The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chesterton, Indiana to Nashville, Indiana

Chesterton, Indiana, and Nashville, Indiana, are two beautiful and iconic destinations worth exploring in the state. A road trip between these two locations is a great way to explore the state's countryside while enjoying the fantastic natural attractions and local delicacies. The journey is approximately 300 miles long, and one of the highlights of the trip is Dayton, Indiana, which is the halfway point. The road trip offers unique experiences and adventures for the whole family, from outdoor activities and cultural landmarks to picturesque vistas and historical landmarks. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Chesterton, Indiana, to Nashville, Indiana:

Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park is a scenic and unique natural destination that offers stunning vistas and numerous attractions for visitors. This National Park is located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers a range of activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, swimming, and kayaking. The park has over fifteen miles of pristine beaches, twenty-five miles of trails, and estimated 350 species of birds that inhabit the dunes. Visitors can also enjoy sandboarding, water sports, and beach volleyball. Moreover, Indiana Dunes National Park offers one of the most unusual experiences in the Midwest - hiking through a bog, which is a rare marshy environment that features carnivorous plants and many other unique species.

> Interesting Fact: Indiana Dunes National Park is home to Mount Baldy, a 126-foot unstable sand dune that can move up to four feet a year, swallowing everything in its path!

Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park is a favorite among visitors to Indiana for its diverse and stunning natural beauty. The park features rugged gorges that were formed by ancient glaciers and winding sandstone cliffs that feature ancient caves. Moreover, Turkey Run features beautiful canyons and gorges, an abundance of hiking trails, and the amazing suspension bridge that provides a panoramic view of the park. Visitors can enjoy picnics, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and many other outdoor activities. Turkey Run is a nature lover's paradise with a full range of natural features, giving visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

> Interesting Fact: Turkey Run State Park was established in 1916, becoming Indiana's second state park established for the purpose of preserving the natural beauty of its unique geological formations.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No road trip from Chesterton to Nashville can be complete without a stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the city of Indianapolis. The venue is an iconic landmark that has hosted some of the most prestigious car races in the world, such as the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the facility, which includes access to the track, press boxes, and the Victory Lane. The museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the history of motor racing and many legendary vehicles that have competed in Indianapolis over the years.

> Interesting Fact: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in 1909, with a few races held that same year. The Speedway was known as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from the beginning, but it was nicknamed "The Brickyard" due to its paving surface made of over three million bricks.

Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park is regarded as one of Indiana's flagship parks due to its exceptional natural beauty and diverse range of activities. The park covers 15,776 acres of woodlands and rolling hills, dotted with scenic paths and vistas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and birding. The park is also home to the famous Twin Peaks Screaming Eagles, a zip-line that covers over a mile of cable and offers a breathtaking view of the park's beautiful scenery.

> Interesting Fact: Brown County State Park is one of Indiana's largest parks, encompassing 15,776 acres. The park is named after the county in which it is located, which is famous for its artistic heritage and home to Indiana's only resident National Geographic photographer.

Nashville, Indiana

Nashville, Indiana, offers a picturesque and charming destination that features delightful shops, attractions, and breathtaking scenery. This quaint town is famous for its thriving artisan community and the T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Visitors can explore the Brown County State Park, which is just a few minutes away, and indulge in the many options for shopping and dining. For art lovers, the town features many galleries and workshops that showcase the work of talented artists. Nashville, Indiana, is also one of the Midwest's most popular destinations for fall foliage, with the spectacular shades of deep red and bright orange covering the hills and valleys that surround the town.

> Interesting Fact: Nashville, Indiana, is also called "The Best of Brown County" due to its rustic charm, thriving artists' community, and picturesque landscape.

In conclusion, the road trip from Chesterton, Indiana, to Nashville, Indiana, offers a wealth of options and destinations. Along the way, visitors can enjoy Indiana's diverse natural beauty, its rich heritage, and its exotic cuisine. With a distance of 300 miles, the road trip can take between 5-6 hours driving, depending on stops and traffic. But with unique experiences at each stop, visitors can experience the best of Indiana.