Indiana Ohio River Road Trip Itinerary
The Indiana Ohio River Road Trip is a great way to explore the Midwest of the United States. Starting in Cincinnati, the 472km journey will take you through the towns of Lawrenceburg, Madison, Louisville, and Derby before ending in Evansville. Along the way, you can check out attractions like the Big Four Bridge in Louisville, the Madison Regatta, and the Derby Dinner Playhouse. The best time of year to take this road trip is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. The roads are in excellent condition, making the trip suitable for any driver. Plus, you can do it on a moderate budget and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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number of days
472 km
route length
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budget
family
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traffic direction
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START
Cincinnati
Distance 472 km
Driving time 6.9 h
Pace: fast
141.5 kWh
Airports
PIT
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Cincinnati is the perfect starting point for the Indiana Ohio River Road Trip. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, the city is known for its German heritage, its vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and its famous chili.
The Cincinnati Art Museum is a must-see for art enthusiasts. It hosts a wide variety of exhibitions from local, national and international artists. For a unique view of the city, visit the Carew Tower Observation Deck. Or go back in time at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and explore the natural history of the region. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is also a must-see.
Travelers can explore the city's neighborhoods, such as Over-the-Rhine, which is one of the city's most vibrant areas. From the famous Skystar Wheel to the Contemporary Arts Center, there's something for everyone.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (IATA code: CVG). There are car rental options available at the airport for those who want to explore the region.
Cincinnati is a great starting point for the Indiana Ohio River Road Trip. With its rich culture, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and unique history, there's something for everyone.
1
Cincinnati
- Lawrenceburg
Distance 42 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
11.0 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Cincinnati to Lawrenceburg? This 26-mile drive will take you less than an hour and will be full of surprises. Take the time to explore the historical sites in the area, such as the Anderson Ferry, the oldest continuously operating ferry in the United States, and the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which offers stunning views of the Ohio River. Don't forget to check out the Cincinnati Observatory, the oldest professional observatory in the United States, and the William Howard Taft National Historic Site, the birthplace of the 27th President of the United States. Other attractions include the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. For a more leisurely experience, visit the Lawrenceburg Speedway or the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds. You can also enjoy a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions in the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Lawrenceburg - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay
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2
Lawrenceburg
- Florence
Distance 54 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
16.2 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Lawrenceburg to Florence? This 34mi journey will take you less than one hour, so get your camera ready and start your engines! As you drive, be sure to look out for the scenic roads and rolling hills that make this route so special.
Once you arrive in Lawrenceburg, don't miss out on the historical sites, such as the Oldham County Courthouse and the Lawrenceburg Historic District. And when you reach Florence, be sure to visit the Florence Freedom Professional Baseball team and the Florence Speedway.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to hit the road and explore all that Lawrenceburg and Florence have to offer!
Florence - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay
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3
Florence
- Madison
Distance 46 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
13.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Florence to Madison? This 29-mile stretch of road offers plenty of scenic views and interesting attractions. Start your journey in Florence, where you can explore the historic downtown area and enjoy the unique architecture of the city. As you drive through the countryside, keep an eye out for rolling hills and lush meadows. When you arrive in Madison, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, including the historic Wisconsin State Capitol and the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Don't forget to take a stroll through the University of Wisconsin campus to get a taste of college life. With plenty of attractions to explore and stunning scenery to admire, this short drive is sure to be a memorable one. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Madison - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay
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4
Madison
- New Washington
Distance 31 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
9.4 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Madison to New Washington! This 19mi journey can be completed in less than an hour, giving you plenty of time to explore the attractions along the way. Start your trip in Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, and take in the stunning views of the Wisconsin State Capitol, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Henry Vilas Zoo. Once you have explored Madison, head to New Washington, a small village in Dane County. Here you can visit the historic New Washington Cemetery, the scenic New Washington Park, and the charming New Washington Town Hall. Be sure to also check out the nearby New Washington Public Library - it's a great place to find books and other resources. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
New Washington - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay
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5
New Washington
- Louisville
Distance 47 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
14.2 kWh
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Welcome to your next stage of the road trip, a 29mi journey from New Washington to Louisville! With a driving time of less than an hour, this stage is a great way to explore the area, with plenty of interesting attractions to see along the way.
Start your journey in New Washington and visit the iconic State Capitol building, a marvel of architecture and the home of the state government. Be sure to check out the beautiful gardens and take in the stunning views of the city.
Next, make your way to Louisville and check out the Louisville Zoo, where you can learn about the wildlife and get up close and personal with some of the animals. You can also explore the Louisville Waterfront Park and take in the stunning views of the Ohio River.
Finally, make sure to stop by the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where you can learn about the history of Louisville's famous baseball bats.
This is just a taste of the attractions available in New Washington and Louisville. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Louisville - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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6
Louisville
- Corydon
Distance 57 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
17.1 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Louisville to Corydon! This 35-mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can take your time to enjoy the scenic road.
Start off your journey in Louisville by visiting the historic Cave Hill Cemetery and Arboretum. After that, you can explore the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and the Louisville Mega Cavern.
