Five Amazing Day Trips: Indiana

The midwestern state of Indiana may be synonymous with auto racing and basketball, but it also offers a diverse range of things to do, from world-class museums and performing arts centers to state parks and unique historic sites. A few of the outdoor highlights in northern Indiana include the Indiana Dunes National Park on the shores of Lake Michigan and Chain O’ Lakes State Park, a watersports paradise with nine connected lakes. Directly in the center of the state is the cosmopolitan city of Indianapolis, with many arts and cultural attractions, large city parks, and enough highly rated hotels and restaurants to warrant an extended visit. A scenic drive in any direction affords the curious with charming small towns, covered bridges, circus history, tasting rooms, and, quite honestly, too many hidden gems to list. Check into the historic French Lick Resort to enjoy the luxury amenities and resort activities on the property and use it as a home base to explore the many points of interest in southern Indiana. Our day trips begin in Indianapolis and showcase some of the best destinations across the state.

Here are five great day trip destinations across the Hoosier State:

Bloomington (Museums & Attractions)

Known as the “Gateway to Scenic Southern Indiana,” Bloomington is located 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis and is also home to the largest campus of Indiana University. There is no shortage of things to do in Bloomington, from museums and historic sites to cultural attractions and performing arts. This day trip is geared towards hands-on learning for the entire family at WonderLab, the museum of science, health, and technology. Considered one of the best science museums in the United States, the museum’s mission is to provide opportunities to experience the wonder and excitement of science through interactive exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity, encourage exploration, connect to the arts and everyday life, and foster lifelong learning. Spend the day creating, learning, and figuring out how things work on two floors of indoor exhibits and the outdoor Lester P. Bushnell WonderGarden. After your visit to the museum, the downtown district is a vibrant walkable city center with unique restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Columbus (Food & Drink)

Less than an hour from Indianapolis is a delicious day trip and the location of the national historic landmark, Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor & Museum. The ice cream parlor is a fixture on just about every travel list of things to do across the Hoosier State. Located inside is a small museum featuring interesting items related to both soda fountains and mechanical music. This Indiana institution has been in operation for over 100 years and retains its antique charm, from the carved oak decor to the marble countertops and Tiffany-style lamps atop the double soda fountains. We highly recommend a lunchtime visit to enjoy one of the classic menu items and award-winning ice cream. If you’ve saved enough room, attempt to finish the namesake treat, The Big “Z”, a colossal treat with five scoops of ice cream and three sauces/toppings. Listen to one last song on the Welte orchestration before taking a walk through downtown to see the modern architecture and public art installations that have everyone talking about Columbus.

Madison (Parks & Recreation)

Take a drive on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to visit the charming river town of Madison. Located about 100 miles southeast of Indianapolis, Madison is nestled among the hills and valleys of southern Indiana. During your visit, go on a guided tour of the Lanier Mansion Historic Site, considered to be the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District. A registered National Historic Landmark, the Greek Revival style mansion was completed in 1844 for local businessman James F. D. Lanier. After the tour, check out the downtown area filled with boutique stores and art galleries as well as local coffee shops, cafés, and restaurants. Learn more about the local history of the area on a carriage ride, walking tour or evening ghost tour. The Indiana Wine Trail showcases Southern Indiana’s wineries- Lanthier Winery, Madison Vineyards Estate Winery, and Thomas Family Winery are all located in town.

Nashville (Small Town Experience)

A quick one-hour drive south of Indianapolis is Nashville, a charming small town and the center of the famous Brown County Art Colony. If you’re not familiar with American Impressionist painters, the first stop on this day trip will introduce you to the life and art of Theodore Clement “T.C.” Steele. Arrive at the TC Steele State Historic Site for a tour of the Indiana Home and Studio and then wander around the property to see the naturalistic landscape that provided inspiration for his masterpieces. No visit to Nashville is complete without spending time in the quaint downtown area filled with boutique stores, art galleries, tasting rooms, and the historic Brown County Playhouse. To see additional works painted by local artists and exhibits featuring historical collections, visit the Brown County Art Museum (located on Main Street), operated by one of the oldest ongoing art associations in America.

Peru (Small Town Experience)

The small city of Peru, known as “The Circus Capital of the World,” is a short 90-minute drive north of Indianapolis. The town was the former winter headquarters for many famous circus productions, including Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Hagenbeck-Wallace, and Ringling Brothers. For the circus enthusiast, if you’ve been to the other impressive circus museums and historic sites in Baraboo (WI), Sarasota (FL), and Bridgeport (CT), Peru should be on your list!! Today, you can visit the International Circus Hall of Fame with permanent exhibits that include original circus posters, antique circus wagons, and miniature circus models, including a miniature replica of the 1934 Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. The city hosts both amateur and professional circus acts throughout the year as well as the annual Peru Circus City Festival, a week- long event in July featuring rides, food, games, and an unforgettable grand finale parade.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!