Take A Drive Down One Of Indiana's Oldest Roads For A Picture Perfect Day
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 27, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There’s an old historic road that cuts diagonally through the entire state of Indiana from southeast to northwest that is full of amazing things you can enjoy in one day. From festivals to museums to fresh markets, this ancient road is full of things to see and do.
One of the oldest roads in the state, this scenic byway is perfect for road trip lovers. Check it out:
Historic Michigan Road extends across the state of Indiana from the town of Madison (just outside of Louisville) to Michigan City. The original intent of the road was to connect the Ohio River to Indianapolis and Lake Michigan.
This road was integral to the state because it opened us up to commerce and further settlement by pioneers. Over the years, the road served as a trail used to lead Native Americans off their land as well as a path to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
This historic road can be driven almost straight through with just a few detours. What was once just a dirt path that cut through thick forestry is now a combination of major highways, forgotten farm roads, and urban city intersections.
The road begins by following US 421 north to Indianapolis, and then it shifts to State Road 29 in Logansport. It then follows State Road 25 to Rochester before becoming US 31 all the way through to South Bend, after which it follows US 20 to Michigan City.
In total, Historic Michigan Road passes through 14 counties and more than 24 communities including Shelbyville and Plymouth. You'll get to see all types of Hoosier life along this historic road, including small towns, farms, cities, and everything in between.
Interesting attractions along the way include history museums, farmers markets, local festivals, and much more. You'll also find a wealth of places to eat, sleep, and shop as you travel this old Hoosier road.
There's nothing as quintessentially Indiana as Historic Michigan Road. Important to our state's background and integral to our transportation needs, this long old road deserves some recognition. As it cuts diagonally through the state, you're never too far from a piece of it.
