If you're anything like us, you enjoy a good old-fashioned day on the road. There's just something about road trips that are especially magical, and we are hopelessly obsessed. In the past, we've brought you some outstanding ones, like the spectacular Indiana waterfalls road trip, but let's be honest: sometimes, depending on distance, gas prices, and whether or not you'll need a hotel, the costs can add up. So, that's why we've created this: a delightful one-day adventure where you'll visit four of the most beautiful state parks in Indiana all for under $100 - theoretically, this includes the cost of gas, as you'll be driving just 146 miles one-way and most (not all, but most) vehicles should be able to do two ways on one tank. So gas up and let's head out - we've got some fantastic state parks to check out on this delightfully affordable road trip in Indiana. Visit Google Maps to follow along. When it comes to affordable trips in Indiana, we got you covered! Let's go!
1. Our first stop/starting point is none other than Brown County State Park, famous for its overwhelming natural beauty.
You know, there are LOTS of reasons Brown County is considered to be the most breathtaking region of the Hoosier State. This park is absolutely beyond awesome, in every sense of the word, and it really captures the beauty of the county in one place. There is literally no bad time of year to show up, either, as every season brings magic with it. We're particularly fond of the fall color here, but we think this is one of those state parks in Indiana you will never, ever forget.
Explore Strahl Lake in Brown County from your couch with this amazing drone video:
2. Our second state park of the journey is the awe-inspiring cascades at Clifty Falls State Park.
Clifty Falls State Park is an Indiana state park like no other. It feels like something out of another world instead of the American Midwest, but it's all ours, baby! The main draw to this park is its four pristine waterfalls: Big Clifty Falls, which is 60 feet high, Little Clifty Falls, which is also 60 feet high, Hoffman Falls, which is an impressive 78 feet high, and finally, the largest of all, Tunnel Falls, which is 83 feet high.
Check out this delightfully fun video to explore a little of Clifty Falls State Park from home!
3. Next up is the strange and beautiful Charlestown State Park, which harbors many secrets.
Charlestown State Park is something of an oddity. It's beautiful, with lots of things to do, see, and experience, but it also has features that literally no other Indiana state parks have, like the abandoned amusement park known as Rose Island. So, this one not only comes with scenery - it comes with a backstory, too.
4. Our final stop is at O'Bannon Woods State Park, where adventure (and the perfect place to watch the sunset) awaits.
O'Bannon Woods State Park is famous for one thing: its epically enormous watch tower, which served as a lookout for smoke and forest fires once upon a time. Now, though, it's just the perfect possible place to watch the sunset - if you can manage to climb all the way to the top. Don't want to head home just yet? Don't worry - check out some of the cabin rentals at O'Bannon Woods State Park.
Curious about what it's like to mountain bike at O'Bannon Woods State Park? Check out this exciting video for an idea:
So, how much will admission for each of these stops cost? Easy: Indiana state parks cost $7 for a vehicle with in-state plates and $9 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. This puts the total cost of admission for the day at $28 for in-state residents and $36 for out-of-state visitors. Add that to the cost of gas and you've got yourself a delightfully affordable road trip in Indiana you'll never forget!
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