Part of America’s Byway Collection, this historic scenic drive winds through the heart of southern Indiana, tracing the routes of centuries-old transportation corridors that have shaped the region’s history. This scenic byway spans over 300 miles, connecting the Ohio River in the south to the rolling hills and forests of the Hoosier National Forest in the north. The byway follows two primary routes: U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highway 150, each offering a journey through time with picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and historic landmarks. Along the way, travelers can explore sites of Native American heritage, early pioneer settlements, and pivotal locations from Indiana’s role in westward expansion and the Civil War. The byway not only showcases the natural beauty of southern Indiana but also tells the story of the state’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Comprised of U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 150, and the historic Buffalo Trace, Indiana’s Historic Pathways National Scenic Byway in southern Indiana follows routes that made America what it is today. The Buffalo Trace route was carved out centuries ago by the hooves of bison as they traveled on their annual migration from the interior of Kentucky to the prairies of Illinois. Two of the first United States numbered highways, U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highway 150 follow early stagecoach routes and historic railroads that linked Indiana with the rest of the country.
Visitors can explore history and architecture at historic sites like Howard Steamboat Museum, Hillforest Victorian House Museum, Veraestau Historic Site, and Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site. If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss Indiana’s oldest city, Vincennes, which was the capital of the Indiana Territory before the state was created. This historic town is now home to the Indiana Military Museum, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Vincennes State Historic Sites, and Grouseland, home of William Henry Harrison, first governor of the Indiana Territory and ninth president of the United States. The byway is also home to several
covered bridges, including the Medora Covered Bridge, which claims the title of the longest historic covered bridge in the United States.
Step back in time and stay in unique world-class accommodations like French Lick Resort & Casino and West Baden Springs Resort. Or, tour Schimpff’s Confectionery, a 130-year-old candy shop and museum in Jeffersonville famous for their old-fashioned candies. Indiana’s Historic Pathways also has lots of unique family activities like train rides aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway, feeding giraffes and elephants at Wilstem Ranch, and exploring the fossil beds of Falls of the Ohio State Park.
Looking for adventure? We have you covered with plenty and state and national forests, rivers, caves, wildlife refuges, and attractions like Paoli Peak, Perfect North Slopes, and Lawrenceburg Speedway. Our unique cave system is home to Indiana Caverns, the longest cave in the state, and Marengo Cave, a US National Landmark, among many others.
Indiana’s Historic Pathways National Scenic Byway offers a journey through the storied past of southern Indiana, where the landscapes tell tales of ancient Native American trails, pioneer perseverance, and the march of progress across the American frontier. As travelers meander along its winding roads, they are invited to reflect on the rich history that has unfolded in this region, from the early settlements along the Ohio River to the bustling towns that emerged as centers of commerce and culture. The byway is more than just a scenic drive; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Indiana, preserving the memories of those who traveled these paths before us. Whether seeking natural beauty, historical insight, or a connection to the past, Indiana’s Historic Pathways National Scenic Byway offers a compelling experience that resonates long after the journey ends.
Read more: https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/indianas-historic-pathways-national-scenic-byway/
Upcoming events along Indiana’s Historic Pathways National Scenic Byway:
September
14–15 20th Century Chevy Car Festival, Eastside Park, Washington
20–21 Autumn Music Festival, Schwartz Family Restaurant, Eckerty
21 Ferdinand Folk Festival, 18th Street Park, Ferdinand
21–28 77th Persimmon Festival, Mitchell
25–28 123rd Versailles Pumpkin Show, Versailles
October
2–6 Pumpkin Festival, Downtown French Lick
3–5 Seymour Oktoberfest, Seymour
4–5 Steamboat Nights, Big Four Station Park, Jeffersonville
5–6 149th Old Settlers Days, John Hay Center, Salem
10–12 Buffalo Trace Festival, Petersburg
26 Oktoberfest, Beck’s Mill, Salem
26–27 Corydon Fall Extravaganza, Harrison County Fairgrounds, Corydon