Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bloomington, Indiana to Muncie, Indiana
Have you ever taken a road trip and found yourself bored with the same old route? Well, fear not! There are many unexpected places to stop between Bloomington and Muncie in Indiana that will break up the monotony of your journey. The drive from Bloomington to Muncie is about 100 miles and takes approximately two hours, but with these five exciting stops along the way, time will fly by.
Indianapolis, IN - The Halfway Point
Indianapolis is the halfway point between Bloomington and Muncie. The capital city of Indiana is not only a convenient stopping point but it has great attractions to visit as well. The Indianapolis Zoo is a short drive from the highway and is home to more than 1,400 animals from around the world. Take a stroll through the White River State Park, which is the cultural hub of the city. This park boasts the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. End the day at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum. This is the home of the famous Indy 500 race and you can take a tour of the museum to learn about the history of racing.
Favorite Food: Make sure to stop by Shapiro's Delicatessen for a classic sandwich piled high with corned beef.
1. Martinsville, IN - The Gold-Leafed Courthouse
Martinsville is about a 20-minute drive from Bloomington and is home to one of the most beautiful courthouses in Indiana. The Morgan County Courthouse is covered in 24-karat gold leaf on its dome, which has made it a stunning landmark for over a century. The courthouse was built in 1857 and has a unique octagonal shape, which sets it apart from other courthouses in the state. There is also a nearby park where you can stroll around or have a picnic.
Favorite Food: Drive over to Mayberry Cafe and try their famous fried green tomato sandwich.
2. Edinburgh, IN - Exit 76 Antique Mall
If you're an antique enthusiast, the Exit 76 Antique Mall is a must-visit. As soon as you exit the highway, you will see the massive facility that houses over 600 vendors selling their treasures. The mall has everything from furniture to jewelry and is a great place to find unique items at a reasonable price. If you're not into antiquing, there are also many restaurants and shops nearby.
Favorite Food: Stop by Grammy's Sweet Shop for a slice of their homemade fudge.
3. New Castle, IN - Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum
New Castle is a small town about 30 minutes southwest of Muncie. It's where aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright was born and raised, and you can visit his birthplace and museum. The home has been restored to its original condition and houses artifacts from Wright's life. You can also take a guided tour of the neighboring park, which includes a replica of the glider Wright designed with his brother Orville.
Favorite Food: Grab a bite at the popular Ivanhoe's Drive-In, where you can get a classic breaded tenderloin sandwich.
4. Hagerstown, IN - Historic Save-A-Lot Grocery
The Save-A-Lot grocery store in Hagerstown may seem like just another stop, but this store has a unique history that makes it a must-visit. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and used to be a meatpacking plant in the early 1900s. In the 1970s, it was converted into a grocery store and has been in operation ever since. The store has kept its original brick façade and architecture, providing an interesting contrast between the old building and modern grocery store items.
Favorite Food: Grab some fresh, homemade bread at the in-store bakery.
Conclusion
The drive between Bloomington and Muncie is not just any ordinary drive. With these five unexpected places to visit on your journey, you can experience the best of what Indiana has to offer. Fill your day with history, art, antiques, and even take a trip to the zoo. You never know what hidden treasures you might find along the way. So, take this trip, stop at these unique spots, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.