Let's be real here: road trips are almost always fun, and they're a great way to get out and explore the world around us - especially across long distances. If you're always looking for the next destination, you might want to check out this scenic road trip in Indiana that offers awesome views of some of our most iconic spots and landmarks. There are plenty of super fun things to do in Indiana, but this road trip (which is about seven hours long) highlights some of the places and views that make our state what it is.

Let's start our adventure at Indiana Dunes National Park, which might just be our most iconic park (as well as our only National Park). With intensely beautiful natural sand dunes carved perfectly by the winds of Lake Michigan, this amazing park makes for the best beach day EVER - no coastal states needed. Camping is second to none, and the pristine clarity of the lake just adds to the wonder.

The Jackson Family Home is enormously iconic for several reasons - perhaps most obviously as the childhood home of Michael Jackson. As one of the single most iconic pop stars of all time, Michael's legacy started right here in Indiana - and we're lucky enough to be able to see where it all began. Please note that there's a family living here, so please be courteous and respectful and stick to checking it out from a short distance.

As the tallest waterfall in Indiana, Williamsport Falls tends to draw a crowd even in the off-season. This incredible natural waterfall is 90 feet tall and typically at its best during snowmelt in the spring or following a good, solid rain shower in the area. I love that this cascade can be heard well before it can be seen, and it beckons us to come closer any day the temperatures get a little too lofty.

The Indy Canal Walk is great for a date night, a night out alone, or anything else you can think of. This trail is one of the most popular in the entire Hoosier State, and for obvious reasons - the views of the city are phenomenal. I personally prefer the beauty of the Indianapolis Canal Walk at night, but you ought to check it out once during the day and once at night to see which one you like best.

There's not much I can say about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that hasn't already been said a million times; as the world's first-ever super speedway, this stop couldn't BE more iconic. It's typically the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Indiana - even if they're not racing fans themselves. Take a tour or simply hang out and look at the exterior - either way, this is HISTORY!

The Indianapolis Skyline might just be our most iconic view - and of course it is! City skylines are unique, like an architectural fingerprint, and on this trip I think you should visit the amazing Rooftop Garden in Indy. From here, you can enjoy an amazing meal AND incredible views of the city. This stop is sure to make you fall in love with our amazing state all over again.

Brown County State Park has an important distinction: it's often referred to (and known as) Indiana's most beautiful state park, and honestly, I might just agree (though Shades State Park and Turkey Run State Park are also both breathtaking). Hiking the incredible trails at this state park is an excellent way to get acquainted with our incredible natural world. Be on the lookout for the epic views of the whole park from various lookout points; your breath is sure to be taken away.

Let's close this out with a bang, shall we? Explore the incredible Marengo Cave on one (of both) of two cave tours, learning all about how Indiana's largest cave system came to be. Of all the caves in the Hoosier State, this is typically the one that comes to mind when you ask the locals about caving. It's truly a spectacle to behold (and learn all about).

If you'd like to embark upon this scenic road trip in Indiana, you can download or follow along on the official Google Maps page. Planning to do this and need ideas for where to stay? Check out all the awesome options from our friends at VRBO.

Do you think there are iconic Indiana views I missed here? Tell me about 'em in the comments!