Road Trip from Bloomington, IN to Schererville, IN - Top 5 Things to Do
The Midwest is the perfect destination for a memorable road trip, with its vast stretches of highways and beautiful scenic routes. A popular road trip route in Indiana is from Bloomington, IN to Schererville, IN, which covers a distance of approximately 200 miles. This route takes around 3.5 hours to complete and offers a mix of attractions, natural wonders, and historic sites that are worth exploring. The halfway point of this journey is the quaint city of Lafayette, IN, which makes for a great place to make a stopover and recharge your batteries. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip:
Indiana Dunes National Park
A must-visit destination on your road trip is the Indiana Dunes National Park, which is one of the best places to enjoy nature at its finest. Featuring miles of pristine beaches, towering sand dunes, and tranquil woodlands, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, and a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. The park is home to unique flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Karner Blue butterfly and Pitcher's thistle. This popular destination attracts over 2 million visitors each year.
> Interesting fact: The Indiana Dunes National Park spans over 15,000 acres and includes 15 miles of shoreline along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
For an exciting family-friendly adventure, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari Theme Park is the place to be. This amusement park has been voted the world’s friendliest amusement park multiple times and provides a combination of attractions that suits thrill-seekers and families alike. Holiday World boasts four themed lands: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Independence Day, with roller coasters, water rides, classic amusement park attractions, and even an area dedicated to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
> Interesting fact: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is the largest employer in Spencer County, IN, with over 3,000 seasonal employees during peak season.
The Boilermaker Special
The Boilermaker Special is the official mascot of Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, IN. The Boilermaker Special was introduced in 1940 and is a symbol of Purdue's engineering heritage, as it is modeled after a steam locomotive. Visitors can see the iconic train up close at the Purdue University campus, where it serves as Purdue Pete’s ride. Fans of Purdue University's sports teams can catch a glimpse of this beloved spirted mascotted at varsity games.
> Interesting fact: The Boilermaker Special is also a Class C locomotive, making it part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is one of Indiana's finest state parks and an excellent destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Located in Parke County, IN, the park covers over 2,400 acres of wooded terrain, canyons, and sandstone bluffs, with rugged hiking trails and suspension bridges crossing beautiful ravines. Visitors can experience nature at its best while admiring the park's natural beauty and wildlife. Picnicking, rock climbing, and fishing are also popular activities at this state park.
> Interesting fact: Turkey Run State Park is known for its natural shelter caves and rock formations, which have been formed over millions of years.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Any car enthusiast will appreciate a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where they can explore the rich history and tradition of racing in Indiana. The museum is located in Speedway, IN, and showcases over 75 racing cars from different eras and genres, including Formula One, NASCAR, and IndyCars. The museum also highlights the history of the Indianapolis 500 and features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to feel the adrenaline rush of racing.
> Interesting fact: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is home to over 40 heritage cars that have raced in the Indianapolis 500-mile race, and the oldest of them dates back to 1911.
Conclusion
The road trip from Bloomington, IN to Schererville, IN offers travelers a mix of natural beauty, history, and entertainment. From the stunning Indiana Dunes National Park to the excitement of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari Theme Park, there is something for every taste. The halfway point of Lafayette, IN is a great place to take a break, recharge, and explore. This trip takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete and can be accomplished in one day or over the weekend to allow for more time to explore each destination.