Day Trips in Indiana

By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure

Indiana

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What makes Indiana a great destination for day trips?
- From the extensive caves of Southern Indiana to the Great Lakes of the north and northeast, Indiana has no shortage of destinations that can be easily accessed as a day trip from Louisville, Cincinnati, or Chicago.
What historic sites can visitors explore in Indiana?
- Visitors can explore historic early 19th-century townships, including the childhood home of President Lincoln.
Where can visitors experience Amish culture in Indiana?
- Spend a day immersed in Amish culture, visiting local markets and communities.
Where can visitors find great antique shopping in Indiana?
- Indiana is home to some of the Midwest’s best antique marts and flea markets, perfect for treasure hunters and collectors.

Best Time for Day Trips in Indiana:

April to June – Spring brings wildflowers, waterfalls, and perfect weather for exploring parks, trails, and charming small towns.
July to August – Summer is great for lake days, fairs, covered bridges, and family-friendly attractions.
September to October – Crisp air and colorful foliage make fall ideal for scenic drives, pumpkin patches, and festivals.
November – Cool and peaceful—great for museums, quaint downtowns, and cozy cafés.
December to March – Winter offers snowy charm, holiday lights, and relaxing getaways in historic villages or nature parks.

⮕ Bloomington

Walk along scenic campus streets, explore vibrant art scenes, and admire charming historic architecture.

Bloomington

What is Bloomington known for?
- Bloomington is home to Indiana University, and the Hoosiers are an influential presence in this vibrant college town.
What natural features surround Bloomington?
- The city is surrounded by forests, hills, and serene lakes, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
What can visitors do on the Indiana University campus?
- Visitors can explore the campus, attend a football game, enjoy a musical performance, or visit the museums and galleries.
What attractions are in downtown Bloomington?
- Downtown Bloomington features a historic quarter with buildings made of local limestone.
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, nightlife, and arts and cultural events.
What outdoor activities are available near Bloomington?
- Visitors can take a kayak, paddleboard, or party boat excursion on Lake Monroe.
- Cycling enthusiasts can begin an adventure with Indiana Jim’s.
- For a unique experience, visitors can take a mile-long underground boat tour through the caves at Bluespring Caverns Park.

⮕ Bridgeton

Visit a historic covered bridge, walk along scenic trails, and explore small-town charm.

Bridgeton

What is Bridgeton known for?
- Bridgeton is home to Indiana’s most famous covered bridge, the 1907 Conley Ford Bridge.
What historic structures can visitors see in Bridgeton?
- The town’s first two blocks are listed with the National Register of Historic Places.
- Historic structures include:
  - The 1822 log cabin
  - The 1878 Bridgeton House
  - The 1823 Bridgeton Mill
Is the Bridgeton Mill still operational?
- Yes! The Bridgeton Mill continues to operate today, grinding corn and flour into meal using 200-year-old French grindstones.
What is the Covered Bridge Festival?
- The town comes alive in October each year for the Covered Bridge Festival, which hosts over 400 arts, crafts, collectible, and antique vendors.
What is the Mountain Man Rendezvous?
- The Mountain Man Rendezvous takes place each April and offers a weekend of pioneer reenactments, bringing history to life.

⮕ Brown County State Park

Hike through rolling hills, admire stunning fall foliage, and explore scenic overlooks.

Brown County State Park

What is Brown County State Park?
- Brown County State Park is the largest state park in Indiana, covering 16,000 acres.
What makes Brown County State Park special?
- The park is open year-round but is especially beautiful in the fall when the deciduous trees change color.
- Due to its rolling hills and scenic beauty, the park has been nicknamed “Little Smokies” because it closely resembles the Great Smoky Mountains.
What accommodations are available at the park?
- The Abe Martin Lodge, built in 1932 using timber and local stone from the park, offers:
  - Lodging accommodations
  - Dining facilities
  - An indoor water park
What activities can visitors enjoy at Brown County State Park?
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including:
  - Climbing a 90-foot-tall fire tower for panoramic views of the hills
  - Hiking or mountain biking along miles of trails
  - Swimming in the water park pool at the lodge
  - Taking a guided horseback ride from the park’s saddle barn
What special natural features can be found in the park?
- Along Trail 5, visitors can see the endangered Yellowwood tree, a rare and significant species in the park.
Where is Brown County State Park located?
- 1405 S.R. 46 West, Nashville, IN 47448,
  Phone: 812-988-6406

⮕ Corydon

Walk through Indiana’s first state capital, explore historic landmarks, and admire charming downtown streets.

