Learn about Al Capone, limestone quarries, John Mellencamp’s birthplace, a large underground river, Revolutionary War history, and enjoy fun-to-drive S-curves in a forest.
U.S. 50, in America, is known to “road warriors” as “the loneliest road”. This 3,200-mile ribbon of 2-lane blacktop connects both coasts, passing through a dozen states and four state capitals, traversing nearly a straight line from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco. Southern Indiana hosts 170 miles of U.S. 50 connecting the Wabash and Ohio Rivers, two natural features that form Indiana’s southern border. The hamlet of Vincennes begins the journey as you say goodbye to the Wabash and head east on your Southern Indiana journey.
Vincennes is abundant in Revolutionary War history with historical markers placed throughout the city. Between Bedford and Vincennes, U.S. 50 winds its way through the hilly glens of the Hoosier National Forest. S-curves abound in this place, making a drive in a sports car a treasured driving experience. Close by, French Lick is the boyhood home of Boston Celtics great, and now Indiana Pacer coach, Larry Bird. The area was also an alleged hang out for Chicago mobster Al Capone, who patronized the historic West Baden Springs Hotel, now open for tours on weekends. Farther east is Bedford, nicknamed “Stone City” mainly because of its limestone quarries. Its stone is utilized in such monumental skyscrapers as New York’s Empire State Building. Even the tombstones in the cemeteries that line U.S. 50 through Bedford pay homage to its stone cutting industry.
U.S. 50’s blue-collar Seymour is the hometown of rock star John Mellencamp, whose song lyrics often reflect on his early years in Southern Indiana. As you motor east toward Aurora, enjoy the sweeping curves and the slow-paced way of life that leads up to the banks of the wide Ohio River.
Starting Point:
Vincennes, IN
Distance of Drive:
161 miles
Must Eat:
White Kitchen
1911 N. Sixth Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: 812-825-9835
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Home cooking
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring
Points of Interest on Drive:
Hillforest Mansion (Tues-Sun. 1-5p.m.)
Bluesprings Caverns (open May-October)–Located five miles west of Bedford on U.S. 50 featuring the largest underground river in the United States.
Tagged with: Indiana • limestone
Filed under: Best Road Trips