7 of The Most Scenic Drives in Indiana

Indiana road trips are a fun way to explore the state, with some spectacular scenery along the way. Indiana is one of the states that make up the Great Lakes Region and is mainly flat with rolling hills, making it ideal for leisurely drives.

These road trip routes are perfect to plan a vacation around, with some great stop-offs along the way to break up the drive. From waterfalls and ghost towns to fall foliage and National Parks, there really is something for everybody on this list.

Grab your friends or family and load up the car. It’s time to go and explore all the natural beauty that Indiana has to offer.

The Best Indiana Road Trips

Photo Cred: jugglinglifewithpurpose

1. Indiana to French Lick West Baden

Take a fun day trip to the true resort community of French Lick West Baden. Make a splash at an indoor water park, go boating on Patoka Lake, take a train through the Hoosier National Forest, climb in the saddle for a horseback ride or put on your best walking shoes to explore one of the many scenic trails.

Distance: 124 miles

Route highlights: French Lick Springs; Hoosier National Park.

When to do it: Spring-Summer

Photo Cred: IG Jeffcham35

2. Ohio River Scenic Byway

Make this road trip route a relaxing historic tour, an exhilarating adventure or something in between. Three charming historic towns along the Scenic Byway are Vevay, Madison and Newburgh. Each offers antiques, artisans, relaxing B&Bs, quaint restaurants and beautiful views of the river.

Distance: 303 miles

Route highlights: Dearborn County Convention, Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, The Overlook Restaurant, Lincoln Pioneer Village

When to do it: Spring and Summer

Photo Cred: IG michelekorfhagephotography

3. Fall Foliage Road Trip

The beautiful leaves can be seen all around, but great views can be found on a drive through the Brown County State Park. The vistas provide an elevated view that lets you see the wide array of trees and colours.

Distance: 20 miles (roughly)

Route highlights: Brown County State Park

When to do it: Fall

Photo Cred: IG puremodernwellness

4. Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway

Crossing through a number of scenic and historic southeastern Indiana countries, the Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway bridges the distance between the Ohio River and the historic National Road. Close out your journey in Richmond’s Historic Depot District, home to art, shopping and delicious dining!

Distance: 76 miles

Route highlights: Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Duck Creek Aqueduct, Whitewater Memorial State Park, Historic Elmhurst House, The Canal House, Historic Richmond Depot District

When to do it: Summer

Photo Cred: IG miles2gobeforeisleep

5. The Indiana Lincoln Highway Byway

Beginning at the Ohio state line and ending at the Illinois border, it follows the original routes that made up the Lincoln Highway in its various iterations over the past century. In Indiana, the highway travels through more than 40 towns, with plenty of charming places to stop along the way.

Distance: 170.5 miles

Route highlights: Porter, Starke, Marshall, Kosciusko, Whitley

When to do it: Year-round

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6. Indiana Haunted Road Trip

This trip isn’t for the faint hearted! Visit supposedly haunted places like Randolph County Infirmary – many of the residents of this historical building have never left and continue to make their presence known both day and night, and Avon Haunted bridge, a fascinating landmark in Hendricks County

Distance:320 miles

Route highlights: Barbee Hotel, Randolph County Infirmary, Crown Hill Cemetery, Haunted Bridge and The Story Inn

When to do it: Year-round

Photo Cred: IG macgowans

7. Heritage Trail in Elkhart County

Explore country lanes dotted with Amish-owned shops showcasing handcrafted and homemade. This scenic winding loop takes you through the vibrant towns of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, Wakarusa, and Shipshewana. You can see the full route here

Distance:90 miles

Route highlights: Bristol, Wakarusa, and Shipshewana

When to do it: Year-round