Indiana Itinerary: East to West

4-Day Itinerary in East/West Indiana

Embark on a captivating four-day journey across the diverse landscapes of Indiana, where each day unveils a tapestry of experiences that showcase the state’s rich history, charming towns, and natural wonders. Your adventure begins in the eastern part of the Hoosier State, where rolling hills and quaint communities set the stage for exploration. As you traverse from east to west, immerse yourself in the heart of Indiana’s heritage, encountering historic sites, vibrant cities, and picturesque landscapes that paint a vivid picture of the state’s cultural and natural treasures. From the tranquil beauty of eastern regions to the dynamic allure of the west, Indiana’s four-day itinerary promises a memorable odyssey through its enchanting tapestry.

Amish Sampler dish in Indiana

Enjoy These Great Indiana Attractions and More:

Indiana Dunes National Park
Union Street Market
Studebaker National Museum
South Bend Chocolate Company
and more!

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Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo in Indiana

East to West, INDIANA DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 in Indiana

Begin your adventure in Fort Wayne, Indiana’s second-largest city. Devote your morning to Sweetwater, one of the world’s largest purveyors of music and audio gear. Its campus includes an instrument store, recording studios and performance spaces.

For lunch, choices abound at Union Street Market, the new food hall at Electric Works, an ambitious redevelopment of the former GE factory.

In the afternoon, visit the nationally acclaimed Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, a treat for all ages. Then explore the indoor and outdoor gardens at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, a horticultural oasis in the heart of downtown.

If the team is in town, spend the evening at Parkview Field (adjacent to the conservatory), where minor league baseball’s Fort Wayne TinCaps play from April to September.

Downtown Shipshewana, Indiana

DAY 2 of Things to Do in Indiana

Head northwest to Amish Country for bargain-hunting at the Shipshewana Flea Market. Packed with hundreds of vendors, it’s the largest such outdoor market in the Midwest. Next to the flea market are two prime shopping destinations—Yoder’s Meat & Cheese Co. and a two-level indoor mall, Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes.

In the afternoon, browse the specialty shops in downtown Shipshewana and then peruse exhibits spotlighting the Amish people’s history in America at the Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite Information Center.

Tonight in Shipshewana features the Amish-style buffet at Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre, followed by a play with Amish or Mennonite themes.

Studebaker National Museum in Indiana

DAY 3 Itinerary Activities in Campbell County, Wyoming

Your day in South Bend begins with a visit to the Studebaker National Museum and its priceless collection of antique vehicles. Connected to the Studebaker repository is The History Museum, a treasure house of local history. The campus also includes the 1896 Oliver Mansion, perhaps the most opulent Gilded Age home in Indiana.

In the afternoon, go behind the scenes and sample the goodies during a factory tour at South Bend Chocolate Company. Next, a guided tour of the University of Notre Dame includes the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a church famed for its 19th century French stained-glass windows. The university bookstore has every kind of Notre Dame logo gear imaginable.

This evening, tempt your luck at South Bend’s Four Winds Casino or, in season, catch a South Bend Cubs minor league baseball game at Four Winds Field.

Travelers experiencing the Indiana Dunes

Day 4 Your Final Day in Indiana

This morning is spent at Indiana Dunes National Park, which hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The park offers swimming at the beach and nature hikes through wetlands, prairies and sand dunes.

A favorite stop in Indiana’s South Shore region is Albanese Confectionery, where group members can stock up on chocolates and their famed gummi candies. Across the street, Chicagoland Popcorn makes every flavor under the sun.

Conclude your east-to-west tour at the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, a favorite with sports fans, or the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, where a half-mile trail features biblical scenes populated by 40 life-size bronze statues.

Indiana and the Midwest still have plenty more for travel groups to experience, so be sure to Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for FREE and get even more travel ideas and tips