The Best Stops near I-65: Road Trips Planning Guide

Ever need a break from work and just feel like driving? It happens to us all the time! Thankfully we have family in Alabama which gives us a quick reason to go South, but we also love heading North to visit one of our favorite cities: Chicago! All that driving has given us time to explore the best road trip stops off of I-65 and to help you with your road trips planning!

Starting from the Chicago, Illinois {North End} and traveling all 887 miles of I-65 to Mobile, Alabama {South End}- these are the best road trip stops off of I-65. To use this guide we’ll call Chicago mile 0, go all the way through 4 states and tell you how far until you get to each next Instagram-worthy stop. All of our recommended stops are within 20 minutes from the Interstate!

To get the most of this map, download it offline with directions for IOS here and Android here.

Chicago (Mile 0)

Starting at the northern end of Interstate 65- Chicago is actually about 45 minutes from the start of the interstate. If you’re starting your dream cross-country road trip in America – you won’t find a better start than in a big city like Chicago! The complete shift in the landscape from a big city to rolling country fields and small towns always makes your trip more interesting!

When planning your Chicago pit stop.. keep it simple by grabbing a deep-dish pizza and maybe visiting the Cloud Gate! If you’re coming from further away and you’re ready for a stop, stay overnight at Thompson Chicago, the Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel, and enjoy the nightlife in the area. Downtown Chicago is famous for its shopping and foodie scene as well as sweeping skyline views. (It’s even one of the best city sunsets in the USA!)

Some of the most Instagrammable places in Chicago are:

• The Bean (Cloud Gate) – almost everyone who slides through Chicago grabs a picture here!
  Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
• Bixi Beer – One of the prettiest new age breweries with the Chicago skyline in the background.
  Address: 2515 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• Skydeck Chicago – The famous glass floor deck – 103 floors up – giving you a miles-long view of 4 states!
  Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

Indiana’s best road trip stops

Indiana is 270 miles from top to bottom. If your USA road trip planning takes you South from Chicago, you’re more than likely going to need to stop at least once! Our favorite road trip stops along I-65 in Indiana are Indiana Dunes National Park, Three Floyds Brewery, the city of Indianapolis, and many more!

Indiana Dunes National Park (29 Miles)

As you continue south and hop on I-65 from Chicago you can either head south and see the Three Floyds Brewery – or head east and see one of the prettiest beaches in the continental US. You’d most likely run into this area if you were headed North towards New York or to Maine – both of which require passing through I-65 from the West Coast.

Freshwater beaches make for the perfect pit-stop to stretch your legs after being on the road for half a day! Not necessarily quick, but everyone can relax on the beach, grab some food by the water and then get a good night’s rest after spending some time in the sun. It’s rejuvenating and actually at the very top of I-65. Keep in mind that this far north – the waters will be warmest around their hottest months of the year in July and August where temperatures are still only in the 80’s!

• Good Budget Hotels Nearby: The Spring House Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites Near Indiana Dunes State Park
• Indiana Dunes National Park Campground: the most reliable budget-friendly option for serious roadtrippers!
  Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304

Since Indiana Dunes National Park is a longer stop for road trips across the USA we recommend staying overnight! You’re not far from Chicago (just 30 minutes around the base of Lake Michigan). Once you’re done frolicking on the pristine freshwater beach shores, you can still enjoy Chicago for dinner and drinks to top off a gorgeous afternoon!

Address: 1050 N Mineral Springs Rd, Chesterton, Indiana 46304

3 Floyd’s Brewing, Munster Indiana (37 miles)

3 Floyd’s Brewing in Munster Indiana is a perfect 1-Hour road trip stop. Although the company started brewing back in 1996 – this specific distillery started in 2017. The Munster, Indiana brewery has grown in popularity with their claim to fame ‘Not Normal’ spirits. They distill gin, whiskey, rum, and akvavit. If you’ve never heard of akvavit – it’s worth trying. Called their ‘Nordic Water of Life’ – akvavit is herbal and botanically similar to gin!

The tasting room is the showcase of this brewery. For more information on their tastings and tours – click here!

Address: 9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, IN 46321

Fairoaks Farms – Fairoaks, Indiana (44 Miles)

Besides having one of the coolest murals off I-65, this family-friendly modern farm has a ton to do for weary travelers. Explore seasonal you-pick options, three separate restaurants, and a gorgeous town surrounding this award-winning dairy farm all within one mile from the exit. If you need a place to grab dinner, get a little ice cream and restock the cooler, Fair Oaks Dairy Farm is a perfect stop.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot Fair Oaks Farms: This hotel is dog-friendly and right on the farm!
  Address: 708 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943

There really is a ton to do at the Fairoaks Farm for road trippers. Try your hand at climbing the world’s tallest milk carton or visit the on-site dog park. If you’re got your furry friend on the road with you – it’s nice to find dog parks along the way!

