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If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Indiana, consider taking a road trip to visit some of the state’s many roadside attractions. From quirky sculptures to historic landmarks, Indiana is home to a variety of interesting and unusual sights that are sure to make your journey more memorable. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular roadside attractions in Indiana is the Monster Turtle of Fulk Lake in Churubusco. Although the legendary monster turtle was never captured, the town erected a 12-foot statue in honor of the creature, which is now a beloved local landmark.
Other notable roadside attractions in Indiana include the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, which boasts the world’s largest collection of superhero memorabilia, and the World’s Largest Ball of Paint in Alexandria, which is exactly what it sounds like.
If you’re planning a road trip through Indiana, be sure to take some time to explore the state’s many roadside attractions. With so many interesting and unusual sights to see, you’re sure to have a one-of-a-kind adventure that you’ll never forget.
Historical Roadside Attractions Indiana
If you’re interested in history, Indiana has plenty of roadside attractions that will transport you back in time. Here are two must-see historical roadside attractions in Indiana.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Angel Mounds State Historic Site is a pre-Columbian Native American settlement located in Evansville, Indiana. The site was occupied from around 1100 to 1450 AD and was a major center of Mississippian culture. Today, visitors can explore the site’s reconstructed structures and learn about the daily life and customs of the people who lived there.
At the visitor center, you can watch a short film about the history of Angel Mounds and browse exhibits featuring artifacts from the site. You can also take a guided tour of the site, which includes stops at the Great Plaza, the Mound A platform, and the Mound B plaza. The site also hosts special events throughout the year, such as Native American Heritage Month in November.
Vincennes State Historic Sites
Vincennes State Historic Sites is a collection of historic sites in Vincennes, Indiana, that commemorate the city’s role in American history. The sites include the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, the Old State Bank, and the Grouseland Mansion.
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is dedicated to the American Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark, who led a campaign in 1778 to capture the British-held forts in the Illinois country. The park features a memorial to Clark and a museum with exhibits on the history of the region.
The Old State Bank is a historic bank building that was constructed in 1838 and served as the state bank until 1859. Today, the building houses a museum with exhibits on the history of the bank and the state of Indiana.
Grouseland Mansion is the former home of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States. The mansion was built in 1803 and served as Harrison’s residence during his tenure as governor of the Indiana Territory. Today, the mansion is open for tours and features exhibits on Harrison’s life and career.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique roadside attraction, these historical sites in Indiana are definitely worth a visit.
Quirky Roadside Attractions Indiana
Indiana is home to some of the quirkiest roadside attractions in the country. From the World’s Largest Ball of Paint to the Santa Claus Museum, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few must-see attractions on your next road trip.
World’s Largest Ball of Paint
Located in Alexandria, the World’s Largest Ball of Paint is exactly what it sounds like – a giant ball of paint. Started in 1977 by Mike Carmichael, the ball now has over 25,000 layers of paint and weighs over 2.5 tons. Visitors can add their own layer of paint to the ball and sign their name in the visitor’s book. It’s a unique and colorful stop on your Indiana road trip.
Santa Claus Museum
If you’re a fan of Christmas, the Santa Claus Museum in Santa Claus, Indiana is a must-visit. The museum is dedicated to the history of the town and its unique name, as well as the legend of Santa Claus. You can see artifacts from the town’s early days, as well as letters to Santa and vintage toys. Don’t forget to stop by the giant Santa Claus statue outside for a photo op.
Whether you’re a fan of oddities or just looking for a fun stop on your road trip, Indiana’s quirky roadside attractions are worth a visit.
Museums as Roadside Attractions
If you are a fan of museums, Indiana has some great options that also double as roadside attractions. Here are a couple of must-visit museums on your Indiana road trip.
RV/MH Hall of Fame
The RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart is a unique museum that celebrates the history and evolution of the recreational vehicle and manufactured housing industries. The museum features a variety of RVs and mobile homes from different eras, as well as exhibits on the industry’s pioneers and innovators. You can also check out the Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry.
In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has a gift shop and a library with books and archives on the RV and manufactured housing industries. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
If you are a fan of racing, you won’t want to miss the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Located at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the museum features an impressive collection of race cars, including winners of the Indy 500. You can also see trophies, memorabilia, and exhibits on the history of the speedway and racing in general.
The museum also offers tours of the speedway, including a bus tour of the track and a tour of the Pagoda, a landmark building at the speedway. Admission to the museum is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $8 for children.
Natural Roadside Attractions Indiana
Indiana is not just known for its roadside attractions but also for its natural wonders. Here are two must-visit natural roadside attractions in Indiana.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Located in Chesterton, Indiana Dunes National Park is a popular natural attraction in Indiana. The park is spread across 15 miles of pristine coastline, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the beautiful beach and sand dunes. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
You can also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in the park. The park has several trails, including the Dune Succession Trail, which takes you through different stages of dune development.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is located in Parke County, Indiana, and is known for its scenic beauty. The park is spread across 2,382 acres and offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged sandstone canyons and rocky gorges. The park has several trails, including the popular Trail 3, which takes you through the canyons and gorges.
You can also enjoy camping, fishing, and horseback riding in the park. The park has several picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
Both Indiana Dunes National Park and Turkey Run State Park are natural wonders that offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these natural roadside attractions in Indiana are a must-visit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a road trip through Indiana, make sure to add some of the state’s unique roadside attractions to your itinerary. From giant balls of paint to rotating jails, Indiana has no shortage of interesting and quirky sights to see.
Some of the most popular roadside attractions in Indiana include the World’s Largest Ball of Paint, located in Alexandria, and the Pink Elephant in Fortville. The Pink Elephant, which stands on a flatbed trailer in front of Elite Beverages, is a physical manifestation of the classic American euphemism of “seeing pink elephants,” an early 20th-century expression used to describe someone who was intoxicated.
If you’re a fan of popcorn, be sure to stop by the Orville Redenbacher Statue in Valparaiso. This statue honors the famous popcorn entrepreneur, who started his business in Indiana in the 1940s. For a more macabre attraction, check out the Haunted Indiana Road Trip, which takes you to some of the spookiest places in the state, including haunted hotels, cemeteries, and former asylums.
No matter what your interests are, Indiana’s roadside attractions are sure to provide a fun and memorable addition to your road trip. Use the Roadside Attractions Map to plan your route and make sure you don’t miss any of the state’s unique sights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some weird roadside attractions to see in Indiana?
Indiana is home to some of the weirdest roadside attractions in the country. Some of the most unusual ones include the World’s Largest Ball of Paint in Alexandria, the giant candle-shaped shop in Centerville, and the giant pink elephant in Fortville.
What are the top roadside attractions in Indiana?
Indiana has a lot of great roadside attractions to see. Some of the top ones include the Indiana Dunes National Park, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the West Baden Springs Hotel.
What are some creepy roadside attractions in Indiana?
If you’re looking for a creepy roadside attraction in Indiana, check out the abandoned Central State Hospital in Indianapolis. This former mental institution is said to be haunted and is a popular spot for ghost hunters. Another creepy spot is the Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, which is the final resting place of several famous Hoosiers.
What are some interesting things to see on I-64 in Indiana?
If you’re driving on I-64 in Indiana, be sure to stop at Marengo Cave National Park. This park features guided tours of the underground caves and is a unique experience for visitors. Another interesting stop is the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City, which is the site of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home.
What are the biggest roadside attractions in Indiana?
Indiana has several big roadside attractions, including the World’s Largest Sycamore Stump in Kokomo, the World’s Largest Egg in Mentone, and the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Franklin. These attractions are sure to impress visitors with their sheer size.
