Perfect Summertime Indiana Mini-Road Trip Getaways

Are you on the hunt for an inspirational road trip destination, one packed full of fun things to see and do as you hit the open road – then you need to drive across the incredible Hoosier State.

Whether you’re traveling solo or planning an entertaining summer family vacation, join us as we tour all the best attractions on our Indiana-inspired road trip adventure.

Central Indiana’s Creeks, Canyons, and Checkered Flags

First on our shortlist of the best road trips in Indiana sees us heading to the central belt for a unique blend of the Hoosier State’s natural wonders fused with the high-octane history that is the Indy 500.

We kick start our tour by heading to the family-friendly Turkey Run State Park to explore its incredible sandstone ravines and scenic forests. Perfect for nature lovers, you can hike its beautiful trails and even canoe along Sugar Creek. However, our highlight attraction has to be to stroll across the 200-foot-long wooden suspension bridge over Sugar Creek itself.

After a few days fully immersed in Indiana’s lush forests, we leave for Indianapolis next along the I‑74 to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum home of the historic Indi 500. Ideal for road-trippers of all ages, here you can discover the illustrious story of the IndyCar Series and a fantastic day out when you are in central Indiana.

Just a stone’s throw away from Turkey Run State Park, we highly recommend staying at the Best Western Plus Crawfordsville Hotel in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Then for a great night’s sleep every night switch across to the Best Western Fishers Indianapolis Area in Fishers, Indiana, for the final leg of your road trip.

Lakeside Retreat and Sand Dune Adventures in Northern Indiana

We’re driving to the exquisite surroundings of North Indiana next on our mini-road trip guide for a chance to dip your toes in Lake Michigan this summer. Blessed with a range of things to do, we highly recommend traversing the towering sand dunes before talking a leisurely walk through the region’s vibrant Indiana Dunes National Park.

For easy access to Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes we suggest start your road trip in Valparaiso and Chesterton as we navigate along the iconic Lincoln Highway of Route 30. Ideal for hanging out with your friends and family, spend a few days together embracing the areas natural beauty by relaxing by the lake or an attempting an energic climb across the sand dunes.

Afterwards, departing East along the Lincoln Highway, we set off into the charming city of South Bend, home to Indiana’s oldest wildlife center – Potawatomi Zoo. Finally, our North Indiana road trip sees us make our way to Goshen for a well-deserved refreshment and the farm-to-table delights and craft beers brewed at the family-friendly Goshen Brewing Co.

For two of the best hotels near the shores of Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dues, we’d recommend staying at the Best Western Indian Oak in Chesterton or Best Western University Inn at Valparaiso. And, for the perfect way to unwind after a mini-Indianan road trip, be sure to stay at the Best Western Inn when you arrive in Goshen.

East Indiana – Home to Riverside Walks and Rebel Legends

Next, we head east on our venture to discover the wonders of Indiana on our mini-road trip adventures around the Hoosier State, and in particular, Fort Wayne, for a cultural experience like no other.

Kicking off our shortlist of the best things to do in Fort Wayne we suggest taking a stroll around the city’s famous downtown Riverfront district. Here, the city has transformed its historic riverbank into a cultural hotspot with nature parks, playgrounds, and walking trails. The area has also become a magnet for locals and visitors alike who gather for events such as the annual summer dragon boat races on the river and the countless exhibitions and shows featured nearby at the Fort Wayne Art Museum.

Finally, whether you’re traveling with the kids or visiting with friends, our next top tip is to proceed over to Fort Wayne Coney Island for their world-renowned Coney Dogs. Then, as we leave Fort Wayne behind, our next must-see attraction on our mini-road trip in Indiana is to take a tour of the at the legendary James Dean Landmarks Trail in Marion. Here, fans and curious travellers can find plenty of rare Hollywood memorabilia, artifacts, and pictures of Marion, Indiana’s hometown hero at the James Dean Gallery nearby in Fairmount.

We highly recommend spending plenty of time in Fort Wayne with a host of attractions across the city, so be sure to stay at the Best Western Fort Wayne I-69 North in Fort Wayne. Driving south along the I-69, get a great night’s sleep along the way when you also book your accommodation at the Best Western Gas City.

Craft Spirts, Caves, and Giant Clocks in Southern Indiana

For our southern Indiana mini-road trip shortlist, we’ve chosen to travel to see the amazing Hoosier National Forest and the karst landscapes of Margengo before finishing in Clarksville, Indiana, to see one of the world’s largest clocks.

Starting in the rustic paradise that is French Lick, made famous by its mineral springs as an early spa resort in the mid-1800s. However, a trip to French Lick wouldn’t be complete without calling into Spirits of French Lick, one of Indiana’s best distillers, in order to sample their delicious bourbon, brandy, and American whiskey.

Next, we drive southwest on our road trip to visit the phenomenal Marengo Caves to explore the Crystal Palace & Dripstone Trail tour cave systems for a unique sub-terranean experience that you won’t forget. Finally, we head to Clarksville, just across the river from Louisville, to see the Colgate Clock atop the former Colgate-Palmolive factory, which, with its 40-foot diameter, makes it one of the biggest clock faces in the world.

Get your scenic tour across Southern Indiana off to a great start by staying at the Best Western Plus French Lick in French Lick, before taking in the scenery of the Hoosier National Forest and Marengo Caves along the way. Finally, finish off the ideal Indiana road trip by staying in the Best Western Green Tree Inn in Clarksville, Indiana.

With more than 30 Best Western® Hotels & Resorts branded hotels in the Hoosier State, set out to adventure with Best Western Indiana  today.