Speedway is a community on the west side of Indianapolis most well known for its proximity to the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s also a great base for day trips to discover the diverse landmarks that make up the state of Indiana. Here are 10 day trips within three hours of the Wilshaw Apartments in Speedway.
Indiana Dunes / 2 hours, 18 minutes north
Indiana Dunes National Park features a stunning 2000-acre sprawl of beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, and ancient forests. With plenty of hiking and biking trails and miles of shoreline, the park makes a memorable day trip that will have you home at a reasonable hour even after enjoying an epic sunset. You can also stop into one of the area’s numerous art galleries or museums and refuel on some of the region’s best barbecue at Wagner’ Ribs or a pastry and tea at the Blackbird Cafe.
Shipshewana / 2 hours, 56 minutes north
The small town of Shipshewana in LaGrange County is home to an Amish population of more than 15,000, making it the third-largest Amish community in the country. Shop antiques and local, handcrafted leather, art, woodwork, and furniture, and walk the midwest’s largest flea market featuring more than 700 vendors of produce, home decor, crafts, jewelry, and more. Don’t leave without stopping by the Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery for the Amish Country Sampler or a slice of Dutch apple pie.
Wolf Park / 1 hour, 8 minutes northwest
Wolf Park in Battle Ground is a 501(c)(3) education and research facility dedicated to conservation and improving our understanding of wolves and the value they provide to the environment. The park offers guided tours as well as a variety of specialty programs available by reservation throughout the year. If you don’t mind staying out a little later, the evening “Howl” tour begins at 6:30 p.m. when the wolves become more active and lively.
Brown County / 1 hour south
Home to Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, and parts of Hoosier National Forest, there’s arguably no better place in Indiana to enjoy hiking and mountain biking trails suitable for all abilities. Additionally, Lake Monroe is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the state. If you have time, stop by The Irish Lion for an order of the Blarney Puffballs or some classic Buffalo wings from Buffalouie’s.
West Baden Springs / 2 hours, 10 minutes south
West Baden Springs is unofficially known as the eighth wonder of the world for the mineral baths once thought to be a cure for nearly any ailment. The West Baden Springs Hotel is part of the French Lick Resort and is listed as a National Historic Landmark as well as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, known for the 200-foot dome covering its atrium.
Marengo Cave / 2 hours, 23 minutes south
In Crawford County, Marengo Cave was discovered by two schoolchildren in 1883 and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1984, and it’s one of Indiana’s most popular natural attractions. You can take an easy 40- or 60-minute walking tour and they also offer cabin, tent, and RV camping year-round. While you’re there, Cave Country Canoes provides half-day or full-day canoe rentals for a leisurely ride down the Blue River.
Cataract Falls / 51 minutes southwest
Two sets of falls on Mill Creek in Owen County create a cascade that drops 86 feet, making the largest waterfall in Indiana a truly stunning experience. The area also offers hiking trails suitable for all abilities, and you don’t want to miss the covered bridge, built in 1876 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Santa Claus / 2 hours, 50 minutes southwest
Santa Claus, Indiana in Spencer County is home to the country’s first theme park, Holiday World, which was originally called Santa Claus Land when it opened in 1946 (nine years before Disneyland!). You can also explore the town’s history at the Santa Claus Museum and Village and mail a letter to Santa from the Original Santa Claus Post Office. In nearby Lincoln City, you’ll find the Lincoln Living Historical Farm, depicting typical 1820’s Indiana farm life and incorporating what is known about the Lincoln family farm and activities that were common in their daily life.
James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home / 17 minutes east
The Riley Home is a quick drive over to Lockerbie Street in Indianapolis. Built in 1872 and meticulously preserved, the home of the “Hoosier Poet” is a designated National Historic Landmark and one of the country’s only late-Victorian preservations. Authentic furnishings and artifacts include Mr. Riley’s writing desk and his famous top hat and cane.
Parke County / 1 hour, 18 minutes west
Visit the “covered bridge capital of the world” in Parke County, Indiana, and take a sightseeing tour of 31 covered bridges. You can also visit and shop the family-owned Ditzler Orchard and tour the Indiana State Sanatorium, recently featured on the Travel Channel’s Destination Fear.
These day trips around Indiana will allow you to explore a variety of unique destinations the state has to offer and have you back home to your apartments in Speedway by dinnertime. If you’re ready to explore Wilshaw Apartments, call us at (317)-835-9195 to schedule a tour today.