Did you know that Indiana is considered “the crossroads of America”? Or that it not only produces 20% of the US popcorn supply but has also produced six US Vice Presidents? Come see what this smack dab in the middle state has to offer. We’ll focus on what to do in and around the state capital of Indianapolis but make note that an Indiana summer glamping trip should be on repeat! First book a glamping accommodation at Thousand Trails Indian Lakes and then start your engines to explore the Hoosier State.
1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: The well-known phrase, “start your engines” is a nod to one of the state’s biggest draws – the annual Indianapolis 500 automobile race. If you want to learn all about this thrilling race that first ran in 1911, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Visit Gasoline Alley, see cars dating back over one hundred years, or find out if you are made of the same stuff as the infamous racers with an Indy Racing Experience (indyracingexperience.com). For museum hours and more details, visit imsmuseum.org.
2. Monon Trail: There is no better way to explore the area than on this wonderful 28.5-mile paved greenway that links parks, neighborhoods, landmarks and more. Restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, antiques shops, and breweries dot the path as do gardens and greenspace. The Kawachinagano Japanese Garden is a great place for a picnic among the gardens created in a traditional Japanese design. Both the Broad Ripple neighborhood and the Factory Arts District will introduce you to local artisans while the Grand Park Sports District has more trails and zip-lining adventures. Go to visithamiltoncounty.com for more info on the Monon Trail.
3. Conner Prairie: This is Indiana’s Living History Museum spread over 1000 wooded acres that tells the story of the land and people tracing back to when it was just a development along the White River some 15000 years ago. Both interactive and immersive with historical reenactments, this Smithsonian Affiliated Museum is worth the visit. For more details visit connerprairie.org.
4. Day Trip to Cincinnati: With less than a 50-minute drive, you can head into Cincinnati for some of that famous chili, see the sights and be back in time to relax glamp-side. Cincinnati must-sees include Findlay Market, Ohio’s continuously operated public market which opened in 1855; and the Cincinnati Zoo which features such attractions as Hippo Cove, Roo Valley with its hopping kangaroos and Gorilla World, which is considered one of the best gorilla habitats in the nation. If the Reds are in town, take in a baseball game at the Great American Ball Park and if they aren’t playing, you can still visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.
5. A Bit of Nostalgia: 2026 marks 40 years since the film “Hoosiers” the classic underdog basketball film premiered. Just 20 minutes from Thousand Trails Indian Lakes is the town of Milan, home to the basketball team on which the film was loosely based. Here you will find a small museum that details the historic team along with some “Hoosiers” merch. If you head over to Versailles State Park, you can see the Busching Covered Bridge, which was built in 1885 and offers some beautiful photo ops. If you’re really looking for a piece of the past, don’t miss a trip to RomWeber Marketplace in Batesville which offers antiques, hand-crafted goods and home decor in a massive 25,000 square foot shop!
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