Any interesting stops on the drive from Indianapolis to Chicago?
Jul 8th, 2005, 10:00 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any interesting stops on the drive from Indianapolis to Chicago?
I'm going to wedding in Indianapolis in September. After the wedding I plan to drive to Chicago and spend two nights there. I have never been to the midwest and am wondering if we should make any stops along the way. Also, any must sees for Chicago and Indianapolis? Thanks so much for your help!
Jul 8th, 2005, 10:24 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If anyone in your group likes bicycling, check out the Major Taylor Velodrom in Indy; the public is allowed to use it.
While a little out of your way, US-40, the "National Highway" is an interesting road, with a number of small shops, antiques, memorabilia, old diners, and still reminds one of the pre-interstate highway days.
While a little out of your way, US-40, the "National Highway" is an interesting road, with a number of small shops, antiques, memorabilia, old diners, and still reminds one of the pre-interstate highway days.
Jul 8th, 2005, 10:36 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My you've picked one of the least interesting areas of Indiana to visit. I lived in Chicago for 3 years and drove the Indy/Chicago route many, many times. Along the way there isn't much but flat, flat Indiana. Anyway I'll try to mention a few things I know. Hopefully someone from the area has more.
Prophetstown State Park near Battleground, IN is the state's newest park. Associated with Tecumseh it has a tie-in with Native Americans.
Indiana Dunes State Park is near Chesterton on Lake Michigan.
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/prope...tateparks.html
Purdue University is in West Lafayette. Maybe a football game is on if you're into college football. Go Boilers!
www.purdue.edu
Roselawn, IN has a large nudist colony.
Indianapolis has all manner of things to do from minor league baseball to art museums. It depends upon your tastes and budget. I've kept the list to things within a few miles of downtown.
Free:
Street-side parking. Parking meters are only in effect from 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are free all day long.
Walk the 1.5 miles of canal. It's about a half mile or so east of Monument Circle. At one end is the Congressional Medals of Honor Memorial. At the other end is the blocky, limestone monument to the USS Indianapolis.
Visit the World War Memorial 3 blocks north of Monument Circle. It has several displays from various wars. The shrine/memorial room at the top is somber and impressive.
Visit the Indiana State House. Usually open from 8am to 5pm the main floor is open later. Lots of statues, beautiful woodworking, plaques & memorials to examine.
Visit the Eli Lilly Civil War museum underneath Monument Circle. Interesting exhibits about Indiana's and Colonel Lilly's role in that war. Then walk around Monument Circle looking at the statues and fountains if running.
Ride the glass elevators inside the Hyatt Regency hotel. I still manage to do it once or twice a year. It's fun to watch the floor and people shrink away. I know it's hokey but I still do it a few times a year.
Take in the views of Washington & Illinois streets from the Arts Gardens. I like to look at the plaques of old photos showing how the streets looked almost 100 years ago.
Walk around the outside of the Indiana State Museum. On the canal side is a steam clock that places a rif from "Back Home Again in Indiana" every 15 minutes. Look at the plaques - 1 for each of Indiana's 92 counties. A few examples:
Indianapolis is in Marion County.
Purdue University is in Tippecanoe County.
Indiana University is in Monroe County.
Notre Dame is in St. Joseph County.
Show up on the door step for a tour of the Scottish Rite Cathedral from 11:00am to 1:00pm weekdays. Built by Masonic craftsmen the workmanship inside is stunning. I like walking on the upstairs ballroom floor. It's wood parquet that sits upon velvet wrapped springs. It's generally open during business days, but if you really want to see it you should call ahead for an appointment.
See if you can get a glimpse of the Indiana Roof Ballroom on top of the Indiana Repertory Theater building. It's really cool. It's painted to look like you're in an old Mediterranean town square complete with twinkling lights for stars in the sky.
Wander the Lockerbie Square area looking at the pretty homes and find James Whitcomb Riley's former home.
Window shop your way up Massachusetts Ave. looking at the art galleries and shops. Step back in time when you step into Stout shoes. See the mechanical basket contraptions that send your shoes to the second floor cashier to be purchased and boxed.
Low cost:
For a buck you can ride the elevator to the top of Monument Circle. The view is nice though partially blocked by some buildings. I like to walk down and look for old graffiti carved in the stone.
