What’s more fun than an epic road trip? We’re pretty sure that there aren’t many things more awesome than hitting the open road, listening to your favorite music, and feeling the wind in your hair. To get you started, we went ahead and created an epic three-day Indiana state parks road trip! With 24 beautiful state parks in Indiana to explore, it might be kind of overwhelming to know where to start, so we picked three of our favorites. To follow along, be sure to check out the official route on Google Maps.
Google Maps In total, you’ll only drive about 109 miles - but you’ll spend three amazing days exploring three of the most beautiful places in the Hoosier State. By clicking the link above, you’ll access an interactive map that you can change to your liking. Add more stops for the ultimate adventure!
Day One: Turkey Run State Park
Tom Gill/Flickr We’ll begin our journey at one of Indiana’s most beautiful places. It’s 1,150 acres of pure, forested perfection, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it as much as we do. It’s home to 14 miles of breathtaking trails, and no matter which one(s) you decide to take on, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Tom Gill/Flickr It’ll be easy to spend an entire day here; there’s so much to do and see that you’ll never once feel bored. Explore emerald green canyons, kayak down a natural lazy river, and spend the evening watching the sun set over this little slice of paradise. Tired? Us, too. Turkey Run State Park can take a lot out of you - after all, it’s only one of the most amazing places ever. Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
Head to Turkey Run Inn for a good night’s sleep before your adventures tomorrow.
Turkey Run Inn/Facebook There’s an onsite restaurant, and the entire inn is charming and historic. With 61 rooms in the main lodge, you’ll find the intimate setting to be perfect for you-time - or if you choose to bring along a good friend or a special someone. To book your stay, visit the official page on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Website.
Day Two: Shades State Park
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr If you were to step into a time machine and visit Indiana sometime in the distant, prehistoric past, you might emerge to find yourself in a world that looks an awful lot like Shades State Park. Lush, green, shady, and with an air of mystery about it, Shades State Park is 3,082 acres of pure, heavenly natural wonders.
Mark Moschell/Flickr With ten beautiful hiking trails to pick from, it’s so unreasonably beautiful that you may never want to leave. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, and when you’ve hiked yourself silly, there’s still much to be enjoyed. Dip your toes in a crisp, chilly creek, and enjoy yourself before retiring for the evening. If you’ve never visited Shades State Park, you haven’t lived - so prepare to feel alive! Shades State Park West Road, Shades State Park W Rd, Brown Township, IN 47933, USA
Spend the night at the beautiful Inn at DePauw, located in beautiful Greencastle.
Inn at DePauw/Facebook The hotel is a real gem; it’s both old-school in terms of its charm and modern in terms of amenities, and it’s incredibly comfortable. Best of all, it’s affordable - you can expect a four-star experience for much less than you probably expect! Visit the official website to book your stay ahead of time. Inn at DePauw, 2 W Seminary St, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA
Day Three: Brown County State Park
Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr Our third and final day brings us to what is often considered Indiana’s most beautiful state park. Brown County is quite literally famous for its stunning natural beauty, and it’s a nature lover’s dream come true. The park reflects this beautifully.
Trail Seeds/Flickr Of all 24 state parks in Indiana, Brown County State Park is by far the largest. Covering more than 15,000 acres, this gorgeous example of Indiana’s natural wonder is the perfect way to finish off a three-day excursion through some of our favorite state parks. Dip your feet in the lake, or maybe spend an extra night camping in this Hoosier State point of pride. Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
There you have it: three of the most beautiful places in Indiana all over the course of three fun-filled and wonderful days! Here at Only In Your State, we love putting together some of the best adventures you’ll ever have – check out this amazing Indiana waterfalls road trip!
Google Maps
In total, you’ll only drive about 109 miles - but you’ll spend three amazing days exploring three of the most beautiful places in the Hoosier State. By clicking the link above, you’ll access an interactive map that you can change to your liking. Add more stops for the ultimate adventure!
Tom Gill/Flickr
We’ll begin our journey at one of Indiana’s most beautiful places. It’s 1,150 acres of pure, forested perfection, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love it as much as we do. It’s home to 14 miles of breathtaking trails, and no matter which one(s) you decide to take on, it’s sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
It’ll be easy to spend an entire day here; there’s so much to do and see that you’ll never once feel bored. Explore emerald green canyons, kayak down a natural lazy river, and spend the evening watching the sun set over this little slice of paradise. Tired? Us, too. Turkey Run State Park can take a lot out of you - after all, it’s only one of the most amazing places ever.
Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859, USA
Turkey Run Inn/Facebook
There’s an onsite restaurant, and the entire inn is charming and historic. With 61 rooms in the main lodge, you’ll find the intimate setting to be perfect for you-time - or if you choose to bring along a good friend or a special someone. To book your stay, visit the official page on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Website.
Norm Hoekstra/Flickr
If you were to step into a time machine and visit Indiana sometime in the distant, prehistoric past, you might emerge to find yourself in a world that looks an awful lot like Shades State Park. Lush, green, shady, and with an air of mystery about it, Shades State Park is 3,082 acres of pure, heavenly natural wonders.
Mark Moschell/Flickr
With ten beautiful hiking trails to pick from, it’s so unreasonably beautiful that you may never want to leave. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, and when you’ve hiked yourself silly, there’s still much to be enjoyed. Dip your toes in a crisp, chilly creek, and enjoy yourself before retiring for the evening. If you’ve never visited Shades State Park, you haven’t lived - so prepare to feel alive!
Shades State Park West Road, Shades State Park W Rd, Brown Township, IN 47933, USA
Inn at DePauw/Facebook
The hotel is a real gem; it’s both old-school in terms of its charm and modern in terms of amenities, and it’s incredibly comfortable. Best of all, it’s affordable - you can expect a four-star experience for much less than you probably expect! Visit the official website to book your stay ahead of time.
Inn at DePauw, 2 W Seminary St, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA
Elizabeth Nicodemus/Flickr
Our third and final day brings us to what is often considered Indiana’s most beautiful state park. Brown County is quite literally famous for its stunning natural beauty, and it’s a nature lover’s dream come true. The park reflects this beautifully.
Trail Seeds/Flickr
Of all 24 state parks in Indiana, Brown County State Park is by far the largest. Covering more than 15,000 acres, this gorgeous example of Indiana’s natural wonder is the perfect way to finish off a three-day excursion through some of our favorite state parks. Dip your feet in the lake, or maybe spend an extra night camping in this Hoosier State point of pride.
Brown County State Park Road, Brown County State Park Rd, Nashville, IN 47448, USA
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