For the latest on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) click here.

Family Fun in Eastern Indiana

As if ice cream, candy and pie aren’t enough reason to book this trip, all the fun activities that go along with it sure are. There’s outdoor adventure galore at the area lakes, wildlife areas and parks. You can also make free throws and learn about our amazing hoops prowess at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

About this Road Trip

Sweet Tooth Destinations

It’s okay to admit that sweets drive you. Especially when you can indulge yourself at stops like Ivanhoe’s Drive-In, where they have over 100 milkshakes and sundaes (delicious sandwiches and salads, too). The famous Wick’s Pies are baked in Winchester, and you'll love their version of sugar cream — Indiana's official state pie. Buy pies to take home or have a slice after a delicious meal at Mrs. Wick's Bakery & Cafe. And “good” is more than their name at Good’s Candy Shop. Yes, the Good family has been making candy since the 1940s, with the current location being the newest and largest candy shop in this part of Indiana. See how the fifth generation of Goods make fine ice cream and chocolates.

Next Stop

Outdoor Sightseeing

Mounds State Park features 10 unique earthworks built by the prehistoric Adena-Hopewell people, likely as gathering places for religious ceremonies. The largest is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. There’s also a nature center with wildlife viewing room and interactive games. At Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve, you can explore 475 acres including marsh, forest and prairie. Open from dawn to dusk, it features a tree identification trail, approximately 3.5 miles of easy walking trails, and a ¼-mile ADA handicapped-accessible trail with benches. Check out Thistlethwaite Falls, named for Timothy Thistlethwaite, who blasted a new channel in the West Fork of the Whitewater River in the early 1800s to direct the water over this rock formation to provide more waterpower to his nearby sawmill.

Previous Stop Next Stop

Basketball & Ball Jars

If you know Indiana, you know we love our basketball. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the proud heritage of the game from its 1890s origins to today. You’ll see uniforms and trophies, but you’ll also get to shoot for a buzzer beater, announce a game-winning shot and more interactive fun. Special exhibits highlight John Wooden, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird and the 1954 Milan Indians (inspiration for the movie Hoosiers). You’re likely familiar with the famous Ball canning jar, but did you know its roots are in Muncie? The Ball family legacy lives on at Minnetrista, a gathering place with beautiful gardens, interactive exhibits featuring art and history, and unique events like a farmers market.

Previous Stop Next Stop

Fishing, Boating & Camping

This is a great destination for water lovers. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating, camping and more at Salamonie Lake, J.E. Roush Lake Fish and WIldlife Area, Summit Lake State Park and Ouabache State Park.

Previous Stop Next Stop

Roadside Attractions

Social media was made for curious roadside attractions, so get ready for the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. Mike and Glenda Carmichael have been caring for this oddity for over 35 years, which currently weighs over 4,000 pounds and holds about 23,400 layers of paint. You can even add a layer of your own when you visit. Jim Davis, the creator of the popular Garfield comic strip, hails from Grant County, and they’ve honored his legacy with more than a dozen fun and unique statues on The Garfield Trail. Find them all to brighten your newsfeed.

Previous Stop First Stop

See What Families Are Doing in Eastern Indiana

#VisitIndiana

COVID-19 NOTICE: Indiana has entered the last stages of being back on track, but attractions, lodging, and food & drink destinations are opening back up at rates most conducive to the safety of their guests. Check the websites of the destinations you’re interested in visiting for their most up-to-date information. Please use personal discretion and follow the Indiana State Department of Health for COVID-19 related updates.

About this Road Trip

Sweet Tooth Destinations

Outdoor Sightseeing

Basketball & Ball Jars

Fishing, Boating & Camping

Roadside Attractions

Map Out Your Road Trip

Best Western Plus Anderson

The Garfield Trail

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum

Wick's Pies, Inc.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

Summit Lake State Park

Ouabache State Park

Salamonie Lake

Mounds State Park

Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center

J.E. Roush Lake Fish and Wildlife Area

Minnetrista

Grains and Grill

Ivanhoe's Drive In

Goods Candy Shop

Thistlethwaite Falls

World's Largest Ball of Paint

Loblolly Marsh

Things To Do

The Garfield Trail

Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum

Wick's Pies, Inc.

Summit Lake State Park

Ouabache State Park

Salamonie Lake

Mounds State Park

J.E. Roush Lake Fish and Wildlife Area

Minnetrista

Goods Candy Shop

Thistlethwaite Falls

World's Largest Ball of Paint

Loblolly Marsh

Food & Drink

Grains and Grill

Ivanhoe's Drive In

Lodging

Best Western Plus Anderson

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton

Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center

See What Families Are Doing in Eastern Indiana

#VisitIndiana

More Road Trips

Find Out What Your Next Indiana Road Trip Should Be

Indiana Road Trip Quiz