Discover the fascinating world of the Hoosier State with this ultimate collection of 101 Indiana trivia questions and answers! Divided into fun categories like history, geography, famous Hoosiers, and more, this trivia quiz is perfect for classrooms, game nights, or anyone who loves Indiana. Test your knowledge and learn something new about this iconic Midwestern state!
Indiana Trivia Questions and Answers
Here are 101 Indiana Trivia Questions and Answers, organized by category.
Indiana History
Q: In what year did Indiana become a state?
A: 1816
Q: Who was the first governor of Indiana?
A: Jonathan Jennings
Q: What was Indiana’s original capital before Indianapolis?
A: Corydon
Q: What Native American leader resisted U.S. expansion in Indiana?
A: Tecumseh
Q: What important Civil War general hailed from Indiana?
A: Lew Wallace
Q: Which U.S. President was born in Indiana?
A: Benjamin Harrison
Q: What year was the University of Indiana founded?
A: 1820
Q: What French explorer first explored Indiana territory?
A: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
Q: What was the name of the territory before it became the state of Indiana?
A: Indiana Territory
Q: What famous event happened in 1811 near present-day Lafayette involving Native Americans?
A: The Battle of Tippecanoe
Geography of Indiana
Q: What is the capital city of Indiana?
A: Indianapolis
Q: Which Great Lake borders Indiana?
A: Lake Michigan
Q: What river forms the southern boundary of Indiana?
A: Ohio River
Q: What is the highest natural point in Indiana?
A: Hoosier Hill
Q: What major interstate highway runs north-south through Indiana?
A: Interstate 65
Q: What time zone is most of Indiana in?
A: Eastern Time Zone
Q: What region of Indiana is known for sand dunes?
A: Northwest Indiana
Q: Which U.S. states border Indiana?
A: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio
Q: What is the approximate geographic center of Indiana?
A: Near Indianapolis
Q: What large man-made body of water is located near Bloomington, Indiana?
A: Lake Monroe
Famous Hoosiers
Q: What NBA legend was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana?
A: Larry Bird
Q: Which late-night TV host grew up in Indiana?
A: David Letterman
Q: Which Vice President under Donald Trump is from Indiana?
A: Mike Pence
Q: Who is the famous Indiana author of “Ben-Hur”?
A: Lew Wallace
Q: What astronaut from Indiana walked on the moon during Apollo 17?
A: Eugene Cernan
Q: Which singer from Indiana is known for “Jack & Diane”?
A: John Mellencamp
Q: What actor known for “The Fugitive” and “Men in Black” is from Indiana?
A: Tommy Lee Jones (Note: Actually born in Texas — use Michael Jackson, who was born in Gary, Indiana)
Q: What famous pop star was born in Gary, Indiana?
A: Michael Jackson
Q: Which auto racing champion from Indiana is known for winning the Indy 500?
A: Wilbur Shaw
Q: What famous WWII journalist was born in Indiana?
A: Ernie Pyle
State Symbols and Identity
Q: What is the official state bird of Indiana?
A: Northern Cardinal
Q: What is Indiana’s state flower?
A: Peony
Q: What is Indiana’s state tree?
A: Tulip Tree
Q: What is Indiana’s official state motto?
A: The Crossroads of America
Q: What is Indiana’s official nickname?
A: The Hoosier State
Q: What is the state stone of Indiana?
A: Salem limestone
Q: What is the state river of Indiana?
A: Wabash River
Q: What is the state insect of Indiana?
A: Say’s Firefly
Q: What is Indiana’s official state language?
A: English
Q: What is depicted on the Indiana state flag?
A: A torch surrounded by stars
Education in Indiana
Q: What city is Indiana University located in?
A: Bloomington
Q: What is the mascot of Purdue University?
A: Boilermaker Special
Q: In which Indiana city is Notre Dame University located?
A: South Bend
Q: What Ivy League school has a campus in Indiana?
A: None
Q: Which university’s basketball team is known as the Hoosiers?
A: Indiana University
Q: What is Ball State University’s mascot?
A: Charlie Cardinal
Q: Where is Valparaiso University located?
A: Valparaiso
Q: Which college in Indiana is known for its engineering program?
A: Purdue University
Q: What private liberal arts college in Indiana has a chapel called the “Chapel of the Resurrection”?
A: Valparaiso University
Q: What Indiana college is located in Greencastle?
A: DePauw University
Sports in Indiana
Q: What is the name of Indiana’s NBA team?
