Driving in Indiana
Indiana offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States and to make the most of it you will need to head off the interstate and onto some of the smaller roads which crisscross this state at the heart of the American Midwest.
Known as the Crossroads of America, Indiana has a huge variety of terrain, scenery and thriving cities and towns to visit. From its lush Northern parks by the lake down to the rolling hills of the South, from the sleepy suburbs around the beautiful Lake Michigan to the buzz of the Indianapolis Speedway, there`s something for everyone here.
Some of the most stunning scenery can be taken in on the 117 mile trip from Bloomington down to Louisville, passing through miles of lush established hardwood forest, including Yellowwood State Forest, Brown County State Park and Jack Washington State Forest. Starting in the town of Bloomington, home to Indiana University and a good place to stop for food or shopping, the route picks up Route 46 past Monroe Lake, a large reservoir worth stopping at for a breath of fresh air. Continuing East on Route 46 the route next arrives at Nashville, a popular Midwestern town well known for art galleries, its wax museum and numerous antique stores.
Leaving Nashville the route heads south from the town on State Highway 135. The journey skirts some historic townships and heads through the heart of the beautiful Brown County State Park. The roads here are a great driving experience with plenty of turns and climbs to negotiate. The road carries on South down through the towns of first Salem, then Corydon, the old capital of Indiana. The route finishes up at the Ohio River, near to Squire Boone Caverns where tours are available and an amusement park offering a flavour of pioneer history.
Another fantastic drive which will take the motorist to the North of the state is to drive from the busy city of Indianapolis to the shores of Lake Michigan, where for further adventure the route can continue along the Blue Star and Red Arrow Memorial Highways around the eastern coast of the Lake. Route 65 is the quickest way north, but drivers may wish to use one of the parallel running County Roads to take in better scenery and see some of the towns on the way.
An alternative would be to travel to Chicago via train, bus or plane and to rent a vehicle there. There is no shortage of quality and affordable car hire in Chicago, so to make the most of the beautiful scenery and fresh Midwest air why not splash out on a convertible for that extra special road trip.
Find information on Indiana Vacation Spots and tourism. Locate hotels near tourist attractions.