Best Motorcycle Roads and Destinations in Indiana, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Indiana Motorcycle Roads and Destinations

2.1 Indiana Dunes via Highway 12
2.2 The Crawford-Perry Co. River Loop
2.3 Salt Creek Lick Road
2.4 The Brown County To Ohio River Cruise
2.5 West Central Indiana: Highway 234 & Sugar Creek Canyon
2.6 Southern Indiana’s Highway 43
2.7 Indiana SR450
2.8 Indy to Cincy “Plant Run”
2.9 Hot Turkey Run
2.10 The Nashville Brown County Loop

3. Indiana Motorcycle Laws

3.1 Indiana Motorcycle Helmet Laws
3.2 Indiana Motorcycle Passenger Laws
3.3 Indiana Motorcycle Safety Features
3.4 Indiana Lane Splitting Laws

4. Motorcycle Luggage for Indiana Motorcycle Tour
5. Parting Words

1. Introduction

The state of Indiana or “the Hoosier State” is a northeastern region positioned at the crossroads of the United States. You should be able to notice the sudden shift in scenery as you travel between the north and south areas within the state. In Northern Indiana, the roads will cut through farmlands, small communities, and hardwood forests. In Southern Indiana, you will visit quaint border towns alongside the coast of the Ohio River. If you were looking for the perfect place in the U.S. to go on a motorcycle trip, then you have found it.

This article will provide you with a list of the most well-known motorcycle roads and destinations in Indiana plus additional information on this state’s motorcycle laws and luggage options.

2. Indiana Motorcycle Roads and Destinations

2.1 Indiana Dunes via Highway 12

Distance: 16 miles
Time: 21 minutes
Start: Portage
End: Michigan City

Staying close to the coast of Lake Michigan, you leave Portage behind as you begin your journey towards the northeast. You can get views of the lake if you stop by the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. As you pass by Burns Harbor, you may get to explore the hiking trails in Cowles Bog.

The highlight of this route is when you visit both Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park. Besides being ideal locations for picnic areas and campsites, they also lead down to the beaches next to Lake Michigan. If you continue further down, you can walk on the sand at Kemil Beach, Lake View Beach, and Central Beach.

Arriving in Michigan City, you can check out the exotic wildlife at the Washington Park Zoo. During the evening, you should be able to see the light illuminating from the lighthouse constructed in 1904.

2.2 The Crawford-Perry Co. River Loop

Distance: 125 miles
Time: 2 hours 53 minutes
Start: Corydon
End: Corydon

Before you enter the loop, you can check out the Battle of Corydon Battlefield from the Civil War within close proximity to Corydon. Heading west, you can see the stalactites and stalagmites making up the Wyandotte Caves a little away from Leavenworth.

When you first meet the Ohio River at Leavenworth, you will be able to see Horseshoe Bend. Eventually, you enter the Hoosier National Forest as the road begins to turn southward. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, foxes, or opossums that may be crossing the road.

As you loop back around, you will hug the Ohio River and the border between Indiana and Kentucky. When you get close to Cannleton, you can get a nice view at the top of Eagles Bluff Overlook Park or sample the drinks at Blue Heron Vineyard & Winery.

2.3 Salt Creek Lick Road

Distance: 17 miles
Time: 30 minutes
Start: Nineveh
End: Nashville

If you wish to stretch your legs before setting out, take a stroll through Johnson Country Park close to Nineveh. As you head out, the road will curve around the Princes, Cordry, and Sweetwater Lakes.

Besides the Salt Creek Farm that you encounter near the end of the route, there are not many roadside attractions. However, this road is relatively smooth with gentle curves that make for a leisurely ride for both veteran and novice motorcyclists. Just keep an eye out for occasional cracks in the pavement.

This road will end at the intersection meeting State Road 46 which is just at the northern tip of Brown County State Park.

2.4 The Brown County To Ohio River Cruise

Distance: 112 miles
Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
Start: Bloomington
End: Mauckport

Before you leave Bloomington, you can check out the campus of one of Indiana’s largest colleges, Indiana University. If you happen to stop by during the spring, you may be able to witness the local bicycle race, the Little 500.

