Top 5 Indianapolis Day Trips: Explore Indiana!

If you are living in or are just visiting Indianapolis, and are wanting to escape the city for a bit, so maybe you need some ideas for a quick change of scenery, that can be done! Well, it turns out there’s a ton of super spots within easy driving distance. Really, whether you’re into historic towns, love exploring the great outdoors, or prefer something artsy and unique, there’s something out there for everyone. Let’s explore the top five day trip options that’ll help you recharge and experience more of what Indiana has to offer.

1. Brown County State Park: Nature’s Retreat

Brown County State Park, which is near Nashville, Indiana, so is almost Indiana’s biggest and perhaps its most popular park. Arguably, it’s a haven for those who love the outdoors, offering nearly 16,000 acres of gorgeous, rolling hills, forests, and lakes. Basically, if you’re someone who appreciates a good hike, that may be the place. I mean with trails ranging from easy strolls to more challenging climbs, there’s a path for literally every skill level. What is really cool, is you could take Ogle Lake Trail. That is a very pleasant loop that gives you views of the water and some very quiet forest sections.

If you fancy something besides hiking, which may be fair enough, well there are options for horseback riding too, as well as fishing and even mountain biking. Apparently, for an easy ride, try the Weed Patch Trail. It connects various parts of the park. As a matter of fact, after spending some time being active outdoors, take a break at the Abe Martin Lodge. Okay, so it features a restaurant, plus an indoor water park! Seemingly, Brown County State Park becomes amazingly scenic especially during the fall, when the leaves are actually changing and displaying a range of vivid colors. If you visit then, make sure to bring a camera!

Things to do in Brown County State Park

Hiking: That is a whole bunch of trails, which go from easy to strenuous.
Horseback Riding: Basically, you can explore the park from a different view on horseback.
Fishing: Drop a line in one of the park’s lakes or streams.
Abe Martin Lodge: Relax and recharge at the lodge with dining and recreational options.
Fall Foliage Viewing: You know, catch the stunning colors during autumn.

2. Bloomington: College Town Charm

Bloomington is home to Indiana University and gives a really unique mix of academic vibes and quirky charm. In fact, just walking around the IU campus itself is quite an experience, with the picturesque architecture and green spaces. It’s actually nice to do! Well, if you like culture, you might want to check out the Eskenazi Museum of Art, so it has a vast selection, which is really amazing. Arguably, the Mathers Museum of World Cultures offers an insight into all global traditions and customs.

As a matter of fact, downtown Bloomington is also fun, with unique boutiques, delicious restaurants, plus live music venues. Seemingly, you could try a restaurant named The Farm, as a matter of fact it’s really great farm-to-table cuisine that I find appealing! Or there’s also Mother Bear’s Pizza. Anyway, so it’s an IU tradition, which I think that’s great! Later on, you should probably catch a show at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, a historically awesome restored vaudeville theater that always puts on great performances.

Things to do in Bloomington

Indiana University Campus: Basically, go see the beautiful architecture and green spaces.
Eskenazi Museum of Art: See various collections from across history and cultures.
Downtown Bloomington: Discover boutique shops, diverse restaurants, plus cool music.
Buskirk-Chumley Theater: Actually, see a show at this historic theater.
Lake Monroe: Enjoy water activities like boating and swimming.

3. Columbus: Architectural Marvel

Basically, Columbus is almost a surprising find for architecture buffs, in Indiana! First, it is very famous because of its amazingly modern architecture, and is considered a national historic landmark. In fact, the town actually has buildings that were designed by famous architects such as I.M. Pei and Eero Saarinen. You know, if that’s not impressive, so what is?! You could take a walking tour, so you can really see some of the key buildings and learn about their history and layout. This is very fun to do, too it’s almost free!

One place to certainly visit is the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, with Henry Moore’s “Large Arch” sculpture outside. That’s very photogenic. Another great building would have to be the First Christian Church. Of course, if you love the outdoors too, I guess you could take a break at Mill Race Park, I guess where the scenery is gorgeous, there are walking trails, plus there are art installations. Also, I feel, the local shops and cafes are amazing too.

Things to do in Columbus

Architectural Walking Tour: This takes you around and teaches you about key modern building designs.
Cleo Rogers Memorial Library: Very striking because of its architecture and outdoor sculpture.
First Christian Church: Pretty much it’s considered to be one of the first modern churches, and it does in fact have great architecture!
Mill Race Park: Take a walk along the trails with art.
The Commons: You might as well explore an indoor playground and community space designed by famous architects.

4. Madison: Historic Charm on the Ohio River

Madison, Indiana which is a pretty beautiful town sitting on the banks of the Ohio River, offers a glance into the past. Actually, the entire downtown area is literally almost on the National Register of Historic Places! And what’s even better is there are a bunch of amazingly restored buildings reflecting the city’s 19th-century heyday.

One popular option would have to be the Schofield House. That is in fact a beautiful example of Federal-style architecture, in case you did not know! Now another popular option is a stroll on Main Street, just enjoying the shops and also some art galleries is another good choice. As a matter of fact, for outdoor fans, I’d say Clifty Falls State Park is definitely nearby. Well the falls and hiking trails give you wonderful natural views!

Things to do in Madison

Main Street Stroll: The street has awesome 19th-century buildings along with local shops plus art.
Schofield House: Definitely tour that and see how amazing Federal-style architecture is.
Clifty Falls State Park: Great hiking paths plus nice views of waterfalls.
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site: Just explore what the Greek Revival style mansion can teach you!
Ohio River Views: Definitely relax, I feel on the riverfront, so you can catch scenic river views.

5. Turkey Run State Park: Rugged Landscapes

Turkey Run State Park is the park if you really want adventure, plus great scenery, so this place is for you! Apparently, it is very different than other Indiana landscapes, in the best way. Anyway, what I think it’s most famous for, would have to be its deep sandstone ravines plus a whole array of hiking trails that challenge any type of hiker, so from beginners to experts. If you would like some exploring to do, there’s plenty to be had.

You could consider putting on shoes that you’re OK with getting wet and go hike Trail 3, in that case where you’d walk along Sugar Creek, so then scale ladders and actually squeeze through really cool rock formations! Another option would probably be the suspension bridge. Then there is the fire tower as well, giving great views, plus plenty of picturesque picnic spots along the river! At the end of your visit I would highly recommend you make a trip down to the Turkey Run Inn restaurant. I can already smell that amazing pot roast they’re cooking!

Things to do in Turkey Run State Park

Hiking Trails: Ranging from easier walks to even more physically grueling adventures, I promise the scenery will not disappoint.
Sugar Creek: Walking along this creek provides plenty of stunning natural landmarks.
Suspension Bridge: Really what could be better than some unforgettable, memorable and great scenery from up above.
Turkey Run Inn: Eat something or maybe even stay there to enjoy an old-fashioned experience.
Fire Tower: Enjoy an excellent view of pretty much the entire park.