The most relaxing places for a mini road trip in Indiana this summer

Scenic Indiana destinations

There’s no better time than summer to explore Indiana than summer. It’s a great time to explore through rural areas or following historic routes, providing calm and enjoyable drives away from the busy city life. Here are some of our favorites.

Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway

The Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway is a 76-mile route that combines history and natural beauty, making it an ideal Thanksgiving spot for travelers.

Highlights include the Little Cedar Grove Baptist Church built in 1812 and is considered Indiana’s oldest church. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Whitewater Canal Trail provides an 11-mile path for hiking or biking from Laurel Feeder Dam Trailhead through downtown Brookville. Brookville Lake is another notable stop, perfect for fishing or enjoying the peaceful outdoors.

Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park, Indiana’s largest state park at nearly 16,000 acres, is an excellent destination for scenic drives. The park features nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads, ideal for leisurely drives and enjoying scenic views.

A key attraction is the Ramp Creek Covered Bridge at the park’s north entrance. Built in 1838 by Henry Wolf and relocated in 1932, it is the only double tunnel bridge in Indiana and one of only four in the US, making it a notable site for photography and history enthusiasts.

Ohio River Scenic Byway

The Ohio River Scenic Byway, spanning 302 miles from Evansville to Lawrenceburg, offers a peaceful route ideal for travelers seeking to explore historical and natural landmarks. A notable stop is North Bend, home to the tomb of William Henry Harrison, the ninth US president.

For history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Angel Mounds State Historic Site near Evansville is a highlight. This well-preserved Native American settlement, established in 1938, offers a fascinating look at the advanced cultures that thrived along the river.

Parke County

Parke County, known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of America,” is another excellent destination for a scenic drive through Indiana’s countryside. With 31 historic covered bridges, it offers a unique look at 19th-century engineering and rural history.

The Jackson Covered Bridge, Indiana’s longest single-span covered bridge, is a standout attraction. Built using the Burr Arch style by renowned builders such as J.J. Daniels and J.A. Britton, the bridges in Parke County showcase both functionality and craftsmanship.

The Portland Mills Covered Bridge, one of the county’s oldest, highlights historical construction techniques and stands as a testament to the era’s skilled artisans.

Bowsher Ford

The Bowsher Ford Covered Bridge, built in 1915, is a notable stop for those exploring Parke County, Indiana. Constructed by Eugene Britton, son of renowned bridge builder Joseph A. Britton, the bridge spans 72 feet and features a Burr Arch truss design, showcasing the craftsmanship of early 20th-century builders.

Located two miles northwest of Tangier, the bridge is easily accessible and offers opportunities for photography and leisurely exploration. Nearby, visitors can view a full-scale replica of a covered bridge used as a farm shed, adding an interesting local touch.

Indiana Dunes

Located at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, this 2,182-acre park is a must-visit during your Thanksgiving scenic drive through Indiana’s countryside. Established in 1925, the park preserves unique geological features shaped by glacial meltwaters.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along its extensive trails, with dunes reaching nearly 200 feet offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Historical sites such as the Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm provide insights into 19th-century life in the region and are ideal for those interested in local history. Start your visit at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s history and conservation efforts.

Wabash River Scenic Byway

The Wabash River Scenic Byway offers a peaceful route through Indiana. The Wabash Heritage Trail, an 18-mile pathway starting at the historic Tippecanoe Battlefield in Battle Ground, is a key feature of the byway.

The trail follows Burnett Creek to the Wabash River, offering scenic views and opportunities for wildlife observation and leisurely walks. Access points such as Davis Ferry Park and Riehle Plaza provide convenient entry for walkers and bikers.

For those interested in history, the byway includes landmarks like Fort Ouiatenon, the site of the annual Feast of the Hunters’ Moon.

Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Highway, established in 1913 as America’s first transcontinental highway, offers a scenic and historically significant drive through Indiana, making it a great option for Thanksgiving travelers.

In Fort Wayne, notable stops include the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, completed in 1859, and the historic Allen County Courthouse, built between 1897-1900, which features stunning Romanesque architecture.

Further west, the highway passes through Noble and Elkhart counties, where towns like Merriam, Wolf Lake, and Goshen showcase Indiana’s rural charm.

The Indiana Lincoln Highway Association works to preserve landmarks along the route, including the restored Henry C. Ostermann Memorial Seat and an interpretive kiosk in Goshen, which provides historical context about the highway.