Fabulous Day Trips and Excursions from Indianapolis

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Take a day off and get away, but not too far away. Here are some fun day trips from Indianapolis that are just a hop, skip and jump from Indy, almost all of them within a single tank of gas. In the chart below, you will find links to tons of day trips from Indianapolis that comprise some of the best kept secrets of Indiana, from historic jaunts to shopping sprees in some intriguing towns outside of Indianapolis.

For more things to do in Indianapolis and beyond, check out our Indianapolis events page.

Outdoor and Nature Adventures

	Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground These unique campgrounds, which concentrate on the magic of Bluegrass music, open from May through October each year, attracting visitors from near and far for a unique Hoosier experience. In Bean Blossom, Indiana.
	Bonneyville Mill County Park Plan to witness realistic reenactments of Civil War scenarios, inspiring educational events and a working flour mill surrounded by dahlias. In Bristol, Indiana

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Restored Homes and Historic Sites

	Billie Creek Village in Rockville, Indiana Heavily visited, this living, interactive historical museum offers old-fashioned fun for the entire family. Grab your tribe and plan a day trip from Indianapolis to see the covered bridges of Parke County, stopping at popular Billie Creek Village along the way for an infusion of nostalgic yesteryear.
	Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site in New Albany, Indiana A favorite destination for Hoosiers who seek out the thrill of the many haunted houses in Indiana, this venerable old mansion offers tours, as well as a public haunting for Halloween.

