Some states just lend themselves to amazing road trips, and Indiana is one of them. The Hoosier State has so many fantastic places to see and explore, from natural wonders to foodie destinations to charming small towns. If you are looking for the best road trips in Indiana, this is the place. We have put together 11 unforgettable road adventures to inspire you. The only question now is, which one will you go on first?
1-Day Road Trip In Indiana
- Route: Columbus > Westport > Scipio > Comiskey > Seymour > Vallonia > Williams > Nashville
- Distance: 188 Miles
- Trip Time: 4.5 hours driving time
If you have just one day for a quintessential Indiana road trip, we suggest this scenic drive full of Indiana history. This covered bridge loop trail takes you to nine of the state’s characteristic old bridges. You will see an 1840 bridge over the White Water River, the historic 130-foot-long West Port bridge, and an unusual two-lane bridge in Nashville. Walk across the longest and oldest covered bridge in Vallonia and be sure to get a photo of Indiana’s most famous bridge known as Bean Blossom, an idyllic site you may recognize from paintings. With less than five hours of driving time, you can visit all of these bridges, stopping at each to drink in the scenery and snap some photos all in a day. Pack a lunch and pick your favorite bridge area for a picturesque picnic! Quick road trips in Indiana offer as much excitement as long ones, so enjoy this trip to the fullest.
3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Indiana
- Route: Turkey Run State Park > Shades State Park > Brown County State Park
- Distance: 107 Miles
- Trip Time: 2.5 hours driving time
On each leg of this one-of-a-kind three-day weekend road trip, you will visit one of Indiana’s epic state parks and spend the day exploring its unique features. Hike through the forests and canyons of Turkey Run State Park and kayak down its lazy river to explore the prehistoric-like wonders of Shades State Park, then wander through the unparalleled natural beauty of the massive Brown County State Park. We have selected two charming places to spend the night and recharge for another day of outdoor escapades. This route’s leisurely pace and relatively short driving time allow you to explore at your own pace and really appreciate what makes these parks special. Weekend road trips in Indiana like this one make for an incredible mini-vacation.
Northern Indiana Waterfall Road Trip
- Route: Indianapolis > Richmond > Andrews > Lagro > Wabash > Logansport > Williamsport >Indianapolis
- Distance: 377 Miles
- Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
Indiana has more than a fair share of spectacular waterfalls. Visit them in spring or summer months when the water is at full volume, in the fall when they are surrounded by vibrant foliage, or in the winter when many of them freeze into extraordinary ice sculptures. This ultimate waterfall road trip focuses on the most stunning falls in Northern Indiana. Begin and end this scenic waterfall loop in Indianapolis, or actually, at any one point on the route. You will visit the wide cascading Thistlewaite Falls, the ravines and gorges of Salamonie River State Forest, the seasonal waterfalls at Kokiwanee Preserve, and the 90-foot plunging Williamsport Falls, along with several others. At each destination, you can choose to take advantage of hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, or even book one of the rustic campsites to spend more time surrounded by nature.
Southern Indiana Waterfall Road Trip
- Route: Indianapolis > Cloverdale > Spencer > Mitchell > Union Township > Madison > North Vernon > Harsville > Indianapolis
- Distance: 353 Miles
- Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
It’s not fair to give all the attention to Northern Indiana, considering all of the stunning waterfalls in this state, right? Like the Northern waterfall loop, this marvelous waterfall road trip starts and ends in Indianapolis, with a loop running through some of the most beautiful and dramatic sites in the south. Visit the cascading wonder, Cataract Falls, McCormick’s Creek Falls in Indiana’s oldest state park, and Hemlock Cliffs Falls with its pristine plunge pool below, and four waterfalls within Clifty Falls State Park, just to name a few. Along the way, you will discover pretty hiking trails, historic sites, lovely canyons and rock formations, and tons of lush foliage. If you are obsessed with waterfalls, and have the time for an extended road trip, you could actually combine the Northern and Southern Indiana waterfall loops for the ultimate waterfall tour!
Best Indiana Road Trip For Spring
- Route: South Bend > New Paris > Kokomo > Bowling Green > Richmond
- Distance: 373 Miles
- Trip Time: 7 hours driving time
Spring is an enchanting time of year, when the days gently warm up and the rain and snow give way to colorful flowers and greenery. What better time than spring to take this magical fairytale road trip? The route for this delightful trip can actually be started from any of three spots. However you choose to adventure, you will feel like royalty as you eat and sleep in stunning and whimsical castles that feel like they are straight out of a storybook. Along the way, you will discover charming gardens and hidden gems that will only add to this fun overnight experience.
Best Summer Road Trip In Indiana
- Route: Trine State Recreation Area > Tippecanoe River State Park > Shades State Park > Charlestown State Park > O’Bannon Woods State Park > Harmonie State Park
- Distance: 555 Miles
- Trip Time: 10 hours driving time
Summer is the most popular travel season for several reasons, including school vacations, warm weather, etc. During these months, common attractions, destinations, and state parks are often full of visitors, so we think this little tour of Indiana’s least-visited state parks is a brilliant idea for a summer getaway without the crowds. This epic trip takes you through the entire state, from the northern border, south through Louisville, along part of the Ohio River, and on to the west. Along the way, you will visit serene natural parks with scenic lakes, lush green foliage, vibrant wildlife, waterfalls, cliffs, and even caves. Take your time and let the stresses and chaos of the everyday melt away as you explore these shockingly under-the-radar parks on one of the best Indiana road trips.
Best Indiana Road Trip For Fall
- Route: Madison > Mitchell > Nashville > North Salem > Waveband > Anderson > Albion > Notre Dame > Michigan City d/li>
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