8 Cute Small Town Drives In Indiana

The state of Indiana is a standout Midwest road-trip state, spanning 36,418 square miles of land and water. While the Indianapolis 500 is part of its identity, Indiana also shines on slower two-lane drives, across broad northern and central plains, and into the river valleys and hills of the south. Below are eight of the best drives in the state!

1. Ohio River Scenic Byway: Aurora to Rising Sun to Madison

Starting in the historic town of Aurora, this route follows the Ohio River, which changes character with the seasons. Drivers continue along State Road 56 toward Rising Sun, a good stop for a meal at Rockies Bar & Grill, a long-running local favorite.

The drive continues toward Madison, where visitors can explore the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site or walk through the downtown district. Madison’s riverfront streets reflect its role as an early trading center along the Ohio River. Including stops, this drive usually takes two to three hours, depending on pace and traffic. The route is interesting enough you'll want to allow extra travel times for frequent pull-offs to drink in the scenery and take some selfies.

2. Laughery Valley Drive: Versailles to Batesville

This is a relatively brief drive where you'll get open views of farmland and gently rolling countryside across southeastern Indiana. Covering about 22 miles and lasting roughly 30 to 40 minutes, the route winds along quiet rural roads with little commercial development. The trip begins in Versailles, pronounced locally “ver-SALES.” Visitors can spend time at Versailles State Park, which includes trails, a lake, and seasonal activities. Then you'll head on to Batesville. In town, travelers can visit the Gibson Theatre or stop for a meal at Backwoods Bar & Grill.

3. Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway: Brookville to Liberty

This drive begins in Brookville, founded in 1808 and named after the founder’s mother, whose maiden name was Brooks. Visitors often stop at the Pioneer Restaurant and Lodge before heading west through Metamora, a village known for preserved canal-era buildings. Metamora has just over 200 residents and hosts an annual Christmas Walk that draws visitors each winter. The town is full of little gift shops and cafes and it just really looks magical in the winter with holiday lights and hayrides. Honestly, you will not regret going there any time of year. The route then continues toward Liberty, located near the Ohio border. Liberty is known as the birthplace of Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, whose facial hair inspired the term “sideburns.” The full drive covers roughly 60 miles and takes about two hours, depending on stops.

4. National Road / US 40: Knightstown to Richmond

This route follows portions of the Historic National Road and appeals to travelers interested in early transportation history. It begins in Knightstown, home to the Hoosiers Gym, where scenes from the film Hoosiers were filmed. Speaking of which, Indiana is big-time basketball country. So if you want instant conversation, that's your topic of choice.

The drive continues through Dunreith and Cambridge City, where visitors can stop at the Overbeck Pottery Museum. The next town is Centerville, often referred to locally as “the home of the arches” because of the five arch designs found along Old National Road. The route ends in Richmond, known for its role in early jazz recording history at Gennett Records. The full drive takes about 2.5 hours.

5. Amish Country: Shipshewana to Middlebury

Indiana is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States, with about 23,000 residents living throughout the region. Their farms and traditional practices shape the rural landscape and influence daily life along these roads.

This approximately 50-mile route begins in Shipshewana, where visitors can explore the Menno-Hof Amish and Mennonite Museum. The drive continues toward Goshen, which hosts the Elkhart County 4-H Fair each July, one of the largest county fairs in the country, dating back to 1851. The route ends in Middlebury, where fields, barns, and horse-drawn buggies are common sights. Travelers are advised to slow down near buggies, avoid startling horses, bring cash, and remember that many Amish businesses close on Sundays.

6. Whitewater Valley / New Trenton Drive

This southeastern Indiana drive follows the Whitewater River and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing during warmer months. The route passes through New Trenton, a town with fewer than 300 residents, before continuing along U.S. Route 52 toward Laurel.

Founded in 1836, Laurel is known for nearby Haspin Acres, a destination for off-road recreation. After Laurel, the drive continues toward Brookville, where travelers can stop at Brook Hill Golf Club. The route includes wooded hills, farmland, and river crossings, creating steady visual variety. The entire drive usually takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

7. Central Indiana Drive: Lizton to Kirklin

This drive highlights rural central Indiana landscapes shaped by agriculture and small-town life. The route begins in Lizton, named after its founder's wife. Many visitors stop at the Lizton Dairy Bar, which has served the town for decades.

The drive continues toward Amo, whose name comes from the Latin word for “I love.” Amo hosts an annual Fish Fry each June, a tradition that has lasted more than 60 years. The final stop is Kirklin, where visitors can eat at Bonkers Bar and Grill or browse White Lion Antiques, which is open on weekends. The full drive takes about two hours.

8. Route 62 Drive: Dillsboro to Friendship

This shorter drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour and follows a curving section of Route 62 known locally as the Serpent 62, a stretch popular with motorcyclists because of its bends and elevation changes.

In Dillsboro, visitors can view the exterior of the Hillforest Historic House Museum, built in 1855 in the Italian Renaissance style. Although the house is not currently open for tours, the grounds are accessible. The drive continues eight miles to Friendship, a small town known for its long-running community events. Visitors often stop at the Statue of Hope in Wilson Cemetery or eat at the Friendship Tavern and Restaurant.

Enjoy the Journey and Happy Travels!

No matter which route you choose, planning ahead makes all the difference. Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel, snacks, and—most importantly—the right road-trip playlist. These drives showcase Indiana’s diverse scenery, from Amish farmland to rolling hills and river valleys.

With four distinct seasons, Indiana’s landscapes transform throughout the year, offering a perfect excuse to revisit a favorite drive or discover a new one. Drive safely, enjoy the journey, and happy travels!