You will head east until you pass in between Yellowwood State Forest and Brown County State Park. Continuing to pass through Brown County State Park, you will then turn and head straight south.

If you wish to feed your love for fast vehicles, you should check out the Salem Speedway at the town of Salem. As you get closer to Mauckport, you can explore the Squire Boone Caverns which has glowing pools and slick rock formations.

2.5 West Central Indiana: Highway 234 & Sugar Creek Canyon

Distance: 84 miles
Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Start: North Salem
End: North Salem

Within the vicinity of North Salem, you can take a walk-through McCloud Nature Park if you prefer time off the road. After you embark, you should come across the Red Dog Saloon, a place to meet other riders and grab a quick meal.

On the northern side of the loop, you will head straight west, passing through the town of Ladoga and Deer Mill. You will pass through both Shades State Park and Pine Hills Nature Preserve.

On the southern side of the loop, you will pass by Turkey Run State Park and Lake Waveland. If you happen to stop by Roachdale, you may get to see the Bugle Valley Elk Farm.

2.6 Southern Indiana’s Highway 43

Distance: 22 miles
Time: 34 minutes
Start: Washington Township
End: Bloomfield

You start at the edge of McCormick’s Creek State Park which has plenty of outdoor activities available including hiking, camping, and fishing. As you begin to head southward, the road should be relatively narrow as it goes by scenic hills and hollows.

As you curve around near Solsberry, you might get to walk through Sculpture Trails which have many unique art pieces lined up along the side of the trails.

Take a slight detour when you get in range of Bloomfield to get a view of the Bloomfield Viaduct or the Tulip Trestle. You can also try out the drinks at Huckleberry Hill Winery and Vineyard.

2.7 Indiana SR450

Distance: 25 miles
Time: 39 minutes
Start: US-50, Bedford
End: US-50, Shoals

Traveling parallel to the East Fork White River, you will head out of Bedford. You can stop by at the Blue Spring Caverns to go spelunking while admiring the interior rock formations. You will eventually enter the northern part of the Hoosier National Forest.

There is a small community known as Williams which lies within the Hoosier National Forest. You can take the opportunity to rest, take pictures of the natural scenery, or stock up supplies. Try heading up to the old dam that will give you an overlook of the East For White River below.

Upon getting to the end of the route, you can admire the natural scenery surrounding Shoals. These include Jug Rock and Overlook Park.

2.8 Indy to Cincy “Plant Run”

Distance: 82 miles
Time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Start: Warren, Indianapolis, IN
End: Harrison, OH

Considering that Indianapolis is the state capitol, this city has no shortage of attractions that satisfy many different interests. There are the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

Continuing straight southeast, you will eventually end up in Brookville. If the season is right, you can purchase the produce displayed at the stands of White’s Farm. You will also be able to make out Brookville Lake, Mounds State Recreation Area, and County Park in the distance.

Passing across the border between Indiana and Ohio, you will conclude this route at Harrison. You may get to admire the natural scenery or travel out onto the lake in the Miami Whitewater Forest.

2.9 Hot Turkey Run

Distance: 75 miles
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Start: Charleston, IL
End: Turkey Run State Park, IN

Starting out in Illinois, you head eastward while departing Charleston. This portion of the route should be relatively easy thanks to the roads being relatively smooth despite many of the sharp turns. Much of the surroundings will include vast farmlands and urban areas.

As you begin to head into the untamed wilderness, you will come across plenty of bridges depending on which direction you go. There are several wooden bridges including the Sim Smith Bridge, McCallister Covered Bridge, and Bridgeton Covered Bridge. You should eventually arrive at the edge of Turkey Run State Park.

2.10 The Nashville Brown County Loop

Distance: 18 miles
Time: 31 minutes
Start: Nashville
End: Nashville

As you start in Nashville, you may want to try sampling the local drinks at Bear Wallow Distillery, Brown County Winery, and Cedar Creek Winery. Check out the Brown County Playhouse to see what kind of show they have prepared. They may be having a live performance, plays, or movies.

