Treat Yourself With One of These 20 Day Trips From Indianapolis
Known as the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis is a delightful city with plenty to explore. But it’s also an ideal spot to set off on an exciting day trip. From historic theaters and mansions to well-known basketball destinations to other thriving Midwest cities, many fun day trips await every kind of traveler taking off from Indy.
Historic Artcraft Theatre
About 30 minutes away
Sometimes the best day trips are found close to home. That’s what travelers will find at this historic Franklin, Indiana theater which has been restored to its 1920s grandeur. Visitors of all ages can grab popcorn and their favorite snacks and settle in to watch classic movies. After a movie, families can visit Province Park, which features walking and biking trails, a scenic pond, and sports facilities.
Uranus Fudge Factory
About 45 minutes away
Yes, this really is the name of your destination in Anderson, Indiana, so get all the Uranus jokes out of your system. Now that you’ve done that, prepare to indulge in the sweet things in life as you shop for decadent fudge, saltwater taffy, unique swag, and other unique goodies. Don’t worry if you can’t help from laughing — this place has heard every Uranus joke and embraces them wholeheartedly.
Columbus, Indiana
About 50 minutes away
Nestled in the shadow of Indianapolis, Columbus is an architectural mecca that’s drawn comparisons to New York and Chicago for its innovative building design. Dating back to the 1940s, the 70+ buildings here were designed by some of the most renowned architects in the world. They draw thousands of visitors each year who enjoy this unique visual spectacle.
RELATED: Discover more hidden gems in Indiana.
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
About 1 hour away
Basketball and Indiana go together like peanut butter and jelly. Basketball fans and curious travelers alike can celebrate the history and heritage of basketball in the Hoosier State in New Castle, with exhibits on legendary players, teams, and more.
Die-hard basketball fans don’t have to stop there. The famous Hoosiers Gym is about 45 minutes east of Indy in Knightstown and French Lick — the home of NBA great Larry Bird — is about two hours south of Indy.
RELATED: Explore more of the Midwest’s unique museums.
National Aviation Museum
About 1 hour, 10 minutes away
The largest model aviation in the nation — located in Muncie, Indiana — has more than 10,000 artifacts, allowing visitors to trace the history of aeromodelling and its importance to aviation while enjoying interactive exhibits and flight simulators.
Turkey Run State Park
About 1 hour, 30 minutes away
For decades, Turkey Run in Marshall, Indiana has been a favorite destination for Hoosiers and out-of-state visitors. It’s easy to see why because it’s a place where a day trip can easily transform into a vacation. Visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 10 miles of trails leading past scenic sandstone gorges, an interactive nature center, historic sites, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and more.
Covered Bridges of Parke County
About 1 hour, 30 minutes away
Iowa may have the famous Bridges of Madison County, but Parke County, Indiana can lay claim to being the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World” with more than two dozen covered bridges scattered across a rural landscape. Some of the bridges date back to the 1800s and offer visitors a chance to see unique hallmarks of Indiana history up close.
Bluespring Caverns Park
About 1 hour, 30 minutes away
Travelers who light up upon discovering a Midwest hidden gem don’t want to miss this one in Bedford, Indiana — one of the longest navigable underwater rivers in the country. Descend 400 feet down to reach the river and take an hour-long boat trip to explore the majesty of this underground pathway. Visitors can traverse passages illuminated by pockets of light and keep their eyes peeled for cave creatures like cavefish and spotted salamanders.
Zip Timber Lake
About 1 hour, 45 minutes away
Thrill seekers will be on Cloud 9 — or at least flying toward it — as they explore multiple zip lines, aerial bridges, climbing elements, and more in Huntington, Indiana. Zip Timber Lake offers multiple tours that allow first-time zipliners and experienced zip-liners to enjoy themselves. It’s also a popular fishing spot, so bring your fishing rod too!
