Indianapolis to Brown County & Bloomington Scenic Road Trip
Trip Snapshot
- Route: Indianapolis → Nashville (Brown County) → Bloomington → Indianapolis (circular loop, ~180 miles total)
- Drive Time: ~3–4 hours total driving (plus stops) ~1 hour Indy to Brown County, 1 hour Brown County to Bloomington, 1 hour back to Indy.
- Why Go: Experience Indiana’s “Little Smokies” rolling hills, hardwood forests, and quaint towns then explore a vibrant college town. This loop blends nature, art, and Hoosier hospitality in a perfect 2-3 day trip.
- Best Time:Fall is absolutely magical for peak foliage in Brown County (Oct). Spring brings wildflowers and blooming trees. Summer is lush and great for lake activities. Winter offers peaceful woods (and IU basketball season energy in Bloomington!).
Route Overview
From Indianapolis, head south on I-65 to Exit 68 (Columbus) and then west toward Nashville, IN along State Road 46. As you approach Brown County, the flat farmlands give way to hills and dense forests. This area is nicknamed the “Little Smokies” for its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains you’ll notice the scenery change dramatically.
Brown County: Spend time exploring Brown County State Park and the town of Nashville. Then continue west on SR-46 to Bloomington. This stretch between Nashville and Bloomington is a winding, two-lane road that’s quite scenic take it slow and enjoy the forest canopy (especially gorgeous in autumn colors).
Bloomington: After enjoying Bloomington’s sights, return to Indianapolis via the new I-69 (formerly State Road 37) north. The highway makes for an easy, direct ride back (approximately 50 miles). You’ll complete a loop that showcases some of Indiana’s best landscapes and cultural spots.
Top Stops & Experiences
- Brown County State Park: Indiana’s largest state park (nearly 16,000 acres) is the crown jewel of this route. Drive through its 20 miles of tree-lined roads and stop at scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forest. Hike a short trail to viewpoints like Hesitation Point, or climb the 90’ fire tower for a panoramic view of the “hills o’ Brown.” Known as the “Little Smokies,” Brown County’s rugged hills and foggy ravines offer endless beauty in every season from vibrant fall foliage to lush summer greenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife; deer and wild turkeys are common. If you’re feeling adventurous, Brown County is also renowned for mountain biking trails (“among the best on the continent,” per Bike magazine).
- Nashville, Indiana: This charming artsy village at the park’s north gate is famous for its rustic charm and local crafts. Stroll the quaint downtown streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and artisanal shops. You’ll find everything from hand-blown glass and woodcarvings to homemade fudge. Nashville has been an artists’ colony for decades, so it’s a great place to pick up a locally-made souvenir. Don’t miss the Brown County Art Gallery or the T.C. Steele State Historic Site (a short drive away) if you love art history. Nashville also often hosts live bluegrass or country music in the evenings at local venues check if the Brown County Music Center has a show during your visit.
- Local Flavors in Nashville: While in town, treat yourself to the Nashville House restaurant, a local institution since 1927. They’re famous for serving travelers with “old-fashioned hospitality, homemade fried biscuits, and apple butter” right from their kitchen. Those warm, deep-fried biscuits with sweet apple butter are a must-try a true Brown County comfort food! Walk off the calories by exploring more of the village, perhaps with an ice cream cone or caramel apple from a sweet shop for dessert.
- Bloomington & Indiana University: Next, head to Bloomington, a lively college town home to Indiana University (IU). The IU campus is one of the most beautiful in the nation, known for its limestone architecture and park-like setting. Take a stroll through the Sample Gates into the Old Crescent area you’ll be surrounded by old-growth trees and Gothic-style academic buildings built from local limestone. Highlights include the IU Sample Gates, Kirkwood Observatory, and the Eskenazi Museum of Art (which often has free admission and a notable collection, including a pavilion designed by I.M. Pei). The campus vibe is especially electric on weekends when the Hoosiers have a game whether basketball at Assembly Hall or football at Memorial Stadium.
- Downtown Bloomington: Bloomington’s courthouse square and Kirkwood Avenue are the heart of local culture. Kirkwood is dotted with quirky shops, bookstores, cafes, and bars. Don’t miss the colorful public murals around downtown. The city has a surprisingly international food scene, thanks in part to IU’s diverse community. Just a few blocks from campus, 4th Street is known for global eateries you can find Thai, Turkish, Tibetan, Mexican, and more. Grab a coffee at Hopscotch or Soma, then browse the stacks at Monroe County Public Library’s Bookstore or Landlocked Music for vinyl.
- Lake Monroe (Optional Detour): If you have extra time and the weather’s nice, consider a side trip 10 miles south of Bloomington to Monroe Lake, Indiana’s largest reservoir at 10,750 acres. It offers boating, fishing, swimming beaches, and hiking in the surrounding Hoosier National Forest. Even a quick stop at the Paynetown SRA (State Recreation Area) gives you a lovely lake vista. This can be especially refreshing in summer a chance to cool off or picnic by the water.
Where to Eat & Stay
Brown County Bites: In Nashville, we mentioned the Nashville House for classic Hoosier fare (fried chicken, biscuits, hearty country sides). Another popular spot is Big Woods Brewery, which started here enjoy a craft beer and their famous pulled pork BBQ or pizza. For a sweet treat, visit Bear Wallow Distillery for a sip of local whiskey or the Caramel Corn Cottage for popcorn and candy.
