Best Road Trips in the USA: Indiana

Looking for a unique, rewarding adventure? Pack your bags, fuel up your car, and traverse the open roads of Indiana, where you will experience the thrills of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the sprawling interactive exhibits of the world’s largest children’s museum, the biodiversity of Indiana Dunes National Park, and so much more. Fasten your seat belt, set your destination, and prepare to be wowed by all Indiana has to offer.

Before You Go

Knowing how to plan a road trip to Indiana is essential if you want to make sure you have time for all you want to see. It is a big state, rich in history, and an adventure hub. Ask questions like “What should I see?” “Where should I start?” “How long should my daily drive be?” “What time zone is Indiana in?” to help you create a sound plan that allows room for discovery. Indiana is divided between Eastern and Central time, so plan accordingly when researching the hours of operation at your desired stops.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, “Indy,” is a fitting starting line for your Indiana road trip, especially if racing is one of your love languages. Home to the Indy 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world, Indianapolis hosts over 300,000 fans on Memorial Day weekend as they gather to witness 33 cars take 200 laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The entire month leading up to this massive race is filled with events and celebrations hosted by the 500 Festival. 

Wondering what to do in Indianapolis outside of racing? Give the city’s arts and culture a try.

• Newfields – This sprawling 152-acre campus is home to one of the largest and oldest museums in the nation, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, gorgeous art galleries, the Tobias Theater, expansive gardens and the historic Lilly House.
  
• The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library – Check out a book and learn about the literary accomplishments of Slaughterhouse Five author and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut, as well as his advocacy of free speech that the stewards of the library carry on to this day.
  
• The Children’s Museum – At five stories and 482,950 square feet, this museum is the largest children’s museum in the world. It is filled to the brim with thought-provoking, interactive learning experiences for both children and adults.
  
• Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site – This meticulously crafted Italianate-style home was designed by President Benjamin Harrison and his wife Caroline on a vacant lot he purchased in 1868. Some of President Harrison’s personal effects, Victorian furniture purchased by the Harrison family, original wallpaper and presidential china are all on display in the former home of Indiana’s only U.S. President.
  

Before leaving Indy in the rearview, be sure to spend some time in the great outdoors at one of the nation’s largest city parks, Eagle Creek Park. Between the 1,400 acres of water and the 3,900 acres of forest, you can spend a day hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, ziplining or participating in other outdoor activities while trying to catch a glimpse of the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle.

New Castle

46.5 miles east of Indianapolis, this basketball town is an essential stop on your trip around Indiana. New Castle is home to the largest high school gymnasium in the world and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. While admiring the stunning stained-glass displays, memorabilia, game films and more, you will learn about the famed history of high school basketball in Indiana and why it is “Indiana’s Game.”

Muncie

20 miles north of New Castle is the industrial town of Muncie, home to Muncie Children’s Museum. This museum is dedicated to crafting learning experiences that are both fun and engaging. It exposes children to blue-collar vocations, environmental stewardship, nutrition and other sciences through its interactive learning exhibits. Kids will learn about the life of a truck driver in “The Big Rig,” the hard work of farmers in “The Barnyard,” animal health in “The Veterinarian Office,” dietary health in “The Nutrition Kitchen,” and much more. This pit stop on your way to Elkhart is fun for the entire family.

Elkhart

Hop on I-69 and head 142 miles north to learn the definition of quality in Elkhart. The city strives to craft a better tomorrow from handmade, homegrown ideas through the union of Amish tradition and technical innovation. Prepare to immerse yourself in the history, the outdoors and the craftsmanship this unique community has to offer.

The best way to get acquainted with the surrounding area is by driving along the audio-guided Heritage Trail. When you arrive at Quilt Gardens in the city of Nappanee, stop for a while. The beautiful quilt-inspired botanical arrangements and hand-painted quilt-themed murals are breathtaking. On your way out of town, stop by Coppes Commons, Davis Mercantile and the Old Bag Factory for handcrafted souvenirs made by members of one of the largest Amish communities in U.S.