Cincinnati, Ohio
About 1 hour, 50 minutes away
From its rich history and beautiful architecture, Cincy has a lot to offer daytrippers. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a fun family destination as is the Great American Ballpark, the home of Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds. The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is another must-see with several museums and fun attractions like an OMNIMAX theater.
RELATED: Check out some of the best breweries in Cincinnati.
Louisville, Kentucky
About 1 hour, 45 minutes away
Sports fans will be in heaven on a day trip to Louisville as they visit historic Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby.
Visitors can also explore the Kentucky Derby Museum at the track and won’t want to miss a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to see where the famous baseball bats are made. The Muhammad Ali Center, which preserves the life and legacy of the famous boxer, is another can’t-miss destination.
Lanier Mansion
About 1 hour, 45 minutes away
This beautifully restored 1844 mansion in Madison, Indiana has been a National Historic Landmark since 1994 and the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District. Visitors can tour this stunning example of Greek Revival architecture for a step back in time to an Indiana of yesteryear.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
About 2 hours away
A drive to Fort Wayne affords the opportunity for travelers to do a little bit of everything. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is the perfect family destination and baseball fans can catch a Fort Wayne TinCaps game at Parkview Field. Elsewhere in town, visitors can explore the lush gardens of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory or attend a performance at the historic Embassy Theatre.
RELATED: Discover more charming small towns in Indiana.
Fort Knox, Kentucky
About 2 hours, 30 minutes away
You won’t be able to get inside Fort Knox’s famous gold depository on a day trip, but there’s still plenty to do. Museum enthusiasts can visit the General George Patton Museum of Leadership to see exhibits related to Gen. Patton and other famous military leaders. Hungry travelers can also visit Saber & Quill for a memorable dining experience.
South Bend, Indiana
About 2 hours, 30 minutes away
The famous home of the University of Notre Dame sits on the St. Joseph River and offers a plethora of activities. Visitors can tour the famous campus, kayak on the river, indulge in some retail therapy, or eat at the trendiest restaurants in the town. “The Bend” truly offers something for everyone. The only limit to fun is your imagination.
Indiana Dunes
About 2 hours, 30 minutes away
This scenic part of Northern Indiana is an annual rite of summer for many Midwesterners. Visitors can enjoy over three miles of Lake Michigan lakeshore, scenic dunes, nine different beaches, forests, and marshes — a true outdoor paradise where every visitor can carve out a slice of lakeside paradise.
Columbus, Ohio
About 2 hours, 40 minutes away
Ohio’s capital city is a perfect day trip destination with a slew of exciting festivals, a chance to tour the Ohio State Capitol, see Ohio State University and so much more. The Franklin Park Conservatory is a fun family destination and the famous North Market is a perfect place to find delicious food, unique gifts, and soak up the sights and the sounds of the city.
Santa Claus, Indiana
About 2 hours, 45 minutes away
Yes, there really is a town in Indiana called Santa Claus and it keeps the Christmas spirit alive all year long. From the sweets at the famous Santa’s Candy Castle to the Santa Claus post office and the Santa Claus Museum and Village, there’s something magical for every visitor to enjoy, no matter what time of year they visit.
Chicago, Illinois
About 3 hours away
Whether you call it Chicago, the Windy City, or Chi-Town, there’s no doubt the city is amazing. Travelers can visit iconic Chicago destinations like Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park or chow down on Chi-Town staples like pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. Travelers can also enjoy the city’s many parks and beaches for some tranquility along Lake Michigan.
Swallow Cliff Woods Park
About 3 hours away
Travelers looking to stretch their legs during a day trip can do just that in this serene park that offers a chance to conquer a natural Stairmaster. A natural limestone bluff features 168 stairs that allow climbers to ascend the bluff, get some exercise, and indulge in some breathtaking photography.
Embark From Indianapolis on a Memorable Day Trip
No matter your interests or how far you want to travel, Indianapolis is a fantastic spot to start off on a day trip. Whether you want to explore more of Indiana or branch off toward Chicago, Cincinnati, or other big cities, the sky is the limit when deciding where to venture off on your next exciting day trip.