The Best Day Trips From Indianapolis IN

Indianapolis may be the largest city in Indiana, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only spot in state worth exploring. There’s so much to do and see in Indy, but there are plenty of amazing destinations outside of the city, too. From magical caves to sandy dunes, here are some day trips worth taking from the Circle City.

Indiana Dunes State Park

This amazing state park is home to one of the most incredible natural attractions in Indiana: the Indiana Dunes. This park contains over 2,000 acres of sand dunes, which were originally formed during the Ice Age. This geological treasure is a historic site in Indiana, but it also provides hours of non-stop fun. From hiking and camping to sunbathing and swimming in Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes State Park is the ultimate spot for an unforgettable day trip.

Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN, USA +1 219 926-1952

This stunning cave system formed over one million years ago and was discovered by Orris and Blanche Hiestand in 1883. The cave is roughly five miles long and offers two cavern tours: the Dripstone Trial Tour (1 mile/60 minutes long) and the Crystal Palace Tour (.33 mile/40 minutes long). Visitors will see incredible stalagmites and formation deposits that look like something from another planet. After taking a tour, visitors can also enjoy mining for gem stones or visit Cave Country Canoes down the road for a canoeing adventure on Blue River.

Marengo Cave, 400 East State Rd 64, Marengo, IN, USA +1 812 365-2705

Paoli Peaks

During the wintertime, there’s no better place to spend the day than at Paoli Peaks. Indiana might not be known for its ski slopes, but Paoli Peaks brings skiing and snowboarding to Hoosiers across the state. This park is also a great spot for families to go snow-tubing and even has indoor waffle, coffee, and snack bars.

Paoli Parks, 2798 W County Road 25 S, Paoli, IN, USA +1 812 723-4696

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAs31M4D8dd/?tagged=paolipeaksindiana

Santa Claus

Every year millions of kids mail letters to Santa, and every year their letters are answered by the post office at Santa Claus, Indiana. This unbelievable town celebrates Christmas year round, clinging to its wintery theme with Santa Claus-themed shops and the Lake Rudolph Campground. Santa Claus is also home to Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, arguably Indiana’s best amusement and water park. Visit Santa’s Candy Castle or Frosty’s Fun Center, while taking a tour of this unique town.

Santa Claus, IN, USA

Patoka Lake

Since Indiana isn’t located along a coast, Hoosiers love visiting lakes during the summertime. From swimming and boating to fishing and lounging, lake trips always make life better. Patoka Lake is the second-largest reservoir in the state and is home to floating cabins where visitors can spend a weekend letting the lake lull them to sleep. Patoka Lake also offers many boat tours, including an exciting wine cruise and has a nearby winery worth visiting.

Patoka Lake, 2991 N Dillard Rd, Birdseye, IN, USA +1 812 685-2203

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaH0gtSnj3k/?tagged=patokalake

Shipshewana

The heart of Amish Country can be found in the small rural town of Shipshewana, north of Indianapolis. Shipshewana is full of family-friendly attractions that are perfect for a day trip. Discover exotic animals at the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, visit the Shipshewana Trading Place (the largest flea market in the Midwest), or enjoy traditional Amish cuisine and a show at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre. Visitors can even take a stroll and tour the town in an Amish horse and buggy.

Shipshewana, IN, USA

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Brown County State Park

For the ultimate outdoor experience, take a day trip to Brown County State Park, located south of Indy in the quiet, artistic town of Nashville. This gorgeous park is a must-visit in the fall, since it’s teeming with bright, vivid foliage. Visitors love exploring this natural gem on foot, trekking across one of the park’s many hiking trails. This park also has horseback riding, a nature center, two historic covered bridges, a swimming pool, and an indoor water park.

Brown County State Park, 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville, IN, USA +1 812 988-6406

Historic New Harmony

Dystopian novels and TV shows may be all the rage now, but Indiana is actually home to a former utopian society. New Harmony is a small, quiet town, south of Indy, that has the most incredible history. This town was originally founded as a utopian commune and relics of the failed community can still be visited. Explore the Roofless Church, designed for all religions to worship under, check out the town’s two labyrinths, and enjoy shopping at local antique stores in this quaint town.

New Harmony, Indiana, USA

Wolf Park

Kids and adults will love this specialty wildlife park located in Battle Ground, Indiana. Wolf Park is an educational facility that opened in 1972 to study wolves and coyotes. On the grounds, visitors will encounter wolves, coyotes, foxes, and bison. Take a tour to learn more about each of these wild animals and to see them up close. Visitors also get to howl with the wolves while learning more about wolf calls and behaviors.

Wolf Park, 4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground, IN, USA +1 765 567-2265

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.