Top Day Trips from Indianapolis
As the host of the Indy 500 – the world’s largest single-day sporting event – Indianapolis has established itself as the racing capital of the world. If the engine revving from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway inspires you to go for a drive, the city has connections to all four major interstate highways, earning it the nickname “the Crossroads of America.”
Should you find yourself in Indianapolis for a sports game or a visit to the world’s largest children’s museum, consider extending your trip. You’ll discover plenty to do within a two-hour drive, whether you enjoy basking in nature or exploring craft breweries.
Here are five of the best day trips from Indianapolis.
Bloomington, Indiana
Why go: Experience Tibetan culture
The small college town of Bloomington has a surprising infusion of Tibetan culture, thanks to the Dalai Lama’s late brother who was a professor at Indiana University. While you’re in the city, you can learn about Tibetan heritage and visit one of only two Tibetan chortens in the country at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center. You can even try traditional Tibetan food at Anyetsang’s.
For a city with less than 100,000 people, Bloomington offers more than 350 places to eat. Stop by the farm-to-fork restaurant Small Favors Bar to enjoy a literal taste of Bloomington or The Elm for American fine dining infused with Mediterranean and North African flavors.
After indulging in local cuisine, head out into nature. Just outside of Bloomington is Monroe Lake, where you can take a dip, go fishing, or rent jet skis to cool off in the summer.
How to get to Bloomington
It’s a 51-mile journey from Indianapolis to Bloomington, taking about an hour and 15 minutes via Interstate 69. The most convenient way to get to Bloomington is by car, but if you’re arriving at the Indianapolis International Airport, the GO Express Shuttle is also an option.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Why go: Enjoy the downtown food scene
While Fort Wayne may not be as large as Indianapolis, it is a paradise for food lovers, with restaurants featuring creative concepts and diverse cuisines clustered in close proximity. Mercado On The Landing transports you to the West Coast with its Cali-Mexican options, while Haru Sushi & Izakaya offers some of the freshest sushi in town. For a caffeine boost, Fortezza Coffee is a must-visit, known for its exceptional coffee and delectable pastries.
Take a stroll along the Public Art Trail to soak in Fort Wayne’s vibrant atmosphere. The interactive Science Central provides an engaging learning experience for children, while the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory features seasonal exhibits that transport you to serene environments.
How to get to Fort Wayne
Traveling from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne is straightforward via Interstate 69, with a distance of about 125 miles. Barons Bus offers daily service from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne, dropping passengers near the Botanical Conservatory.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why go: Explore the underground brewery tunnels
In Cincinnati, you can venture through underground brewery tunnels that date back over a century, providing a glimpse into one of the leading lager-brewing cities in the US before prohibition.
Cincinnati’s emphasis on innovation and its rich history have led to the development of numerous small businesses. Ghost Baby is an underground bar created from a brewery tunnel, offering a unique ambience with live music and small bites. This city is filled with creative collisions, making it an ideal romantic getaway.
How to get to Cincinnati
The drive to Cincinnati takes about two hours from Indianapolis on Interstate 74. Barons Bus operates out of Indianapolis twice daily, making travel easy.
New Harmony, Indiana
Why go: Explore an architectural utopia
Originally the site of two different utopian communities, New Harmony has transformed into a hub for artisans featuring textiles, soaps, and woodwork. The visitor center, the stunning Atheneum, was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier.
Visitors can meander through the New Harmony Harmonist Labyrinth and enjoy the tranquility offered by the labyrinth’s lush surroundings. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the Roofless Church, designed by Phillip Johnson, offering a minimalist site for contemplation.
How to get to New Harmony
The journey to New Harmony takes just over three hours, covering a distance of 180 miles from Indianapolis. As public transportation options are limited, driving is the best method to access this unique town.
Louisville, Kentucky
Why go: Discover the bourbon trail
No visit to Bourbon City is complete without exploring the Urban Bourbon Trail, featuring various restaurants and bars offering discounts on bourbon-themed experiences. Even if you aren’t interested in bourbon, Louisville is celebrated for its vibrant culture and culinary scene, making it one of the top day trips from Indianapolis.
The Muhammad Ali Center is an iconic museum celebrating the life of this legendary figure, providing insight into his achievements and civil rights activism. If you enjoy museums, consider the Louisville Legends Ticket, which grants access to multiple renowned institutions.
How to get to Louisville
To reach Louisville from Indianapolis, you’ll drive 112 miles along I-65, which takes under two hours. Alternatively, Greyhound services operate daily buses between the two cities, although the travel time may vary.
