You might be aware that Indiana is full of natural wonders; there are so many that it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to best see them all. To help, we’ve created this awesome Indiana natural wonders road trip that will help you see the best of each area of the state. These nine great destinations are absolutely stunning and will make you look at the Hoosier state in a totally different light!

Google Maps
You can customize your trip using this interactive map.
1. Dunes Nature Preserve - Chesterton
Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center, Nature Center, Chesterton, IN 46304, USA
Indiana Dunes/Facebook
If you've never been to the Indiana Dunes before, you have to check out this spectacular beach that you wouldn't think could possibly exist in landlocked Indiana. If you go, the Dunes Nature Preserve is arguably the prettiest part of the state park and is only accessible by foot. You have to check it out!

2. Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve - Bloomingdale
8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
Chris Light/Wikimedia
Located within the already-popular Turkey Run State Park, this stunning preserve showcases an array of mind-blowing canyons carved from sandstone by millions of years of erosion. You'll also find the Rocky Falls waterfall here!

Explore Turkey Run State Park from your couch in this amazing video:
3. Cataract Falls - Cloverdale
1317 W Lieber Rd, Cloverdale, IN 46120, USA
Knookie/TripAdvisor
Cataract Falls consists of an upper and lower fall and make for an amazing day trip any time of year. The rushing water in the summer juxtaposed in photos versus the frozen falls in the winter are simply breathtaking. It's also the largest waterfall by volume in the entire state. Score.

Check out this stunning video of Upper Cataract Falls in 4k:
4. Bluespring Caverns - Bedford
1459 Blue Springs Cavern Rd, Bedford, IN 47421, USA
Bluespring Caverns Park/Facebook
Get ready for amazing cave views and an exploratory boat ride when you visit the world-famous Bluespring Caverns. Explore fascinating limestone features as you float through this magical cavern.

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5. Marengo Caves - Marengo
Indiana 64, IN-64, Marengo, IN, USA
Rachel B./TripAdvisor
Next, we recommend exploring our state's most popular cave system, Marengo Caves. With two types of tours offered and two caves to explore, kids and adults alike will be positively moved by their splendor.
6. Falls of the Ohio - Clarksville
201 W Riverside Dr, Clarksville, IN 47129, USA
Censusdata/Wikimedia
Explore the Falls of the Ohio, where you'll uncover 390 million-year-old beds of fossils. The Falls features the largest selection of Devonian fossil beds in the whole world, making it a must-see for any Hoosier.
7. Brown County State Park - Nashville
1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
Brown County State Park/Facebook
The largest and most popular most popular state park in Indiana is located within charming Brown County. Get in touch with nature, go hiking or biking, plan a camping trip, sight-see, and relish all of the amazing beauty in this enormous park, which is world-renowned for its beauty.
8. Mounds State Park - Anderson
4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017, USA
Mounds State Park/Facebook
For a more intimate view of nature, you'll next drive to Mounds State Park in the small city of Anderson. This state park might be smaller than most, but it packs a huge dose of Hoosier beauty.
9. The Seven Pillars - Peru
3667 Mississinewa Rd, Peru, IN 46970, USA
MiamiCoIndiana/YouTube
These amazing pillars, also known as "The Cliffs," were carved into the limestone through years of erosion and wind. They're so stunning, the Miami still consider them to be holy.

Explore the beauty of the Seven Pillars firsthand with this handy video:

If you love exploring the beauty of Indiana, you have to take this IN natural wonders road trip as soon as you can! For more trip ideas, check out the marvels in Indiana that you’ll never find anywhere but right here.

Where are some of the most amazing places in Indiana to you? Let us know.

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Indiana Natural Wonders

Tori Jane | February 04, 2023
  1. What are some fun, affordable trips in IN to take? 

Indiana is a wonderful state for an affordable getaway! Why bother with places you know will be incredibly crowded when you can do fun stuff right here in the Hoosier State? Some of our favorite ideas for affordable trips in Indiana include ideas like:  

  • Indiana’s state parks – very affordable, often even more affordable for folks who live in-state. Our parks are amazing and definitely worth a trip! 
  • The Indianapolis Museum of Art – a highly affordable and engaging experience for adults and kids alike that includes modern art and some wonderful historical pieces. 
  • Museums in general – Indiana is home to numerous affordable and accessible museums for folks to enjoy.  

 

Learn more about affordable things to do in Indiana.   

  1. What are some great places to visit for free in IN? 

Of course, with so much to do and see in Indiana, you might wonder where to even begin. Why not begin with free? There are lots of fun things to do for free in Indiana and some of our favorites are:  

  • Tour the University of Notre Dame – the architecture of the place alone is worthy of gawking and admiration. 
  • Walk Central Canal – this one is excellent for families and/or a low-cost date night!  
  • Visit the Indiana War Memorial – learn about notable veteran Hoosiers and their contributions to fights for our freedom. 
  • Visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart – even if you’re not religious, this church is intensely awe-inspiring.  

 

Learn more about the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and plan your visit ASAP.   

  1. What are some of the most affordable attractions in Indiana?

Able to afford a little bit but not wanting to break the bank? No worries – there are hundreds, if not more, of affordable attractions in Indiana such as:  

  • Visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and learn about gorgeous exotic animals. 
  • Visit and admire the amazing Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes, an incredible geode grotto unique to Indiana.  
  • Check out natural landmarks like Marengo Cave and Lake Michigan.  

 

Learn more about the mystical geode grotto in Indiana.   

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