Historic National Road - Indiana
A Complete Tour of the Indiana National Road
| Departure: | Richmond Historic District, Indiana |
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| Destination: | Terre Haute, Indiana |
| Time to allow: | 3 days |
The National Road tells a vivid story of America's growth and expansion along what was our first national highway. The road and its communities symbolize the story of western migration and settlement in six states and beyond. Traveling from the western border of Ohio to the eastern border of Illinois, the National Road affords a variety of experiences for the traveler: rural beauty, small town charm and the bustle of an exemplary contemporary city. Historic villages with traditional main streets and fine architecture are interspersed with Indiana's agriculture landscape.
Day 1
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Start: Richmond Historic District
Visit the National Register Historic District and see unique shops, dine at restaurants and explore a fascinating collection of local museums. Richmond also boasts the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. For a little nature, walk among old growth forests at the Hayes Regional Arboretum or smell the roses at the All American Rose Garden, located in Glen Miller Park.
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Stop 1: Antique Alley
Directions from previous place: Between Richmond and Knightstown along US 40.
Distance from Previous Site: 33 miles / 52.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 57 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes As you leave Richmond on US 40 W, keep an eye out during the next 33 miles. This strip of road has been dubbed Antique Alley, because there are over 900 antique deals plying their trade in and between each community along the route. Take a break from sitting in the car to take a look at some of these fascinating antique stores.
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Stop 2: Centerville
Directions from previous place: Go north on US 27 and turn left onto E. Main St. Turn left onto US 40 going southwest. The road will curve to go west. Follow US 40 W for 5 miles, until you get to Centerville.
Distance from Previous Site: 5.8 miles / 9.3 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 12 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Centerville is one of the historic highway's most intact and quaint National Road-era pike towns. Look at the exquisite architecture that put Centerville on the National Register of Historic Places. Eat lunch at one of the area's several high-quality local restaurants, or spend the night at an award-winning Bed and Breakfast. For antiquing enthusiasts, Centerville is home to the world's largest antique mall, just several blocks north of the National Road.
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Stop 3: Huddleston Farmhouse Inn Museum
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 40 for 9.3 miles, until you get to Cambridge City. You will see the museum on your right.
Distance from Previous Site: 9.33 miles / 14.9 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 14 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour 30 minutes Huddleston Farmhouse Inn Museum is a restored National Road-era inn and farm. The museum displays the way of life of an early Hoosier farm family and records the experiences of westward travelers who stopped for food and shelter. Stop in Cambridge City to shop at unique historic buildings that are home to diverse shops and local eateries.
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Overnight Point: Knightstown
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 40 and follow it for 19 miles, until you get to Knightstown.
Distance from Previous Site: 19.04 miles / 30.5 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 31 minutes Visitors can enjoy Knightstown's significant collection of 19th and 20th century architecture. The Knightstown has large sections of town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today the traveler can visit four antique malls, a nationally known coppersmith and stay in one of two bed and breakfasts. Also available is the Big Four Railroad Scenic Tour or you can golf at the local golf club.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 1: 67.17 miles / 107.5 km
Day 2
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Stop 1: Greenfield
Directions from previous place: Go south on N. Jefferson St. and turn right into US 40 going west. Follow this road for 12.9 miles, until you reach Green field.
Distance from Previous Site: 12.9 miles / 20.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 21 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour James Whitcomb Riley's Old Home and Museum on the National Road in Greenfield tells the story of the 'Hoosier poet' and allows the traveler to experience his life and community with guided tours. The small town atmosphere is shown through the numerous shops and restaurants to satisfy the traveler.
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Stop 2: Irvington
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 40 for 16.2 miles, until you reach Irvington.
Distance from Previous Site: 16.2 miles / 25.9 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 30 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes The classic 1870's Indianapolis suburb on the city's east side was developed as a traveler's get away. Today the 'get away' has been swallowed by the city but retains its stately architecture and peaceful winding cul-de-sac's. Irvington recalls turn-of-the-century progressive design principals and allows the modern visitor a glimpse into the city's 19th century development.
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Overnight Point: Downtown Indianapolis
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 40 for 4.4 miles, until you get to Indianapolis.
Distance from Previous Site: 4.4 miles / 7.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 13 minutes The very center of Indiana's National Road is also its state capitol. Downtown Indianapolis offers a growing array of activities and amenities. The state's best shopping is located at the Circle Center Mall--a unprecedented historic preservation development that incorporates building facades from the city's past into a state-of-the-art mall experience. Indianapolis also offers gourmet dining, an active nightlife and a sports scene. Also available are the Indiana Statehouse, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American and Indian Art, and the Whitewater State Park.
Total Distance Traveled in Day 2: 33.5 miles / 53.6 km
Day 3
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Stop 1: Plainfield
Directions from previous place: Go west in US 40 for 14 miles, until you get to Plainfield.
Distance from Previous Site: 14 miles / 22.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 29 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 40 minutes Automobile culture has swallowed the early National Road but here in Plainfield the story of US 40 can still be seen. See motels and gas stations remain from the early days interspersed with the sprawl and development of the modern city. Enjoy a meal at The Diner, which stands as a remnant from the early days of travel. The stainless steel cafe has an atmosphere reminiscent of the '40s.
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Stop 2: Brazil
Directions from previous place: Go west on US 40 and follow it for 40.8 miles, until you reach Brazil.
Distance from Previous Site: 40.91 miles / 65.5 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 35 minutes Brazil's Meridian St. is a classic example of how the historic highway promoted the growth of communities along its length. The town is also full of curios and collectibles for travelers.
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End: Terre Haute
Directions from previous place: Go west in US 40 and follow it for 16 miles, until you reach Terre Haute.
Distance from Previous Site: 16 miles / 25.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 24 minutes Terre Haute is a community that offers historic points of interest and cultural experiences of various kinds. For science and technology stop by the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or take the kids to the Children's Science and Technology Museum, which has rooms full of hands-on learning displays and special exhibits. To commune with nature, visit Dobbs Park or wander the woods of the St. Mary-of-the-Woods College campus. If you like museums there are three to pick from: the Native American Museum, the Sheldon Swope Art Museum, or the museum at Larry Bird's Boston Connection.
