4 Day Trips From Carmel

Carmel, Indiana is a beautiful town north of Indianapolis, making it the perfect suburb to call home. Full of delicious restaurants, one of a kind shopping, and small-town charm, Carmel can make anyone feel at home. Carmel makes it a great starting place for a variety of day trips that can be fun for the whole family.

Bloomington, Indiana

Home to the rolling hills of southern Indiana, prestigious Indiana University and a large variety of history, culture, and activities, Bloomington is a great place to spend a day. A little more than an hour away from Carmel, this is an area where visitors are welcomed by a natural landscape that is unmatched. You can see their vibrant art scene, sporting events, outdoor activities, and delicious restaurants! For the artist in the family, take a ride over to the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University, it cannot be missed. If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, the Wonderlab museum is the perfect place to go! Full of interactive exhibits about everything from marine biology to beehives. There are a variety of outdoor attractions that can be found in and around Bloomington that range from the lake to cycling down bike paths, if you’re interested in finding the perfect outdoor trail for your family, Visit Bloomington has a definitive list.

Columbus, Ohio

This is a town that is coming in hot, Columbus is one of the fastest growing cities in America and they have a lot to show for it. From the wide range of historical spots to the brand new can’t miss bars and restaurants, you’ll find something for everyone here. Their metropolitan area is home to Ohio State University which is one of the largest universities in the country. These are reasons that make it a great place to visit for a day as it is a little more than two hours away from Carmel. Visitor’s will find many different parks, historical buildings to tour, delicious restaurants, beautiful museums full of priceless art, and much more. The Columbus Museum of Art has been newly renovated and has a large collection of European, American, and Folk art in their gallery. A place for the family to enjoy, that has over 300 interactive exhibits, COSI, Center of Science and Industry is a top-rated science museum in the country. As we mentioned, there are beautiful gardens, fountains, and outdoor areas to be explored right in Downtown Columbus.

South Bend, Indiana

Located on the St. Joseph River, rightfully named based in its location on the southernmost bend of the river. It is located near the University of Notre Dame and has a rich history that the residents of South Bend are very proud of. The architecture that is found in the buildings of South Bend was influenced by the Polish Catholic theme that is from the late 19th century. There are many different museums, music festivals, theatres, sports teams, and more that call South Bend home. If you have a car lover in the family, located in South Bend, the Studebaker Museum would be a great place to spend an afternoon. Exploring and learning about the history behind the makes, models, and innovations of the automobile industry. The pride that South Bend residents have in their local South Bend Cubs team is unmatched. You can visit “The Cove” and catch an all-American game yourself! The South Bend Chocolate Company speaks for itself, created in 1991, they produce some of the most delectable sweets in all of Indiana. Whether you’re interested in the arts or in an outdoor adventure, you can find something to explore in South Bend, a two-hour drive north from Carmel.

Louisville, Kentucky

A two-hour drive from Carmel, this is a city that is right on the border of Indiana and Kentucky but will be a fun place to find adventure for the day. Most notable, the Kentucky Derby is hosted here every year. It is known as the biggest party in the South and makes this a really fun place to visit. You can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum or Churchill Downs itself to get a taste of what the Derby itself is like. Throughout the rest of the year, there are other festivals, popular indie bands to see, and fantastic museums! Louisville believes in their local businesses which is why you’ll find many local breweries, distilleries, and restaurants that are proud to call Louisville home. They have the well-known team, the Louisville Cardinals who bring exciting football to the stands of their stadium each season. This is an area where baseball runs deep, and you can visit the place where the famous Louisville Slugger is created every year!