We don’t know about you, but we’re always on the hunt for our next road trip. Whether it’s an outing that keeps us within state lines or a cross-country adventure, there’s no shortage of scenic routes to choose from. If you’re in the Hoosier State, Highway 30 Indiana, known as the Lincoln Highway, is an approximately 188-mile-long stretch of historic highway that goes from one end to another. Want to know more? Read on to learn why this route is one of the most scenic drives in Indiana.

The Lincoln Highway, also known in some spots as Highway 30 (as well as a few other names, as you'll see!), was first dreamt up in the early 1900s. Today, it's one of the best driving roads in Indiana.
Google Maps
This scenic drive in Indiana actually stretches across the United States from New York to California; a solid portion of it goes right through Indiana, and boy, is it ever a fun drive!
History buffs and appreciators of country landscapes will adore this approximately 180-mile-long adventure across the Hoosier state.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Its name differs in several places now (it's most commonly called the Lincoln Byway, but depending on the town you're in, it might take the name of an unassuming street or road), and the original route has changed for the most part. But this particular road trip of one the most scenic drives in Indiana will take you through some of Indiana's most fascinating historic towns. For this trip's sake, let's follow the old 1913 route of the Lincoln Byway.
We begin our adventure on one of Indiana's scenic routes in Allen County, at the Indiana/Ohio state line on US 30.
Allen County, IN, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
From there, you'll drive west and end up at Old Lincoln Highway. Get ready for adventure! You'll pass through the towns and/or census places of Townley, Zulu, and Besancon, where the highway will turn slightly and pass by a historic church. You'll continue north, and pass a historic cemetery. It's a good place to stop for a picnic and do some old-headstone reading if you're the morbidly curious type. From the cemetery, you'll find your way back to US 30 via Old US 30, where you'll turn and head toward Fort Wayne. If your vision is good, you'll see some old remnants of the original Lincoln Highway on many parts of this route. For example, just before I-469, on the southern side of US 30, you'll spot a crumbling frontage road that was once a part of the old Lincoln Highway.

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Eventually, Highway 30 Indiana will turn into SR 930, and you'll want to follow it until you reach Green Street.
Green Street, Green St, Carmel, IN 46033, USA
Steve Shook/Flickr
At Green Street, you'll want to turn and head north. You'll be leaving SR 930 and returning to Lincoln Highway once more. You'll soon enter the town of New Haven. There are lots of shops, historic buildings, and scenic spots all over New Haven, so it's a good place to stop for a bit and stretch your legs. From New Haven, you'll continue west on the Lincoln Highway to Fort Wayne.

Did you take time to appreciate the Indiana countryside for its beauty? Good, because there's lots of it! The road will curve west onto Putnam Avenue, which you'll follow until you encounter Wells Street. Turn right at North Wells Street, and go north until you reach West State Boulevard.
Crossing into Whitley County, you'll continue on US 33 into Churubusco, and from there, you'll continue following the 33 northwest until you reach another county line.
Churubusco, IN 46723, USA
Andrew Seaman/Flickr
You'll cross into Noble County, where you'll roll through the towns of Merriam, Wolf Lake, Kimmel, and more. Eventually, you'll head toward Ligonier, and drive through town on the Lincolnway West (which becomes Calvin Street). Take your time - you've literally got all day to experience one of the best driving roads in Indiana.
Elkhart County is next; you'll pass through beautiful little towns like Benton, Goshen, onto West Pike, and then into St. Joseph County. Hence, we think it'll be easy for you to see why this is one of the most scenic drives in Indiana.
Elkhart County, IN, USA
Detcin/Wikimedia
You'll take in some beautiful rural Indiana countryside as you breeze through Osceola, Mishawaka, and then you'll reach the city of South Bend. This is another great opportunity to stretch your legs - there are plenty of restaurants and attractions in South Bend to keep you busy.
You get the idea: take this cruise across Indiana for some awesome memories and great times.
Samuel A. Love/Flickr
If you'd like a literal turn-by-turn pamphlet to guide you on your journey across the Indiana stretch of the Old Lincoln Highway, make sure to check out the Indiana Lincoln Highway Route Guide. It's a lot more in-depth than this article is, and you can't get lost if you follow it!

During your drive, you’ll have seen beautiful abandoned homesteads, historic road routes, several small, historic towns, and, of course, miles upon miles of the beautiful Indiana countryside. There’s something about this and other scenic drives in Indiana that makes us very proud to live here. It’s a testament to human ingenuity through and through, plus, the landscape is absolutely lovely.

To plan the best possible adventure in Indiana, check out our ultimate road trip guide for tips and resources too!

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Highway 30 Indiana

Marla S. | August 16, 2023

What is one of the best Indiana scenic drives to see the fall foliage?

Following is one of the best Indiana scenic drives to see the fall foliage:

If you don't have a lot of time to spare, we recommend you take a two-hour drive starting in Brown County State Park to soak in the fall foliage in Indiana. This scenic drive goes through a few quaint towns, Yellowwood State Forest, Lake Monroe, and much more. Therefore, feel free to stop for a hike, snap some photos, and do some exploring - in addition to appreciating the vibrant fall colors from the comfort of your car.

What are some of the best driving roads in Indiana?

Along with Highway 30, here are some of the best driving roads in Indiana:

  • Indiana SR 62: This scenic road runs a total of 223 miles and runs from the eastern to the western part of the state.
  • IN-26: Most of this picturesque driving road is along a two-way highway that zips by scenic landscapes.
  • Interstate 69: During this drive, you'll get to see a little bit of everything such as construction, forests, and other scenery.
  • Brown County State Park: If you check out this stretch of road in the fall, you'll be treated to stunning views of the fall foliage.

 

In addition to these best driving roads, we recommend exploring these scenic drives in Indiana as well.

 

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