You will ride close to the northern tip of Brown County State Park and travel alongside North Fork Salt Creek. As you will largely be traveling through the Indiana open countryside, the geography will alternate between rolling hills and dense forests.

3. Indiana Motorcycle Laws

3.1 Indiana Motorcycle Helmet Laws

All motorcyclists under the age of 18 or holding a learner’s permit are required to wear a motorcycle helmet. It is recommended that all riders, even those over the age restriction, have protective headgear on at all times. You may be surprised how it may save your life in the event of an accident.

An approved motorcycle helmet has to provide adequate visibility and protection for both your head and neck. It must have been built by the Snell Memorial Foundation and follows the safety parameters of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If you are in need of a motorcycle helmet, you should try to find either a three-quarter or full-face helmet. Make sure that they have the following features and satisfy the necessary requirements:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker
Can be fitted around your head snugly
No visible signs of damage
Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)
Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter helmet only)
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant
Gives you a clear, peripheral view
Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap
Allows airflow without fogging up
Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 Indiana Motorcycle Passenger Laws

Indiana does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. Keep in mind that any passengers under the age of 18 must wear appropriate protective headgear to be allowed to ride with you.

Restrict your motorcycle passengers to individuals who can listen and follow directions promptly, will wear protective gear without protest if requested, and can easily reach the footrests.

Your motorcycle can only be designed to carry two people at a time. But to transport another person, your motorcycle must be equipped with a designated passenger seat, footrests, and handholds.

The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.

3.3 Indiana Motorcycle Safety Features

It is never a good idea to continuously ride your motorcycle without at least examining the condition of your vehicle every once in a while. Even if your motorcycle seems fine from the exterior, you never know if the primary components have suffered damage. Providing maintenance wherever your motorcycle needs it will optimize its performance and prevent mechanical failure while you are on the road.

At minimum, your motorcycle must be equipped with the following safety features to be considered street legal in Indiana. Each works in cooperation with the others to help you react quickly to hazards, improve your visibility to other drivers, and lower the noise produced by the engine:

Horn
Permanently Attached Seat
Wheels
Tires
Handlebars
Front and Rear Brakes
Controls
Headlight
Taillight
Brake Light
Exhaust system
Muffler
Rearview mirrors

3.4 Indiana Lane Splitting Laws

It is illegal for motorcyclists to attempt at lane splitting in Indiana.

You are forbidden from riding on top of the dividing lines between traffic lanes, riding between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, overtaking a larger vehicle in front of you, or riding side-by-side with another vehicle in the same lane.

Motorcyclists are still entitled to make full use of the space within the lane they are currently traveling in.

4. Motorcycle Luggage for Indiana Motorcycle Tour

If you are going to travel across Indiana, it is best to have your belongings readily available and within reach depending on the situation. If your motorcycle suddenly breaks down, you will want to bring out your repair tools. If you find yourself stranded on the side of the road, you may want to call for roadside assistance. If you are far away from a rest stop, you can keep your strength up by eating the provisions you packed.

Listed below are the Motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diversity:

5. Parting Words

The majority of your Indiana motorcycle trip will be spent exploring the winding roads, visiting the local attractions, and stopping at popular destinations. However, for your excursion to be a success, you have to be diligent about the planning process.

If you are an Indiana resident who needs to refresh his/her memory or an out-of-state tourist visiting the region for the first time, it would be best to brush up on Indiana’s motorcycle laws. There may be new regulations regarding motorcycle equipment, safety gear, and rules of the road.

When packing the items, you want to bring with you on your Indiana motorcycle trip, make sure that the motorcycle luggage you choose can be securely fitted to the model you own. Carefully arrange your belongings so that they utilize all the space available without exceeding the storage and weight capacity. And before you depart, go over your checklist until you are sure that you are bringing everything you need.

The motorcycle routes discussed in this article are not your only choices. If you conduct further research, you may discover more obscure yet equally thrilling paths your motorcycle can travel on. Just make sure you can handle the difficulty of the terrain and that there are sights you believe are worth visiting.