Bloomington Eats: Bloomington will delight your taste buds with its variety. For a true campus-town experience, try Mother Bear’s Pizza, arguably Bloomington’s most famous pizzeria (and repeatedly voted the best pizza in town). This IU institution has been serving up cheesy pies since 1973 and even earned the title of Indiana’s best pizza spot. Their hand-tossed, deep-dish pizza and chewy breadsticks are legendary among students and alumni. If pizza isn’t your thing, Bloomington has options galore: sample tapas and sangria at Barcelona Tapas, farm-to-table dishes at Farm Bloomington, or the iconic BuffaLouie’s wings near campus. And for dessert, swing by Hartzell’s Ice Cream for unique flavors or Chocolate Moose for a retro drive-in ice cream experience.
Lodging Rustic or Refined:
- In Brown County: To immerse yourself in nature, stay at the Abe Martin Lodge inside Brown County State Park. This rustic lodge offers cozy inn rooms and cabins, plus an indoor water park for kids. Waking up in the park means you can catch sunrise at a vista before crowds arrive. Outside the park, Nashville has many quaint inns and cabins for example, Cornerstone Inn in town provides Victorian-style rooms steps from shops, while numerous private cabins or vacation rentals let you enjoy a peaceful night under the stars (great for families or couples). Autumn weekends book up quickly, so reserve well in advance for September-October.
- In Bloomington: You’ll find familiar hotels (Graduate Bloomington, Hilton Garden Inn, etc.) downtown and near campus. A unique choice is the Biddle Hotel at the Indiana Memorial Union on campus, which offers “upscale accommodations and first-rate amenities in the heart of the IU campus”. Staying there puts you literally in the middle of campus life you can walk to eateries, the student union bowling alley, and IU landmarks easily. For a boutique vibe, consider Grant Street Inn, a charming B&B in a restored 1880s home near downtown, known for its homemade breakfast. If you prefer tranquil countryside lodging, there are also B&Bs on the outskirts of Bloomington or even lakeside cabins by Monroe Lake.
Practical Tips
- Brown County Driving: Roads in Brown County are curvy and hilly. Take your time, especially if behind slow vehicles or encountering cyclists. The scenery is part of the journey! In fall, be prepared for heavy visitor traffic (especially on weekends) and watch for pedestrians in Nashville. In winter, these roads can be slick check conditions and the park’s road status if it’s snowy or icy.
- State Park Entry: Brown County State Park charges a small entry fee (currently $7 per in-state vehicle, $9 or $12 for out-of-state, cash or card at gate). Hold onto your receipt; it’s valid all day if you exit and re-enter. Pick up a park map at the gate cell service can be spotty in the park, so a paper map is handy.
- Time Management: This loop is doable in a weekend, but if you can, consider 3 days to fully enjoy it. For example, Friday night in Nashville, Saturday in Bloomington, Sunday return. That way you can savor a campfire or live music in Brown County one night and the college town nightlife the next. If short on time, a single overnight in either Nashville or Bloomington with a day visit to the other can work just start early.
- Bloomington Buzz: If visiting Bloomington during a IU home football or basketball game, expect the town to be buzzing (and hotels more expensive). It’s a fun atmosphere tailgating, school spirit, and busy restaurants. Just make dinner reservations if it’s a game weekend, or be ready for waits at popular spots. Parking in downtown Bloomington is usually easy with public garages and street parking (free on Sundays). On weekdays, use the garages or your hotel’s parking to avoid campus parking fines (IU is strict with parking permits).
- Outdoor Activities: Bring comfy walking shoes you’ll hike in Brown County and walk a lot in Bloomington’s campus/downtown. If you plan to horse ride in Brown County (the park has a saddle barn for guided rides), wear long pants and closed shoes. For Lake Monroe, pack swimwear, towels, and sunscreen in summer. Always carry some cash; some rural shops or apple cider stands in Brown County may be cash-only.
- Cell Coverage & Navigation: Cell service can drop in parts of Brown County due to the terrain. Download maps offline or carry an old-fashioned road atlas as backup when exploring backroads or the park. From Nashville to Bloomington (SR-46), just follow the highway signs west it’s straightforward, but note it’s a two-lane rural road with limited passing zones.
Rental Car & Logistics
This loop is best enjoyed by car. If you’re visiting Indianapolis and need wheels, all major car rental companies operate in the city. Indianapolis Airport has a convenient rental center with brands like Alamo, Hertz, and Budget, or you can rent from downtown locations if you prefer. A compact car will do fine, but if you’re traveling in fall, consider something with good handling for winding roads even an SUV if you plan to haul bikes or gear (Brown County has great biking if you bring or rent a mountain bike).
Fuel Up: Gas up in Indy or Columbus on the way Nashville has only a couple of gas stations (often with higher prices due to the tourist area). Bloomington has plenty of options to fill up before heading back to Indy.
Local Rental Tip: Some Indianapolis rental agencies might offer weekend specials with unlimited mileage perfect for this ~180-mile journey. Check if your hotel in Brown County or Bloomington offers free parking (most do; one perk of small-town Indiana versus Chicago!). One fun option: rent a car with a sunroof or convertible in summer/fall nothing like country air through the hills of Brown County on a crisp day.