Corydon

What is special about Corydon, Indiana?
- Corydon is Southern Indiana’s historic downtown, offering a mix of shopping, dining, wineries, and rich history.
- Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital and holds historical significance from the earliest pioneers to the Civil War.
What historical sites can visitors explore in Corydon?
- The Battle for Corydon Memorial Park commemorates the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana.
- Visitors can also take a walking tour of the historic city center to explore sites from the state's early history.
Where can visitors experience local art?
- The Harrison County Artist’s Center showcases the work of local artisans, offering a glimpse into the region’s artistic talent.
What are some great places to eat and drink in Corydon?
- Visitors can end their day with a craft beer at the Beaver Street Tap Room, known for its great atmosphere and locally brewed beverages.
What outdoor adventures are available in Corydon?
- For a thrill, visitors can head to the Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park to enjoy ziplining and roller coasters.
- Those interested in underground exploration can take a tour of Southern Indiana’s caves with the Deep Darkness experience at Indiana Caverns.

⮕ Farmland

Visit local farms, explore charming small-town streets, and admire rustic countryside scenery.

Farmland

What is special about Farmland, Indiana?
- Farmland is a historic rural small town in East Central Indiana, known for its unique shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
- The town features a walkable, charming historic district that has been lovingly preserved.
What events take place at the Farmland Cultural Center?
- The Farmland Cultural Center hosts several well-attended events throughout the year, including:
  - Live music performances
  - Dinner concerts
  - Theatrical productions
  - Yoga classes
  - Charity events
What historic sites can visitors explore in Farmland?
- Visitors can explore the old fire station, listen to the bells of the local church, and enjoy the town’s historic charm.
Where can visitors shop and dine in Farmland?
- The town offers a variety of unique shops and restaurants in its historic downtown district.
What is the annual Christmas Walk?
- The annual Christmas Walk takes place on the first Tuesday in December and features:
  - A chili supper
  - A window display competition
  - Free carriage rides
  - A chance to meet with Santa

⮕ Franklin

Stroll through a lively downtown, explore unique shops, and admire historic architecture.

Franklin

What is special about Downtown Franklin, Indiana?
- Franklin is a quaint community with a rich history located in Johnson County, Indiana.
- The main street community has been nationally accredited with the Trust for Historic Preservation and is a vibrant and thriving area that embraces its historic charm.
What can visitors do in Downtown Franklin?
- Visitors can enjoy a Saturday morning farmer’s market, where they can find:
  - Locally grown fruits and vegetables
  - Handmade crafts
- They can also enjoy a farm-to-table meal at one of the many local restaurants.
What is the Strawberries on the Square festival?
- The Strawberries on the Square festival takes place each May and features:
  - Live music
  - Food vendors
  - A classic car show
What is the Hops and Vines event?
- The Hops and Vines event takes place in August and offers:
  - An outdoor beer garden
  - Wine tastings
  - Food vendors and more

⮕ Indiana Dunes National Park

Walk along sandy beaches, explore scenic hiking trails, and admire breathtaking lake views.