Address: 856 N 600 E, Fair Oaks, IN 47943

Indianapolis, Indiana (153 miles)

I-65 goes right around the top of the city and follows the Eastern side of downtown Indianapolis before continuing into Indiana. Because it’s a bigger city – Indianapolis has a two-fold advantage for weary travelers: good coffee and a plethora of hotels.

Not to mention that it’s a great foodie city! Along Massachusets Avenue (affectionately dubbed Mass Ave by the locals) you’ll find breweries, deliciously cozy restaurants, and even a food hall! If you’re just passing through for a quick stop to grab some coffee, give these three Instagrammable coffee shops in Indianapolis a try!

• Kaffeine Coffee Co. – Their dark & sultry exterior totally matches their moody interior and specialty brewing techniques!
  Address: 707 Fulton St B, Indianapolis, IN 46202
• Amberson Coffee & Grocer – One minute from the interstate and plenty of parking space.
  Address: 401 S College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
• Bovaconti Coffee – Home in a stunning 1800s restored building. (If we had to pick one, it would be here!)
  Address: 1042 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203

If you’re the type to take a laid-back approach to road trip planning – you know it’s easier when you have somewhere to get out along the way! Plan your next step, grab the groceries you forget, and stretch your legs! In Indianapolis – consider stretching your legs along the Canal Walk downtown that snakes through the prettiest parts of downtown Indy. After exploring the Canal Walk – head to the City Market (AKA Indianapolis foodie heaven) to grab a couple of snacks before you continue on your road trip!

For when you’re tired of driving, a few great hotels right off I-65:

• Clean & Nice Budget-Friendly Options: Springhill Suites by Marriot Indianapolis Keystone, Holiday Inn Indianapolis North-Carmel, and Indianapolis Marriot East.
• Instagram-worthy Hotels: The Alexander and Ironworks Hotel Indy

Edinburgh Premium Outlets, Indiana (188 Miles)

About 30 miles south of Indianapolis is another of our favorite pit stops off I-65. The Edinburgh Outlets are only about two minutes off the interstate and have a Pottery Barn Outlet store. It’s not the kind of place you go looking for something specific though? Kinda like Target, you go with an open mind and let the Pottery Barn Outlet tell you what you need. You really don’t know what you’ll find!!

A few years ago – Ev found a Le Creuset Dutch oven there. We use it three times a week now so you could say it was a good investment!

• Local Restaurants Nearby:
  Hickory Hillz BBQ: 16021 US-31, Edinburgh, IN 46124
  El Jefe Mexican Restaurant: 200 E Main Cross St, Edinburgh, IN 46124

Address: 11622 NE Executive Dr, Edinburgh, IN 46124

Gateway Classic Cars – Memphis, Indiana (248 miles)

About four hours into your journey down Interstate 65 is the ultimate excuse to make your man stop complaining about your bathroom breaks: Gateway Classic Cars’ Showroom. With classic cars for sale like a 1923 Ford Roaster – you can take a 20-minute break to stretch your legs and get your man to actually smile for a photo!

• Showroom Hours: Monday through Saturday: 9AM to 5 PM

Address: 13576 Blue Lick Rd, Memphis, IN 47143

Jeffersonville, Indiana (264 Miles)

This little town is so cute and has really exploded over the last few years with good food and peaceful walks along the river. We highly recommend doing the walking bridge from this side around sunset and grabbing something to eat by the river.

• Local Restaurants We Love: Parlour and Harry’s Taphouse & Kitchen
• Hotels Right Off The Exit: Towneplace Suites by Marriot and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

The other great thing about Jeffersonville is that it’s quiet and easily walkable. No matter where you park downtown, everything you want is within about a 5 block radius. No matter what you want to eat, boutique hotels are right around the corner.

Best Stops In Kentucky

Our ol’ Kentucky Home is the center of I-65 and the best of all the best road trip stops! (We think so anyway!) Home to bourbon, horses, and true Southern hospitality – you’ll find plenty of fun places to stop. There are about 140 miles from Louisville to the Kentucky/Tennessee border on I-65 and we’ve found 8 stops perfect for road trips!