Get a cup of coffee from the Starbucks in the Border's book store at the corner of Washington & Meridian. It's in an old bank. I like to look at the light fixtures and architectural features as they hand my coffee through an old brass and marble teller's window.
Have a beer at the Rathskellar on Massachusetts Ave. Go in the evening, sit in the beer garden and enjoy the view of the skyline as the sun sets. Live music most weekends. Of course this could become expensive if you have more than a few beers and wind up staying for dinner. They have excellent German food.
See an Indianapolis Indians game. The view of downtown from the stands is gorgeous. Seats are as low as $8. This is about the same as a movie.
Entrance fees:
Eiteljorg museum of southwest art. Indiana seems a weird place for a southwestern art museum, but that's what Eiteljorg collected. The building is beautiful especially at night when the faux luminaries are lit around the top.
Indiana State Museum. It has some interesting displays and a nice Foucault pendulum. Though for out of towners not too keen on Indiana history walking around the outside for free might be enough. It also has the ubiquitous IMAX theater.
NCAA Hall of Fame Museum. I'm not a sports fan and haven't been with the right crowd to go.
Indianapolis Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Butler-Morris House, a restored Victorian mansion.
President William Henry Harrison home containing many personal possessions of the former President.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in Speedway. A must for race fans. Dozens and dozens of Indy race cars going back decades.
Indianapolis Museum of Art. Now has a Pucks (of Wolfgang fame) restaurant and a newly built section. The old Lilly Mansion on the grounds is pretty.
Children's Museum north on Meridian St. It's ranked one of the best in the country. I like the water clock, trains and antique carousel.
Prophetstown State Park near Battleground, IN is the state's newest park. Associated with Tecumseh it has a tie-in with Native Americans.
Indiana Dunes State Park is near Chesterton on Lake Michigan.
http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/prope...tateparks.html
Purdue University is in West Lafayette. Maybe a football game is on if you're into college football. Go Boilers!
www.purdue.edu
Roselawn, IN has a large nudist colony.
Indianapolis has all manner of things to do from minor league baseball to art museums. It depends upon your tastes and budget. I've kept the list to things within a few miles of downtown.
Free:
Street-side parking. Parking meters are only in effect from 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are free all day long.
Walk the 1.5 miles of canal. It's about a half mile or so east of Monument Circle. At one end is the Congressional Medals of Honor Memorial. At the other end is the blocky, limestone monument to the USS Indianapolis.
Visit the World War Memorial 3 blocks north of Monument Circle. It has several displays from various wars. The shrine/memorial room at the top is somber and impressive.
Visit the Indiana State House. Usually open from 8am to 5pm the main floor is open later. Lots of statues, beautiful woodworking, plaques & memorials to examine.
Visit the Eli Lilly Civil War museum underneath Monument Circle. Interesting exhibits about Indiana's and Colonel Lilly's role in that war. Then walk around Monument Circle looking at the statues and fountains if running.
Ride the glass elevators inside the Hyatt Regency hotel. I still manage to do it once or twice a year. It's fun to watch the floor and people shrink away. I know it's hokey but I still do it a few times a year.
Take in the views of Washington & Illinois streets from the Arts Gardens. I like to look at the plaques of old photos showing how the streets looked almost 100 years ago.
Walk around the outside of the Indiana State Museum. On the canal side is a steam clock that places a rif from "Back Home Again in Indiana" every 15 minutes. Look at the plaques - 1 for each of Indiana's 92 counties. A few examples:
Indianapolis is in Marion County.
Purdue University is in Tippecanoe County.
Indiana University is in Monroe County.
Notre Dame is in St. Joseph County.
Show up on the door step for a tour of the Scottish Rite Cathedral from 11:00am to 1:00pm weekdays. Built by Masonic craftsmen the workmanship inside is stunning. I like walking on the upstairs ballroom floor. It's wood parquet that sits upon velvet wrapped springs. It's generally open during business days, but if you really want to see it you should call ahead for an appointment.
See if you can get a glimpse of the Indiana Roof Ballroom on top of the Indiana Repertory Theater building. It's really cool. It's painted to look like you're in an old Mediterranean town square complete with twinkling lights for stars in the sky.