Indiana Dunes National Park

What is Indiana Dunes National Park?
- Indiana Dunes National Park is a scenic park bordering Lake Michigan that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
What activities can visitors enjoy at Indiana Dunes National Park?
- The park offers activities for every season, including:
  - Swimming in the summer
  - Cross-country skiing in the winter
  - Hiking among wildflowers in the spring
  - Enjoying the fall foliage in autumn
What does the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center offer?
- The visitor center is open daily and provides:
  - Information about the park and surrounding area
  - Displays of local artwork
  - Two brief orientation films
Are there historic sites within the park?
- Yes! There are over 60 historic sites within the park, including:
  - The Chellberg Farm
  - Camp Good Fellow
Are there guided programs at Indiana Dunes National Park?
- Yes! The park offers over 400 ranger-led tours and interpretive programs annually.
- Programs begin at either the visitor’s center or the Center for Environmental Education, which is named after Senator Paul Douglas, who played a key role in the park’s founding.
Where is Indiana Dunes National Park located?
- 1215 North State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304,
  Phone: 219-395-1882

⮕ Knightstown

Visit a historic gym, walk along charming streets, and explore local antique shops.

Knightstown

What is Knightstown known for?
- Knightstown is a small rural town best known as the filming location for the movie Hoosiers, which tells the story of a small-town basketball team winning the state championship.
What is the Hoosier Gym?
- The Hoosier Gym has been transformed into a community center and museum while maintaining the same look from the 1986 movie.
What attractions are at Jellystone Park in Knightstown?
- Visitors to Jellystone Park can:
  - Meet Yogi Bear
  - Rent cabins
  - Enjoy swimming pools, paddleboats, and a playground
Can visitors try panning for gold in Knightstown?
- Yes! Visitors can pan for gold at Bonnieville Gold Camp, which is located within Jellystone Park.
What historic architecture can be found in downtown Knightstown?
- The downtown business district features historic American architecture.
- A notable site includes a 1938 mural in the post office, painted by Raymond L. Morris.

⮕ Madison

Stroll along a scenic riverfront, admire beautifully preserved mansions, and explore vibrant local shops.

Madison

What makes Madison, Indiana a great place to visit?
- Madison, Indiana, is a thriving small community known for its historic sites, antiquing, shopping, dining, and wine tasting.
What historic routes pass through Madison?
- Madison is bisected by three scenic historic routes:
  - The Underground Railroad Self-Guided Driving Tour
  - The Ohio River Scenic Route
  - The Michigan Road Historic Byway
What historic college is located in Madison?
- Visitors can explore Hanover College, Indiana’s oldest four-year institution, founded in 1827.
How can visitors explore downtown Madison?
- Guests can take a carriage ride through the historic downtown district.
- Other unique options include boarding a vintage passenger trolley or an antique funeral caisson.
What activities are available on the Ohio River?
- Visitors can take a jet boat tour of the Ohio River from spring through fall.
- Madison also hosts the Madison Regatta and the RiverRoots Music and Folk Arts Festival.
What is the Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes?
- In December, the Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes allows visitors to explore the area’s historic properties in a festive holiday setting.

⮕ Marengo Cave

Walk through stunning underground passageways, admire breathtaking rock formations, and explore a natural wonder.

Marengo Cave

What is Marengo Cave?
- Marengo Cave is the most visited natural attraction in Indiana and a designated U.S. National Landmark.
What walking tours are available at Marengo Cave?
- Visitors can choose between two guided walking tours:
  - The Crystal Palace Tour (40 minutes) – Takes visitors past large flowstone deposits and rooms filled with beautiful cave formations.
  - The Dripstone Trail Tour (60 minutes) – Known for its totem pole stalagmites and soda straw formations.
  - Combination tours are also available for those who want to experience both trails.
Are there any additional adventure tours at Marengo Cave?
- Yes! Additional tours include:
  - Canoeing adventures just 4 minutes from the caves.
  - The Crawl – A wet and muddy underground adventure for those looking for a more hands-on caving experience.
What is the temperature inside Marengo Cave?
- The caves remain a cool 52 degrees year-round, making it a comfortable visit in any season.
What activities are available for children?
- Children of all ages can mine for gemstones in a replica sluice located outside the cave’s entrance.
Is there a gift shop at Marengo Cave?
- Yes! A 3,000 square foot gift shop on site offers a variety of educational items and souvenirs.
Where is Marengo Cave located?
- 400 East State Road 64, Marengo, IN 47140,
  Phone: 812-365-2705