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Museums

	Academy of Hoosier Heritage in Mooresville, Indiana This museum pays homage to the beloved game of basketball, and particularly the legendary John Wooden, basketball coach to many Hoosier stars. The facility also offers tons of memorabilia from Indiana history.
	Circus Museum in Peru, Indiana Here is one of the most unique museums among the great museums in and around Indianapolis. The International Circus Hall of Fame is a favorite day trip destination for kids of all ages.
	Indiana Dunes State Park and National Lakeshore This breathtaking Indiana nature preserve offers fun for all ages. From camping and hiking, to snowshoeing and bird watching, families can do it all. This Hoosier gem is just a three hour drive from Indianapolis.
	Old Lighthouse Museum Indiana’s oldest lighthouse is located in Michigan City, Indiana. The lighthouse was converted into a museum, and visitors flock from all around for tours of this historic and educational adventure.
	Ragtops Museum Classic car lovers flock from all over the country to see the 70,000 square foot showroom at the Ragtops Museum. More than 60 assembled cars make up the museum’s collection, and many cars are for sale. For a relaxing and education day trip, venture up to the Ragtops Museum. While you’re in northwest Indiana, be sure to check out the beautiful shorelines at the Indiana Dunes State Park and National Lakeshore. The museum doubles as an event venue, hosting wedding receptions, family gatherings and several other private events.
	Brown County, Indiana Not much more than a half hour drive from Naptown, you’ll find a heavenly haven for your day trip from Indianapolis, with the unlikely name of Nashville, Indiana. Try the “Girlfriend’s Getaway,” a day to pamper your mind and body and rejuvenate your spirit. Don’t forget to check out the unique shopping boutiques and galleries before or after your spa visit; you will find treasures galore in Nashville.
	Circus Museum in Peru, Indiana Just over an hour’s drive north of Indianapolis, you’ll find the novel town called Peru, widely referred to as the “Circus Capital of the World.” If you plan to visit in mid-July, you can take in the awe-inspiring Circus Heritage Festival, which lasts an entire week. There’s plenty to see during the rest of the year, however, and it’s all guaranteed to take your breath away.
	Mid-America Windmill Museum in Kendallville, Indiana The windmill capital of the Midwest is located right here in the Hoosier State. More than 50 windmills are on display on the site, and some even date back as far as the early 1800s. Windmill history and the evolution of the modern windmill are detailed by the exhibits, making this a unique and educational experience. Going green, clean energy and windmill power are all major discussion topics of today, some see what all the hype is about, and learn about windmills from all over the area.
	Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana 150 miles northeast of Indianapolis is the classic car capitol of the world. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum displays classic cars ranging from 1894 to 1999, many of which were made right here in the Hoosier State. The site of the museum is the original Aurburn Automobile Company, a designer of luxury classic cars. For an educational and fun day trip from Indianapolis, check out the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.
	James Dean Gallery in Gas City, Indiana Come see the 7,2000 square foot tribute to this Hoosier film star. Thousands of fans, enthusiasts and historians pass through Gas City, Marion and Fairmount each year to pay their respects to this Indiana native. Memorabilia ranging from ceramic mugs to bronze busts stretch from wall to wall, and makes up the world’s largest James Dean collection. This Indiana attraction opened doors in 1988, and curator David Loehr takes great pride in his massive collection. Take a day trip from Indianapolis and explore the footsteps of James Dean, beginning at his birthplace in Marion and all the way to his grave site in Fairmount.
	Covered Bridges of Parke County There are 30 covered bridges in Parke County and a maple sugar festival each year in February. This is scenic Amish country, rife with history and the staunch, somehow moving character of the Heartland. Take your camera and the kids. Parke County is only about an hour due east of Indianapolis, near Rockville.
	General Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville, Indiana Ben Hur, the best-selling novel of the nineteenth century, was penned in and around the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum. Wallace’s home has been restored and opened as a museum, where historic artifacts, books and other memorabilia are on display. In 2008, the Crawfordsville Park and Recreation Department was awarded the highest museum honor in the country, a National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
	The Reno Gang in Seymour, Indiana Indiana’s rowdie rebels of today pale in comparison to the bad bunch of brothers in The Reno Gang. The gang is best known for a series of train robberies in the Seymour area, and one of their infamous acts was the first train robbery in the United States. Many of the gang’s leaders were later killed for their crimes, and the grave site of a few members is located in Seymour too. For a glimpse into the criminal mischief of the past, visit Seymour, Indiana and follow the steps of The Reno Gang, from birth to death.
	Billie Creek Village in Rockville, Indiana This interactive living history museum is the Connor Prarie of western Indiana. Featuring dozens of early nineteenth century buildings, Billie Creek Village is best known for its beautiful covered bridges. While touring the Covered Bridges of Parke County, visitors love making a stop at Billie Creek Village, where they can pet the farm animals, buy fresh Maple syrup or watch soap being made. Everything at the village is done the old fashioned way. Each year hundreds of guests pass through Rockville, Indiana to see Billie Creek Village, the Covered Bridge Festival and all the beautiful covered bridges in Parke County.
	Eugene V. Debs Home in Terre Haute, Indiana This political and social activist made a name for himself during the socialist movement of the early 1900s. Eugene V. Debs lived in Terre Haute, Indiana with his wife, and they often entertained guests the likes of poet James Whitcomb Riley. The Eugene V. Debs Home is located on the beautiful campus of Indiana State University, and it has become a museum of Debs’ life. There are murals, original furnishings and even his personal library.
