Let's be real here: Indiana is a wonderful state for road tripping, cruising, or just otherwise having a great time with only the company of the road. It's filled with interesting byways, routes, and backroads that are chock-full of beautiful sights, landscapes, and more. Overall, we're pretty lucky to live somewhere so lovely. Let's take a look at a scenic drive in Indiana that just so happens to be historically significant, too.
Indiana's Michigan Road was the first-ever
"highway" the Hoosier State built.
It runs north-south, from Madison in Jefferson County to Michigan City in LaPorte County. It began construction in the 1830s, and its mission was to connect Indianapolis to the remainder of the state.
The byway became a staple of early pioneers almost overnight.
What began as a small cut of land, 100 feet wide and miles and miles long (from the Ohio River to Lake Michigan) has become a wonderful backroad full of adventure and well worth the drive.
Driving this lovely route, you'll cross through 14 counties and 24 towns and communities.
You'll see historic bridges, old barns, beautiful scenery, awe-inspiring landscapes one can only really find in Indiana, and so much more.
There's another enormous reason this stretch of road is historically significant: it was a helpful road for escaping slaves traveling the underground railroad to freedom.
The road also has a darker aspect to it, as well: this is also the road that was followed by Native Americans leaving their land for the last time following a series of dark, tragic events resulting in the near-extinction of their people, including colonization and genocide.
Today, few reminders of the darkest old times remain.
Instead, the route is filled with historic sites, small towns, large towns, and shops and galleries galore. Begin by following the US-421 north, toward Indianapolis, and then shifting in Logansport to SR-29. From there, skip to SR-25 and follow it to Rochester, where it will become US-31 through South Bend.
Beyond there, you'll follow US-20 to beautiful Michigan City - one of Indiana's most breathtaking coastal towns along Lake Michigan.
The route is paved, and signage is very clear. It's hard to get lost on this delightful trek!
Some of the towns you'll pass through include New Marion, Greensburg, Shelbyville, Burlington, and Lakeville.
In each town, you'll find wonderful places to explore, galleries and shops to peruse, and plenty of local mom-and-pop restaurants along the way. You can make the whole drive in just a couple of hours, or you can turn it into a multi-day adventure.
For more information about this drive, including thorough directions, photos, and more, make sure to visit the byway's official website. What's your favorite scenic drive in Indiana? Tell us in the comments! Need more ideas for your next adventure? Check out these ten unforgettable Indiana road trips you definitely need to do before you die.
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