Take these drives ... they’re cool
L.M. Montgomery, author of “Anne of Green Gables,” famously wrote the words, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
It’s hard not to love autumn because the weather is pleasant and the beautiful scenery is second to none.
This year, especially, we can all be grateful for the changing seasons — and not just because with each flip of the calendar pages means we’re one step closer to the end of this tire fire of a year.
If you’re trying to stay away from people, one of the best things you can do is take a drive and see those gorgeous fall colors. It costs nothing but gas, you’re socially distant, you’re getting out in nature and enjoying relaxing time with your family.
“It’s good for your mental health. It’s good for your soul. It’s good for everybody to explore what’s in their own backyard,” said Amy Howell, director of communications and media relations with the Indiana Office of Tourism Development. “Whether you take a drive that’s 10 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles, it’s good to explore what’s in your hometown, what’s in your state and to know what’s there.”
She recommends going to visitindiana.com/fall for leafpeeping opportunities and more road trip ideas.
Here are five great drives to take in Indiana. We’ve included drives in the whole state because why not? You’ve got the time.
1. Highway 12 in Northwest Indiana
Highway 12 runs hundreds of miles east and west through northern Indiana.
“It’s the road that runs east to west through much of the National Park,” said Bruce Rowe, supervisory park ranger and public information officer with the Indiana Dunes National Park. “It also goes next to the Port of Indiana and steel mills and the city of Gary. And to the east it goes through Michigan City. It’s a good way to get an east-west tour of the fall colors of the National Park.”
He suggests people start their trip in the Miller Beach area of Gary on Highway 12 at the Paul Douglas Center for Environmental Education.
“We’ve got Miller Woods out there with some nice fall colors,” he said. “There’s an overlook just behind the center that looks out over the ponds of Miller Woods that’s a real pretty area for fall colors.”
Hop back on Highway 12 and head east to Mineral Springs Road, then go south past the Indiana Dunes National Park headquarters in Chesterton down to the Chellberg Farm area, he said.
“Some of our most beautiful fall colors in all of the park are on the trail and in the ravine right behind Chellberg Farm because there’s a big beach maple woodland back there.
It’s probably my favorite spot for fall colors in the park.”
When you’re back on Highway 12, head east and admire
the national and state parks on either side of you, he said.
“You’ve got some really pretty colors in that area. You’ve got some wetlands that go along north of the road. You don’t even have to get off of the road.”
When you get to Kemil Road, turn left and follow it north about a half-mile to Lake Michigan.
“You can drive down Lake Front Drive and admire Lake Michigan on the left and fall colors in the wooded dunes on the right, he said. “It’s a really pretty area.”
2. Potato Creek State Park, 25601 Indiana Route 4, North Liberty
This state park, located 12 miles south of South Bend, offers great roads to drive along and enjoy a mix of maples, oaks and hickories, along with the reds of sumac and golden prairie grasses, said Marty Benson, public information officer with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, in an email. Stop at the Porter-Rea Cemetery to explore, walk the prairie maze and enjoy a drive around Worster Lake and to the nature center.
3. The Heritage Driving Tour in Elkhart and LaGrange through Amish Country
“You go down rural highways that have fall foliage and country lanes and charming main streets,” Howell said. “In Goshen, you can stop at the Old Bag Factory. Or you can go to Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard and pick your own apples or grab a pumpkin. Shipshewana is considered part of that. You have all the Blue Gate properties — the theater and all the shops with the handcrafted items and the baked goods (like) the cinnamon rolls and the homemade noodles.
“Take the buggy ride and (see) the restored carousel. It’s a 90minute driving tour.”
4. The Ohio River Scenic Byway
The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs through three states, with 303 miles of it in Southern Indiana.
“It runs through the towns of Vevay, Madison and Newburgh. These little towns are so cute,” Howell said. “They have antiques, wineries, B & Bs, cute restaurants and obviously beautiful views of treetops, the Ohio River and cute winding roads.”
Speaking of Madison, Clifty Falls State Park is located near Madison with entrances on state roads 56 and 62. Take the Four Falls Challenge and earn a sticker: hike the cliffs and canyons of Clifty Falls State Park and marvel at the four major waterfalls on this four-mile hiking challenge.
“Drive the Ohio River Scenic Byway and see the foliage and explore little towns along the way,” she said. “See the views in Indiana.”
5. Tippecanoe River State Park, 4200 N. U.S. 35, Winamac
There is a great loop road inside the park perfect for a fall drive, Benson said. There’s also a 90-foot-tall fire tower to climb that will get you above the treeline for a long view of oaks and hickories in yellows and golds. If you want to hike, there are 23 miles of trails, nine miles of which are for hiking only and 14 miles of which are a combination of hiking/ horse trails.
Honorable mentions
Parke County: This area lies in the Western part of the state along the Wabash River. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the state, Howell said.
“It’s known as the covered bridge capital of the world — it’s home to 31 covered bridges and to multiple state parks, which is why it’s one of the best areas for fall foliage,” she said.
Brookville Lake in Brookville and Whitewater Memorial State Park in Liberty: Located just a few minutes apart in EastCentral Indiana, these locations offer great opportunities to view fall color in the Whitewater River Valley, according to Benson.
He recommended driving through Mounds State Recreation Area at Brookville Lake or stopping at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Observation Area at the south end of the lake to take in great views of the changing leaves. Hike the Red Springs Trail at Whitewater Memorial State Park for a closer view.