Indiana is the \"Hoosier\" State.The Crossroads of America and the Eastern Gateway to Chicago and America\'s Great Heartland. The state flower is the peony, state bird is the cardinal, state tree is the tulip tree, state song is \"On the Banks of the Wabash\", state poem is \"Indiana\", state stone is limestone and state river is the Wabash River. The word \"Indiana\" means \"land of the Indians\". Home to the Notre Dame University, Indiana U. and Indiana Sate U. and many other smaller Colleges and Universities.
The Capital City in the Ccenter of the state is Indianapolis, home of the Indianapolis 500 Motor Racing Track and the Brickyard 500. Other professional sports teams make the state their home. the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Fever, Indiana Firebirds, and the Indiana Pacers (NBA)
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana.