Indianapolis to Waterbury Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Indianapolis is a midwestern gem that combines activities associated with city life and natural areas to strike a healthy balance between outdoor recreation and indoor activities. Starting your RV road trip in the largest city and state capital of Indiana will give you the opportunity to enjoy some wicked restaurants, a trendy bar scene, and some of the major sporting codes while still being close to White River State Park and Fort Harrison State Park.
Since Indianapolis is located in a very central part of the country you won't be short of trip routes. One way to experience an environment a world away from the city is to head northeast. Driving through Ohio and northern New York State means you can check out Lake Erie, enjoy some regional museums, and chill out at some of the best parks in the country.
Waterbury is a small central Vermont town surrounded by forests and home to the world-renowned Ben and Jerry's ice cream brand. Making Waterbury the end of your trip means that you will be able to relax in a comfortable environment after covering many miles on the wide-open roads. Here you can take a tour of the Ben and Jerry's factory, enjoy the small-town charm, and head to the Little River State Park to park up your van and enjoy the serenity.
Point of Interest
Going to a Pacers Game
Indiana is a very proud basketball state who especially love the Indiana Pacers NBA team. The arena for the team is located in Indianapolis, and if you are a fan of the sport, heading over to the Bankers Life Fieldhouse to catch one of their home games is a great way to spend a night in the city.
You will only be able to go to a game if you and your partner are traveling between October and mid-March when the regular season occurs, though if the team makes the playoffs games will continue for longer. Before you head into the arena you can check out the Yard House, Brothers Bar & Grill, or Kilroy's if you want to grab a bite to eat and some drinks.
Most of the campgrounds in and around Indianapolis are private, but the Indianapolis KOA Holiday southeast of the city is one of the highest-rated in the area.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Located around 216 miles from Indianapolis, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is the perfect activity for couples looking for some thrill-seeking adventure.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours is the first ziplining adventure in the midwest and the canopy tour has been voted as the best outdoor adventure in Ohio multiple times. The tour will allow you the chance to fly through the forest in a way that has never been experienced before zip lines were invented. During your adventure, you will have guides to assist you and it is suitable for adults young and old. If you want to be challenged the guides can help you tackle some things you may never have thought you would ever get to do!
Staying near Hocking Hills Canopy Tours couldn't be easier with Hocking Hills State Park just a hop, skip, and a jump away. The park has 47 full hookup sites, 109 sites with electrical hookups only, and 13 primitive sites for you to choose from.
Presque Isle State Park
Traveling from Ohio into Pennsylvania will mean moving further northeast until you get close to Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park is a very unique National Natural Landmark and is well worth making as your third stop during your road trip.
This peninsula is connected to the city of Erie and due to its shape, a bay and deep harbor were able to form. Because of this, you have access to sandy beaches, gorgeous views, and plenty of birds because of the diversity of the isle. There is also a state of the art education center, informational movies about the peninsula, and guided tours throughout the year.
Presque Isle State Park is just a day trip park so there are no camping facilities, but there are plenty of places to call home nearby. You could stay directly across from the park at the Lampe Campground or outside the city center at the Erie KOA Holiday.
Museums in Syracuse
Travel 250 miles northeast from Presque Isle State Park and you will arrive in the city of Syracuse. Now heading inland, you'll find Syracuse is home to plenty of activities no matter the season you are traveling in, but be warned, the winters made be the coldest you ever experience!
Known for having a wonderful arts scene, there are many museums to check out during your visit. The Everson Museum of Art is well worth your time and is known for being the first museum to be dedicated to American art. Another great museum to check out is the Erie Canal Museum. Detailing the history of the Erie Canal and the last remaining weighlock building in the country, American history buffs can't miss the chance to pay the museum a visit.
RV camping is very prominent around Syracuse with many campgrounds to choose from. Some of the most popular campgrounds include the River Forest Park Campground and Green Lakes State Park.
Lake George
As you approach Waterbury you and your partner will be able to stop in and explore one of the many large lakes that are in eastern New York. If the feeling of exploration is in the air, Lake George is a worthwhile stop.
Known as "The Queen of American Lakes", Lake George has a 45 square-mile surface area, which means there is plenty of room for activities. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular during the summer months, but one of the highlights of the lake is the hidden waterfall that you can hike to. Shelving Rock Falls is around a two and a half-mile hike from the parking lot on the eastern side of the lake and waiting for you at the end of the trail is a stunning 50-foot cascading waterfall. If you love photography, make sure you bring a camera on the hike, because the falls make for great photos.
Since Lake George is so large, there are plenty of RV camping areas to choose from before you continue on to Waterbury, including the Lake George Battleground State Campground that is operated by the state and the Adirondack Camping Village.
Summary
Prepare to kick back and relax once you reach your final destination of Waterbury. Located in central Vermont, the economy of the city revolved around milling, but more famously it is also is the home of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream company. Taking a tour of the Ben and Jerry's factory is an absolute must and it is the most visited tourist attraction in the state of Vermont. You can also head a few miles north of the town to the Waterbury Reservoir where you can enjoy some fun in the sun or winter thrills at Little River State Park.
The park is a wonderful place to conclude your trip with 41 RV-friendly sites to choose from. If you and your partner want to live it up a little at the end of your trip there are cabins available for reservation.
