Austin, Texas, and Indianapolis, Indiana, are two vibrant cities in the United States that offer a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and adventure. If you're planning a road trip from Austin to Indianapolis, you're in for a treat. Spanning over 1,070 miles, this journey takes you through the heart of America, passing through rolling hills, bustling cities, and quaint towns. In this article, we'll guide you through a 7-day itinerary that promises to make your road trip an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Austin to Oklahoma City (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes)
Start your journey from Austin and head north towards Oklahoma City. As you leave the Texas hill country behind, you’ll enter the Great Plains, where the landscape flattens out and the sky seems to stretch on forever. Stop by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to learn about the rich history and culture of the American West. Spend the evening exploring the city’s vibrant entertainment district, Bricktown, which offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
Oklahoma City’s Hidden Gems
Beyond the usual tourist attractions, Oklahoma City has a lot to offer. Visit the Myriad Botanical Gardens, an urban oasis in the heart of the city, featuring beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a stunning lake. If you’re interested in art, head to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of American and European art.
| Day | Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin to Oklahoma City | 340 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| 2 | Oklahoma City to Kansas City | 340 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| 3 | Kansas City to St. Louis | 220 miles | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| 4 | St. Louis to Louisville | 310 miles | 5 hours |
| 5 | Louisville to Cincinnati | 200 miles | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| 6 | Cincinnati to Columbus | 110 miles | 2 hours |
| 7 | Columbus to Indianapolis | 340 miles | 5 hours 30 minutes |
Day 2: Oklahoma City to Kansas City (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes)
From Oklahoma City, head north to Kansas City, a city famous for its barbecue and jazz music. Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial to learn about the history of the Great War. In the evening, explore the Crossroads Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with art galleries, studios, and restaurants.
Kansas City’s BBQ Scene
Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue, with a variety of styles and flavors to choose from. Visit Arthur Bryant’s or Gates Bar-B-Q to try some of the city’s famous ‘cue. Don’t forget to try some of the local craft beers, which pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of the barbecue.
Key Points
- Austin to Indianapolis is a 1,070-mile road trip that takes 7 days to complete
- Oklahoma City is a great place to learn about the American West and its cowboy culture
- Kansas City is famous for its barbecue and jazz music
- St. Louis has a rich history and cultural attractions, including the Gateway Arch
- Indianapolis is a vibrant city with a rich motorsports heritage and a variety of cultural attractions
Day 3: Kansas City to St. Louis (approx. 220 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes)
From Kansas City, head east to St. Louis, a city with a rich history and cultural attractions. Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, which symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Explore the City Museum, a unique attraction made from reclaimed materials like old airplanes, school buses, and construction equipment.
St. Louis’s Cultural Attractions
St. Louis has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a variety of museums and galleries to visit. The St. Louis Art Museum features a diverse collection of art from around the world, while the Missouri History Museum showcases the state’s rich history and heritage.
Day 4: St. Louis to Louisville (approx. 310 miles, 5 hours)
From St. Louis, head southeast to Louisville, a city famous for its horse racing and bourbon whiskey. Visit the Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and take a tour of the Bourbon Country to learn about the production of this iconic spirit.
Louisville’s Bourbon Scene
Louisville is surrounded by the Bourbon Country, where you can visit distilleries like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark to learn about the production of bourbon whiskey. Don’t forget to try some of the local cuisine, which includes dishes like hot browns and derby pie.
Day 5: Louisville to Cincinnati (approx. 200 miles, 3 hours 30 minutes)
From Louisville, head north to Cincinnati, a city with a rich history and cultural attractions. Visit the Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest public market, and explore the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Cincinnati’s Cultural Attractions
Cincinnati has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a variety of museums and galleries to visit. The Cincinnati Art Museum features a diverse collection of art from around the world, while the Taft Museum of Art showcases a collection of American and European art.
Day 6: Cincinnati to Columbus (approx. 110 miles, 2 hours)
From Cincinnati, head north to Columbus, the capital city of Ohio. Visit the Ohio Statehouse, a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, and explore the Short North neighborhood, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Columbus’s Cultural Attractions
Columbus has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a variety of museums and galleries to visit. The Columbus Museum of Art features a diverse collection of art from around the world, while the Wexner Center for the Arts showcases a collection of contemporary art.
Day 7: Columbus to Indianapolis (approx. 340 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes)
From Columbus, head west to Indianapolis, a city with a rich motorsports heritage and a variety of cultural attractions. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500, and explore the Mass Ave neighborhood, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Indianapolis’s Cultural Attractions
Indianapolis has a thriving arts and cultural scene, with a variety of museums and galleries to visit. The Indianapolis Museum of Art features a diverse collection of art from around the world, while the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world.