22 Activities
⚡ Detroit – Indianapolis: Discover Local Cuisine and History on a 2-Day Road Trip
Starts from
Detroit
Transportation
Electric Car
CO2 Savings
251 lb
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
22
Duration
3 days
Length
428 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Detroit
Transportation
Electric Car
CO2 Savings
251 lb
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
3 days
Length
428 mi
Erin Lindholm
Travel Expert
- Go bananas for the Nutty Monkey at Zingerman's Coffee Co. (& stock up on Zzang! and Wowza! bars).
- Sample a limited release or seasonal pint that's only available at Bell's Brewery's Kalamazoo HQ.
- Watch the waves crash at Lake Michigan's second-oldest lighthouse location, circa 1832.
- Try your luck on a Saint Andrews-inspired putting green — after sampling a dram or two.
- Snap a selfie with a statue of college age Neil Armstrong (you know, before he was an astronaut).
This route includes CCS charging stations. For Tesla Superchargers, follow this link.
If you were simply looking to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, Detroit to Indianapolis is decidedly not a 2-day drive — but it's so much more enjoyable to take the scenic route when time allows, to really explore what this region of the Midwest has to offer. Truth be told, Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana are brimming with local delights, including farm-to-table shops and eateries, as well as regional craft breweries, wineries, and cider makers; there's also a scenic stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, which is dotted with small towns, sandy beaches, and lighthouses. Not to be outdone, you'll also stop in a few famous college towns with oodles of history and hometown pride. By the time you arrive in Indianapolis tomorrow evening, you'll have a whole new perspective on the beauty and bounty of this lesser-explored Midwestern region — and likely a few regional treats, to bring home to friends and family.
Make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
If you were simply looking to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, Detroit to Indianapolis is decidedly not a 2-day drive — but it's so much more enjoyable to take the scenic route when time allows, to really explore what this region of the Midwest has to offer. Truth be told, Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana are brimming with local delights, including farm-to-table shops and eateries, as well as regional craft breweries, wineries, and cider makers; there's also a scenic stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, which is dotted with small towns, sandy beaches, and lighthouses. Not to be outdone, you'll also stop in a few famous college towns with oodles of history and hometown pride. By the time you arrive in Indianapolis tomorrow evening, you'll have a whole new perspective on the beauty and bounty of this lesser-explored Midwestern region — and likely a few regional treats, to bring home to friends and family.
Make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
This route includes CCS charging stations. For Tesla Superchargers, follow this link.
If you were simply looking to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, Detroit to Indianapolis is decidedly not a 2-day drive — but it's so much more enjoyable to take the scenic route when time allows, to really explore what this region of the Midwest has to offer. Truth be told, Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana are brimming with local delights, including farm-to-table shops and eateries, as well as regional craft breweries, wineries, and cider makers; there's also a scenic stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, which is dotted with small towns, sandy beaches, and lighthouses. Not to be outdone, you'll also stop in a few famous college towns with oodles of history and hometown pride. By the time you arrive in Indianapolis tomorrow evening, you'll have a whole new perspective on the beauty and bounty of this lesser-explored Midwestern region — and likely a few regional treats, to bring home to friends and family.
Make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
If you were simply looking to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, Detroit to Indianapolis is decidedly not a 2-day drive — but it's so much more enjoyable to take the scenic route when time allows, to really explore what this region of the Midwest has to offer. Truth be told, Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana are brimming with local delights, including farm-to-table shops and eateries, as well as regional craft breweries, wineries, and cider makers; there's also a scenic stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, which is dotted with small towns, sandy beaches, and lighthouses. Not to be outdone, you'll also stop in a few famous college towns with oodles of history and hometown pride. By the time you arrive in Indianapolis tomorrow evening, you'll have a whole new perspective on the beauty and bounty of this lesser-explored Midwestern region — and likely a few regional treats, to bring home to friends and family.
Make sure to fully charge your car before going on a road trip.
Erin Lindholm
Travel Expert
- Go bananas for the Nutty Monkey at Zingerman's Coffee Co. (& stock up on Zzang! and Wowza! bars).
- Sample a limited release or seasonal pint that's only available at Bell's Brewery's Kalamazoo HQ.
- Watch the waves crash at Lake Michigan's second-oldest lighthouse location, circa 1832.
- Try your luck on a Saint Andrews-inspired putting green — after sampling a dram or two.
- Snap a selfie with a statue of college age Neil Armstrong (you know, before he was an astronaut).
Travel itinerary
13 Activities
Day 1
170 mi0.8 mi
Detroit to South Haven, MI, via Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo
With the urban sprawl of Detroit in the rear view, today's drive takes a meandering, westerly route across Southern Michigan, with stops in the collegiate town of Ann Arbor, the quaint village of Saline, charming historic Marshall, and downtown Kalamazoo before settling into a cozy B&B for the night just blocks from Lake Michigan in South Haven, Michigan, a lovely little hamlet that's also a popular lakeshore getaway destination. Stops along the way celebrate Michigan's rich agricultural bounty and artisan makers; you'll sample in-house roasted coffee; local chocolate and bakehouse goods; some of Michigan's finest cherry products; tastes from a local winery/cidery and also a brewery; and plenty of farm-to-table fare.
8 Activities
Day 2
259 mi0.4 mi
South Haven to Indianapolis via South Bend and West Lafayette, IN
With plenty of charge still left from last night's stop in Kalamazoo — and perhaps even a bonus charge boost at the B&B overnight — it's time to get on the road again. First up is a slice of Great Lakes living, cruising the Blue State Highway south towards one of Lake Michigan's oldest lighthouses. Next up, there's plenty to sample at an exciting new distillery while the EV charges, including farm fresh gastropub fare and craft cocktails (or mocktails) served with a side of history. More history and a taste of collegiate life are in store during stops around the University of Notre Dame and Purdue University. Cruising into Indianapolis takes you right past the state capital buildings — talk about a landmark that lets you know you've arrived.
1 Activity
Day 3
0.1 mi
Relaxed Day of Roaming in Indianapolis
This day is free from any long distance drives. You can devote it to walks in the capital of Indiana, or you can prolong your journey across America.