There are many magical places in Indiana waiting to be discovered. Will you join us for a whimsical and fun fairytale road trip through Hoosier State? You’ll feel like royalty when you enjoy dining in a castle, walking through gorgeous gardens, staying the night in another castle, and much more. There’s no better way to enjoy hidden gems in Indiana than with a road trip. Does shalt thou explore some of these fairytale places in Indiana?

Make a day trip out of visiting some of the most magical attractions in Indiana. This road trip takes about seven hours to drive and will take you up or down the middle of the northern half of the state.
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You can begin your trip from one of three spots. The northern beginning spot is Tippecanoe Restaurant, though we suggest saving that for last. Your starting places could be either the Richmond Rose Garden or Clayshire Castle depending on what part of the state you're in.
Clayshire Castle/Facebook
1. Clayshire Castle
Clayshire Castle, 8780 County Rd 75 N, Bowling Green, IN 47833, USA
Clayshire Castle/Facebook
This castle looks like something out of a storybook and is something for all to enjoy. Guests can stay the night and enjoy all sorts of wild amenities such as oversized chess, a pond, vintage guestrooms, and more. Click here for more information about this unique attraction.

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2. Richmond Rose Garden
Richmond Rose Garden, Lower Dr, Richmond, IN 47374, USA
Richmond Rose Garden, Inc./Facebook
Constructed in 1987, this lovely park is best when in season. There are numerous types of roses to see and enjoy, and events take place throughout the year. Upkeep is mostly put forth by volunteers. Get more details here about this beautiful spot.
3. Storybook Express
Storybook Express Drive Thru, 316 E Sycamore St, Kokomo, IN 46901, USA
Dennis Hood/Google
You won't find a more whimsical place than this store that sells anything from soda to snack cakes to candy to coffee to lighters and much more. You'd never guess that this unique-looking place is home to something so mundane but it makes for an excellent pit stop on the way to the next location. You can read more about this unique store in Indiana here.
4. DeFries Gardens
DeFries Gardens ? River Preserve County Park, 17477 Co Rd 46, New Paris, IN 46553, USA
DeFries Gardens/Facebook
You'll want to spend some time at this unique yet little-known natural oasis that will make your fairytale road trip unforgettable. Featuring a seasonal garden, ponds, walking paths, acres of flowers, trees, and bushes, as well as status and other formations, this place is truly something to see.
5. Tippecanoe Place Restaurant
Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, 620 W Washington St, South Bend, IN 46601, USA
Donna B/TripAdvisor
Begin or complete your trip with a meal at a restaurant shaped like a castle. It will certainly make you feel like you're living in a fairytale. The establishment is grand inside and out with blue velvet furniture, grand chandeliers, and an opulent wooden staircase. Fine dining is of course a must. And guests can choose from a menu that includes delectable favorites like chicken marsala, roasted duck, and culotte steak as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta. Get more details about why travelers come from far and wide to enjoy this unique and magical restaurant.

If you are enchanted by castles, gardens, and a luxurious meal we think you might agree that this could be the best road trip in Indiana for a delightful adventure. What would you add to this fairytale road trip? Share the most whimsical places you can think of in the Hoosier State with us in the comments.

Of course, there are many more magical places in Indiana. Join us for a fairy tale hike on some of Indiana’s most enchanting nature trails. If castle road trips are more your style, check out this Indiana road trip that will lead you to the most majestic castles in the state.

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More to Explore

More magical adventures in Indiana

Chris Muras | November 21, 2022

What are some of the best road trips in Indiana?

The best road trips in Indiana take you on an adventure to see iconic state treasures, like state parks, historic sites, and even whimsical superhero museums. Here are some of the best road trip ideas in Indiana:

What are some of the most scenic drives in Indiana?

Indiana is filled with natural wonders and iconic drives across the state. From winding roads through state parks to historical roads with National significance Indiana will keep you entertained on your next road trip. Here are a few scenic drives we think you'll absolutely love:

  • Ohio River Scenic Byway
  • Wabash River Scenic Byway
  • Lincoln Highway
  • Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway
  • Historic National Road
  • Indiana SR-62

To learn more about these amazing scenic drives in Indiana read our featured Indiana scenic drives article.

Are there any abandoned castles in Indiana?

Why yes, there is an abandoned castle in Indiana and it's a spooky one. Witches Castle, in the tiny town of Utica, Indiana has sat abandoned since the early 1800s. Legend has it that the first three settlers in Utica, Indiana lived in this home. They were accused of witchcraft, attacked, and killed by other members of the town. Rumor has it they were buried in the cellar.

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