If there's one thing we really, really love, it's a good road trip. There's just something about getting out and about, just you and the road, that's especially relaxing. We've done all sorts of fun trips, like hidden gem road trips and even spooky autumn road trips, so we thought we'd do another! Let's embark upon an epic journey to some of the Hoosier State's most scenic, sought-after destinations. This scenic Indiana road trip is perfect for a day trip (the drive is just over seven hours long), or for longer outings (we suggest taking time to explore each stop), and it's wonderful all year round! Gas up and let's go - to follow along, check out the official route on Google Maps.
We’ll begin our trip at what might just be THE most incredible landscapes in Indiana.
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore AKA Indiana Dunes National Park is so astonishingly beautiful – and surreal – that you might just forget you’re in Indiana. Honestly, though, you might forget you’re in Indiana during most of the stops on this journey, so you might want to be ready for that. Visit the official website to plan your adventure before you arrive!
Next up: Salamonie River State Forest, AKA paradise.
As far as state forests go, Salamonie River State Forest is relatively small; at just 850 acres in size, it’s a tiny-but-mighty powerhouse in terms of natural beauty. The forest is situated along and around the Salamonie River, and Salamonie Lake is, predictably, here as well. Interestingly, this area got its start due to extensive topsoil erosion; it was established to reclaim the land and help it to heal by reforesting. Looking at it now, we’d say the effort was a major success, considering this is easily one of the most beautiful places in the entire Hoosier State. Check out some of the best hikes in the Salamonie River State Forest on AllTrails!
Now, we wander to the site of one of Indiana's most breathtaking waterfalls.
Did you know that Indiana is home to more than 20 different waterfalls? Well, it is, and here’s one of the best. At 90 feet tall, Williamsport Falls is the tallest waterfall in Indiana. It’s best to drop in following a good, solid rain event, though the falls are there year-round. Read more about Williamsport Falls in this article.
Next: Turkey Run State Park, but more specifically, the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve inside Turkey Run State Park.
Turkey Run State Park is absolutely incredible when it comes to scenic Indiana. You’ll feel like you’ve fallen right into Middle Earth when you visit the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve within the park. During the warm months of the year, it’s intensely lush and emerald green, and during the coldest months, it becomes something of a breathtaking winter wonderland. This one is extremely popular, and for obvious reasons: it’s easily one of the best places for nature lovers in the entire Hoosier State. Learn more about the preserve with this handy PDF from Indiana.gov.
Our second-to-last stop brings us to McCormick's Creek State Park, which you've got to see to believe.
Photos don't do it justice. This here is the oldest state park in all of Indiana. It was dedicated in 1916 and has been providing Hoosiers with a stunning natural getaway ever since. Be sure to explore McCormick’s Creek Canyon, and do NOT miss the breathtaking waterfalls in this park. Also contained here are some of the best hiking trails in Indiana, and some of the most ridiculously scenic views. Honestly, this is one you just can’t skip. There’s always something amazing here to check out and explore, and it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Learn more on the official website!
Our final stop brings us to the county that most people call Indiana’s most beautiful.
Considering this reputation for perfection, it’s no surprise that they decided to plop a state park right here. Trust us when we say that Brown County State Park is truly majestic; each stop on this journey is easily worth an entire day’s worth of exploration, but this one is especially wonderful. It’s probably our favorite stop on this entire trip, so we saved it for last. Read more on the official website!
So, there you have it: an awe-inspiring road trip to and through some of Indiana's most scenic destinations. We have no doubt that by the time you've finished your journey, you'll be as head-over-heels in love with the Hoosier State as we are. Make sure to bring a camera! You'll need it to remember some of these amazing places for years to come (though they are impossible to really forget).
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