If you're a history enthusiast, Indiana is the perfect place to step back in time and explore the rich stories that have shaped the Hoosier State. From historic towns and Civil War sites to iconic landmarks and museum collections, this road trip is packed with stops that will immerse you in Indiana’s past. So buckle up and get ready for a journey through Hoosier history! 

Start in Fort Wayne: A City of Early Settlements

• Stop 1: Old Fort (Fort Wayne)
  Kick off your road trip in Fort Wayne, where you can explore the Old Fort, a reconstruction of an 1815 military outpost that tells the story of early American settlers and Native American interactions. The Fort Wayne History Center is nearby and offers additional insights into the city's growth and its role in early Indiana history.

Head Southwest to New Harmony: A Utopian Dream

• Stop 2: New Harmony
  Next, head southwest to New Harmony, a town deeply tied to both religious and social history. New Harmony was home to two distinct utopian communities, first founded by the Harmonists and later by Robert Owen. Stop by the Atheneum (the visitor center), and don’t miss the Rapp-Owen Granary and Harmonist Labyrinth for an authentic experience of the town's fascinating past.

Travel East to Tippecanoe Battlefield: Native American History

• Stop 3: Tippecanoe Battlefield Park (Battle Ground)
  Drive east toward Battle Ground, home to the historic Tippecanoe Battlefield, where the famous battle between U.S. forces and the Shawnee led by Tecumseh took place in 1811. Visit the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum to learn about this key moment in Indiana’s Native American history.

Head South to Corydon: Indiana’s First State Capital

• Stop 4: Corydon
  Travel south to Corydon, Indiana’s first state capital. Visit the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, where Indiana’s early government met, and take a tour of the Battle of Corydon site, where Indiana’s only Civil War battle was fought. This town is brimming with stories about the state’s founding and Civil War history.

Continue South to Conner Prairie: Living History

• Stop 5: Conner Prairie (Fishers)
  As you continue south, make your way to Conner Prairie, an interactive living history museum. Step back into the 19th century and explore a recreated 1836 village, where costumed interpreters will help you experience pioneer life. The hands-on activities, like blacksmithing or candle-dipping, are fun and educational for all ages.

Finish in Indianapolis: The Heart of History

• Stop 6: Indianapolis
  Finish your journey in Indiana’s capital city. Start at the Indiana State Museum, which has extensive exhibits on the state’s history, culture, and natural world. A must-see is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument that commemorates Indiana’s Civil War history and offers incredible city views. You can also visit the Eiteljorg Museum, known for its impressive Native American art and Western history collections.

Bonus Stops:

• President Benjamin Harrison Home in Indianapolis – The former residence of the 23rd U.S. president.

• Angel Mounds State Historic Site near Evansville – Explore ancient Native American earthworks and artifacts.

• The Wabash and Erie Canal in Lagro – The Wabash and Erie Canal, though short-lived, played a great role in helping develop Wabash and much of Indiana in the early 19th century.

• The First City of Indiana, Vincennes – As Indiana’s first permanent European settlement, Vincennes offers a wealth of historical significance. Visit the Indiana Military Museum and Fort Knox II, a 19th-century fort that played a pivotal role during the War of 1812.

• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City – Preserving the living history of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood, with exhibits, walking trails, and a historic farm that offers a glimpse into the life of young Lincoln.

Indiana is filled with stories waiting to be discovered, and this road trip is the perfect way to connect with the past. Whether you're exploring Civil War battlefields, learning about the state's pioneer days, or discovering Native American history, this trip will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Indiana’s rich heritage. So pack your bags and hit the road – history awaits!