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Exit Strategy: Make the most of a I-65 from Indy to Chicago

Indiana I-65 from Indianapolis to Chicago: the best attractions, food, and fun stops

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Created by Christopher Warren - June 15th 2016

If you’ve made the trip from Indianapolis to Chicago (or vice-versa) then you know it typically means sitting on I-65 for miles and miles and miles with nothing to see but fields of windmills. It’s a brutal drive, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a few quick jumps on and off the highway you can make a road trip from Indianapolis to Chicago an absolute blast. Here’s your guide to finding the hidden gems along the route.

319 W. Main Street, Lebanon, IN, US

Mo's Vintiques

Tucked into an old filling station in the small town of Lebanon, IN, Mo's Vintiques isn’t your average antique store… Mo’s Vintiques is packed wall-to-wall with some of the coolest vintage automotive/racing antiques and memorabilia we’ve ever seen. From vintage go-karts and mini bikes to Indy 500 team jackets to old racing trophies, pins, buttons, and badges, the place is a car-lover’s dream. The exterior of the filling station is perfect for a photo-op, and even if you’re not in the market for a racing collectible, you’ll still absolutely love the aura of Mo’s Vintiques. (See more photos of Mo's Vintiques on their Roadtrippers listing)

850 Beering Dr, West Lafayette, IN, US

Ross-Ade Stadium

After hopping back on I-65 in Lebanon, you’ll just stay on the boring highway for just a half hour or so until exit 172 for Lafayette. The town is home to Purdue University, so if you’ve never toured the campus now’s a good chance to drive by Ross-Ade Stadium and other campus landmarks.

329 W State St, West Lafayette, IN, US

Harry's Chocolate Shop

When you're done seeing the "official" landmarks, stop by one of the "unofficial" Purdue landmarks... Harry's Chocolate Shop.

Truth be told, Harry’s Chocolate Shop is not a chocolate shop at all, but Purdue students and alumni’s favorite bar and grill. Originally functioning as a soda shop, Harry’s was supposedly serving something much stronger during Prohibition, if you knew the password, “Go Ugly Early.” Today, it’s a favorite eating place and watering hole- so much so that patrons can even submit their favorite stories to Harry’s website.

2 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN, US

Triple XXX Family Restaurant

If you’re more in the mood for a classic diner, we suggest Triple XXX Family Restaurant. Yes, we know that name seems all sorts of bizarre, but it’s actually Indiana’s oldest drive-in. It’s a Lafayette staple and has been collecting local and national accolades for years, even making an appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

Pro tip: Don’t fill up too much at these two places, because you need to save room for at least some ice cream at your next major exit!

Photo of Prophetstown State Park
3.6

4112 State Road 225 E P.O. Box 327, West Lafayette, IN, US

Prophetstown State Park

If the weather is nice, consider stopping by nearby Prophetstown State Park for even more nature and history (and a sweet waterpark in the summer).

200 Battleground Ave, Battle Ground, IN, US

Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum

Just a quick drive out of Lafayette is the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum. The battlefield is beautifully maintained with several monuments and memorials making it a great place to stretch your legs and learn about the battle that pitted Tecumseh and the Prophet against then-General William Henry Harrison. The Tippecanoe Battle would prove to be devastating to Native Americans as their settlement, Prophet’s Town, would be razed as a result. Admission for the actual museum is only $5 for adults.

856 N 600th E, Fair Oaks, IN, US

Fair Oaks Farms

Fair Oaks Farms isn’t exactly a “hidden gem,” since it’s right off the highway and there are plenty of signs as you approach, but it’s definitely worth a stop. To state the obvious, the place is huge… There’s a cheese shop. There’s a bakery. There’s a market. There’s an ice cream shop. There’s an auditorium where you can watch a cow give birth. There’s a place where your kids can learn all about how milk is made. There is honestly something for everyone here.

While the bread and butter (pun intended) of this dairy farm is its numerous family activities, it’s still well-worth stopping even if you’re childless. We enjoyed lunch in the Fair Oaks Farmhouse restaurant where we stuffed our faces with the best dang cheese curds we’ve ever had. You really can’t beat fresh, fried cheese curds.

So if you’re hungry for a full meal or just some dairy deliciousness or if you have some weird desire to watch a cow give birth, this is the place for you.

2300 Jackson St, Gary, IN, US

Michael Jackson's House

Ok, don’t let Gary’s rough and rowdy reputation scare you off. The King of Pop’s house is literally just a couple stoplights off the highway so you NEED to stop here. There’s not a lot to Michael Jackson's House… just a granite memorial, but this is the perfect place for a cheesy Instagram picture that’ll make your friends jealous they don’t see more fun stuff on their road trips. (As you can see, going at 5pm does create a little issue with the sun in your pictures…)

9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, IN, US

Three Floyd's Brewery

It’s your last stop before heading into the Windy City, but it’s also your chance to be a hero. Who doesn’t love the house guest that shows up with a few bottles of Zombie Dust? 3 Floyds Brewery has somehow taken craft beer to a new level with people clamoring for it across the country. A trip to their tap room is the perfect way to show everyone just how hip you are.

Pro tip: If you can’t work 3 Floyds into your trip, check the beer selection at Fair Oaks Farms as they carry 3 Floyds (including Zombie Dust) while supplies last.

There you have it, with just 5 exits you can break what is normally a drive that makes you want to rip your fingernails off into a great time. Don't spend your next trip up I-65 just staring out the window at windmills and corn fields.