Is Public Nudity Legal in Indiana?
ToleratedRestricted: private venues and exceptions only· Checked by Reto Pascal Wyss
No, Indiana makes knowingly appearing nude in a public place an offence in itself, "public nudity" (IC 35-45-4-1.5). Penalties rise if the person intends to be seen, or is nude in a public park, on school grounds, or (with sexual intent) on Department of Natural Resources property.[1]
Main provision: Ind. Code § 35-45-4-1.5 (public nudity) and § 35-45-4-1 (public indecency)
Designated nude beaches or tolerance?
Sources we found document no designated clothing-optional beach in Indiana; public nudity in public parks and on DNR property is specifically penalised.[1]
Private naturist clubs and resorts
AANR Midwest lists Fern Hills Club in Bloomington, Indiana, and its club map also places Lake o' the Woods Club and the Indiana Naturists group in Indiana.[3][4]
Penalties
Public nudity: Class C misdemeanor; Class B with intent to be seen; Class A in schools, public parks or (with sexual intent) DNR property; Level 6 felony with a prior conviction under the higher tiers. Nudity with intent to arouse in public is public indecency, a Class A misdemeanor.[1][2]
Is going topless legal?
No: Indiana's definition of nudity includes showing the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any part of the nipple.[2]
Official naturist places in Indiana
Places NudistMap lists as officially designated or naturist-only. Status comes from open data; check each place page.
Frequently asked questions
Is public nudity legal in Indiana?
No, Indiana makes knowingly appearing nude in a public place an offence in itself, "public nudity" (IC 35-45-4-1.5). Penalties rise if the person intends to be seen, or is nude in a public park, on school grounds, or (with sexual intent) on Department of Natural Resources property.
Are there official nude beaches in Indiana?
Sources we found document no designated clothing-optional beach in Indiana; public nudity in public parks and on DNR property is specifically penalised.
Is nudity allowed at private naturist clubs in Indiana?
AANR Midwest lists Fern Hills Club in Bloomington, Indiana, and its club map also places Lake o' the Woods Club and the Indiana Naturists group in Indiana.
What is the penalty for public nudity in Indiana?
Public nudity: Class C misdemeanor; Class B with intent to be seen; Class A in schools, public parks or (with sexual intent) DNR property; Level 6 felony with a prior conviction under the higher tiers. Nudity with intent to arouse in public is public indecency, a Class A misdemeanor.
Is going topless legal in Indiana?
No: Indiana's definition of nudity includes showing the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any part of the nipple.
Sources
- Ind. Code § 35-45-4-1.5 (FindLaw) (statute)
- Ind. Code § 35-45-4-1 (FindLaw) (statute)
- AANR Midwest (federation)
- AANR Midwest club locator (map) (federation)
This page summarises the law for travellers and is not legal advice. Laws, local bylaws and enforcement change; follow local signs and check the sources below. Last checked 31 October 2026.