8-Day Nature Adventure in Bedford, Indiana

Day 1: Exploring Bedford

Bedford, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sweet Pea's Cafe

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Sweet Pea's Café, known for its scrambled eggs and homemade biscuits.
Located at 1518 16th St, Bedford.
USD 12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Otis Park

After breakfast, take a refreshing stroll in Otis Park, where you can enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and scenic walking trails.
Drive 5 minutes from the café to Otis Park.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Rustic Oasis

Enjoy local flavors at Rustic Oasis, featuring fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches.
A quick 10-minute drive.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Bedford's Historical Downtown

Spend some time browsing shops and learning about the historical significance of Bedford, known for its limestone quarries.
Walk from lunch; downtown is nearby.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Lawrence County Museum

Immerse yourself in local history and culture with a visit to the Lawrence County Museum with artifacts exhibited.
Only a 5-minute drive from downtown.
USD 5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the 5th Quarter

End your first day dining at the 5th Quarter, acclaimed for its smoked meats and home-style cooking.
Situated about 10 minutes from the museum.
USD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill State Park, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day in nature.
Onsite at your accommodations.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking at Spring Mill State Park

Head to Spring Mill State Park for scenic hiking trails and exploration of the park's unique flora and fauna.
A 30-minute drive; follow IN-37 S.
USD 7, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Spring Mill Inn

Relax for lunch at the Spring Mill Inn's restaurant, offering a delightful buffet with local dishes.
Located within Spring Mill State Park.
USD 18, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Pioneer Village

Explore the historic Pioneer Village, demonstrating early Indiana life through restored buildings and craftspeople at work.
A short walk from the inn.
Included in park entry, 2 hours

4:30PM

Cave Exploration

Discover the fascinating caves surrounding the park, guided by park rangers for an interesting tour.
Requirements for guided tours should be checked beforehand.
USD 12, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Gasthof Amish Village

Indulge in a family-style Amish dinner, featuring dishes like fried chicken and homemade pies.
A 20-minute drive from the park.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Hoosier National Forest

Hoosier National Forest, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Inn

Start with breakfast at the Spring Mill Inn, enjoying a peaceful morning with views of nature.
Onsite within the inn.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking in Hoosier National Forest

Embark on a breathtaking hike in the Hoosier National Forest, known for its stunning fall foliage and wildlife.
A short 30-minute drive; head west on IN-64.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Lake of the Woods Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh seasonal ingredients at the nearby Lake of the Woods Restaurant.
Just a 15-minute drive from your hiking spot.
USD 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Fishing or Canoeing on Lake Monroe

Spend the afternoon on Lake Monroe fishing or renting a canoe to immerse yourself in nature.
A 25-minute drive from lunch; direction south on IN-446.
USD 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax by the Lake

Unwind by the shores of Lake Monroe and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Setting up by the same area.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Spot

Finish your day with dinner at The Spot, known for its pizza and local microbrews.
Located on IN-46/Lakeview Drive.
USD 18, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Monroe Lake Activities

Monroe Lake, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Harborview Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast overlooking Monroe Lake at the Harborview Restaurant with delicious egg dishes.
Scenic location on the water.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Swimming or Beach Activities

Spend the morning swimming or relaxing at the designated swimming areas of Monroe Lake.
Located at the same site.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch by the Lake

Pack a picnic to enjoy overlooking the water, with snacks from nearby grocery stores.
Bring picnic supplies from the restaurant.
USD 10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Bike Riding around the Lake

Rent bikes to explore the scenic bike trails around Monroe Lake, providing great views.
Bike rentals available at the beach.
USD 15, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Relax

Return to your spot to relax and prepare for dinner.
Short ride back to your original spot.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at The Rail

Dine at The Rail, featuring seasonal menus and specialty drinks.
Located close to your lodging.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Restaurant at Brown County

Have breakfast at The Restaurant at Brown County for local cuisine and freshly brewed coffee.
Inside Brown County State Park.
USD 13, 1 hour

9:00AM

Sightseeing and Hiking

Explore the scenic hiking trails of Brown County State Park, famous for stunning views and diverse wildlife.
Free entry with breakfast.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Village Green Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch at Village Green Cafe, known for sandwiches and salads.
5 minutes drive to Nashville, IN.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Nashville, Indiana

Wander through the quaint streets of Nashville, exploring local shops and art galleries.
Walking distance from the cafe.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Horseback Riding in the Park

Enjoy a leisurely horseback ride through the beautiful terrains of Brown County State Park.
Book through the park's stables.
USD 30, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Brown County Inn

Conclude your day with dinner at the Brown County Inn restaurant, offering classic American dishes.
Back near the park.
USD 21, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Bloomington Exploration

Bloomington, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sir Pizza

Start your day with breakfast at Sir Pizza, known for delicious breakfast pizza and coffee.
Located in Bloomington, only 30 minutes away.
USD 12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Indiana University and Arboretum

Explore the beautiful campus of Indiana University followed by a stroll through the Arboretum.
15 minutes from Sir Pizza.
Free, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve

Take a scenic walk at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve to enjoy the serene environment and wildlife.
15 minutes drive north.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Function Brewing

Savor craft brews and shareable plates at Function Brewing with a laid-back atmosphere.
A quick drive back to downtown Bloomington.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Harvest Land Conservation Area

Spend the afternoon enjoying walking trails in the Harvest Land Conservation Area, perfect for birdwatching.
A 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Upland Brewing Co.

Energize your evening with dinner at Upland Brewing Co., featuring casual dining and local craft beer.
Back to downtown for dinner.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Ciao

Take a short drive for breakfast at Cafe Ciao, praised for its fresh baked goods and local charm.
A 30-minute drive to downtown Bloomington.
USD 13, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Venture into the tranquil paths of Morgan-Monroe State Forest for hiking, exploring nature at its finest.
Around 30 minutes from the café.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at nearby Le Petit Cafe

Grab a delightful lunch at Le Petit Cafe, with its charming atmosphere and gourmet sandwiches.
A short drive from the park exit.
USD 14, 1 hour

2:30PM

Wildlife Watching

Spend the afternoon wildlife watching; the forest is home to many bird species and other wildlife.
Remain in the park area for nature observation.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax by the Fire

Sit by a fire pit back at the lodge or campsite and unwind.
Located nearby within park boundaries.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lodge

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at The Lodge with hearty meals and cozy surroundings.
Conveniently at the park.
USD 22, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Bedford

Bedford, Indiana

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Kickstart your last day with breakfast served at The Lodge in Morgan-Monroe State Forest.
Conveniently on the lodge premises.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Additional Trails

Before leaving, explore a few more trails in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest to soak in the last pieces of nature.
Stay within the park.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Drive Back to Bedford

Take a leisurely drive back to Bedford, reflecting on your experiences in nature.
Return via IN-37 N.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Lunch at Cheers

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Cheers, a local favorite known for its casual dining.
Located in Bedford.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Blue Springs Caverns

End your adventure with a tour of the nearby Blue Springs Cavern, offering stunning rock formations.
Just a 20-minute drive from Bedford.
USD 18, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Wrap Up and Departure

Conclude your 8-day nature adventure reflecting on the natural wonders of Indiana.
Drive back to your storage or airport.
Free, Optional
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