6 Great Road Trips from Indianapolis

The Great Plains are mostly known for being flat, but there’s a lot more out there than cornstalks and amber waves of grain, at least if you know what you’re looking for. If you’re in Indianapolis and you’re looking to combine a nice drive with a semi-exotic and all-exciting destination, you’ve got a few options to choose from:

The Mounds State Park Exploration

Just up I-69 is Chesterfield, and just west of Chesterfield is Mounds State Park. Mounds takes its name from the artificial hills created by the original inhabitants of Indiana, and activities include hiking, fishing, camping, and a visitor’s center with information about the natural and human history of the site.

The Burne Waterpark Vacation

Take I-69 north and then head east on IN-218 in order to reach Burne, a small town originally founded by Swiss immigrants. You could always wander through town admiring the rural charm and the Swiss roots, but you could also head to the Pine Lake Waterpark, which has the unique distinction of being built around a real lake. Attractions include slides, water-based obstacle courses, and a large wooden tower.

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Visit

Fort Wayne is at the northeast end of Indiana on I-69 and happens to have one of the top zoos in the nation. In addition to a wide variety of exotic animals, the Children’s Zoo has a petting area and a variety of VIP experiences where you get to help feed the animals.

The Bloomington Food Trip

In addition to hosting the large Indiana University, Bloomington also happens to be where you can find a wide array of restaurants and bistros that can satisfy even the most jaded of taste buds. Just head south on IN-37 to enjoy ethnic food from places like Turkey, Greece, Tibet, Thailand, and Morocco. You’ll also find plenty of variations on the classic wings, burgers, and pizza.

The Hoosier National Forest Driving Tour

Keep heading south from Bloomington on IN-37 and you’ll eventually find yourself in the Hoosier National Forest. There are plenty of roads to get lost on that wind through the massive park, and there are at least as many nature trails in case you’d prefer to get out and walk for a while. Either way, you’ll be able to see plenty of rolling hills covered in thick forests and massive lakes that stretch out in every direction.

The Squire Boone Cavern Crawl

Two hours south of Indianapolis along I-65 and 64 and right along the Indiana-Tennessee border is the Squire Boone Caverns, a massive and beautiful cave system where the walking tour takes a full hour to complete. And if a cavern is too claustrophobic for you, you can also visit the Squire Boone Pioneer Village and grist mill, which has plenty of activities available for all ages. You can also have some ziplining fun in the local forest.

The Great Plains may be flat, but they aren’t empty. Indiana has a lot to offer, and if you’re in Indianapolis it’s all within driving distance.