A: Indiana Pacers
Q: What Indianapolis-based team plays in the NFL?
A: Indianapolis Colts
Q: What city hosts the Indy 500 race?
A: Indianapolis
Q: What racetrack hosts the Brickyard 400 NASCAR event?
A: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Q: What is the name of Purdue University’s football stadium?
A: Ross-Ade Stadium
Q: Who is the Indiana Fever’s WNBA superstar drafted in 2024?
A: Caitlin Clark
Q: What iconic Indiana high school basketball movie stars Gene Hackman?
A: Hoosiers
Q: What is the name of Indiana University’s basketball arena?
A: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Q: What minor league baseball team plays in Fort Wayne?
A: Fort Wayne TinCaps
Q: Which annual event is known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”?
A: Indianapolis 500
Cities and Landmarks
Q: What is the largest city in Indiana?
A: Indianapolis
Q: What city is known for the steel industry and located on Lake Michigan?
A: Gary
Q: What Indiana city is home to the Studebaker National Museum?
A: South Bend
Q: What city is known for the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World”?
A: Rockville
Q: Where is the Indiana Dunes National Park located?
A: Northwest Indiana
Q: Which city hosts the Indiana State Fair?
A: Indianapolis
Q: What southern Indiana town is famous for its caves?
A: Marengo
Q: What city is home to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis?
A: Indianapolis
Q: In which city can you visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art?
A: Indianapolis
Q: What town near French Lick is famous for its historic resort?
A: West Baden Springs
Economy and Industry
Q: What industry is Indiana a national leader in?
A: Manufacturing
Q: What is Indiana’s top agricultural product?
A: Corn
Q: What auto company has a major plant in Lafayette, Indiana?
A: Subaru
Q: What port city in Indiana lies on Lake Michigan?
A: Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor
Q: What crop is most commonly used for biofuels in Indiana?
A: Corn
Q: What major pharmaceutical company is based in Indianapolis?
A: Eli Lilly and Company
Q: What energy source is still widely used in Indiana?
A: Coal
Q: What metal industry is a major part of Indiana’s economy?
A: Steel
Q: What is Indiana’s rank in the U.S. for manufacturing jobs?
A: Among the top five
Q: What famous popcorn brand originated in Indiana?
A: Orville Redenbacher
Events and Culture
Q: What major event takes place every Memorial Day weekend in Indiana?
A: Indianapolis 500
Q: What is the name of the state’s largest agricultural fair?
A: Indiana State Fair
Q: What fall festival in Evansville draws huge crowds annually?
A: West Side Nut Club Fall Festival
Q: What summer event celebrates hot air balloons in Indiana?
A: Balloons Over Angel Fire (Note: Not Indiana — use Jasper Strassenfest)
Q: What Indiana town is famous for a Santa Claus theme year-round?
A: Santa Claus
Q: What holiday-themed attraction is found in Santa Claus, Indiana?
A: Holiday World
Q: What is a “Hoosier cabinet”?
A: A type of kitchen cabinet invented in Indiana
Q: What annual music event is held at Brown County State Park?
A: Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
Q: What cultural district in Indianapolis is known for art galleries and studios?
A: Mass Ave Arts District
Q: What famous comedy show creator was from Indiana and worked on “SNL”?
A: Jim Gaffigan (also known comedian from Indiana)
Fun Facts About Indiana
Q: What does “Hoosier” mean?
A: The origin is unclear, but it refers to a resident of Indiana
Q: What unique law did Indiana once try to pass regarding Pi?
A: That Pi equals 3.2
Q: What famous fictional archaeologist is from Indiana?
A: Indiana Jones
Q: What is the largest children’s museum in the world located in Indiana?
A: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Q: What is the shape of the state of Indiana often compared to?
A: A boot
Q: What is the name of the Indiana state fairgrounds stadium?
A: Indiana Farmers Coliseum
Q: What sweet corn-based treat is famous at the Indiana State Fair?
A: Roasted corn on the cob
Q: What is the tallest building in Indiana?
A: Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis
Q: What famous covered bridge festival is held in Indiana?
A: Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
Q: What is the state’s most commonly used nickname for residents?
