If you’re thinking of building a home in Hamilton County or northern Indianapolis, you can be assured that you’re choosing one of the best locations, not just in Indiana or in the midwest, but in the whole country. Indianapolis continues to be a booming hub for commerce, and the communities of Carmel and Fishers win awards year after year for being incredible cities to live in. But aside from being much-lauded places to live and work, residents enjoy close proximity to some unique attractions. If you’re looking for great Indiana day trips, here are ten awesome to check out if you’re looking for a way to spend your free days, still sleep in your own cozy bed at the end of them! Though these particular attractions are all currently open, we’ve included links and information relevant to COVID-19 safety guidelines to help you plan your Indiana day trip.

 

Indiana Day Trip 1: Indiana Dunes State Park 

If you come from out of state, you probably don’t associate Indiana with beaches. But the southern tip of Lake Michigan dips down into the Hoosier State, and the Indiana Dunes State Park boasts 15 miles of coastline, ample hiking trails, and brilliant wildlife. The dunes are the quintessential Indiana day trip!

Things to check out:

• Little Calumet River Trail
• Swimming, boating, and fishing in Lake Michigan
• camping
• Mnoke Prairie 
• Central Avenue Beach
• Mt. Baldy

State parks in Indiana are open, but be sure to check out safety restrictions and guidelines implemented due to COVID-19 that will help you make plans here:

https://www.in.gov/dnr/10342.htm?utm_source=agency-website&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=

 

 

Indiana Day Trip 2: Metamora

Metamora is a canal town that has held on to its history. If you’re looking for cute mom-and-pop shops, great food, and relaxing activities, Metamora is your kind of getaway. The 1800s gristmill and the only wooden aqueduct in the whole country are big hits with history buffs.

Things to check out:

• horse drawn canal rides on the canal 
• the working gristmill, where you can buy fresh ground cornmeal
•  a scenic ride on the Whitewater Railroad
• Grannies Ice Cream 

One thing to keep in mind at the moment is that the businesses in Metamora are independently owned and operated, and will observe different policies regarding the pandemic. We encourage you to check out the individual businesses websites for more information on their operations–there’s a list of them here: https://metamoraindiana.com/index.php/shopping

 

Indiana Day Trip 3: Holiday World

For a memorable day with family, Holiday World’s theme park/water park combination can’t be beat. In the whimsical city of Santa Claus, Indiana, Holiday World is divided into sections themed after major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July and Halloween. Whether you’re seeking roller coaster thrills or bumper cars are more your speed, Holiday World has attractions for all ages and levels of adventurousness. If you’re looking for an Indiana day trip with verve, you’ll find it here!

Things to check out:  

• Cheetah Chase water coaster (new this year!)
• Friday night fireworks
• Thunderbird (a launched wing roller coaster for the ultra-adventurous)
• Free soft drinks, sunscreen, and parking

COVID-19 safety guidelines can be found here: https://www.holidayworld.com/covid-19/

 

Indiana Day Trip 4: Antique Alley

More than 1000 antique dealers line a 60 mile stretch of the Historic National Road between Richmond and Knightstown.  This is a great way to spend the day for the curious day-browser or the serious antiquer! 

 

Things to check out:

• Cambridge city (where the shops are extra dense)
• Antique alley (trail 2) in Wayne Country https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/suggested-itineraries/antique-alley-trail-2
• Mockingbird Antiques and the 2-acre Centerville Antique Mall on trail 1 https://visitrichmond.org/files/pdfs/taxonomy/2020_antique_alley_trail_1.pdf

Again, stores are independently owned, and store hours and pandemic policies are up  to each store.

 

Indiana Day Trip 5: Marengo Cave 

Marengo Cave is a U.S. National Landmark discovered in 1883 by two curious children, Blanche and Orris Heistand. Today, the cave is visited by tourists from around the country. The stalactites,  stalagmites and other beautiful formations will make you feel like you’ve entered another world.

Things to check out: 

• The Dripstone Trail cave tour (60 minutes, 1 mile) 
• The Crystal Palace tour (40 minutes, 1/3 mile)
• mining for gem stones
• The new Miner’s Maze

 

Indiana Day Trip 6: Hoosier National Forest

This 203,000 acre forest is located in Bedford Indiana, close to Bloomington. Full of both history and natural beauty, Hoosier National forest delivers true tranquility or athletic challenges, depending on what you’re seeking. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and boating are just some of the activities available in Hoosier National Forest. And if you want to make your day trip just a bit longer, there’s also camping and cabins available.

Things to check out:

• Hickory Ridge lookout tower
• Hemlock Cliffs
• Lick Creek African American Settlement
• Mano Point
• Sundance Lake

 

Indiana Day Trip 7: Conner Prairie

If you’re short on time or really want to stay in your own backyard, the very-local Conner Prairie is nationally-lauded and a heck of a lot of fun. Conner Prairie was created by Eli Lilly in 1934 to create an immersive, interactive experience with Indiana history as well as science and technology. Indoor and outdoor immersive experiences connect visitors to life in the mid 1880s.

Things to check out:

• 1836 Prairie Town 
• 1859 Balloon Voyage
• Treetop Outpost

Indiana Day Trip 8: Wolf Park 

This unique nature preserve is located near Lafayette, Indiana. Choose from several different guided tours to learn about Wolf Park’s research and conservation work and see grey wolves, red foxes, grey foxes, and bison. The Wolf Park is a one-of-a-kind experience, where you can learn about the importance of wolves and other wildlife, and the importance of their presence in the local ecosystem.

Things to check out:

• Howl night (wolves at night, when they are most active)
• Follow the pack tour
• Photography opportunities in the fall and spring

Indiana Day Trip 9: Indiana Grand Racing and Casino

Indiana Grand Racing and Casino offers the energy of Vegas just a few miles away from Indianapolis. WIth live horse racing, slots, table games, and live shows, The Grand offers a day of fun for adults who like to roll the dice.

Things to check out: 

• The Rock Bar
• E-Table Games
• Shelby’s Gifts
• Kentucky Derby Packages (registration open!)

The Indiana Grand has implemented some safety measures to protect visitors and staff–read about them here: https://www.caesars.com/indiana-grand/casino/healthandsafety#.XvIMrWpKii4

 

Indiana Day Trip 10: Patoka Lake

If you’re looking for a more relaxing lake experience, Patoka is the place to visit. With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake is located just south of French Lick and West Baden. The lake and surrounding area is a habitat for a number of interesting species of animals, such as freshwater jellyfish, eagles, and osprey. Nearby, you’ll find beautiful wineries, and if you want to extend your stay overnight there are plenty of places to make camp, including the marina’s famous “floating cabins.” Maximum relaxation can be achieved on this Indiana day trip.

Things to check out:

• Archery Range
• Garden Loop Trail
• Birds of Prey On Display (6/26/20!)
• Wheelin’ In the Fish (event for anglers with special needs and their families)
• Floating cabins

This is only a tiny slice of the good times and unique places to experience within driving distance of the Hamiltion and Marion country regions. If all you’ve been imagining is corn, well, we’ve got plenty of that, but we also have some of the most incredible natural beauty in the country, unique entertainment opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else, and of course, Hoosier hospitality at the core of it all.

If you’ve been thinking about building a home in a place that truly has it all, we’d love to help! Contact us here: https://www.builtbyhamilton.com/contact-hamilton-homes/

In the meantime, what’s YOUR favorite Indiana day trip!