Best Road Trip from Anderson, IN to Shelbyville, IN: 5 Must-See Sights
Are you planning a road trip from Anderson to Shelbyville, Indiana? You are in for a treat! The charming Hoosier countryside that you will drive through offers plenty of opportunities to explore the state's rich history and natural beauty. From quaint small towns to natural wonders, there's something for everyone.
In this post, we've compiled a list of the top five must-see sights during your drive from Anderson to Shelbyville. So sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
1. Mounds State Park
Mounds State Park, located in Anderson, IN, is a must-see attraction for history and nature enthusiasts. The park features ten unique earthworks constructed by the Adena-Hopewell people around 160 B.C. Visitors can hike along the trails and explore the picturesque landscapes, while learning about the Native American cultures that thrived on the land centuries ago.
Be sure to visit the Interpretive Center to learn more about Mounds State Park's history and to see artifacts excavated from the earthworks. You can also enjoy a picnic with your family and friends or go fishing in the White River.
2. Indiana Transportation Museum
The Indiana Transportation Museum is located in Noblesville, IN, and is one of the top destinations for train lovers. The museum offers train rides on historic tracks and displays a large collection of vintage locomotives and railcars. Visitors can take a ride on the Diesel, train or the Indianapolis Traction Terminal railroad. You can also join “Dinner in the Diner” tour to get a taste of traditional dinner service in a historic rail car.
Besides, the museum hosts events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Polar Bear Express, where you can enjoy a train ride in wintertime decorated with ice sculptures, and Beers & Rails, where visitors can sample local beers while touring historic rail cars.
3. Blue River Memorial Park
Blue River Memorial Park is a lovely spot to chill out while en route from Anderson to Shelbyville. The park is located in Shelbyville, IN, and offers plenty of outdoor activities. You can enjoy playing on one of its many sports fields and courts or take a stroll around the paved walking paths. The park has football, softball, and soccer fields which are great to catch up on some sports' action.
Additionally, there are several playgrounds within the park for kids. Bring your furry pal for a walk too and unwind on the picnic tables with some refreshments.
4. Smither's Nature Reserve
Located in Shelbyville, Smither's Nature Reserve gives you an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and get close to nature. The reserve provides excellent opportunities for hiking and bird watching. More than 15 hiking trails traverse the 120 acres of woods, and you're sure to spot bluebirds, woodpeckers and red foxes among the trees. There is an observation tower to have a bird's eye view over Blue River and the reserve itself.
Smither's Nature Reserve hosts events like "Mushroom Madness" and "Plein Air Painting Day" which offer options to engage in different interests. It can be a perfect weekend stopover to dig into the local flora and fauna!
5. Skyline Drive-In Theater
For a classic movie-watching experience, stop by the Skyline Drive-In Theater in Shelbyville. It's a perfect weekend nighttime respite for catching up on the newest releases under the stars, and a nostalgic place to snuggle up with your family or significant other at night. With a capacity of 300 cars per showing, you will be watching from the comfort of your vehicles. You can purchase snacks and try the famous popcorn, and enjoy an old-fashioned outing.
Skyline Drive-In Theater also hosts events like car shows and live musical performances from time to time. Whether you're watching a new release or participating in an event, you're sure to enjoy the drive-in experience.
Conclusion:
Driving from Anderson to Shelbyville is a relatively short trip, but the attractions and sights along the way make for a memorable and enjoyable journey. Be sure to check out at least one of these places and make your drive a cherished experience. From Mounds State Park's historic earthworks to Skyline Drive-In Theater's nostalgic ambiance, there is something for everyone along this Indiana route. Safe travels!