Wander the Lockerbie Square area looking at the pretty homes and find James Whitcomb Riley's former home.
Window shop your way up Massachusetts Ave. looking at the art galleries and shops. Step back in time when you step into Stout shoes. See the mechanical basket contraptions that send your shoes to the second floor cashier to be purchased and boxed.
Low cost:
For a buck you can ride the elevator to the top of Monument Circle. The view is nice though partially blocked by some buildings. I like to walk down and look for old graffiti carved in the stone.
Get a cup of coffee from the Starbucks in the Border's book store at the corner of Washington & Meridian. It's in an old bank. I like to look at the light fixtures and architectural features as they hand my coffee through an old brass and marble teller's window.
Have a beer at the Rathskellar on Massachusetts Ave. Go in the evening, sit in the beer garden and enjoy the view of the skyline as the sun sets. Live music most weekends. Of course this could become expensive if you have more than a few beers and wind up staying for dinner. They have excellent German food.
See an Indianapolis Indians game. The view of downtown from the stands is gorgeous. Seats are as low as $8. This is about the same as a movie.
Entrance fees:
Eiteljorg museum of southwest art. Indiana seems a weird place for a southwestern art museum, but that's what Eiteljorg collected. The building is beautiful especially at night when the faux luminaries are lit around the top.
Indiana State Museum. It has some interesting displays and a nice Foucault pendulum. Though for out of towners not too keen on Indiana history walking around the outside for free might be enough. It also has the ubiquitous IMAX theater.
NCAA Hall of Fame Museum. I'm not a sports fan and haven't been with the right crowd to go.
Indianapolis Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Butler-Morris House, a restored Victorian mansion.
President William Henry Harrison home containing many personal possessions of the former President.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in Speedway. A must for race fans. Dozens and dozens of Indy race cars going back decades.
Indianapolis Museum of Art. Now has a Pucks (of Wolfgang fame) restaurant and a newly built section. The old Lilly Mansion on the grounds is pretty.
Children's Museum north on Meridian St. It's ranked one of the best in the country. I like the water clock, trains and antique carousel.
Jul 8th, 2005, 10:53 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,981
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The beach at Michigan City, Indiana. You can have a lovely walk on the beach and walk out on the cat-walk to the light house. You can sit on the catwalk and watch the boats go by. If you're there at lunch time, SwingBelly's(an old rail station) is a good place to eat. You can sit outside and have a waterview of Lake Michigan
Jul 8th, 2005, 11:44 AM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I grew up in W. Lafayette and, man, I'm racking my brains for something worth stopping for on that route:
You can get a decent meal in Lafayette/West Lafayette -- last I heard, the area was near the top in the country for restuarant seats per capita. I still dream about Pizza King, a local favorite.
You can visit Wolf Park (a preserve) and hear the wolves howl at night.
Battleground has a nice park-like site commemorating the Battle of Tippecanoe. Regarded as Tecumseh's last stand in his attempt to push Europeans off the continent (although he wasn't actually there), and the reason W.H. Harrison became president (Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!). The Prophet (mentioned above) was Tecumseh's brother, a mystic -- they were two of triplets, which was understood to give them special powers.
But really, you'd do best to concentrate on Indy and Chicago. The (3 hour) drive will be straight and flat.
Jul 8th, 2005, 01:13 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That drive isn't all that exciting. I'm from Chicago but went to school in Indiana so I know the drive well. The dunes in Chesterton are rather nice, you might want to stop along there (and Chesterton is a cute little town, my parents moved out by there several years back) but that drive up 65 is pretty much nothing but cornfields. Indianapolis has a few places of interest, but I'll let the locals address that, as far as Chicago is concerned, well, I'm not quite sure where to begin.
Jul 8th, 2005, 01:28 PM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although it is a little out of the way, there are about 20 covered bridges near Rockville, Indiana. It's about 40 miles west of Indianapolis on US-36.
www.coveredbridges.com
www.coveredbridges.com
Jul 8th, 2005, 01:31 PM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh swalter518, I just toured Gary without planning too, last Wed. night. There was a 11 mile stoppage/back up on Bormann Exp. and environs- actually it was all the way to I-65.