Louisville, Kentucky (265 Miles)

We live in Louisville so we know a thing or two about the best places to eat, sleep or hang out for a few hours! If you’re a first-timer we highly suggest hitting a few main highlights like the Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville’s Waterfront Park, Churchill Downs, or at least one distillery! Here are a few distilleries not far from I-65:

• Old Forester: Louisville’s Favorite Whiskey Distillery
  Address: 119 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
• Angel’s Envy: Our 200-year-old bourbon distillery. (We Louisvillian’s are pretty proud of it!)
  Address: 500 E Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
• Rabbit Hole Distillery: One of the newest bourbon & rye distilleries in Lou!
  Address: 711 E Jefferson St, Louisville, KY 40202

Walking our cities main streets after any of these attractions will leave you refreshed and ready to continue on your journey! For more about Louisville read these posts:

• Prettiest Public Parks In Louisville – Stretch your legs!
• Best Tacos In Louisville – Fill your belly!
• 100+ Murals in Louisville, Kentucky – Grab a selfie!

Jim Beam Distillery – Clermont, Kentucky (292 Miles)

When we say Kentucky is full of distilleries – we really mean that. Kentucky is home to 95% of the world’s bourbon distilleries! As you journey south on I-65 past our gently rolling hills with cattle grazing, out of nowhere you’ll see a huge billboard for Jim Beam Distillery. This 7th generation family operation started before Kentucky was even a state!

Visit the Stillhouse and if you’re not driving, consider enjoying a world-class cocktail at the Jim Beam Bourbon Bar.

Address: 568 Happy Hollow Rd, Clermont, KY 40110

Bernheim Research Forest & Arboretum (290 miles)

One of the best day trips from Louisville, and only 12 minutes from I-65, is Bernheim Forest! This fairytale-like state park is home to an abundance of protected flowers and native Kentucky trees… but also to the three giant wooden sculptures by Thomas Danbo! Mamma Loumari, Little Nis, and Little Elina are scattered through the park’s 16,137 acres!

There is a two-mile walking loop in the park dedicated to seeing all three giants and the perfect way to stretch those cramped road trip legs! If you’re not interested in seeing the giants, you can also have a picnic in the quiet garden by Lake Nevin in Bernheim Forest.

Address: 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110

R&S Salvage Grocery (344 Miles)

If you take Exit 65 for 31-W, then head East towards Munfordville for about 9 minutes, you’ll start to see signs for the Amish R&S Salvage Grocery. if you turn right down Irvin Cemetary Road, you’ll find this giant Amish store! It’s actually a huge warehouse with a full-scale bakery inside – serving up some fo the best donuts you’ve ever had.

Fresh pies, pillow-soft glazed donuts, and specialty bread all await your mouthwatering pleasure! The whipped Oreo cookie icing, caramel smothered long johns, and savory cinnamon rolls are basically our kryptonite!!

Address: 235 Irvin Cemetary Rd, Irving Cemetery Rd, Horse Cave, KY 42749

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National HISTORICAL park (323 Miles)

Off Exit 91A lays one of Kentucky’s six national parks, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park. (This historic National Park is only about 15 minutes from the interstate!)

While Illinois is home to many places that Abraham Lincoln called home throughout his life, this is where America’s 16th president was born! Inside the Lincoln Memorial is a replica of the cabin Lincoln was born in and open to the public 9AM – 4:30PM.

After you’re done exploring the memorial – take time to visit the Sinking Spring. Believed to be the original site of Lincoln’s family cabin – this refreshing spot would be perfect for a road trip picnic!

Address: 2995 Lincoln Farm Rd, Hodgenville, KY 42748

cave city (350 Miles)

If you’ve ever driven through Kentucky, you’ve heard about the magnificent 400 miles of caves below Kentucky’s rolling green hills? What you might not know, however, is that Mammoth Cave is close to the interstate! Only about 7 minutes off the exit, you can schedule a tour at Mammoth Cave ahead of time. Whether you have kids or just you and your partner, plan for your road trip to stop here and take a refreshing break in one of the United States’ only UNESCO World Heritage sites!

If you’re looking for what else to do while you’re in Cave City:

• Kentucky Down Under & Onyx Cave: An interactive wildlife exhibit with live kangaroos!!
• Dinosaur World: The quirkiest of quirky roadside attractions, and perfect for kiddos!

national corvette museum (374 miles)

Three minutes from the interstate you’ll find one of Kentucky’s other claims to fame – the Corvette Plant & National Corvette Museum. Starting in 1963, Corvette has quickly become ‘America’s favorite sports car’. You can tour interactive exhibits and peer down into the sinkhole disaster that occurred in 2014. Eight corvette cars, including some antiques, were swallowed up by a massive sinkhole opening under the Museum! Now on display, you can also watch as new Corvettes are rolled out and delivered!

