley (television journalist); Twyla Tharp (dancer and choreographer); and Michael Jackson (pop star).