Do you know, it's not as bad as it was and certainly no worse than many areas in Chicago. Poor Gary, it really gets the jokes.
Do you know, it's not as bad as it was and certainly no worse than many areas in Chicago. Poor Gary, it really gets the jokes.
Jul 8th, 2005, 01:49 PM
#14
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Someday when I am retired I am going to write a book of I-80/294-Bormann stories. When they get the thing to 6 lanes on each size- it will then be under construction to 8 lanes on each side.
I can remember the first decade of construction to 3 lanes. And the next, and the next. It is never enough. Doesn't Torrence look like its been bombed. They have leveled all the apartments and buildings next to it now and with the huge overpass columns going up it is surreal looking.
And how about those nice couple of "swiggles" between different levels of pavement on the curves to cross over to the other "done" side. As you watch the truck in front of you tip 30 degrees just before you do. Isn't it fun!
It's kind of like the assault on the North Pole each time you go- because anything could happen. It's an adventure with high stakes.
I'm on it in 3 more hours, again. BUT, we did give up toting the trailer and bought a boat for the lake to leave there. My bird can't take flipping another trailer and boat ever again. His heart/squeaker are both going to give out. And mine just might, as well.
I can remember the first decade of construction to 3 lanes. And the next, and the next. It is never enough. Doesn't Torrence look like its been bombed. They have leveled all the apartments and buildings next to it now and with the huge overpass columns going up it is surreal looking.
And how about those nice couple of "swiggles" between different levels of pavement on the curves to cross over to the other "done" side. As you watch the truck in front of you tip 30 degrees just before you do. Isn't it fun!
It's kind of like the assault on the North Pole each time you go- because anything could happen. It's an adventure with high stakes.
I'm on it in 3 more hours, again. BUT, we did give up toting the trailer and bought a boat for the lake to leave there. My bird can't take flipping another trailer and boat ever again. His heart/squeaker are both going to give out. And mine just might, as well.
Jul 8th, 2005, 03:34 PM
#16
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Indianapolis Museum of Art
http://www.ima-art.org/
Indianapolis 500 & Brickyard 400
http://www.indy500.com/
Indianapolis Raceway Park
http://www.irponline.com/
Zionsville has a bunch of little antique stores and boutique shops. Z'ville is about 15 miles North of downtown Indy on US 31. http://www.boonecvb.com/antiques.html
The best places to stop in Lafayette are Arni's Pizza King, Triple XXX (hamburgers with peanut butter -- that's either yummm!! or blech!!!) and the Original Frozen Custard!
http://www.meetyouatarnis.com
http://www.triplexxxfamilyrestaurant.com
http://cityguide.jconline.com/fe/Din...sinessid=29781
Fort Ouiatenon is a recreated blockhouse (1717-1791), located 3 miles outside of West Lafayette. Each fall they hold the Feast of the Hunter's Moon festival there (do NOT try to drive out there if that's the weekend you're passing thru; take a shuttlebus instead!) http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/ouiatenon.htm
South of Indy by an hour or so is Brown County (aka Little Nashville). This town is FULL of shops and art galleries. This town is in the hills, so the scenery is pretty cool too. http://www.nashville-indiana.com/
15 miles or so East of Nashville is Columbus, which has a reputation for being home to a number of architectural delights. http://www.columbus.in.us/page.asp?p...tectureTourMap
15 or 20 miles West of Nashville is Bloomington, home of Indiana University and the "Little 500" (the bike race featured in the movie "Breaking Away"). http://www.visitbloomington.com/
If you're into antiques and handmade crafts, I would recommend Spring Run Farm, which is a little shop in Lowell, Indiana. This is about 90 minutes northwest of Lafayette, and about 15 minutes off of I-65. I am a folkartist and when I lived in Lafayette, I sold my wares here. 2110 W 169th Ave. Lowell, IN 46356. (219)696-9357
Not on the way to Chicago, but possibly worth a sidetrip is Amish Country in northern Indiana. The main town is Shipshewana, and I'd say it's worth the trip just for the Amish bake sales (ok, and the Shipshe Flea Market!). http://www.shipshewana.com/
I'll leave the Chicago sights to someone who's more familiar with the city. There are more museums than you can count, and definitely some world-class shopping on The Magnificent Mile (aka Michigan Avenue, downtown).