	Grissom Air Museum If you’re looking for an exciting and educational getaway from Indianapolis, head up to Peru, Indiana and check out the Grissom Air Museum. The museum features 25 outdoor aircraft on display, including a B-17 Flying Fortress and several other historic planes. The indoor museum teaches visitors about the history of flight, and it offers interactive experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
	Haunted Houses in Indiana From the traditional Halloween ZooBoo at the Indianapolis Zoo to the Historic Hannah House, the grand state of Indiana is home to a multitude of scary secrets, some of them downright terrifying. We’ve compiled a list of some 25 popular places where you can spend the day being pleasantly spooked, all either fairly close to Indy or within the bounds of the metropolis.
	Norm Skinner’s Farm Museum and Village in Perrysville, Indiana Ancient farm equipment, automobiles, sleighs and other 1820s era farm equipment are displayed on Norm Skinner’s Farm. Each fall, Farmer Skinner fires up his equipment collection at his annual steam and gas show. Visitors from near and far step back to the 1820s and experience life on the farm in the old days. Norm Skinner’s Village has some of the coolest ancient structures, including historic homes, an 1830 tavern, an 1890 school house, a round barn from Illinois, an 1881 jailhouse and several log cabins. Escape from Indy for a day or two and experience Indiana farming.
	Pigeon Roost Massacre State Historic Site in Scottsburg, Indiana Pioneer and Indian conflicts were common during the early 1800s, and one village in Scottsburg, Indiana was no different. Twenty four people were known to have been killed there, wiping out nearly the entire village of pioneers. This is one of many conflicts that led to the War of 1812 in the west, and today young Hoosiers can come and get a piece of history. The lessons to be learned by this state historic site are endless. A monument stands in the area to commemorate those who died, and the surrounding park serves as a site for visitors to enjoy. The area is a beautiful place for a quiet and serene picnic.
	College Football Hall of Fame Head up to South Bend, Indiana for a glimpse at college football history. From the Heisman Awards to game reel bloopers, the College Football Hall of Fame is a great destination for football lovers, even in the off-season. Bring a few friends, or the whole family on an unforgettable day trip. If you’re looking for an excellent venue for a wedding reception, family reunion, birthday party, or another private event, the College Football Hall of Fame is a great spot. Hoosiers and college basketball lovers from across the globe are encouraged to view the long history of college football glory at the College Football Hall of Fame.
	Columbian Park in Lafayette, Indiana About 50 miles northwest of the Circle City on I-65 is the interesting town of Lafayette. This is a bustling community of about 60,000 souls, with several points of interest to recommend it for a fun day trip from Indianapolis. Plan to visit the Columbian Park Zoo while you’re there. In June, the town puts on an unbeatable musical and culinary celebration called “Taste of Tippecanoe,” or if you happen to go in the beautiful month of August, you can catch the “Mosey Thru LayFlats Arts and Music Festival,” replete with dozens of local bands and artisans.
	Tippecanoe Battlefield Park in West Lafayette, Indiana This historical park is a monument to a very important 1811 battle between Tecumseh’s American Indian Federation and U.S. military troops led by General William Henry Harrison. This conflict fueled the flames for the War of 1812, and although it only lasted a few hours, several were left dead or wounded. Harrison’s victory in this historic battle was a driving force in his presidential campaign, making this battlefield an important site in American political history, and of course military history. Today, a monument stands in honor of those who served and died on the grounds. West Lafayette is a great spot for a day trip from Indianapolis, and it’s also home to Purdue University, Columbian Park and many more Indiana attractions.
	Ruthmere Mansion and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana This historic mansion home was the first Beaux Arts mansion in the Elkhart region. It was home to A.R. and Elizabeth Beardsley, a very prominent couple in the northern Indiana community. The mansion was built by famous Chicago architect E. Hill Turnock in 1910. The Beardsleys named this famous mansion, which is now a museum, after their late daughter Ruth. This unique museum experience gives Hoosiers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy and affluent in the early 1900s. Intricate woodwork, classic art collections, beautiful gardens and many other features of Ruthmere wow visitors each year.
	The Levi Coffin House in Fountain City Located just outside of Richmond, Indiana, this national historic landmark is often dubbed the “Grand Central Station” of the Underground Railroad. Mr. Levi, in fact, is still referred to as the Underground Railroad’s President. Take a day trip to Richmond, about 1-1/2 hour’s drive east from Indy, and you’ll see some lovely sights along the Whitewater River on the way.
	Muncie Children’s Museum The medium-sized city of Muncie, Indiana, about an hour’s drive to the northeast of Indianapolis, offers lots to do in a day. You and your family may, in fact, decide to stay over to take in more of the sights and activities in Muncie. Be sure to see the Muncie Children’s Museum, an excellent complement to the world-famous Indianapolis Children’s Museum in downtown Indianapolis.
	Museum of the Soldier in Portland, Indiana This military history museum attracts veterans, history buffs, field trips, family vacations and day trips from Indianapolis. Exhibits at this Indiana museum honor and commemorate soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, their lives.
	Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans in Columbus, Indiana Twenty-five limestone pillars stand in formation near the Bartholomew County Courthouse in a a silent salute to the area’s veterans.
	Tippecanoe Battlefield Park in West Lafayette, Indiana The battle commemorated at this site was one of the important conflicts which fueled the flames that eventually became the conflagration called the War of 1812.

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