In Indiana, there’s an exciting adventure waiting for you on State Road 56; A 193-mile stretch located in the south-central part of the state that goes from the cities Hazleton to Aurora. No matter if you’re traveling west to east or east to west, it’s sure to be a fun time.
Hazelton
Jump right into the action with this detour drive over the Hagwilget Canyon Bridge. Locals say no visit to Hazelton is complete without it. It’s a short drive over the canyon, where you can see straight down as you drive over it. The bridge is said to shake some, which is why it’s as thrilling as it is beautiful. Do you dare?
Jasper
Popcorn lovers, rejoice! The Jasper Gift Basket and Popcorn Company is your dream come true. You’ll know it when you see it because there’s a giant popcorn display out front; A colorful 17-foot-tall popcorn box with a concrete base where visitors like to sit and have their pictures taken. Inside, the store sells tons of personalized gifts, fruit baskets, and chocolate dipped items. The most exciting part? They have over 90 different flavors of popcorn!
Take your popcorn to go and stroll along the Jasper River Walk; a peaceful 2-mile scenic walk nearby where you can explore the areas flora and fauna, with spots to stop and picnic.
French Lick
Go museum hopping in French Lick.
The French Lick-West Baden museum is a small museum featuring fascinating exhibits from the town’s local history. Find out the importance of the Monon Railroad, which Casino Al Capone liked to frequent, and who the Cross Brothers were. You can also see one of the World’s Largest Circus dioramas; The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus Diorama. It’s a 1,100 square foot model that took over 40 years to complete and depicts three different 1920’s circus scenes.
Then go for a 20-mile ride on the historic French Lick Scenic Railroad, with reenactments, and stop at the Indiana Railway Museum afterward.
If you aren’t into museums, another favorite spot is the French Lick Casino, voted the best gaming center in southern Indiana. Enjoy tabletop games, slot machines, and live entertainment.
Paoli
If you enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, check out Paoli Peaks during colder months. They’ve got great slopes for all levels, from beginner to more advanced. They also offer discounted days for Veterans and college students.
Salem
Have a need for speed? Head to the Salem Speedway, situated in the scenic hills of southern Indiana, and watch a race on the 65-year-old tracks. Recognized as one of the most unique race tracks in America, visitors can look forward to up to 15 Special Events each year.
Scottsburg
If you love all things goat cheese related, don’t miss out on Goat Milk Stuff in Scottsburg. It’s a working farm where you get behind the scene looks at how things are done. And you can snuggle the goats too! In the retail-portion, you will find every kind of goat-related product you can think of, from bar soap and bug spray to fresh salads and sandwiches, all made from their very own goat milk and goat cheese.
Madison
At the Clifty Falls State Park, you will find a great view of the Ohio River, which runs along State Road 56. You can walk or hike small trails, see waterfalls, and even go camping. There is an abandoned, never completed railway tunnel that visitors are able to hike through also.
Aurora
Don’t stop in Aurora without going by the “Abandoned Building with Strange Murals.” It’s a part of “Making Faces”, a local art project that has been going on for some time. What’s more is, you can even pay to have your face added to one of the windows!
What about places to lodge during your road trip? Look at our sister site, HotelCoupons.com, for some of the best deals in the area. Just type in whichever city you’re looking to stop in.
