Brown County Indiana, USA Travel Guide
Bloomington, Indiana (approximately 20-30 minute drive northwest of Nashville): Home to Indiana University. Explore the beautiful IU campus, including landmarks like the Kirkwood Observatory and the Eskenazi Museum of Art. Bloomington boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from casual to international cuisine, reflecting its university town vibe. The lively downtown area features shops and entertainment. Don't miss Oliver Winery, one of Indiana's largest wineries, for tastings.
Travel & Time: Car is the main mode of transport. The drive is straightforward on State Road 46. Bloomington is best explored independently with a car; you set your own pace for visiting the campus, shops, and dining. Some local walking tours of the campus or downtown may be available. Allocate a half-day to a full-day, depending on your interests. A full day permits campus exploration, museum visits, and a leisurely dinner.
Beyond Brown County's borders, Indiana holds more natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
Morgan-Monroe State Forest (30-40 minute drive north): A large state forest for extensive hiking trails, primitive camping, and fishing in a rugged, heavily wooded environment. Indiana's largest state forest, it offers a quieter, more isolated experience than Brown County State Park.
Hoosier National Forest (30-60 minutes south/east): A protected area spanning nearly 200,000 acres. It features diverse landscapes, extensive trails, and opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its more developed roads feature scenic drives and overlooks displaying Indiana's rolling hills and forests.
Explore the rich history and small-town charm outside of Nashville.
Story, Indiana: A tiny, historic village known for The Story Inn, a renowned restaurant and lodging establishment housed in beautifully restored historic buildings.
Driving through rural Brown County areas offers views of farmlands, small, historic communities, and covered bridges, displaying Indiana's agricultural heritage.
Brown County and its immediate surroundings are not known for major pilgrimage sites.
Columbus, Indiana (30-40 minute drive northeast), renowned globally for its significant collection of Modernist architecture. It features buildings by world-famous architects like Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei, and Richard Meier.
Exhibit Columbus is a biennial architectural exhibition that brings temporary installations to the city, making it a dynamic place for design enthusiasts.
Consider combining your Brown County trip with a visit to a larger city or resort area for a more diverse experience.
For a major city experience, Indianapolis (1-hour drive north) offers a wide range of attractions, dining, and nightlife.
French Lick Resort & West Baden Springs (1.5-2 hour drive southwest) offers historic luxury, relaxation, and entertainment.
Consider exploring beyond Brown County for a more extensive regional trip.
Logical next stops for continued exploration in the region.
Major city experience with museums, sports, and dining.
Historic resorts for luxury, spas, and golf.
Kentucky's city, known for bourbon and culture.
Efficient travel connections contribute to a smooth journey.
Frequent travelers benefit from Priority Pass for independent airport lounge access.
For delayed or canceled flights, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
Major car rental companies are available at Indianapolis and Louisville airports.
Approximately 1 hour drive north of Brown County. A major hub for regional and national flights.
Approximately 1.5-2 hours drive south. Serves as another viable gateway to the region.
Approximately 2.5-3 hours east. Provides access from a different regional direction.
