Weekend & Day Trips from Indianapolis, Indiana

1. Bedford

Tucked away in Southern Indiana, Bedford is about an hour and a half away from Indianapolis, but it's well worth the drive. The biggest attraction here are the spectacular Bluespring Caverns, which boast the largest underground river in the country. Between March and October, visitors can take a boat tour of the 21-mile-long cave system, where they'll have the opportunity to spot unique albino animals and insects. After emerging from the caves, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing in one of the city's parks, visiting the local craft brewery, and browsing the shops in the Bedford Antique Mall.

2. Bloomington

Best known as the home of Indiana University, Bloomington is a vibrant city with a youthful, dynamic energy. It has plenty of attractions to offer visitors no matter what their interests are; history enthusiasts can check out the fascinating 1835 Wylie House Museum, art lovers can admire the wonderful collections in the Eskenazi Museum of Art, and families with children will appreciate the interactive exhibits at the WonderLab science museum.

If you need a little break from the city on the way home, stop by the Hoosier National Forest to see the Hemlock Cliffs or go for a short hike.

3. Brown County

Sometimes referred to as the "Art Colony of the Midwest", Brown County is a beautifully scenic piece of Indiana that has been attracting artists and creatives since the 1800s. If you love art and culture, it's easy to spend an entire day here simply driving around the winding back roads and visiting the many artists' studios and galleries scattered throughout the county. However, there are plenty of other things to do as well; say hello to the birds of prey at the Indiana Raptor Center, tour the town of Nashville by train or horse carriage, or explore the county's artisan distilleries, wineries, and breweries.

4. Cataract Falls

Situated along Mill Creek in the Lieber State Recreation Area, Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall in the state. It actually consists of two separate falls: The Upper Falls are approximately 45 feet high with a sheer plunge of 20 feet, while the Lower Falls are slightly smaller. A short walking trail connects the two cascades, and if you'd like to go for a longer hike, you can walk to Cagle Mill Lake from the lower falls. There are picnic pavilions and pit toilets at both the upper and lower falls, and the park is open to visitors every day between dawn and dusk.

Off Country Rd. 1050 North, 2605 N. Cataract Road, IN 47460, Phone: 765-795-4576

5. Columbus

Despite its relatively small size, the city of Columbus is home to one of the most impressive displays of modern architecture in the United States. More than 70 buildings in the city were designed by renowned architects, and visitors can easily take a self-guided tour of the most significant sites by picking up an informative map from the Visitor's Center.

If you'd rather cut down on the walking, guided bus tours are available for a fee. After your tour, stop for some handmade ice cream at the city's nostalgic soda fountain or visit the 450 North Brewing Company for pizza and beer.

6. Whitewater Valley Railroad

Operating out of the city of Connersville, the Whitewater Valley Railroad is a historic railroad that carries visitors through the scenic rural countryside of central Indiana. The regular excursions bring passengers down to the historic canal town of Metamora, where they'll be given two hours to explore the shops, restaurants, and historic sites, but there are also special seasonal train rides and a Friday evening train that travels to the Laurel Hotel for dinner. Trains run between April and December, and groups of up to 20 people can reserve an entire caboose for a private excursion.

455 Market St, Connersville, IN 47331, Phone: 765-825-2054

7. Crawfordsville

Located in charming Montgomery County, Crawfordsville is a beautiful city with a rich history stretching back to 1823. Home to several sights listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's an especially good place to visit if you have an interest in history. Highlights include the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County, the 1882 Rotary Jail Museum, and Lane Place, a gorgeous antebellum mansion that often hosts festivals and offers tours between April and December. There are also several shops and restaurants downtown, and a weekly farmer's market is held every Saturday morning during the summer.

8. Fort Wayne

The second biggest city in Indiana, Fort Wayne is known for its world-class attractions and its friendly Hoosier hospitality. The energetic downtown district is full of excellent restaurants and stores, and there is a wonderful network of parks and walkways that connect the city's three rivers and historic neighborhoods.

If you'd rather spend even more time outside, you can also visit the nearby Lindenwood Nature Preserve or the Fox Island County Park. Other popular attractions in the city include the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, the beautiful Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, which houses a noteworthy collection of American art.

9. Marengo Cave

Discovered in 1883 by two young children, Marengo Cave is one of the most visited natural sites in Indiana. Visitors can choose from two walking tours, one of which leads through the stalagmites and stalactites of the Crystal Palace and the other of which gives visitors a taste of the cave's pure darkness. If you're craving a bit more adventure, you can even join a cave crawl that leads through tight holes and passageways. There are also several activities geared towards younger children, including a gemstone mining station and a winding maze that simulates the experience of exploring a cave.

400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN 47140, Phone: 812-365-2705

10. Marshall County

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Indiana, Marshall County is the perfect place to go if you're longing for a taste of the simple country lifestyle. The best thing to do here is simply soak in the relaxing atmosphere, so bring a fishing rod and spend some time at one of the area's lakes, stop by a roadside diner for a stack of pancakes, and take a drive down the backcountry roads to admire the dozens of hand-painted barn quilts on display. Every summer, there's also a four-day blueberry festival that attracts vendors and visitors from all over Indiana.

Phone: 574-936-1882