Posted in Indiana
February 09, 2021
The Ultimate Indiana Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 5 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
Indiana has quite a bit of strange, off-the-beaten-path attractions that are all honestly worth visiting when one has the time. There are easily over a hundred choices, but we did some of the hard work for you already! We’ve created a five-destination day trip to several of our favorite weird little Indiana spots, and we’re pretty sure at least a few of them will be new to you! For the record, for this article’s sake, we’re beginning our journey in Jasper, Indiana, and we’ll end up in Kokomo. Hop in the car and let’s go!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
This stunningly beautiful and super-unique grotto was constructed over a period of one decade. It's made of locally-found geodes, as well as limestone, marble, and found objects.
The entire display is absolutely beautiful, and we strongly suggest you bring a camera! The statues present on the grounds were imported all the way from Italy, and visitors are able to admire them throughout the park.
Address: 520 West 9th Street, Jasper, Indiana, 47546
Address: 520 West 9th Street, Jasper, Indiana, 47546
Fun fact: some of North America's highest-grade limestone is found right here in Indiana! A lot of it can be found in the hills of Bedford and Bloomington, and literal tons of it have come out of this very quarry.
Limestone from Indiana makes up many, many iconic American buildings, including (but not limited to) the Empire State Building, the Pentagon, and 35 state capitol buildings. This particular quarry produced all 18.6 tons of limestone needed for the Empire State Building. Importantly, though, do note that this is on private property - so make sure to admire from a permissible distance.
Address: 719-375 E Smithville Rd, Bloomington, IN, 47401
Address: 719-375 E Smithville Rd, Bloomington, IN, 47401
Our second stop in Bloomington takes us to an abandoned water slide. This slide was operated from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, and poor safety standards are the suspected reason it shut down. It sits right off of State Road 446; park at Cutright S.R.A, (carefully!) cross the highway, and climb the hill. You'll see the graffiti-covered abandoned slide behind a fence; don't enter without permission!
Address: 5505 State Hwy 446, Bloomington, IN 4740
Address: 5505 State Hwy 446, Bloomington, IN 4740
Our second-to-last stop brings us to good ol' Indy. Tucked in a city park, you'll find the remains of a legitimate New York skyscraper turned into an urban work of art. The sculpture is known as "The Races Of Man," and depicts men from different races working together. Other things have been added to The Ruins throughout the years, and visitors are welcome to wander around.
Address: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, 46260.
Address: 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, 46260.
Our final stop brings us to the unique little town of Kokomo, Indiana. It's unmistakable: a 17-foot-tall, 220-foot-long sculpture of a praying mantis looms over the sleepy town, noticed by everyone passing through.
It's made of World War II fuel pontoons and metal traffic poles. It is, very literally, one of a kind. The monolith supposedly took 220 hours to create (one for every foot of length!), and the sculpture has a very colorful presence on social media.
Address: 200-298 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN, 46901
Address: 200-298 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN, 46901
If you’d like to see a visual map of the recommended route to take for this intriguing trip, check it out here. Do you have any suggestions for strange, out-of-the-way attractions to visit throughout Indiana? Tell us all about your favorites in the comments!
Address: 520 W 9th St, Jasper, IN 47546, USA
Address: 719 E Smithville Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
Address: 5505 State Hwy 446, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
Address: 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
Address: 200 W Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901, USA
