Lovers of the outdoors certainly have a sense of belonging in the Midwest, especially in a state as marvelously diverse and beautiful as Indiana. Itching to explore some of the best outdoor attractions in Indiana? We've put together a fun little road trip that leads you to not one, not two, but six incredible natural wonders in the Hoosier State. Sure, you could do it all in one day, but what's the fun in that? Split it up into at least two days (and follow along on Google Maps) for the ultimate adventure.
Should you make the journey without stopping, it should take about seven and a half hours.
Of course, it would be silly to do this trip without stopping; after all, we're going to check out some of the most iconic natural destinations in the entire state, and every single one of them is worthy of thorough exploration.
1. We'll begin our adventure at a true Indiana landmark: Indiana Dunes National Park, which is nestled along part of the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan.
This park is incredible. When you think of Indiana, sand dunes probably aren't the first thing to come to mind, but maybe they ought to be; the landscape here is so outrageously different from anywhere else in the Hoosier State that it's easy to feel like you're somewhere much, much further away than northern Indiana. Careful, though: these sand dunes can be dangerous. Just ask the kid from that one time the sand swallowed a boy in 2013
2. Our second stop is at a legendary geological wonder: the Portland Arch Nature Preserve.
The geology of the entire park is quite unique, and there's almost no part of the grounds that won't make you wonder about the intriguing history of it all. The entire park is 435 beautiful acres of incredible wilderness, but most importantly, it's home to the largest natural sandstone arch in Indiana.
3. Next up: Indiana's first-ever state park.
McCormick's Creek State Park makes it into many of our lists, and for good reason: not only is it Indiana's first state park, but it's also easily the most beautiful... okay, okay. Maybe it's tied with Turkey Run and Brown County State Parks, but you're picking up what we're putting down, right? This is that jaw-dropping natural paradise that you've always dreamed of. Hiking in Indiana has never been so soul-soothing.
4. The fourth stop is an unusual one that might make you look twice: Jug Rock.
What's 60 feet tall, roughly 20 feet wide, and strange-looking as all get-out? Jug Rock. Jug Rock is an oddity unlike any other in Indiana, as it's got the unusual distinction of being the largest formation like it east of the Mississippi. Literally and figuratively - you can't miss it.
5. Lucky number five is a natural wonder that will leave you utterly speechless: Squire Boone Caverns, an incredible cave worthy of a gold medal in awesomeness.
An integral part of the wonderful Indiana Cave Trail, Squire Boone Caverns is one of those places that you're just not a real Hoosier 'til you've been there. Discover millions of years of Indiana's natural history deep underground in an adventure you will not soon forget.
6. Our final stop is a lesser-appreciated - but still 100% amazing - bed of ancient fossils along the Ohio.
The ancient world has never been so visible (and accessible). Visit the single most underrated state park in Indiana and learn all about the amazing fossils found here, out in the open, in a very unique setting. This park has the honor of being Indiana's smallest state park, too, but don't let that fool you: it packs a big punch.
So, there you have it: six stunning natural wonders in Indiana that no Hoosier can have excuses for not seeing. Of course, this list is incredibly limited - the actual list of amazing, must-see natural features of the Hoosier State would likely be a few pages long, at least! Which natural attractions in Indiana are your favorites? Tell us about them in the comments!
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