Road Trips: Map Out Some Memories

While you can make memories naturally at all of the Indiana State Parks, each one provides unique experiences, making it a valid goal to visit all of them. This road trip guides you as you explore the State Parks gracing the southern half of the state.

When you’re hungry for inspiration, your travels should include Columbus. Here, the most well-known architects and designers of the mid-20th century flocked to take part in the creation of this dynamic city’s public spaces, which you can tour. You can also browse eclectic shops and tour beautiful gardens.

You’ll want to do it all in the Evansville area, from animal encounters at the zoo to checking out the arts districts. Venture out for a hike in the woods or to learn about archaeological mounds. It's also a good launching pad for Indiana history side trips.

A few days in northern Indiana’s Amish country will introduce you to delicious made-from-scratch meals, amazing craftsmanship, delightful theater works, tons of shopping and horse-drawn carriage rides. You can take in the amazing works as you drive the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail.

It's true that the central part of the state includes our largest city, but it's also home to several beautiful State Parks ready for you to explore. In fact, one of those natural escapes is right in Indianapolis.

If you like antiquing and historic mansions, this is your place. But if you like jet boat tours, this is also your place — choose a ride from 15 to 155 miles. This quaint historic rivertown also has breweries, a winery and carriage rides. If you need a nature fix, you can also check out Clifty Falls’ beautiful river views and waterfalls.

If your friends group has different interests, this is the trip that can please everyone! There’s fine dining, wines and spirits, horse and stock car racing, basketball nostalgia, shopping, zip lining, golf and, well you just need to read on to find out all the possibilities.

You won’t have to choose when you spend a few days in Fort Wayne — just do it all! From a children’s zoo and museum to an amazing botanical conservatory and new riverfront park, you will enjoy every minute. Fuel yourself for the next stop with a tour and tasting at the local chocolate shop.

Learn all about dairy and pig farming at Fair Oaks Farms (try the grilled cheese and ice cream) and then join the howling at Wolf Park. Challenge yourself on the trails at Griffin Bike Park, Indiana’s newest mountain biking destination. You can also paddle a canoe, hike trails or ride a historic boat at nearby parks.

As if ice cream, candy and pie aren’t enough reason to book this trip, all the fun activities that go along with it sure are. There’s outdoor adventure galore at the area lakes, wildlife areas and parks. You can also make free throws and learn about our amazing hoops prowess at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Whether you’re gazing up at the grand 200’ diameter dome in the West Baden atrium or into the eyes of an elephant, your reaction will surely be “Wow, just wow!” There are so many different ways to enjoy the French Lick West Baden area, from a pampering spa trip at the resort to a family-fun getaway in a cabin.

Folks who visit multiple State Parks collect way more than stickers. They also collect memories for a lifetime. Indiana State Parks in the northern part of the state offer everything from soaring sand dunes to lakeside relaxation to rugged hiking.

There’s all kinds of family fun just north of Indianapolis, from the recreated pioneer farm at Conner Prairie to horseback riding at K-Trails to swinging a club at Topgolf. And to beat the heat, be sure to spend one day at The Waterpark.

Explore the riverfront towns of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, where you can see what's new in the NoCo Arts & Cultural District. Do tastings at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Starlight Distillery and see what's playing at the Derby Dinner Playhouse.

As you conquer the sandy trails at Indiana Dunes National Park, you’ll love the expansive Lake Michigan views. And there’s so much to do beyond the dunes, too — like a water park, winery and brewery trails, and casinos. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago, it’s a very doable beach getaway, where the shifting dunes are home to unique flora and fauna.

When you think of a city adventure, do you think about unique shopping and eateries you can’t find in your hometown? Or maybe you're looking for family fun, like a zoo or recreation. You might be looking for walkable city blocks, where there’s something new around every turn. Well, you can find all that and more in Indianapolis.

Check out amazing underground places when you explore all the caves and caverns in this part of southern Indiana. Paddle along the Blue River with Cave Country Canoes and see Indiana’s first State Capitol in Corydon. Cap off your daytime adventures with regional wine tasting.

Bring your boat or rent one for days of fun. Whether you’re up for quiet times with a fishing pole or want to try your hardest to knock someone off a tube, you’ll find the lake just for you. You might also bring your clubs for a round at IU’s Pfau Course and pack your hiking shoes for the great nature parks.

Find your adventurous side when you ride the rapids of the East Race Waterway, the first artificial whitewater course in North America with waves going up to six feet. Take your chances at a casino and be sure to head downtown at night to enjoy River Lights. No matter what you do, be sure to get some sweets at South Bend Chocolate Company.

You’ll actually take home more than memories since you can make a creation at The Tie Dye Lab and hit The Shops at Perry Crossing. Go back in time at a retro diner, get ideas for your backyard at Avon Gardens or taste a local brew. It’s all just west of Indianapolis.

When you’re ziplining over a lake or mastering one of the nation’s most popular mountain biking trails, you’re bound to get a rush in Brown County. And there are great stops to celebrate your victories, whether you like wine, beer or the hard stuff. You can also slow it down a bit browsing the artsy Nashville stores.

Whether your kids are joyfully screaming on a roller coaster at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari or quietly emailing one of Santa's elves at a candy store, you’ll share moments they’ll remember forever. While in Santa Claus, you can also walk in Lincoln’s childhood footsteps.