Here Are 12 Things People from Indiana Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Indiana might be known as the Crossroads of America, but it’s also the crossroads of some seriously quirky habits. To Hoosiers, these things make perfect sense—but to outsiders, they often look like a mix of small-town oddities and Midwestern mysteries. From cornfield pride to basketball obsession, Indiana has its own unique brand of “normal.”

1. Brag About Corn Like It’s Treasure

It’s not just a crop—it’s an identity. Outsiders roll their eyes, but Hoosiers know cornfields mean home.

2. Call Themselves “Hoosiers” Without Explaining Why

Nobody can really define what a Hoosier is, but if you’re from Indiana, you don’t question it. Outsiders are just left confused.

3. Consider Basketball a Religion

High school gyms in Indiana are bigger than some college arenas. Outsiders don’t get it until they see the crowds.

4. Put Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches Bigger Than the Plate on Menus

The bun is tiny, the meat hangs off like a blanket, and yes—it’s supposed to look like that.

5. Complain About the Weather Every 5 Minutes

Snow, sun, thunderstorms, and tornado warnings can all happen in the same day. Outsiders are bewildered, locals just shrug.

6. Wave at Strangers on Country Roads

Even if you don’t know them, you’re getting “the wave.” Outsiders find it weird; Hoosiers call it being polite.

7. Host the World’s Biggest Racing Party

The Indy 500 isn’t just a race—it’s a statewide holiday complete with parades, cookouts, and enough beer to fill a pit stop.

8. Put Ranch Dressing on Absolutely Everything

Pizza, fries, sandwiches—Hoosiers consider ranch a universal condiment.

9. Give Directions Using Only Landmarks

“You’ll see the red barn, turn right after the silo, then left where the old Dairy Queen used to be.” Outsiders are instantly lost.

10. Act Like County Fairs Are Major Events

Deep-fried Oreos, tractor pulls, demolition derbies—outsiders think it’s quirky, but Hoosiers live for it.

11. Insist That Daylight Saving Time is Confusing

Time zones have changed so many times in Indiana that even locals still debate what time it is. Outsiders can’t keep up.

12. Brag About Small-Town Life While Secretly Driving to Chicago for Fun

Hoosiers love their quiet hometowns—but when they need excitement, the Windy City is just a road trip away.

To outsiders, these Indiana quirks might seem a little unusual—or downright insane. But for Hoosiers, they’re just part of everyday life in the heart of the Midwest. Stick around long enough and you’ll be eating pork tenderloin sandwiches bigger than your face, waving at strangers, and planning your year around the Indy 500.