Hope this gives you lots of ideas of places to visit while you're in the Hoosier state!
http://www.ima-art.org/
Indianapolis 500 & Brickyard 400
http://www.indy500.com/
Indianapolis Raceway Park
http://www.irponline.com/
Zionsville has a bunch of little antique stores and boutique shops. Z'ville is about 15 miles North of downtown Indy on US 31. http://www.boonecvb.com/antiques.html
The best places to stop in Lafayette are Arni's Pizza King, Triple XXX (hamburgers with peanut butter -- that's either yummm!! or blech!!!) and the Original Frozen Custard!
http://www.meetyouatarnis.com
http://www.triplexxxfamilyrestaurant.com
http://cityguide.jconline.com/fe/Din...sinessid=29781
Fort Ouiatenon is a recreated blockhouse (1717-1791), located 3 miles outside of West Lafayette. Each fall they hold the Feast of the Hunter's Moon festival there (do NOT try to drive out there if that's the weekend you're passing thru; take a shuttlebus instead!) http://www.tcha.mus.in.us/ouiatenon.htm
South of Indy by an hour or so is Brown County (aka Little Nashville). This town is FULL of shops and art galleries. This town is in the hills, so the scenery is pretty cool too. http://www.nashville-indiana.com/
15 miles or so East of Nashville is Columbus, which has a reputation for being home to a number of architectural delights. http://www.columbus.in.us/page.asp?p...tectureTourMap
15 or 20 miles West of Nashville is Bloomington, home of Indiana University and the "Little 500" (the bike race featured in the movie "Breaking Away"). http://www.visitbloomington.com/
If you're into antiques and handmade crafts, I would recommend Spring Run Farm, which is a little shop in Lowell, Indiana. This is about 90 minutes northwest of Lafayette, and about 15 minutes off of I-65. I am a folkartist and when I lived in Lafayette, I sold my wares here.
2110 W 169th Ave. Lowell, IN 46356. (219)696-9357Not on the way to Chicago, but possibly worth a sidetrip is Amish Country in northern Indiana. The main town is Shipshewana, and I'd say it's worth the trip just for the Amish bake sales (ok, and the Shipshe Flea Market!). http://www.shipshewana.com/
I'll leave the Chicago sights to someone who's more familiar with the city. There are more museums than you can count, and definitely some world-class shopping on The Magnificent Mile (aka Michigan Avenue, downtown).
Hope this gives you lots of ideas of places to visit while you're in the Hoosier state!
Jul 8th, 2005, 04:34 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in Nashville earlier this week on Monday. Though I live in the county I rarely go there. I'm not aware of any Amish/Nashville connection.
The Nashville House restaurant does serve "old style" food, has a gift shop and does not serve alcohol. That does have an Amish feel to it. At least in my book. FYI you can go down the road a piece and visit the Brown County Inn: same people, same food, alcohol served.
I took the fake tour train as I was with a friend and his small kids. The tour guide said Nashville has a permanent population of 900 with 300 shops. I guess they import the workers.
The Nashville House restaurant does serve "old style" food, has a gift shop and does not serve alcohol. That does have an Amish feel to it. At least in my book. FYI you can go down the road a piece and visit the Brown County Inn: same people, same food, alcohol served.
I took the fake tour train as I was with a friend and his small kids. The tour guide said Nashville has a permanent population of 900 with 300 shops. I guess they import the workers.
Jul 8th, 2005, 04:58 PM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Indianapolis:
You have to go to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, newly renovated. The Major Taylor Velodrome is less than a mile away, as a matter of fact.
Mass. Ave., The Canal at White River, the zoo (not just for kids any more, with the beautiful gardens and such.)Also on that property, the Eiteljorg and Indiana State museums, the NCAA museum, and the Imax theater.
Hope you get to enjoy our city!!
You have to go to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, newly renovated. The Major Taylor Velodrome is less than a mile away, as a matter of fact.
Mass. Ave., The Canal at White River, the zoo (not just for kids any more, with the beautiful gardens and such.)Also on that property, the Eiteljorg and Indiana State museums, the NCAA museum, and the Imax theater.
Hope you get to enjoy our city!!
