It’s no secret that Indiana is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It’s filled top-to-bottom, end-to-end with amazing natural wonders, waterfalls, hikes, lakes, camping spots, swimming holes, and everything in between. Well, we went and put together a delightful little day trip that will take you to two of the most beautiful state parks in Indiana – one for sunrise, and the other for sunset. You can spend as much time as you like in between, but it’ll be a three-hour drive from one to the other, so plan accordingly. Oh, and we threw in one of the most legendary historic restaurants in Indiana along the way, too, so definitely plan for that. Get in the car and gas up – this sunrise-to-sunset day trip in Indiana is doable on just one tank!

We hope you like the great outdoors because the two amazing parks in Indiana we're hitting today are a couple of the best.
Google Maps
We will begin our journey by watching the sun come up at none other than the most notoriously beautiful place in all of Indiana: Brown County State Park.
Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr
Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr
There is NOTHING on this planet like the magic of Brown County State Park, y'all. There is a reason - okay, many reasons - that it's considered the most beautiful region of the state. It is positively breathtaking. So, what else is there to do around here once the sun's up? Lots of things: there are more than 18 miles of epic hiking trails, for example, just waiting to be conquered. The trails range in difficulty levels, so matter what you're looking for, you'll find it here.

If you've ever wondered what this amazing region in Indiana looks like when fully immersed in fall color, you're in luck. Check this amazing video out!

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We'll be watching the sun go down at Indiana Dunes National Park later, which is going to require a bit of a drive north.
Bruno's Pizza and Big O's Sports Room/Facebook
On the way, in West Lafayette, we implore you to stop at Bruno's Pizza.
Bruno's Pizza and Big O's Sports Room, 212 Brown St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
Bruno's Pizza and Big O's Sports Room/Facebook
We wouldn't want you to stop for any old reason, though; turns out, Bruno's is the oldest pizza place in Indiana, having served up top-notch pies since 1955. It'll be tough to choose what to eat. We promise. But, no matter what you choose, it's going to be really, really good.
After another hour and a half or so in the car (you're welcome to stop at every shop and boutique along the way, but it'll take more time), you'll reach our evening destination: Indiana Dunes National Park.
Drewski Mac/Flickr
There is something outrageously magical about watching the sunset over Lake Michigan.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
It feels just like the ocean, and it even sounds the same. Kick back on the sandy beaches of the Indiana Dunes and watch the sky turn from blue to gold to orange and then back to a deeper blue again, but not before exploring some of the awesome hiking trails around here, like the easy-but-awe-inspiring Dune Succession Trail. Hiking is an excellent way to appreciate these parks at their fullest in the time you have between sunrise and sunset.

Catch an incredible glimpse at the view from the end of the Dune Succession Trail - now imagine the sun setting over it.

So there you have it: an epic day trip in IN where you can watch the sun come up – and go down – on Indiana’s most awe-inspiring places. To get the official route map, be sure to check it out on Google Maps.

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Day Trip in Indiana

Tori Jane | February 04, 2023
  1. Where should I go on a day trip in IN? 

There are numerous amazing options when it comes to Indiana day trips – so many that it’s tough to list them all. However, we do have plenty of go-to ideas, and if you’re trying to plan a day trip in Indiana, you might want to consider ideas like:  

  • Embark upon an amazing adventure to any one (or more) of the amazing ghost towns in Indiana.  
  • Check out some of our exciting state parks, like Turkey Run State Park, Shades State Park, and more.  
  • Do one of the most amazing scenic drives in Indiana, like the Ohio River Scenic Byway. 

 

Learn more about some of our all-time favorite day trips in IN.   

  1. Where are the best places to witness IN sunrises? 

Who says you can’t witness an incredible sunrise in the Midwest? We sure don’t! There are hundreds – if not more – of amazing places to watch the sunrise in Indiana, and some of our all-time favorite locations for Indiana sunrises are:  

  • Nyona Lake – a natural lake offering up some of the most amazingly tranquil sunrises and sunsets you’ll ever see 
  • Indiana Dunes National Park is an amazing place to watch the sun come up, especially on Lake Michigan 
  • Lake Metigoshe – actually, just about any lake in Indiana is going to be a good pick for a sunrise 

 

Learn more about one of our favorite places to watch the sunrise in Indiana.   

  1. What are some of the most scenic places in IN? 

Indiana is an outrageously beautiful place to live or visit. There are so many amazing scenic places that it’s impossible to dedicate any less than several pages to it, but some of the scenic places in Indiana most famous for their beauty are places like: 

  • Indiana Dunes National Park, where Lake Michigan goes on forever and looks like the ocean – oh, and sand dunes 
  • Shades State Park – easily one of the most beautiful state parks in Indiana 
  • Williamsport Falls – an Indiana waterfall that’s sure to take your breath away 
  • Cataract Falls – another breathtaking IN waterfall that looks like something out of a postcard 

 

Learn more about some of the most scenic places in Indiana!   

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