The Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Anderson and Clayton, Indiana
Planning a road trip between Anderson and Clayton, Indiana? Make the most of your journey with these top five must-see stops!
Halfway Point: Indianapolis, IN
Before we get to our top five, we have to mention the obvious halfway point: Indianapolis. The largest city in Indiana and the state capital, Indianapolis is a hub of activity and culture. A must-visit attraction is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 and the largest sporting venue in the world. Other attractions include the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Indiana State Museum. But for our purposes, we'll focus on the smaller towns that bookend Indianapolis on the trip between Anderson and Clayton.
Stop 1: White River State Park (Indianapolis)
White River State Park is a 250-acre urban park located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The park is home to many of the city's top attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indiana State Museum. The park also features walking and biking trails, a canal for paddle-boating, and various outdoor art installations. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the green oasis of White River State Park.
Stop 2: Conner Prairie (Fishers)
Conner Prairie is an interactive history park located in Fishers, just a short drive from Anderson. Visitors can step back in time to the 19th century and experience what life was like in the early days of Indiana. The park's living history exhibits feature costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and hands-on activities for all ages. Highlights include riding on a hot-air balloon, exploring a Native American village, and seeing a working pioneer farm in action.
Stop 3: Redkey, Indiana
Redkey is a small town with a big culinary reputation. Known as the "Pork Tenderloin Capital of the World", Redkey boasts several restaurants that serve up delicious and massive breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches. If you're feeling up for the challenge, stop by Nick's Kitchen and order the "World Famous Breaded Pork Tenderloin". Trust us, you won't leave hungry.
Stop 4: Mounds State Park (Anderson)
Mounds State Park is a hidden gem located in Anderson. The park is home to ten prehistoric Native American earthworks, including large mounds that were likely used for ceremonial purposes. Visitors can hike the park's trails, which showcase the natural beauty of the White River Valley, or check out the park's interpretive center, which features exhibits on the history and ecology of the area.
Stop 5: Clayton Cafe (Clayton)
Last but not least, our final stop is the Clayton Cafe in Clayton. This family-owned diner is a local favorite for its hearty breakfasts, comfort-food lunches, and friendly service. The cafe's menu boasts classic dishes like biscuits and gravy, burgers, and homemade pies. If you're looking for a taste of small-town Indiana, the Clayton Cafe is a must-visit.
In conclusion, a road trip between Anderson and Clayton, Indiana doesn't have to just be about getting from point A to point B. Take the time to enjoy some of the unique attractions, history, and cuisine that the region has to offer. Happy travels!