Imagine planning a road trip while driving a Corvette? Top down and cruising? We could dig it.

FUN FACT: Ev’s brother works at Corvette building the specialty Corvette engines! If you pop the hood on a newer Corvette – you might just see a tag with the name ‘Zachary Lamb’ on it!!

Address: 350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Bowling Green, Kentucky (387 miles)

After stopping at the Corvette National museum and continuing South on I-65, you’ll run into Bowling Green, Kentucky. It’s a cute town with tons of good food and surprising attractions; also where Shelbs went to college and where Ev is from!! We could go on and on about all the great little places in Bowling Green for road trippers. When planning your road trip South – there are a few things you’ll for sure want to make a special stop for!

• Griff’s Deli: One of the best places in BG to grab food. Their house-recipe chicken salad is amazing and we get it every time we drive through town. Not to mention their juicy Ranchero wrap? Stuffed full of shaved chicken, avocado, pico, bacon, and their special chipotle sauce… it’s finger-licking worthy!
• Lost River Cave: Underground river tours through a cave!
• WKU Cherry Tree Row: One of our favorite places to see spring come alive in Kentucky! Western Kentucky University’s center walkways through campus are lined with cherry trees that burst into a display of lovely pink petals in the spring. We wait all year to see it!

If you’re looking for a place to stop for the evening after visiting Mammoth Cave, the Corvette Museum, and

Tennessee’s Best I-65 Stops

As you cross into Tennessee on I-65, here’s a little about Tennessee to help you know what you’re getting into. Home to honky-tonk music, Tennessee Whiskey, hot chicken, and incredible hiking in the Smoky Mountains – there is something spectacularly beautiful around every bend in the mountains.

Tennessee is like Kentucky is that it’s natural landscape and waters provide the perfect place for distilling whiskey. Just so you’re aware of the divide.. all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. Southerners through Kentucky and Tennessee are real proud of their heritage. The difference is that all whiskeys are made from fermenting grains and aged in barrels. To be classified as bourbon.. 51% of those grains need to be corn.

It might nt seem like a big difference – but bourbon is much sweeter because of the corn!

Nashville, Tennessee (440 Miles)

In the birthplace of hot chicken, you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of places to stop. I-65 wraps around the East side of the city before continuing South – giving you plenty of access to the entire city. If you’re looking to grab something to eat – make sure you stop and get a hot chicken sandwich. Hot chicken started in Nashville in the 1930s when Thronton Prince’s gal tried to get back at him for philandering. She doused his breakfast fried chicken in everything spicy she could find – a legend was born.

• Hattie B’s is our favorite hot chicken stop in Nashville and absolutely worth the crazy line!

You can also visit The Grand Ole Opry, take selfies in front of the many murals you find around town! Overall it’s just a great pit stop.

Nashville Distilleries

If you’re not in the mood for fried chicken doused in a delicious firey sauce – we suggest you stop and do a distillery tour (or 6). Inside city limits, Nashville has 6 distilleries all open for tours! Here a few favorites:

• Corsair Distillery & Taproom: Specializing in craft whiskeys and gins. They also have a headquarters location open for visitors to see their barrelhouse and bottling operations!
  Address: 1200 Clinton St. #110, Nashville, TN 37203
• Nashville Craft Distillery: They produce sorghum spirits! A different take on traditional whiskeys.
  Address: 514 Hagan Street, Nashville, TN, 37203
• Nelson’s Green Briar Distillery: First distilled in 1909, Nelson’s Green Briar has perfected flavoring its products through sugar maple charcoals.
  Address: 1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN, 37203

After sampling delicious whiskeys, checking out murals, and live music, once you head South from Nashville you’ll start to discover that drive-through Tennessee is worth taking a road trip along I-65. You’ll wind through the prettiest smoky mountains, alot of times with foggy mountains and over stunningly blue rivers set against the lush Smoky Mountains.

