Indiana history buffs are going to love this one: how about a truly fascinating, front-row seat to some of the most notable historic sites in the entire Hoosier State? Sound good? If so, you're going to want to check out this delightful (and very interesting) historical road trip in Indiana, during which you'll make six awesome stops - all of which are amazing parts of Hoosier History. Indiana history has never been so much fun! Follow along on the official Google Map.
We'll begin our adventure at the Limberlost State Historic Site.
This one is one you may not have even known about! Limberlost State Historic Site was once the home of prolific writer Gene Stratton-Porter; she wrote six incredible novels here, and to this day, you can still see her actual writing desk where it stood when she worked with it. That's not all: she was also an avid photographer and naturist, with an extensive moth collection (you read that right) that you can still check out to this day. Of course, that's STILL not all - for more information about this intriguing historic site in Indiana, be sure to check out the official website.
Next, we travel to the birthplace of an immensely important man: Wilbur Wright, one of the two men who set the stage for modern aviation.
On April 16th, 1867, a remarkable man was born: Wilbur Wright, one-half of the famed Wright Brothers, would eventually design and successfully fly the first-ever airplane - changing the course of history as we knew it forever. Bet you didn't realize he was born right here in the Hoosier State! Come see his birthplace and learn about his fascinating legacy at this one-of-a-kind home and historical museum in Indiana.
Our third mini-adventure of the day is a stop at the (gorgeous) home of a previous U.S. President.
Nestled in the Old Northside District neighborhood in Indy is something remarkable: the former home of the 23rd President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison. He served from 1889 to 1893, and this gorgeous 16-room house was where he hung his hat. If you're in the mood for a detour, President Harrison is buried in Indianapolis, too, at the old Crown Hill Cemetery. Check out the official website to plan your trip before you arrive!
Now, let's head to one of the single most historic towns in Indiana: Vincennes.
Vincennes is a remarkably interesting historical town in Indiana, and it's got the distinction of being the single oldest town in the state, too. It was established by French settlers in 1732, and to make a long story short, it changed hands... more than once. In 1800, it became the official capital of the Indiana Territory, and the rest, as they say, is history. Enjoy numerous intriguing sites all within the town of Vincennes, like the original Territory Capitol building, the French house, Fort Knox II, the Sugar Loaf Mound (pictured above), and more. This one could be an entire day trip all on its own.
Speaking of U.S. Presidents, our fifth stop is nothing short of truly fascinating: the boyhood home of President Abraham Lincoln himself.
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, spent a large chunk of his boyhood right here in Indiana? Yep, and you can explore an identical replica of the cabin he grew up in, as well as experience a slice of life as it would have been at that time, all at the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home and National Museum. Learn all about the 14 years Lincoln spent in Indiana, as well as all about frontier life, at this intriguing and fun historic monument in Indiana.
Finally, we arrive at our final stop: Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a stunningly elegant ancient Native American site.
Folks interested in Native American history in Indiana will love this one; established long, long ago by the Mississippian people, these grounds were once home to more than 1,000 individuals. They built numerous mounds, all for different purposes, and more than 300 amazing artifacts have been uncovered here throughout the decades. Learn all about the amazing Native American history of Indiana at this incredible historic site.
There you have it: a truly intriguing historical road trip in Indiana on which you'll discover some of the most fascinating parts of our state's history. Who knew Indiana is such an interesting place? Well, now you do.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!