8 fantastic day trips from Indianapolis

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I’ve always loved traveling all over the state of Indiana, and there are many great day trips from Indianapolis that you should know about. I have found communities that I want to come back to again and again after spending less than an hour in the city. You know you’ve found a fantastic city to explore when you can’t seem to have enough of everything. Each of these towns is less than a 3 hour drive from Indianapolis and is worth every moment of your windshield time.

I was hosted in some of these destinations as a FAM Trip guest. All opinions are mine.

1. Hendricks County

Hendricks County offers a bit of it all, including outdoor adventure and the arts. Danville is located in Hendricks County and has one of the best places in Indiana. The magnificent courthouse is in the middle of the city. Nearby, you can dine at the Mayberry Cafe while enjoying Aunt Bee’s famous fried chicken served at the Andy Griffith Show. Stock up on fresh fruit and veg at Beasley’s Orchard. Nature Valley Ranch offers a superb lodge with horseback riding. Sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee overlooking the lake makes this a winning choice for accommodation in Hendricks County.

A unique experience is tie-dyeing at the Tie Dye Lab. You choose an item to dye with the help of qualified personnel. You will leave with a colorful item of your choice. Glassblowing is popular in the glassblowing boutique of Indiana craftswoman Lisa Pelo. Lisa and her team will help you create a fabulous piece of art with your choice of colors. Hendricks County is a 10-minute drive from Indianapolis, making it an easy destination to visit.

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2. Richmond

Richmond, Indiana is on the Indiana / Ohio State Line. The Route du Chocolat is not to be missed. Indulge in fine chocolates of all types while exploring Richmond. History comes to life at the Wayne County Historical Museum, which features incredible vintage cars and more. The charming town center is home to several boutiques that make Richmond the perfect getaway for girlfriends. From the city center to the parks, Richmond has many places where you can walk safely and take in incredible views. Summer brings flower gardens in full bloom to many of the parks.

On your return to Indianapolis, stop at the Warm Glow Candle Company at Exit 145. Stock up on the amazing scented candles and products this candle company has to offer. Plan to spend 30 minutes shopping for treasures at this fun stop. Richmond is an hour’s drive from Indianapolis on I-70.

3. Fort Wayne

From an incredible petting zoo to shopping, you’ll experience adventure in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It is not uncommon to find well-known Vera Bradley products in several Fort Wayne boutiques and stores. I have several Vera Bradley travel bags and would highly recommend them to anyone who travels a lot. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a premier facility for people of all ages. Don’t let the word Children’s Zoo stop you from visiting.

The attractions of the Fort Wayne petting zoo are on such a level that children can easily see the animals. This means that everyone can see the animals and have a pleasant experience. If family history interests you, a visit to Fort Wayne is in order to delve into your family records at the Genealogy Center. The genealogy center is wheelchair accessible, and it’s easy to spend hours at this complex if you’re not mindful of the clock. You can easily spend a full day at the zoo, shopping, and a visit to the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center will end your day.

South Bend, Indiana.
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4.south turn

South Bend, Indiana is a college town, and it knows how to shine. Notre Dame University is in South Bend and a visit to South Bend should include a campus tour. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is an incredible experience and worth a visit. Car enthusiasts will love the National Studebaker Museum because the Studebaker shines in this fantastic museum. The History Museum and Oliver Mansion remain one of the most beautiful mansions I have ever set foot in.

South Bend’s Historical Museums are top-notch, featuring kids’ activities, artifacts, and a manor house to write home about, with 38 rooms. Not only was the history of the house presented, but the history of agriculture was also present in the Oliver Mansion. A full day of exploring South Bend must also include a visit to the South Bend Chocolate Company. South Bend is a 2 hour drive from Indianapolis.

Indiana Dunes National Park.
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5. The Indiana dunes

Many people think they need to jump on a plane to experience a fabulous beach. Did you know Indiana has an incredible beach in the northwestern part of the state? Indiana Dunes National Park offers a beach, hiking, biking, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The meadows and woods that surround the region make it a unique beach in the country. You can walk the beach with a pair of binoculars in hand for an incredible bird watching experience. Memorial Day to Labor Day is the busiest time of year. Spring and fall offer great weather and less crowds and make this my favorite time of year to visit. A 2.5 hour drive from Indianapolis makes this an epic adventure for the day.

6. Morgan County

Morgan County is approximately 45 minutes south of Indianapolis. The outdoor adventures in Morgan County are second to none. The small towns of Morgan County pride themselves on showing visitors what they have to offer. Community pride shines here. Old Town Waverly Park offers historic buildings and a beautiful hiking trail that leads to breathtaking views of the river. Old Town Waverly Park is one of the many parks in the area that is sure to keep you busy. A fun surprise in Morgan County is all the murals you can find all over the county. History comes to life in many areas of this city located just a short drive from the metropolis of Indianapolis.

Hamilton County, Indiana.
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7. Hamilton County

Hamilton County, Indiana is a 30-minute drive from Indianapolis and offers incredible experiences. The sculpture walk in Carmel is incomparable. I still love to walk around town and watch each one of them. It always seems like everyone has a story to tell. A visit to Hamilton County wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Conner Prairie. This complex is where you can learn how the old residents lived in the popular Prairie City area of ​​1836. During my visit to Conner Prairie, I saw the beautiful balloon that is on the property. It was closed the day I visited, but it was clear that it was a highlight for many visitors.

The K-Trails adventures at Strawtown Koteewi Park give you the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride. Guided hikes and sunset hikes are popular hikes with participants. If it’s been years since you rode a horse this is a fantastic trail to get back on horseback. The trail passes through wooded areas and offers incredible views of the great outdoors. If you’re like me, I appreciate a knowledgeable trail guide and a horse that sticks to the trail. Horses have their own minds, which makes your trail guide the most important person on the ride.

Bloomington, Indiana.
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8. Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana is home to Indiana University, making it a city everyone knows. University towns are always bustling and busy with things going on. Bloomington is no different. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a quiet place to visit, The Wylie House. This historic home is where Indiana University’s first president, Andrew Wylie, lived. On the day I visited, several college students were painting individual wall hangings on the lawn. I quickly saw that this house was a very respected house in the city. A highlight of my visit was the Christmas cactus blooming in midsummer.

Kirkwood Avenue is Bloomington’s most recognizable street. The shops, restaurants and shopping experiences are endless. You can see street art in several places in the city. The Sample Gates, built in 1987, serve as a bridge between Indiana University and the community of Bloomington. These gates are Bloomington’s most photographed location. Nature, incredible dining experiences, historic sites, and unique shopping make Bloomington a fun day trip from Indianapolis.

Each of these places offers something different to do in a day. You may choose to spend a day in these communities, or you may find that you are having so much fun that you have to spend the night. All types of accommodations are available in each of these destinations, from hotels and motels, to bed and breakfasts and campgrounds. There is something for everyone in each of these places. Make your day a fun day and get in your car and find a fantastic day trip from Indianapolis.

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