When you reach Corydon, you can explore the town's historical sites, such as the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site and the Battle of Corydon Memorial. The town also boasts the Squire Boone Caverns and Village, a living history museum.
You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack up your bags and get ready for an amazing road trip!
Corydon - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Corydon
- Derby
Distance 69 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
20.6 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Corydon to Derby! This 43mi stretch of road will take you less than an hour to drive, and you'll be able to take in some breathtaking views along the way. Keep your eyes open for the scenic road as you drive, and you might even spot a few friendly locals along the way.
Corydon is the oldest town in Indiana and has plenty of history to explore. Don't miss out on the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, the Battle of Corydon Monument, and the Harrison County Historical Museum.
When you reach Derby, you can explore the Derby Historical Museum and the Derby Town Park. Be sure to check out the Derby Covered Bridge, one of the oldest covered bridges in Indiana.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so be sure to check out the itinerary for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Derby - United States - North America - Road Trip - pixabay
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8
Derby
- Evansville
Distance 126 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
37.7 kWh
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Get ready for an exciting road trip from Derby to Evansville! This 78-mile journey will take you less than two hours to complete, so buckle up and get ready for a scenic drive. As you drive through the countryside, keep an eye out for the rolling hills and lush forests that line the route. You'll also pass by small towns and villages, so be sure to take a few moments to admire the unique charm of each one.
In Derby, be sure to visit the Derby Historical Society, where you can learn about the town's rich history. Then, make your way to Evansville and explore the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of artifacts and art.
You'll also want to check out the Angel Mounds State Historic Site in Evansville. This ancient Native American site is a fascinating glimpse into the past.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Evansville - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Evansville
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Evansville, located in southwestern Indiana in the United States, is the perfect end point for the "Indiana Ohio River Road Trip". As the largest city in the tri-state area, Evansville has a lot to offer to the travelers.
One of the top attractions of the city is the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, which offers a variety of exotic animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes, as well as a beautiful botanic garden. At the Angel Mounds State Historic Site, visitors can explore the remains of a prehistoric Native American city, which was occupied from 1000 to 1450 AD. The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science houses an impressive collection of art, history, and science exhibits, while the Children's Museum of Evansville offers interactive exhibits, activities, and educational programs for kids.
In addition to its attractions, Evansville also offers a variety of dining and shopping options. The city's vibrant downtown area is home to many restaurants, bars, and shops, while the East Side and West Side neighborhoods are filled with diverse dining and shopping opportunities.
For those traveling by car, Evansville is conveniently located near the intersection of Interstate 64, Interstate 69, and the Ohio River. The closest international airport is the Louisville International Airport (SDF), which is about a two-hour drive away from Evansville.
Evansville is the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore a vibrant city with a variety of attractions, dining, and shopping options. With its convenient location, Evansville makes the perfect end point for the "Indiana Ohio River Road Trip".
Evansville - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wallpaper Flare
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Indiana Ohio River Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Cincinnati
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End:
Evansville
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Distance:
472 km
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Stay:
10 days
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Getting there:
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the picturesque Indiana Ohio River Road Trip, a captivating adventure that spans the heartland of America from Cincinnati, Ohio to Evansville, Indiana. This scenic route stretches for approximately 472 km (293 miles) along the Ohio River, weaving through idyllic landscapes and historic communities brimming with cultural heritage and Midwestern hospitality.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Cincinnati: Kick off your journey in this vibrant city, where the blend of historic architecture and modern innovation sets the tone. Don't miss the iconic Cincinnati Art Museum and the historic Over-the-Rhine district.
- Lawrenceburg: This cozy town invites travelers with its local wineries and the picturesque Lawrenceburg Riverwalk along the Ohio River.
- Madison: Step into a slice of Americana with Madison’s well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The annual Madison Regatta showcases powerboat racing on the river, an exhilarating event for enthusiasts.
- Louisville: A cultural hub, Louisville offers the stunning Big Four Bridge pedestrian walkway and the famous Churchill Downs, host of the Kentucky Derby.
- Derby: A small but charming stop, Derby provides a unique entertainment experience at the Derby Dinner Playhouse, combining theater with a delightful dining experience.
- Evansville: Conclude your Road Trip in this bustling city with attractions like the USS LST-325, a World War II-era naval vessel turned museum, and the picturesque trails of Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve.
Best Time to Go:
The Road Trip is most delightful in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the surrounding landscape is either blooming with spring flowers or adorned with autumn's fiery foliage, enhancing the drive with stunning vistas.
Potential Risks:
While the journey is generally safe, travelers should be mindful of seasonal weather conditions, such as spring rains or autumn fogs, which may impact driving visibility and Road conditions. Always check local weather forecasts and Road advisories.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This route is known for its historic landmarks and rich cultural experiences, from antebellum estates to modern art installations.
- The Road Trip can be enjoyed with a reasonable budget, with plenty of affordable accommodations and dining options along the way.
- There's something for everyone, from outdoor activities like hiking and boating to exploring quaint downtowns and local museums.
A good choice for:
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, have your vehicle thoroughly checked before departure, plan your itinerary to include time for both relaxation and exploration, and immerse yourself in the diverse offerings of the Midwest along the Indiana Ohio River Road.
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