Road Trip Through Indiana
Updated: April 26, 2021
When you think of Indiana, what is the first thought that 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 for me. 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 own state has become a favorite past time of mine. I find something new with each trip!
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I was born and raised in Indiana. In fact, I’m still living here (my husband and children were born and raised here as well). We are the Hoosiers behind this blog! Since I could spend all day talking about Indiana, I decided to write an entire chapter all about it in the new book, Midwest Road Trip Adventures – which is now available on this website and Amazon!
Order an autographed copy of Midwest Road Trip Adventures HERE!
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 note some of the other great things there are to do in the central Indiana area as well.
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.
Central Indiana
- Hike the canyon trails at Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park.
- My very own county, 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 entire Wayne County area is rich in history, good food, great coffee, and historical underground railroad landmarks. And an affordable visit for families!
- Cambridge City, along the Old National Road, 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.
North West Indiana Road Trip
- Travel along the Lincoln Highway Byway, ending or beginning in north-west 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 Studebake 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.
North East Indiana Road Trip
- Home to the 2nd largest city in Indiana: Fort Wayne. Visit the art museum, 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 for shopping at Amish owned businesses offering comfort foods, meats, cheeses, and handcrafts. It’s a popular spot in the summer, bringing in people from all over for their famous flea market.
- Elkhart County sits in the middle of 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 do the Garfield Trail! Spend the night in Marion at the lovely Old Oak Inn Bed & Breakfast.
South West Indiana Road Trip
- Travel along the Ohio River Scenic Byway that runs through south-west Indiana.
- Visit the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial in Lincoln City, Indiana.
- It’s Christmas year-round in the holiday-themed city of Santa Claus, Indiana, where elves are always working and Christmas decorations are always up.
- Learn all about Indiana history, comedian Red Skelton, 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 restaurant options.
- 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 the caves, pioneer village, and Grissom Memorial at Spring Mills State Park.
- 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.
South East Indiana Road Trip
- Columbus, Indiana offers art, breweries, and nature. 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, shopping, and it is home to the Grist Mill.
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