Seeing and exploring the world is a great goal – but you also want to make sure you explore all that Indiana has to offer, too. After all, you can’t disregard home, right? These 10 incredible trips showcase some of the most amazing parts of our beautiful state; you simply haven’t lived until you’ve experienced every one of these awesome things to do and see. Here are some of our very favorite day trips in Indiana you’ve got to take ASAP:

1. Visit heaven on earth at the dunes.
Tom Gill/Flickr
Most people have heard of the dunes, but there are still so many Hoosiers who have never been in person. The gorgeous waters and incredible beaches are so unique that you have to take advantage of this hidden gem more than once per year. Plus, the dunes are gorgeous any time of year - and talk about an incredibly unique spot in the Midwest. This is among our favorite must-visit places in Indiana for sure!
2. Take a stroll around the oldest town in Indiana.
Eric Fischer/Flickr
Vincennes is a town bursting with history and culture. From the lovely rotunda monument to the Grouseland William Henry Harrison museum, there's so much to see and explore here. This one is especially delightful for those who love local history. For them, Vincennes is where it's at!
3. Experience the magic and beauty of southern Indiana on this peaceful train ride.
French Lick Scenic Railway/Facebook
The French Lick Scenic Railway offers extraordinary day trips through gorgeous southern Indiana. Witness the beauty of French Lick, the Hoosier National Forest, and much more. Find its HQ at 8594 West State Road 56, French Lick, Indiana, 47432.
4. Have a look around the most unique town in Indiana.
Christina Rutz/Flickr
New Harmony is a tiny town with a magnificent past. This town was the site of former utopian societies, and as a result, it has some of the coolest architecture and natural scenery in the country. Make sure to add this quaint little place to your Indiana bucket list ASAP.
5. Take a trip to the coolest hidden gem in the state.
columbusinsider/TripAdvisor
Columbus, Indiana, is an often overlooked place with tons to see and do. Just touring the famous architecture alone can keep you busy, while attractions like the amazing Veterans Memorial and the creative indoor playground, the Commons, will make your trip worthwhile.

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6. Explore this delicious ice cream factory.
Kirsten L./Yelp
There's nothing better than fresh ice cream and you'll find all of that and more at this fantastic ice cream factory at Fair Oaks Farm. Find it at 856 North 600 East, Fair Oaks, Indiana, 47943.
7. Check out this magical candy factory.
Brian M./Yelp
What Indiana bucket list is complete without candy? You'll feel like you've stepped into Willy Wonka's place when you walk into Albanese Candy Factory. This colorful day trip is perfect for families (or anyone with a sweet tooth!). Supposedly, they have the best gummy bears in the world.
8. Visit the place from your childhood that you always wished was real.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Santa Claus, Indiana, is perhaps the most magical town in the entire world. Visit any time of year to get into the Christmas spirit, because in Santa Claus, it's always Christmastime.
9. Try out a piece of history at Indiana's oldest restaurant.
sandi19592015/TripAdvisor
It's one thing to visit the oldest restaurant in the state; it's another to eat in the same room where former president Abraham Lincoln once dined! Enjoy this incredible experience at the Log Inn. Find it at 12491 County Road 200 East, Haubstadt, Indiana, 47639.
10. Explore this beautiful state park that might just be Indiana's best.
Hugh M./Yelp
Spring Mill State Park is positively breathtaking, with exquisite nature, amazing structures and architecture, and the incredible Pioneer Village. This park even has caves you can explore by boat and campgrounds galore! Find it at 3333 IN-60 East, Mitchell, Indiana, 47446.

Are you ready to take all of these remarkable trips in Indiana? For more adventures this year, check out this post.

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More to Explore

Day Trips In Indiana

Tori Jane | July 08, 2021

Where are the must-visit places in Indiana? 

Indiana is a gorgeous state and lucky for us, it’s not terribly big, which means we can fit bunches of fun all into one trip if we so wish. There are some places throughout the state that are the must-dos if you’re planning a visit. Some of our favorite must-see places in Indiana include any of our stunning state or national parks – Indiana Dunes National Park is a very popular one for a reason (it’s intensely beautiful), and so is McCormick’s Creek State Park (waterfall hikes, anyone?). You also can’t go wrong with a trip to Indianapolis and a walk on the beautiful Central Canal stretch. We also recommend any of our awesome museums, from the Eiteljorg to the Doctor Who emporium.  

What are some of the best day trips in Indiana for summer? 

Outdoors everything is seriously the best during the summer months (but don’t count the winter out – it's awesome in its own ways). Indiana is a place rich with inspiration for summertime fun; you could try a road trip that takes you to Indiana ghost towns, or maybe an all-day hike that leads to a waterfall or two is in the cards. You can visit Amish towns and learn about their day-to-day lives, and you can spend a whole weekend in Indianapolis alone if you want. Here are our picks for some interesting hidden places in Indiana to check out when you get a chance.  

What should I add to my Indiana bucket list? 

Where to begin! There’s so much to do in the Hoosier State that it’s almost impossible to just name it all off right away! We’re homes to some absolutely amazing state parks (and national ones) - you can’t call yourself a Hoosier until you’ve been to Indiana Dunes, Turkey Run, or Brown County state parks. Speaking of Brown County, it was called the most beautiful county in Indiana, and it’s well worth a visit on its own. Don’t forget to add some famous haunted places to your Indiana bucket list! Popular ones include the old Angola Theater, and even parts of the Notre Dame Campus! Ultimately, it’s up to you – follow your passion and Indiana will take you there.  

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Featured Addresses
8594 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432, USA
856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943, USA
RRoute 2, 12491 County Rd 200 E, Haubstadt, IN 47639, USA
3333 IN-60, Mitchell, IN 47446, USA