Are you easily spooked? If so, you’re going to want to avoid the 10 most haunted roads in Indiana. Or maybe you’re feeling brave enough to venture down a haunted road in Indiana. If you're the type to search "haunted road near me," here's a great opportunity to face your fears … at your own risk.
Legend has it there is an apparition of a decapitated man floating around Tunnelton Tunnel. He supposedly lost his head when the tunnel was being constructed. Many reports say that the ghost appears to be trying to find his head. Legend also says that there was a graveyard on top of the tunnel, and during construction, some of the bodies fell through. There is even a third legend that claims an entire family was killed in a horse and buggy accident near this tunnel and you can hear the family screaming. Yikes.
The Avon Bridge can be found just one-half mile south of U.S. Highway 36 on CR 625. This bridge is actually pretty well known as one of the most haunted places in Indiana. The bridge is rumored to be haunted by several different ghosts, who can be heard moaning and crying on the bridge. Legends say there was a construction worker named Henry Johnson who liked to drink. One day, while working, he slipped and died hitting his face on wet cement. Ouch.
There is a second story about a woman who was carrying her baby on the bridge when her foot got caught on the track. A train was coming and she managed to get free and jumped off the bridge. The mother lived, but the baby died. The mother died shortly after due to the grief of losing her baby. Both the mother and the baby are believed to haunt the bridge.
Local legends and lore tell the story of a woman named Elizabeth Wilson who haunts the road as a hitchhiking ghost after her vehicle went off the road and she drowned in the swamp. Legend has it that her ghost waits at the side of the road for drivers to stop and pick her up to give her a ride to where her former home was. During the ride, the ghost disappears from the car when the driver drives past Ross Cemetery where she was buried back in 1955.
According to urban legend, there is a short ghost man who will chase you if you stop on the third bridge and flash the lights on your vehicle four times. You are also supposed to be able to see phantom flames in the woods because a church caught fire in those woods back in the 1800s. There is even supposed to be a ghost train that comes down the railroad tracks! You can find this road in Mulberry, IN.
The O’Neal Bridge is also commonly known as the Holiday Drive Bridge. The bridge was originally constructed in 1892 and it was restored in 2008 and 2009. Legend has it that the bridge is where a KKK lynching took place. Witnesses claim to have seen disembodied ghosts screaming during the wee hours of the morning. There are reports that this bridge may no longer be in use.
Urban legend has it that there were a group of teenagers who performed a séance on this bridge many years ago. During the séance, a body fell through the floor and left a huge blood stain near the pentagram the teenagers had drawn. Legend has it the teenagers opened a portal that has let strange things come out.
It was near Shady Acres Park in Fairland, Indiana that the Allegheny Airlines Flight 853 crashed. The crash killed 83 people in the year 1969. After the accident, body parts were scattered all over the crash site. Eventually, the body parts were all buried over. Not surprisingly, it's now among the most haunted places in Indiana. Throughout the years, visitors have picked up all sorts of EVPs and spotted light anomalies and orbs in photos taken at the Allegheny Airlines Flight 853 Crash Site.
There are a lot of spooky legends that revolve around this haunted bridge in Indiana. For starters, there are stories of a honeymooning couple in the 1950s who were driving when a dog ran in front of their car causing them to drive right off the bridge. Reports have been made of all sorts of things, but one of the most prevalent ones is a female ghost with a dog head howling and growling at people. There are reports that the bridge is no longer there, but the area is still haunted.
The bridge was originally constructed in 1884 and it was closed in the year 2010. It is believed to be haunted because of an accident that occurred before the bridge was covered. According to the legend, a man was horseback riding across when his horse jumped off the side of the bridge for no reason. Some say you can hear a man and horse panicking on this bridge.
Rumor has it you can see strange-looking shadowy figures walking around this road. Some say the figures almost look like dogs with yellow glowing eyes. They have even been known to run right alongside trains at night. No one really knows why these apparitions are walking around this area.
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Have you been to any of these haunted roads in Indiana? Maybe you can think of a haunted road in Indiana that we forgot about? Or, maybe you know of some haunted bridges in Indiana? Whatever it is, tell us! And remember to share this with your friends and start planning some road trips!
These haunted roads in Indiana aren’t the state’s only spooky spots. There are several others, which you can explore by embarking on this road trip to Indiana’s most haunted places. Before you embark, make sure to take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list so you don't forget anything you may need.
The legendary Indianapolis 500 is a bucket list event for many. Held annually over Memorial Day Weekend, Indianapolis experiences a surge of tourism that few other cities ever experience. Even if you don’t score tickets to the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is worth your time. It’s currently under a massive renovation, and when it reopens, it’ll be one of the best new attractions in Indianapolis. Let’s check it out:
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the ultimate destination for motorsports fans. The museum opened in 1956 and showcases former Indianapolis 500 winning cars, pace cars, and general automotive history.
The museum has been closed since November 2023 and is currently undergoing a massive facelift.
The $89 million renovation and modernization project, which is scheduled to reopen in 2025, will be the museum's first massive renovation in 40 years.
There are many new attractions and exhibits planned, including a brand new, 6,000-square-foot mezzanine level. This new level will house plenty of interactive and educational exhibits as well as become a rentable space for future events.
If you’ve visited the museum before the renovation, you’ll want to make plans to visit it again. The museum is going to look completely different from the moment you step inside. There will be a new layout with new exhibits and a more intuitive design, which we can’t wait to check out.
The museum is staying within its same footprint, but the essential infrastructure is also getting a facelift. Better humidity control, better storage systems for artifacts, and controlled lighting ensures that the collections inside the museum continue to be preserved for many years to come.
four open wheel cars racing around a turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana
Even though the museum is closed for now, track tours of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are open. These tours offer guests a chance to go behind the scenes of the world’s most famous racecourse. I’d recommend pairing a track tour with a hidden gems of Indianapolis tour for the perfect day.
If all goes according to plan, the museum is scheduled to reopen in April 2025. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum website to stay up to date on the renovation process.
We can’t wait for this new attraction in Indianapolis to open. We’ll be racing to get our tickets! Share this article with someone you want to visit this museum with.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
