Indianapolis is renowned as the host of the Indy 500, the world’s largest one-day sporting event, and the center of racing around the world. When a spinning engine from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway prompts you to drive, the city connects to all four major interstate highways and is nicknamed the “American Crossroads.”
If you find yourself in the city for a sports game or a trip to the world’s largest children’s museum, don’t rush home when you’re done. Whether you enjoy sunbathing in nature or slowly drinking sour ale, there are many things you can do within two hours by car.
Here are five of the best day trips from Indianapolis.
Bloomington, Indiana
Why go: Experience Tibetan culture
Thanks to the late brothers of the Dalai Lama, a professor at the University of Indianapolis, the small university town of Bloomington is surprisingly ingrained in Tibetan culture. While in the city, you can learn about Tibetan heritage and visit one of the only two Tibetan stupas in the country at the Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Tibet. You can also try traditional Tibetan food at Anyetsang’s.
For cities with a population of less than 100,000, Bloomington has more than 350 eateries. Stop at the Small Favors Bar, a farm-to-folk restaurant, to taste the literal taste of Bloomington or Elm at one of America’s finest restaurants with a twist on the Mediterranean and North African flavors.
When it’s full, let’s go out naturally. Just outside Bloomington is Lake Monroe, where you can take a dip, go fishing or rent a jet ski to cool off in the summer.
How to get to Bloomington
The 51-mile journey from Indianapolis to Bloomington takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes on Interstate 69. The most convenient way to get to Bloomington is by car, but if you’re at Indianapolis International Airport, you can take the GO Express Shuttle.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Why go: take advantage of the downtown food scene
Not as big as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne is perfect for foodie families. Restaurants with creative concepts and a variety of dishes are close to each other. Mercado On The Landing temporarily moves to the west coast with the option of Cali-Mexican cuisine. HaruSushi & Izakaya Japanese Restaurant serves the freshest sushi in town. Fortezza Coffee can draw a few shots to boost caffeine (don’t miss the Creme Brulee French Toast). Did you get the atmosphere of “somewhere at 5 o’clock”? Visit Copper Spoon and choose one of 100 cocktails, from Adonis to Zombies.
Once all the food has been sampled, walk to Fort Wayne along the Public Art Trail. Downtown is easy to walk around and the interactive Science Central provides children with an attractive learning portal. With the Foelinger Flyman Botanical Gardens nearby and seasonal exhibits, you might forget that you’re in the middle of a bustling downtown. If you’re a fan of the boldly printed Vera Bradley brand, the newly built Bradley Hotel offers special prints that can only be purchased at the property.
How to get to Fort Wayne
Driving from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne is a direct flight on Interstate 69, which takes about 125 miles. The Barron’s Bus departs from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne once a day and drops passengers by the botanical gardens. Bus time is comparable to driving a car and costs about $ 20 per ticket.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why go: go through an underground brewery tunnel
In Cincinnati, you can travel through underground brewery tunnels over 100 years ago to see one of the major lager brewing cities in the United States before it was banned.
Cincinnati contributes to all kinds of thriving SMEs by focusing on innovation while integrating its rich history. Will one of those tunnels become life-filled? The street-level four-storey Ghost Baby is an underground bar built from a brewery tunnel, featuring live music, light meals and a perfect design. Such creative conflicts occur frequently in Cincinnati, making it a perfect romantic day trip for couples that can be easily extended on weekends. An example of a fine dining restaurant is the French and Italian restaurant Metropole, which shares space with the museum.
Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest and most continuously operated public market, has dozens of vendors and treats, from Arepa to Falafel Wrap, to keep things more casual. Donut lovers will want to get a donut passport to follow the Butler County Donut Trail, but you definitely need a car.
How to get to Cincinnati
The drive to Cincinnati takes about two hours from Indianapolis on Interstate Route 74. Like Greyhound, Barron’s buses run twice a day from Indianapolis, but buses take about an hour longer than driving. Amtrak has a 3-hour train on the Cardinal line to get to Cincinnati. However, make a plan in advance. I only leave three times a week.
New Harmony, Indiana
Why Go: Take an Architectural Tour of Utopian Society
Originally a place of two different endeavors in the utopian community, New Harmony has evolved since 1819 and has become a hub for craftsmen who make textiles, soaps and woodwork. The community also boasts carved art and world-famous architecture. The stunning Ateneum, New Harmony’s visitor center, was designed by modernist architect Richard Meier.
Meander the New Harmony Harmony Labyrinth and feel the world slow down with just the puzzles in front of you. Don’t worry about getting lost a bit between the privet hedges-you will eventually find your way.
Architecture enthusiasts should not miss a church without a roof. A roofless church is an outdoor concept aimed at encouraging all humankind to have one roof, a space for worship under the sky. Some people find the quiet courtyard creepy, while others find it calm. The church was designed by Philip Johnson, known for modern New York architecture. The minimalist design of the parachute-like altar contrasts the church with more than 12 19th-century buildings.
When you’re ready to shake off the silence, take a break at Black Lodge Coffee Roasters, a small batch roastery and coffee shop that offers creative latte flavors such as sorghum, sage, and bourbon barrel stout. At the coffee shop, you can also get a glimpse of the New Harmony art scene through the monthly exhibition of artists. For more art, the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art presents an impressive collection of art from international and local artists.
How to get to New Harmony
A trip to this strange little town will be longer than the average day trip from Indianapolis. However, the drive to New Harmony is just three hours from Indianapolis, or more than 180 miles. You can get there using I-69. Driving is the only option as there are no buses or trains running between Indianapolis and New Harmony.
Louisville, Kentucky
Why go: Follow the Bourbon Trail
What is a visit to Bourbon City without a Bourbon Tour? The Urban Bourbon Trail has a program that offers discounts on various bourbon restaurants and bars throughout the city. Even if you’re not drinking, Louisville is known for its vibrant urban culture and culinary landscape, making it one of the best Indiana day trips to enjoy museums and food.
The Muhammad Ali Center is an award-winning and iconic museum that celebrates the lives of the locals in Louisville. The interactive three-story museum delves into the story of the greatest boxer of all time, drawing visitors into the civil rights issues of the 1960s and 70s. If you want to enjoy the museum in general, the Louisville Legend Ticket will give you access to the Muhammad Ali Center as well as the three top Louisville Museums: the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and the Frazier History Museum. It is the official starting point for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Louisville is known for its bourbon and sports legends, but it’s also the birthplace of the marshmallow caramel sweets Mojeska Candy. Muth’s is a sweet tooth paradise and a great place to try it.
In the evening, the Copper and King rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Louisville skyline and sunset.
Directions from Indianapolis to Louisville
To get to Louisville from Indianapolis, drive 112 miles along I-65. The trip takes less than 2 hours. Alternatively, you can go to Louisville by Greyhound. Multiple buses run daily between the two cities. Depending on the departure time you choose, Greyhound will take two to three and a half hours.
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