As the state's capital, Indianapolis has plenty of places to explore. But that doesn't mean you can't venture off for a day trip and experience the surrounding areas. Whether you're a history buff hoping to learn more about the Hoosier state, wanting to recharge with some outdoor activity, or looking to entertain the kids at a new location, there's a spot worth visiting. The hardest part might be choosing which site to visit first.
Bedford
Bedford lies about 1.5 hours south of Indianapolis. This city's biggest attraction is the stunning Bluespring Caverns, which houses the country's largest underground river. From mid-March through October, you can take an hourlong electric boat ride through the 21-mile-long cave system. These guided tours run every hour. The price for ages 15 and younger is $12, and $20 for adults. Afterward, mine for gems at the gemstone mining area and hike the Karst Natural Area Trail. The trail loops around the state's largest sinkhole, which is more than 90 feet deep and covers 10 acres.
After you emerge from the caves, head over to Salt Creek Brewery. Established in 2011, this brewery was the first in Lawrence County. This family-friendly spot brews all of its half-dozen different types of beer on-site. Some of its beer varieties include IPA, black ale, blonde ale, and caramel wheat.
Crawfordsville
Travel about an hour northwest of Indianapolis to visit Crawfordsville. This charming city, which is the county seat of Montgomery County, dates back to 1823 and is home to several locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an ideal stop if you're fascinated with history. The Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County opened in 1902 and was the first Carnegie Library in the state. Admission to this building is free, and you can view exhibits on natural history, culture, history, and the art of the county.
Check out the Rotary Jail Museum, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from March through mid-December. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and older; $3 for ages 6-11; ages 5 and younger are free. Built in 1881, the jail was one of 18 rotary jails constructed. Now it is only one of three remaining and the only one that's still operational. You also can visit Lane Place, which is the Greek Revival home of U.S. Senator Henry S. Lane and his wife, Joanna. Lane also helped to found the Republican Party. Tours are available from April through December.
Fort Wayne
Head about two hours northeast of Indianapolis, and you'll reach Fort Wayne. As the second-largest city in the state, Fort Wayne has plenty of sites to check out. You can eat at one of the many downtown restaurants, go shopping at one of the many stores, and walk through several historic neighborhoods. If you're looking to spend more time outside, visit the 605-acre Fox Island County Park. Within this park, 270 acres are dedicated as a state nature preserve that protects areas with unique animals, plants, or geologic features. You can also hike through several miles of marked trails.
Bring your kids to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, which is open from May through October. The zoo opened in 1965 and sits on 40 acres. You can view more than 1,000 animals within the zoo's four self-contained biomes that highlight different areas of the world. The zoo also has several kid-friendly rides that are available for an additional charge.
Parking is free, and unless you're a zoo member, the admission cost is as follows:
- Ages 1 and younger: Free
- Ages 2-18: $11
- Ages 19- 61: $15
- Age 62 and older: $13
If the weather doesn't cooperate, you can still enjoy the area by stopping at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. This museum houses a large collection of contemporary art, including permanent collections and national traveling exhibitions. Admission is free for members; otherwise, students from pre-kindergarten through college are $6; adults are $8; seniors 65 and older are $6. Families pay a flat $20 admission fee. General admission is free on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m.
Muncie
About an hour northeast of Indianapolis lies Muncie. This historic city, which was known as Muncietown until 1845, offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the state's capital. Check out the National Model Aviation Museum, which contains 1,100 acres in which members fly their airplanes during the summer months. It's actually the world headquarters for model aviation. General admission is $5 for ages 18 and older; $2.50 for ages 7-17; and ages 6 and under are free, as are museum members.
Once you're done there, visit the Minnetrista Cultural Center. This 40-acre campus features a museum with exhibits and programs that focus on the area's history as well as several themed gardens and outdoor sculptures. You can tour George Alexander Ball's home, known as Oakhurst, which was constructed in 1865. The museum houses more than 15,000 objects highlighting the history of east-central Indiana. For non-Muncie residents, tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for ages 12 and under; and free for ages 3 and younger.
Porter
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Travel about 2.5 hours north of Indianapolis, and you'll find the quaint town of Porter. It's known for its proximity to the Indiana Dunes ecosystem, including the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park. Check out the 70-plus miles of trails with varying difficulty, and if you want a true challenge, tackle the 3 Dune Challenge. This 1.5-mile trail traverses 552 vertical feet up the three tallest sand dunes. Afterward, take a dip or sunbathe at more than 15 miles of beaches.
To help you get to your weekend getaway or day trip, let Indianapolis-based Tom Wood Ford outfit you with a quality vehicle. You want the reassurance that your vehicle will get you exactly where you need to go. Contact us today to schedule a test drive, and you can be well on your way to exploring all that Indiana has to offer.