Bloomington to Waterloo: Road-tripping from Indiana to Ontario

Bloomington, Indiana, and Waterloo, Ontario - two cities with plenty to offer. From scenic drives and quirky attractions to cultural hubs and outdoor adventures, these neighboring cities have a lot in store for their visitors. If you're planning a trip from Bloomington to Waterloo, there are a few routes you can take that will get you there in different times, depending on your preferences. Let's explore some of these routes and the things you can see and do along the way.

The fastest route: I-69 N and ON-401 E

If you're short on time and want to reach Waterloo as quickly as possible, the fastest route is to take I-69 N and ON-401 E. This route is straightforward and takes you through the scenic countryside in Southwest Ontario. The total distance is around 475 miles, and driving nonstop would take you about 8 hours.

However, if you have some extra time, there are plenty of stops you can make along the way. You might consider stopping at Turkey Run State Park, about 45 minutes north of Bloomington, to enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or canoeing. Afterwards, you can grab a bite to eat at the famous Steer-In diner in Indianapolis, about an hour and a half from Turkey Run.

The scenic route: US-231 N and ON-6 E

If you want to take a more scenic route and enjoy the natural beauty of the Midwest, you might try taking US-231 N and ON-6 E on your way to Waterloo. This route will take you through some of the most picturesque countryside in Indiana and Southern Michigan, with small towns, rolling hills, and plenty of spots for photo ops.

The total distance for this route is around 540 miles, and it would take you around 9 hours to drive nonstop. However, there are plenty of places where you can stretch your legs and explore some hidden gems. For instance, you might stop at the Potato Creek State Park, where you can go kayaking, swimming, or hiking. You might also pay a visit to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana, to see some classic cars up close.

The cultural route: US-33 N and ON-6 E

If you're a culture buff and want to immerse yourself in the art, music, and architecture of the Midwest, you might take US-33 N and ON-6 E on your way to Waterloo. This route will take you through some of the most vibrant cities in the region, including Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and Kalamazoo.

The total distance for this route is around 580 miles, and it would take you around 10 hours to drive nonstop. However, there are plenty of places where you can get a dose of culture along the way. You might stop at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Fort Wayne, check out the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, or listen to some live music at the Kalamazoo State Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo.

Final thoughts

No matter how you choose to get from Bloomington to Waterloo, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and hobbies. Whether you decide to take the fastest route with minimal stops, the most scenic route with photo opportunities and natural scenery, or the cultural route with stops at museums and theaters, you're sure to have a fun and memorable road trip. So buckle up, turn on the tunes, and hit the road!