Road Trips Through Indiana

Updated: July 2024

When you think of Indiana, what first thought comes to mind? Some may say Hoosiers, corn, sugar cream pie, the Indy 500, Notre Dame, and basketball. Those are a few of the first things that come to mind. Although these are some of the more common things Indiana is known for, you wouldn’t believe all the many other things there are to see, do, and taste in this great state. Road-tripping through my state has become a favorite pastime of mine. I find something new with each trip!

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I was born and raised in Indiana (I’m still living here). Since I could spend all day talking about Indiana, I wrote an entire chapter about it in the new book Midwest Road Trip Adventures, available here and on Amazon! Additionally, I’ve added my book 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die to the mix (also available here and on Amazon).

Get To Know Indiana

Let’s get to know Indiana a little better! I’ve divided the state into regions to offer a glimpse of all there is to do in each region. This is just a sample of the many things to do in Indiana. An actual list would be endless – the ideas are ample! We’ll start our road trip tour in Central Indiana (that’s where I live)!

Central Indiana Road Trip

Central Indiana is home to the state capital, Indianapolis. There is so much to do in Indianapolis that I could devote an entire website to it, so I’m only going to list a few of my favorites. I’ll also note some of the other great things to do in the central Indiana area.

Indianapolis

• The Old National Road runs through Indianapolis – this is a great road trip idea!
• Museums – so many of them! Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champs, Newfields, Conner Prairie, and more!
• Garfield Park Sunken Gardens and Conservatory
• Sleep in a train car at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
• Circle the Indiana War Memorial: Soldiers and Sailors Monument, or climb to the top of the monument.
• Walk along the White River Canal or rent a paddleboat or kayak.
• Visit the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo.
• Score tickets to an NBA or NFL game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse or the Lucas Oil Stadium.
• In the summer, enjoy the ample outdoor dining options in Indianapolis.

Central Indiana 

• Hike the canyon trails at Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park.
• Henry County is filled with great food, basketball (including the Hoosier Gym), and Summit Lake State Park!
• Thistlewaite Falls in Richmond, Indiana, offers a fun waterfall. The Wayne County area has a rich history, good food, great coffee, a music scene, and historical underground railroad landmarks. And an affordable visit for families!
• Along the Old National Road, Cambridge City is known for luxury loft accommodations, antiques, and giant cinnamon rolls.
• Unique coffee options and farm-to-fork restaurants can be found in Greenfield, Indiana.
• Terre Haute is known for being the home of the contoured Coke bottle. There are many historical sites here!

Northwest Indiana Road Trip

• Travel along the Lincoln Highway Byway, ending or beginning in northwest Indiana.
• Hike the dunes and swim in Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park.
• Get a glimpse of a lighthouse in Michigan City, Indiana.
• Check out South Bend‘s impressive River Lights Plaza downtown or visit the Studebaker National Museum.
• Take photos in front of the iconic Notre Dame landmarks.
• Visit the farm at Prophetstown State Park or enjoy their amazing outdoor waterpark.
• Take a float trip from the Tippecanoe River and camp at the Tippecanoe State Park.

Northeast Indiana Road Trip

• Home to the 2nd largest city in Indiana: Fort Wayne. Visit the art museum and riverfront, or grab a Coney dog at the famous Coney Island.
• Take a toboggan ride down the winter toboggan run at Pokagon State Park.
• Visit Shipshewana, Indiana, to shop at Amish-owned businesses offering comfort foods, meats, cheeses, and handmade crafts. It’s a popular spot in the summer, attracting people from all over for its famous flea market.
• Explore, stay, and shop in the cozy lake town of Winona Lake.
• Elkhart County is located in northern Indiana and is known for its Heritage Trail, railroads, and bustling downtowns.
• Visit the bison at Ouabache State Park and climb the fire tower.
• Stop in Grant County, Indiana, and go on the Garfield Trail! Spend the night in Marion at the lovely Old Oak Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Southwest Indiana Road Trip

• Travel along the Ohio River Scenic Byway that runs through southwest Indiana.
• Visit the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana.
• In the holiday-themed city of Santa Claus, Indiana, it’s Christmas year-round, with elves always working and Christmas decorations always up. Or splash or ride at the Holiday World Amusement and Splash Park.
• Learn about Indiana history and comedian Red Skelton, and visit one of the best military museums in the county and a National Park in Vincennes, Indiana.
• Corydon, Indiana, is home to Indiana’s first state capital. You can visit this historical site and take an architectural tour of the downtown buildings.
• Visit the beautiful Indiana University campus in Bloomington, stay overnight, and dine in one of many downtown restaurants.
• The French Lick Resort is Indiana’s best resort, with plenty to do for families or couples.
• Hike the trails at Cataract Falls Recreation Area and see two waterfalls.
• Check out Spring Mills State Park’s caves, Pioneer Village, and Grissom Memorial.
• Explore the Marengo Caves (a US National Landmark) in Marengo, Indiana.
• Visit Evansville, home to Bosse Field, the filming site for the movie A League of Their Own, and Indiana’s oldest zoo.
• The community of New Harmony is beautiful! It is filled with sanctuaries, labyrinths, and art and offers a peaceful location to rest and explore.

Southeast Indiana Road Trip

• Columbus, Indiana, offers art, breweries, and nature. It is located just down the road from the popular Nashville, Indiana, and Brown County State Park.
• Eat a tenderloin bigger than your head at the Edinburgh Diner.
• Hike Clifty Fall State Park in Madison, Indiana. Explore historic downtown Madison, offering a view of the Ohio River, museums, and a foodie paradise.
• Visit the Whitewater Memorial State Park for boating and swimming.
• Metamora, Indiana, is known for its Old Fashion Christmas Walk and shopping, and it is home to the Grist Mill.

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