Sometimes, you just want to get out and enjoy life by taking a long drive. Sometimes, that long drive can simply become a road trip, and you know how we here at OnlyInYourState feel about road trips by now (spoiler: they’re the best). So, we’re back with another – this time, let’s hop in the car and head to seven iconic landmarks that make Indiana… well, Indiana. If you’d like to follow along (or edit the route to fit your needs), check it out here.
Alright, you ready? Off we go!
Google Maps
Our first stop is in South Bend, at the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Nathan Rupert/Flickr This stunning piece of architecture is absolutely iconic, and when lots of folks think of Indiana, they think of Notre Dame - and when they think of Notre Dame, they think of the Basilica. Make sure to time your trip so you can come while they’re open: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about this slice of history in this article. 101 N Notre Dame Ave, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
Next, we head to Michigan City to check out the mesmerizing Michigan City Lighthouse.
Tom Gill/Flickr Believe it or not, this lighthouse is the most-photographed lighthouse on all of Lake Michigan! In fact, some say it’s the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Either way, it’s quite the sight to behold. It’s ridiculously photogenic, no matter what season it is, or what the weather conditions are. It’s truly a Hoosier State icon. Learn more about the lighthouse and its story here! Lighthouse Place, Lighthouse Pl, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA
Next, we head to the one and only Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Roger Gerbig/Flickr Come on, what trip made up of iconic Indiana places would be anywhere near complete without a visit to the speedway? Its historic significance resonates beyond just Indiana; it’s a cultural icon for racing fans everywhere. Did you know it’s the oldest superspeedway in the country, too? 4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
The next stop isn’t too far from the speedway: we’re headed to the Indiana State Capitol building for some photos of one of Indy’s most iconic structures.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr This statehouse has been a part of everyday life for Hoosiers since its construction in 1888. It’s a must-do if you’re interested in the more historic landmarks around the state. Rain or shine, it’s great for photos, and taking a tour isn’t a bad idea, either. Get more information about touring the statehouse here. 200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
For our next stop, we’ll journey to Bridgeton covered bridge and mill, another picture-perfect point of Hoosier pride.
Frank Fujimoto/Flickr This is Indiana’s most famous - and most iconic - covered bridge (and we know a thing or two about covered bridges). It’s truly like something out of a postcard, and you’ll be as taken by it as we are in no time. It was originally built in 1868, closed to traffic in 1968, and then burned down in 2005. In 2006, it was lovingly rebuilt, and today it stands as iconic as ever. Learn more about the mill and bridge on its website! 8104 Bridgeton Rd, Bridgeton, IN 47836, USA
Now, we wander to Lincoln City to check out the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.
Lincoln’s Boyhood Home We here in the Hoosier State couldn’t be prouder of honest Abe, who lived here from 1816 to 1830. He spent his formative years here, as he was just seven years old upon moving and was 21 years old when he left. Come explore the history of one of the greatest US presidents there ever was! Learn more about the memorial and Abe himself on the official website.
Finally, we visit what’s probably the most iconic waterfall in the state: Cataract Falls.
Matt Ridings/Flickr These two waterfalls one mile apart from each other are easily among the most “Indiana” sights there are. It’s remarkably beautiful, and people are endlessly in love with it. Get more information about visiting on TripAdvisor! 2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
So, there you have it – a fun adventure to make a whole weekend out of if you want to. What are your favorite Indiana icons? Tell us about them in the comments.
Google Maps
Nathan Rupert/Flickr
This stunning piece of architecture is absolutely iconic, and when lots of folks think of Indiana, they think of Notre Dame - and when they think of Notre Dame, they think of the Basilica. Make sure to time your trip so you can come while they’re open: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and then 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more about this slice of history in this article.
101 N Notre Dame Ave, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
Believe it or not, this lighthouse is the most-photographed lighthouse on all of Lake Michigan! In fact, some say it’s the most photographed lighthouse in the country. Either way, it’s quite the sight to behold. It’s ridiculously photogenic, no matter what season it is, or what the weather conditions are. It’s truly a Hoosier State icon. Learn more about the lighthouse and its story here!
Lighthouse Place, Lighthouse Pl, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA
Roger Gerbig/Flickr
Come on, what trip made up of iconic Indiana places would be anywhere near complete without a visit to the speedway? Its historic significance resonates beyond just Indiana; it’s a cultural icon for racing fans everywhere. Did you know it’s the oldest superspeedway in the country, too?
4790 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
This statehouse has been a part of everyday life for Hoosiers since its construction in 1888. It’s a must-do if you’re interested in the more historic landmarks around the state. Rain or shine, it’s great for photos, and taking a tour isn’t a bad idea, either. Get more information about touring the statehouse here.
200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA
Frank Fujimoto/Flickr
This is Indiana’s most famous - and most iconic - covered bridge (and we know a thing or two about covered bridges). It’s truly like something out of a postcard, and you’ll be as taken by it as we are in no time. It was originally built in 1868, closed to traffic in 1968, and then burned down in 2005. In 2006, it was lovingly rebuilt, and today it stands as iconic as ever. Learn more about the mill and bridge on its website!
8104 Bridgeton Rd, Bridgeton, IN 47836, USA
Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
We here in the Hoosier State couldn’t be prouder of honest Abe, who lived here from 1816 to 1830. He spent his formative years here, as he was just seven years old upon moving and was 21 years old when he left. Come explore the history of one of the greatest US presidents there ever was! Learn more about the memorial and Abe himself on the official website.
Matt Ridings/Flickr
These two waterfalls one mile apart from each other are easily among the most “Indiana” sights there are. It’s remarkably beautiful, and people are endlessly in love with it. Get more information about visiting on TripAdvisor!
2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA
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