Indiana – the Hoosier State, where cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see, and basketball isn’t just a sport – it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re cruising down a country road or cheering on the Pacers, Indiana is full of surprises that locals hold close to their hearts. If you’ve ever wondered what makes this state so special, here are 10 things only true Hoosiers will understand.
Basketball is life, and we’re not kidding
In Indiana, basketball isn’t just a game – it’s the game. Whether it’s high school, college, or the pros, the love for basketball runs deep here. If you’ve never been to a high school game on a Friday night, you haven’t seen the true passion of a Hoosier. We live for our teams, and if you’re not rooting for the Pacers or the Hoosiers, you’re probably in trouble.
The Indy 500 is more than just a race – it’s a holiday
Every year, the Indianapolis 500 brings the state to a screeching halt. It’s not just a car race—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a rite of passage. Whether you’re at the track or watching the race at home, Memorial Day weekend is all about the Indy 500, and you’ll hear “start your engines” echoing through the state for weeks.
We take our “corn” seriously
Indiana is the king of cornfields, and locals take pride in it. From summer corn on the cob to the countless corn festivals, we know our way around a good ear of corn. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you how you like your corn (because that’s a thing), and if it’s not from Indiana, well, it’s just not the same.
You can spot a fellow Hoosier from a mile away
There’s something about Hoosiers that makes us stand out. Whether it’s our unmistakable accent, our love for basketball, or our simple way of life, you can always tell when someone’s from Indiana. And if they say “y’all” with the slightest hint of a drawl, you know you’ve found a true Hoosier.
We’re proud of our “potholes”
It may seem strange, but in Indiana, potholes are a point of pride (or maybe frustration). Every spring, the weather’s freeze-thaw cycle creates an all-too-familiar problem—roads full of potholes. And yet, we talk about them like old friends: “Can you believe that pothole on Main Street?” We know where they are, we dodge them, and we embrace the chaos.
The state fair is the event of the summer
The Indiana State Fair is a highlight of the year. From livestock shows to fried food (fried anything, really), this is where Hoosiers gather to celebrate our agricultural roots and indulge in some serious fair food. You can’t leave without trying the infamous “Hoosier sugar cream pie”—it’s a state treasure.
We really do experience all four seasons in one day
If you’re from Indiana, you know the drill: pack a jacket in the morning, sunscreen in the afternoon, and be prepared for rain by evening. Indiana weather is as unpredictable as it gets, and locals are masters at navigating it. You never know what to expect, but you do know you’ll experience at least a few weather surprises each day.
We’re surprisingly passionate about our “Small Town” pride
Indiana’s small towns are where the real heart of the state lies. From festivals to local diners to cozy main streets, Hoosiers take a lot of pride in where they come from. Whether it’s a local parade or a homecoming game, small towns know how to celebrate, and when it comes to supporting local businesses, we’re all in.
We’ve got the best fairs and festivals, and we won’t hear otherwise
Whether it’s the Covered Bridge Festival, the Pork Festival, or any of the other quirky celebrations, Indiana is known for its fairs and festivals. These events bring out the best of local food, music, and entertainment, and we’ll be the first to tell you that no other state knows how to throw a festival quite like we do.
“Hoosier hospitality” is a real thing
It’s not just a phrase—it’s a way of life. Hoosiers are known for being friendly, welcoming, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether you’re a neighbor, a visitor, or a long-lost friend, in Indiana, you’ll always feel like family. It’s just how we do things around here.
Living in Indiana means embracing the highs and lows, the basketball games and corn festivals, and the unpredictable weather that somehow becomes part of our charm. From our small-town pride to the excitement of the Indy 500, being a Hoosier is about more than just where you live—it’s about how you live. So, next time you visit Indiana, just remember: we’re proud of our state, our traditions, and, of course, our basketball. Come for the corn, stay for the hospitality.
