It's no secret that Indiana is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It's filled top-to-bottom, end-to-end with amazing natural wonders, waterfalls, hikes, lakes, camping spots, swimming holes, and everything in between. Well, we went and put together a delightful little day trip that will take you to two of the most beautiful state parks in Indiana - one for sunrise, and the other for sunset. You can spend as much time as you like in between, but it'll be a three-hour drive from one to the other, so plan accordingly. Oh, and we threw in one of the most legendary historic restaurants in Indiana along the way, too, so definitely plan for that. Get in the car and gas up - this sunrise-to-sunset day trip in Indiana is doable on just one tank!
We hope you like the great outdoors because the two amazing parks in Indiana we're hitting today are a couple of the best.
We will begin our journey by watching the sun come up at none other than the most notoriously beautiful place in all of Indiana: Brown County State Park.
There is NOTHING on this planet like the magic of Brown County State Park, y'all. There is a reason - okay, many reasons - that it's considered the most beautiful region of the state. It is positively breathtaking. So, what else is there to do around here once the sun's up? Lots of things: there are more than 18 miles of epic hiking trails, for example, just waiting to be conquered. The trails range in difficulty levels, so matter what you're looking for, you'll find it here.
If you've ever wondered what this amazing region in Indiana looks like when fully immersed in fall color, you're in luck. Check this amazing video out!
We'll be watching the sun go down at Indiana Dunes National Park later, which is going to require a bit of a drive north.
On the way, in West Lafayette, we implore you to stop at Bruno's Pizza.
We wouldn't want you to stop for any old reason, though; turns out, Bruno's is the oldest pizza place in Indiana, having served up top-notch pies since 1955. It'll be tough to choose what to eat. We promise. But, no matter what you choose, it's going to be really, really good.
After another hour and a half or so in the car (you're welcome to stop at every shop and boutique along the way, but it'll take more time), you'll reach our evening destination: Indiana Dunes National Park.
There is something outrageously magical about watching the sunset over Lake Michigan.
It feels just like the ocean, and it even sounds the same. Kick back on the sandy beaches of the Indiana Dunes and watch the sky turn from blue to gold to orange and then back to a deeper blue again, but not before exploring some of the awesome hiking trails around here, like the easy-but-awe-inspiring Dune Succession Trail. Hiking is an excellent way to appreciate these parks at their fullest in the time you have between sunrise and sunset.
Catch an incredible glimpse at the view from the end of the Dune Succession Trail - now imagine the sun setting over it.
So there you have it: an epic day trip in IN where you can watch the sun come up - and go down - on Indiana's most awe-inspiring places. To get the official route map, be sure to check it out on Google Maps.
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