South Bend

15 miles west of Elkhart, South Bend (“The Bend”) will make gearheads and adventure seekers feel right at home. The Studebaker National Museum, which houses 120 vehicles and the largest presidential carriage collection in the world, gives guests insight into the evolution of transportation from its early beginnings to present day. Other highlights include the East Race Waterway’s whitewater rafting adventures, an aerial ropes course at Rum Village Adventures, The History Museum with Oliver Mansion tour, and the Potawatomi Zoo.

Gary

66 miles west of South Bend is the town that gave us the Jackson Five! Home to the largest steel mill in the world, U.S. Steel’s Gary Works, the town of Gary is rooted in industry. But it is also known for being the Western Gate to the Indiana Dunes.

The dunes are made up of two different parks bordering Lake Michigan. The 13,000-plus acre Indiana Dunes National Park and the 2,000-plus acre Indiana Dunes State Park offer hiking, swimming and diverse biological ecosystems ripe for wildlife viewing. You will want to build a couple extra days into your trip to truly experience their beauty and grandeur. Separate passes are needed for the state and national parks, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Terre Haute

Nestled next to the Wabash River, 166 miles south of Gary, is the Queen City of Wabash, Terre Haute. The name, meaning “highland,” came from the French-Canadian fur trappers who occupied the area in the 18^th century. At the time of its founding, Terre Haute served as the border between Louisiana and Canada. Today, it is one of the largest cities in the Wabash Valley and is known for its arts and education as well as for being the birthplace of the famous glass Coca-Cola bottle after winning a contest sponsored by the soft drink company.  

A visit to Terre Haute isn’t complete if it does not include a stop to take in the 14 murals dotted across town. These unique, decorative renderings evoke the culture and artistic spirit of the town. While you are out and about, be sure to check out the 41/40 Arts and Culture District and the many sculptures erected to bring life to the city. These hidden gems can be seen via bike or car and should not be missed.

As you explore the murals and sculptures throughout the town, be sure to catch your breath and take in some history at the many museums located in Terre Haute. The Native American Museum, Wabash Valley Railroad Museum and Vigo County History Center are great ways to take in the history and culture of the area. If you can’t get enough of Terre Haute’s past, there are several more museums to check out if time permits.

Evansville

Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, 110 miles south of Terre Haute, is the town of Evansville. During World War II, many of the city’s factories produced weapons, vehicles, munitions, warships and aircraft, which makes the Evansville Wartime Museum and USS LST (Landing Ship Tank) Memorial must-see attractions for visitors. The latter of the two is a functioning LST, still in its WWII configuration, that survived landings at both Normandy and Sicily. Other notable things to do include the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, Angel Mounds State Historic Site and a host of museums located downtown.

Carter and Marengo

Before returning to Indianapolis, stop into Carter and Marengo to explore the depths of Marengo Cave and for more presidential history at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.  

Located 53 miles from Evansville, this memorial honors President Lincoln, who spent his formative years in southern Indiana. Visit the historically accurate recreation of our 16th president’s farm to see where he learned the morals and character traits that carried him to the presidency.

The Marengo Cave is located 51 miles from Carter and boasts the monicker “Indiana’s most visited attraction.” The cave opened for tours shortly after its discovery by 15-year-old Blanch Hiestand and her 11-year-old brother Orris in 1883. There are two separate tours for guests to take, “Crystal Palace” and “Dripstone Trail.” It is possible to purchase tickets for both treks, so be sure to leave enough time to experience the dark depths of Marengo.

OTHER INDIANA ROAD TRIPS

Northern and/or Southern Indiana Waterfalls Road Trips: Indiana is flowing with stunning waterfalls, both natural and manmade. Thistlethwait Falls, France Park Falls, McCormick’s Creek Falls and Cataract Falls are only a few of the cascading waters you will see along the way.

Haunted and Abandoned Indiana Road Trip: Indiana is home to several spooky sites and abandoned towns. Visit places like Primrose Road, Randoph Infirmary, Haunted Bridge, Willard Library, Elkinsville, Barbersville, Brisco, Sloan and more to satisfy your craving for spooky sites.

Traveling to Indiana? AAA saves you time and money.

Ready to experience the adventure of Indiana? There is no time like the present. AAA’s travel agents will help you streamline your trip so that you can spend more time relaxing instead of worrying about where to go next. Also, be sure to take advantage of your AAA Member discounts on dining, fuel, entertainment and lodging. Save time and spend less with AAA.