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Western Indiana: Animals and Outdoors

Learn all about dairy and pig farming at Fair Oaks Farms (try the grilled cheese and ice cream) and then join the howling at Wolf Park. Challenge yourself on the trails at Griffin Bike Park, Indiana’s newest mountain biking destination. You can also paddle a canoe, hike trails or ride a historic boat at nearby parks.

About this Road Trip

Unique Animal Encounters

Learn all about farming while having fun at Fair Oaks Farms. Choose from the Dairy, Pig or Crop Adventure — or do all three. Climb a giant milk carton in the Mooville outdoor play area. They make their own ice cream and cheese onsite with that fresh milk, so be sure to eat in one of the onsite restaurants. You can even stay overnight in the one-of-a-kind, barn-designed Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. At Wolf Park, you’ll learn about wolves, coyotes, fox and bison — and you’ll even get a chance to howl with the wolves in the evening.

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Hiking, Biking, Canoeing

Calling all outdoor rec enthusiasts! Start at Clements Canoe Outdoor Center to paddle along Sugar Creek near Turkey Run State Park, where you won’t want to miss The Ladders Trail, voted Indiana’s best hiking trail. (Trail 2 actually got second place, too.) Shades State Park has great views from the sandstone cliffs, while Prophetstown State Park features a restored prairie. Mountain bikers come from all around to ride Griffin Bike Park, with over 16 miles of single track, a variety of jump lines and a lake to jump over. Ten miles of gravel trails at the Nature Park at DePauw University vary from flat to steep with great views of a former limestone quarry. Stop by nearby Cataract Falls at Lieber State Rec Area to see the waterfall voted #1.

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Visiting the Past

You can buy flour and cornmeal ground at Bridgeton Mill, family-owned since 1888. It sits next to one of Parke County’s most famous covered bridges and a beautiful waterfall. The 85-foot marble obelisk monument at Tippecanoe Battleground Museum & Park marks the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe between the U.S. forces led by William Henry Harrison and Tecumseh’s Native American confederation. Learn about the battle and its leaders with exhibits and a fiber-optic map. This National Historic Landmark also has hiking trails, nature center and a large selection of books in the gift store. Take a leisurely ride on a replica canal boat at the Wabash & Erie Canal Park, featuring a pioneer village and award-winning interpretive center.

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Unique Eateries

Try the Donut Burger (yep, it’s served between two of Terre Haute’s famous Square Donuts) or the Mighty Fifi with cheese, fried egg, frizzled onions and Monster Sauce at Fifi’s Lunch Box. Indiana’s oldest drive-in, Triple XXX Family Restaurant, was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives for its Duane Purvis — a peanut butter-topped burger. Sip their housemade Triple XXX Root Beer, too. Check out the animal trophies, award-winning wood carvings and Harley-Davidson decor at Thirty-Six Saloon & Family Restaurant and savor the aroma of slow-cooked meats from the outdoor deck.

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Not Your Standard Lodging

Innkeepers Lord Douglas and Lady Josephine are ready to arrange your escape to Clayshire Castle, a medieval-style bed and breakfast in the tranquil countryside near Bowling Green. You’ll be treated like royalty with luxurious accommodations and gourmet breakfasts. You can even don a medieval costume before strolling the gardens, wandering the hedge maze or curling up with a book in the library. Located on 25 wooded acres, Whittaker Inn is a new Midwestern oasis for guests. Its 15 guest rooms are decorated with original pieces of art and one-of-a-kind furnishings, while vast windows flood the interior spaces with natural light and splendid views. The Whittaker Kitchen creates globally influenced cuisine and inspired American fare.

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Map Out Your Road Trip

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The Whittaker Inn

Experience unparalleled comfort, service and cuisine at the 100% newly constructed Whittaker Inn - West Lafayette's premier lodging destination. Located on 25 wooded acres, this Midwestern…

765-441-2010
thewhittakerinn.com

Thirty-Six Saloon & Family Restaurant

We offer our customers great food, a fun, decorative atmosphere and the coldest beer around. Our one of a kind establishment offers family dining, game room with two pool tables & darts…

765-569-9441
thirtysixsaloon.com

Griffin Bike Park

Griffin Bike Park is on the bucket-list of a lot bike riders around the entire globe! The park provides a full spectrum of biking experiences for beginners up to professional…

812-462-3392
griffinbikepark.com

Fifi's Lunch Box

Fifi's menu is inspired by all our favorite comfort foods with a twist. Our menu uses only the freshest and finest ingredients.

812-460-1670
fifislunchbox.com

Clayshire Castle

Escape the chaos and stress of the modern world at Clayshire Castle, a medieval-style bed and breakfast in the tranquil countryside of western central Indiana. Here our guests are treated…

317-797-3822
ClayshireCastle.com