Without classes and homework to hold you back, summer is the perfect time to pack up the car and go on a road trip with friends. Stumped on where to go? Try one of these places.
Nature
McCormick’s Creek State Park
Located about two hours from Muncie in Spencer, Indiana — just northwest of Bloomington — this state park features more than 10 miles of hiking trails, bridges, Wolf Cave and horseback riding. Camping area is also available year-round.
Turkey Run State Park
Less than two and a half hours away from Muncie is Turkey Run State Park. The park is a popular place to go canoeing. Visitors can also go hiking and fishing or observe the wildlife within the park, such as deer, beavers, woodpeckers and, of course, wild turkey. There are also several historical sites within the park and campgrounds for visitors.
Mounds State Park
In Anderson, Mounds State Park is the site of 10 mound-like earthworks made by ancient Native Americans. The mounds are thought to have been sites for religious ceremonies. There are six hiking trails marked by difficulty, as well as an olympic-sized swimming pool and campgrounds.
Marengo Cave
A little more than three hours from Muncie is the Marengo Cave, one of only four show caves in Indiana. Public tours of the caves have been given since the 1800s. The caves are completely dark, so explorers are equipped with helmets and headlamps to observe the natural underground cave.
Amusement parks
Indiana Beach
Located in Monticello, Indiana Beach is an amusement park right on the water. The park offers roller coasters, water rides, a zip line and live entertainment. There is also lodging available at the park, as well as camping areas.
Cedar Point
Considered the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point is located in Sandusky, Ohio. The park offers several rides as well as water attractions and live entertainment. Tickets are cheaper online than they are at the gate, so if you plan on going make sure to check the park’s website first.
Kings Island
Kings Island is the largest amusement and waterpark in the Midwest and is located in Mason, Ohio. The park spans more than 300 acres and offers roller coasters, thrill rides and live entertainment. Camping area is also available.
Just for fun
World’s Largest Ball of Paint
From what started as a single layer of blue paint on a baseball, the world’s largest ball of paint is now 14 feet in circumference and is housed in Alexandria, just a 30 minutes from Muncie. The ball, now with more than 20,000 coats of paint, hangs from an industrial hook in the home of Michael Carmichael, the man who started the job as a child. Either Carmichael or his son add a paint layer every day, but visitors are welcome to add layers as well.
James Dean Gallery
In Fairmount, the James Dean Gallery is a museum dedicated to the late actor, who was originally from the town. Visitors can find memorabilia from Dean’s life, as well as a replica of the car he died in. The museum also features a screening room that projects rare film clips from Dean’s career.
Backyard Roller Coaster
John Ivers built a rollercoaster in his backyard, located in Bruceville, Indiana. Ivers, who is known as an adrenaline junkie, built the coaster, called The Blue Flash , and the second coaster, Blue Too, as something fun for his children and grandchildren to do. Now, he allows visitors to ride on weekends, as long as they call ahead, though rides in cold weather are not permitted.
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