The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Indiana Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
By Tori Jane|Published April 15, 2024
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Spring has sprung, and you know what that means, friends: WILDFLOWERS! So many wildflowers! If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some blooming beauties this year before they leave us again, now’s the perfect time. So, I’ve gone ahead and put together something special: an amazing spring road trip through Indiana with all the most beautiful places hand-picked for adventure. So pack the car, bookmark the epic journey map, and let’s go!
Woo hoo! This awesome trip covers 222 miles and includes 4 hours, 26 minutes of driving - not counting stops!
Chain O’Lakes State Park is our first stop; this stunning state park in Indiana features breathtaking wildflowers and, of course, plenty of water. You'll find not one but several lakes that make up the park, all of which typically have an absurd number of wildflowers surrounding them every season. After all, water brings life, and flowers are alive right about now.
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2. Old Mill Park (previously Markle Dam)
Old Mill Park, Eighth St, Grandview, IN 47615, USA
Old Mill Park used to be known simply as "Markle Dam", but since the dam no longer exists, it's back to its roots as a historic park (with an awesome historic log cabin, too). I can't properly express the awesomeness that is the wildflowers of this area; no matter where you wander, you ought to find more than plenty beautiful blooms to amaze you.
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3. Mounds State Park
Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017, USA
Mounds State Park is a wonderful and sacred place - in the literal sense. Long, long ago, this region was home to a large population of Native Americans who used these earthen mounds for many different purposes. Today, these mounds look like gorgeous, rolling green hills - littered with wildflowers in the springtime. It's a win-win for everyone.
Fort Harrison State Park is 1,700 acres of pure perfection - and it's even better when covered in blossoms. While many people visit in the winter for awesome snow tubing, they don't even realize that spring is just around the corner (and well worth returning for). You'll find an amazing assortment of wildflowers all over the place, all of which are sure to stun.
5. Goethe Link Observatory
Goethe Link Observatory, 8403 Observatory Rd, Martinsville, IN 46151, USA
Goethe Link Observatory is a part of IU's campus, and honestly, you could just visit IU and see the multitude of flowers on-site - but the fields and hills surrounding the observatory are famous for their floral spectacle each and every year. Goethe Link Observatory is also home to the Daffodil Days annual festival, which is absolutely as incredible as it sounds.
6. Marott Woods Nature Preserve
Marott Woods Nature Preserve, 7350 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA
Located in beautiful Indianapolis, the Marott Woods Nature Preserve might be small, but it's mighty! It's honestly a good thing that this one's on the smaller side; that way, all these amazing flowers seem jam-packed into a tighter space, and it. Looks. Incredible. This park is home to some of Indiana's oldest-growth trees and native wildflowers. Perfect!
7. Leonard Springs Nature Park
Leonard Springs Nature Park, South Leonard Springs Road, Bloomington, IN, USA
The Leonard Springs Nature Park might be the final stop on this trip, but it's just as incredible as the others and ought not be skipped! The flowers are never anything short of absolutely brilliant, and the park itself is astonishingly beautiful. Encounter waterfalls and wildflowers galore at this hidden gem in the Hoosier State.
So, there you have it: seven incredible destinations for the ultimate spring road trip in Indiana. Not sure what to bring along? No worries – we have a nice, handy road trip packing list just for you! What are your plans for spring? Do you think you’ll take this road trip? Let me know!
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