A: Hoosiers
State Symbols and Facts
Indiana’s state symbols reflect its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
| Symbol | Designation Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| State Bird | 1933 | Northern Cardinal |
| State Flower | 1957 | Peony |
| State Tree | 1931 | Tulip Tree |
| State Stone | 1971 | Salem Limestone |
| State River | 1996 | Wabash River |
| State Song | 1913 | “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” |
| State Snack | 2021 | Popcorn |
| State Fossil | 2022 | Mastodon |
| State Aircraft | 2015 | Republic P-47 Thunderbolt “Hoosier Spirit II” |
| State Firearm | 2012 | Grouseland Rifle |
Historical Highlights
Indiana’s history is rich and varied, from its early statehood to significant events.
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Statehood: Indiana became the 19th state of the United States on December 11, 1816.
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First Capital: Corydon served as the first state capital until 1825, after which Indianapolis took over.
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Name Origin: The name “Indiana” means “Land of the Indians,” reflecting the area’s Native American heritage.
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First Governor: Jonathan Jennings was Indiana’s first governor, serving from 1816 to 1822.
Geographical Wonders
Indiana’s landscape offers diverse geographical features.
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Highest Point: Hoosier Hill, located in Wayne County, stands at 1,257 feet above sea level.
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Major Rivers: The Wabash River is the state’s official river, flowing freely for 475 miles.
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Forests: Before settlement, over 80% of Indiana was forested; today, about 17% remains forested.
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Limestone Deposits: Indiana is renowned for its Salem Limestone, used in structures like the Empire State Building.
Cultural Contributions
Indiana has made significant cultural contributions, particularly in literature and architecture.
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State Song: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” was adopted in 1913 and reflects the state’s natural beauty.
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Popcorn Production: Indiana produces over 20% of the U.S. popcorn supply, making it a leading state in popcorn agriculture.
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Santa Claus, Indiana: This town receives thousands of letters to Santa each year and responds to each one.
Famous Hoosiers
Indiana has been home to many notable individuals who have made significant impacts in various fields.
| Name | Field | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Larry Bird | Basketball | NBA legend and Hall of Famer |
| James Dean | Acting | Iconic actor known for “Rebel Without a Cause” |
| Michael Jackson | Music | “King of Pop,” born in Gary, Indiana |
| Kurt Vonnegut | Literature | Renowned author of “Slaughterhouse-Five” |
| Jim Davis | Comics | Creator of the “Garfield” comic strip |
Indiana’s passion for sports, especially basketball, is deeply rooted.
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Hoosier Hysteria: This term describes the state’s fervent enthusiasm for high school basketball.
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Indianapolis 500: Held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s one of the most prestigious auto races globally.
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Basketball Origins: The first professional baseball game was played in Fort Wayne in 1871.
Economic Insights
Indiana’s economy is diverse, with strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
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Agriculture: The state is a leading producer of corn and soybeans.
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Manufacturing: Indiana has a strong manufacturing sector, including automotive and steel production.
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Transportation: Known as the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana’s central location makes it a transportation hub.
Miscellaneous Marvels
Indiana is full of unique and interesting facts.
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Coca-Cola Bottle Design: The iconic contour bottle was designed in Terre Haute in 1915.
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Covered Bridges: Parke County is known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” boasting 31 historic bridges.
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State Pie: Sugar Cream Pie, also known as “Hoosier Pie,” is a traditional Indiana dessert.
FAQs About Indiana Trivia Questions and Answers
Q1: What is Indiana’s state nickname?
A1: Indiana is nicknamed the “Hoosier State.”
Q2: When did Indiana achieve statehood?
A2: Indiana became the 19th state on December 11, 1816.
Q3: What is the capital of Indiana?
A3: Indianapolis is the capital and largest city of Indiana.
Q4: Who is a famous basketball player from Indiana?
A4: Larry Bird, an NBA legend, hails from Indiana.
Q5: What is Indiana’s state bird?
A5: The Northern Cardinal is Indiana’s state bird.
Q6: What major sporting event is held in Indiana?
A6: The Indianapolis 500, a renowned auto race, is held annually.
Q7: What is Indiana’s state flower?
A7: The Peony is the state flower of Indiana.
Q8: What is unique about Santa Claus, Indiana?
A8: The town receives and responds to thousands of letters to Santa each year.
Q9: What is Indiana’s state song?
A9: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” is the official state song.
Q10: What is Indiana’s state snack?
A10: Popcorn was designated as the state snack in 2021.
Conclusion
Indiana’s rich history, cultural contributions, and unique facts make it a fascinating state to explore. From its passionate sports culture to its significant agricultural output, Indiana offers a diverse array of trivia that reflects its unique character and heritage.
