7-Day Indiana Itinerary

Explore Indiana: The Perfect 7-Day Family Road Trip of History, Nature & Small-Town Charm

Theme: A mix of historic sites, outdoor adventures, and Midwest charm across Indiana.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) or Fall (September-October) for the best weather and scenic landscapes.

Day 1: Arrive in Indianapolis & Explore

Fly into Indianapolis International Airport (IND).

Top Things to Do in Indianapolis:

Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum – Home of the Indy 500!

Explore the Indiana State Museum & Historic Sites.

Walk the Indianapolis Canal Walk – A scenic urban trail.

Climb to the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument for city views.

Dinner in Mass Ave District – Try St. Elmo Steak House for the famous shrimp cocktail!

Overnight in Indianapolis.

Day 2: Bloomington – Indiana University & Outdoor Fun

Drive from Indianapolis to Bloomington (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Bloomington:

Stroll Through Indiana University's Beautiful Campus.

Kayak or Paddleboard on Monroe Lake – Indiana's largest lake!

Hike at Leonard Springs Nature Park.

Wine Tasting at Oliver Winery – One of the best wineries in the Midwest.

Overnight in Bloomington.

Day 3: Brown County State Park & Nashville, IN

Drive from Bloomington to Brown County (30 minutes).

Top Things to Do in Brown County State Park:

Hike to Hesitation Point – Stunning fall foliage views!

Try Mountain Biking or Horseback Riding.

Explore Nashville, IN – A charming artsy town with local shops & crafts.

Enjoy a Beer at Big Woods Brewery.

Overnight in Nashville or Columbus, IN.

Day 4: Indiana Caverns & Holiday World Theme Park

Drive from Nashville to Corydon (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Southern Indiana:

Tour Indiana Caverns – Explore underground rivers and caves!

Spend the Afternoon at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN).

Visit Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial – See where Abraham Lincoln grew up.

Overnight in Evansville or Jasper.

Day 5: Turkey Run State Park – Hiking & Suspension Bridge

Drive from Evansville to Turkey Run (3 hours).

Top Things to Do in Turkey Run State Park:

Hike the Famous Trail 3 – Includes ladders, canyons, and waterfalls.

Walk Across the Suspension Bridge Over Sugar Creek.

Go Canoeing or Kayaking on Sugar Creek.

Dinner in a Classic Indiana Diner in Rockville.

Overnight near the park or return to Indianapolis.

Day 6: Indiana Dunes National Park – Sand & Lake Michigan

Drive from Indianapolis to Indiana Dunes (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do in Indiana Dunes:

Relax on the Beaches of Lake Michigan.

Hike the 3 Dune Challenge – A fun and sandy workout!

Bike the Calumet Trail – A scenic ride along the shoreline.

Birdwatching at the Great Marsh.

Overnight in Chesterton or Michigan City.

Day 7: Return to Indianapolis & Depart

Drive from Indiana Dunes to Indianapolis (3 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Visit the USS LST-325 in Evansville – A WWII landing ship museum.

Stop at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum – Classic cars!

Hike at Cataract Falls – The largest waterfall in Indiana.

Fly home from Indianapolis (IND).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 15-20 hours of driving across Indiana.