Landmark Booksellers – Franklin, Tennessee (459 Miles)

Starting with the sweetest little love story – Joel & Carol Tomlin started their dream of owning a bookstore in 2005. Landmark Booksellers sits in the historic town square of Franklin Tennessee just minutes from I-65. Since one of Shelbs favorite things to do is read, finding a local gem like this is amazing! There aren’t too many brick & mortar bookstores anymore so it’s always refreshing to find a place to drink in the smell of old paper and glue. (AKA a bookworm’s kryptonite.)

Address: 114 East Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064

Alabama’s best I-65 Road Trip Stops

The last state on I-65! Alabama is 363 miles on Interstate 65 from the Alabama border sign down to Mobile!

Alabama Welcome Center (526 miles)

You can’t miss it – this rocket stands at 224 feet tall right off the highway at Exit 340B. The Saturn 1B Rocket was part of the Saturn 5 Launch for a few NASA missions, and now makes its permanent home at this Exit. A great place to stretch your legs out of the car for just a minute! (And to let your furry friends out because it’s surrounded by grass!)

Address: 28232 Upper Elkton Rd, Elkmont, AL 35620

Birmingham, Alabama (630 Miles)

BBQ. A little more BBQ. And maybe a lot more BBQ… drizzled with Alabama White Sauce. Just trust us – Shelbs family lives in Alabama and they just know that Southern BBQ is worth a stop when you’re planning your road trip! You’ll find a ton of cute places to grab a bite as you continue South through the city. Here are a few favorites:

• Full Moon BBQ – Their vinaigrette slaw and ‘Half-Moon’ cookies were featured in Southern Living and Bon Appetit magazines. There are 7 locations along I-65 to stop and eat!
• Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ – With 5 locations in Birmingham alone, this Southern staple is ready for you to grab a bite of their juicy brisket and Banana Pudding! (If you’ve never had Banana Pudding in the South.. more affectionately known by Southerners as ‘Nanner Puddin’ – you just need to.)
• SAW’s BBQ – Named the ‘best BBQ in America’, SAW’s has been featured in Paula Deen Magazine, Gastronomy Magazine, Texas Monthly, Delish, Southern Living, and The New York Times! There are six locations in Birmingham so you’ll have plenty of options when cruising through the city!

Montgomery, Alabama (719 mIles)

Home to the start of the Civil Rights Movement, and Alabama’s capital city is Montgomery. One of our favorite stops in Montgomery would be The Rosa Parks Library & Museum! This strong-willed woman is an inspiration to many and a great place to stop and take a moment before continuing on your road trip! There are also many other famous Civil Rights memorials around the city in including The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

If you’re looking for something to eat, there are a ton of great Southern spots waiting to tempt you with their delicious cuisines:

• Capitol Oyster Bar: Alabama’s best seafood bar!
  Address: 617 Shady Street
• Vintage Cafe: Serving breakfast, lunch, and delicious coffees in an aesthetically pleasing kinda way!
  Address: 416 Cloverdale Road
• Common Bond Brewery: Serving up all of your craft beer needs!
  Address: 424 Bibb St Suite #150

Mobile, Alabama (886 Miles)

Envision stopping in Mobile, Alabama’s historic district for a perfect road trip stop. Likened to a mini-New Orleans, this district’s brightly colored buildings, intricate iron balconies and palm trees swaying in the wind are enough to make anyone want to shake off the traveling dust. You can also find some of the best seafood in Alabama because it comes straight from Mobile Bay.

• Did you know that Mobile is also the home of ‘Bubba’ Blues from Forest Gump?! Who doesn’t love Bubba!

After leaving Mobile head to Alabama’s prettiest beaches – Gulf shores, Dauphin island, and Orange Beach. We hope you enjoy your 900 mile road trip across the USA!

Road Trip Planning in The USA

You could read a million articles about what major destinations to include in planning a road trip with stops. If you’re interested in seeing more than just your start and end destinations and slow traveling sross the US – plan ahead for a few extra stops! American road trips wouldn’t be the same without the quirky road side attractions, stunning natural landmarks, and incredible local restaurants.

• The best way to plan your road trip is to first find your most direct route.

Find the best way to get from A to B, and do a little planning for what you want to see along the way. Just in case you get into an area where there isn’t any cell service etc! There are hundreds of miles of plains and mountains where you could lose cell service and sometimes those amazing roadside attractions aren’t around great cell service.

After you’ve figured out your most direct route – figure out how much extra time you’re willing to spend on the best places to stretch your legs! If you want to get out and take a bathroom break every few hours – make sure they count and find great places to stay nearby easily with Booking.com.

Simply enter your destination below and your travel dates to find great deals no matter where you want to stop!

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Until next time friends,

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