Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Amherst, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana

Are you planning a road trip from Amherst, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana? Depending on your route, the trip can take anywhere from four to six hours. While this drive might seem mundane and uneventful, there are plenty of hidden gems along the way. Here are five unexpected places that you should consider stopping at:

Halfway Point: Antwerp, OH

Antwerp, OH, is not only the halfway point between Amherst and Indianapolis, but it also has a unique history. This small town was named after Antwerp, Belgium, and was founded in the early 1800s by a Belgian named Jesse De Haven. Along Main Street, you can find several historic buildings, including the Fantasy in Lights Museum, which houses a collection of animated window displays from the 1940s and 1950s.

1. The Brick Oven Bistro (Sandusky, OH)

Sandusky, OH, is a picturesque town on the coast of Lake Erie that is known for its amusement park, Cedar Point. However, a lesser-known gem is The Brick Oven Bistro. This Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, and gelato. Their dishes are made with fresh, local ingredients and the restaurant has a cozy, rustic atmosphere.

Favorite dish: Margarita pizza

2. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums (Fremont, OH)

If you're a history buff, you'll definitely want to make a pit stop in Fremont, OH, to visit the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. This site is the home, library, and museum of the 19th president of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes. You can tour the restored 31-room mansion, view artifacts from Hayes' presidency and personal life, and take a stroll through the gardens.

Favorite food to eat nearby: Bluebell Cafe

3. Metamora, OH

Metamora, OH, is a quaint, historic town that feels like it's frozen in time. The town's centerpiece is the canal, which was completed in 1843 and served as a transportation route for goods and passengers. You can take a mule-drawn boat ride on the canal, browse the antique shops and local art galleries, or grab a bite to eat at The Mill House Bed & Breakfast.

Favorite food to eat: Homemade fudge from Grand Rapids Candy Co.

4. Prophetstown State Park (Battle Ground, IN)

Prophetstown State Park is a hidden gem in Battle Ground, IN. The park spans over 900 acres and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. But what sets Prophetstown apart is its Native American village. The village is a recreation of a 1700s Miami Indian village, complete with a longhouse, wigwams, and working gardens.

Favorite food to eat nearby: Arni's Restaurant

5. The Indiana Wind Symphony (Carmel, IN)

The Indiana Wind Symphony is a world-class ensemble that performs in the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN. The group is comprised of professional musicians, educators, and talented youth. Attending a performance is a unique and unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

No food recommendations here, but grab a drink at the Center's bar before the show.

Conclusion

A road trip from Amherst, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, doesn't have to be boring. By making pit stops at some of these unexpected places, you'll add a dose of adventure and fun to your journey. From historical museums to mule-drawn boats, there's something for everyone. So, the next time you embark on a Midwest road trip, don't forget to add these hidden gems to your itinerary.