First tread by the hoofs of bison, Indiana s Historic Pathways has since become a route for pioneer exploration, stagecoach travel, and finally, modern highways. Drive along the Pathways, joining the lower Ohio Valley to the Mississippi Valley, and You ll be treated to rural countryside, rolling hills, memorable historic districts, peaceful forests, and a fuller understanding of Indiana s past.

Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways
Length
250 mi / 402.3 km
Time to allow
One day to enjoy the byway
Fees
None

We publish 9 places that sit on this road, listed in the order you meet them. This is not a route and not a drive time — it is the names, so you can put them into whatever navigation you already use.

“Off” is a straight line from the place to the road, rounded. It is not a driving distance, and the road itself is a simplified centre line, so treat a mile or two as noise.

  1. French LickIN1 mile off

    Also here: West Baden Springs

    No guide of our own yet — the name is here so you can find it.

  2. Big Splash AdventureIN2 miles offFun park

    indoor/outdoor water park resort, year-round

  3. LouisvilleKY1 mile off

    In our guide: 1 animal attraction · 1 park

  4. Louisville ZooKY6 miles offAnimals

    1100 Trevilian Way. Entry closes at the posted closing time and you exit an hour later. Early close on Wednesdays to Sundays in October for Boo at the Zoo: enter by 3pm, exit by 4pm. A Walking Club runs daily 8-9:15am from 1 Mar to 31 Oct. Stroller, wagon and wheelchair rentals are extra.

    Hours
    Daily year-round. Now through 19 Mar 2027: 10-4, exit by 5. 20 Mar - 19 Sep 2027: 10-5, exit by 6. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
    Season
    Yes - both hours and ticket prices change by season. Spring/summer rates 14 Mar - 31 Oct 2026; fall/winter rates 1 Nov 2026 - 12 Mar 2027.
    Parking
    $7 per vehicle, paid online with your ticket or at the ticket windows before you enter

  5. Kentucky KingdomKY5 miles offFun park

    Seasonal; site lists Pumpkins event Wed-Sun through Nov 1; Hurricane Bay water park closed for rest of 2026.

    Season
    Seasonal

  6. Kentucky DerbyKY5 miles offAnnual event

    sports-motorsport at Churchill Downs (700 Central Ave.)

    When
    May (first Saturday)
    Since
    first run 1875

  7. Kentucky State FairKY5 miles offAnnual event

    fair at Kentucky Exposition Center

    When
    August
    Since
    first held 1902
    Runs for
    more than one day

  8. Creation Zoo (Creation Museum)KY4 miles offAnimals

    Hours
    Oct 25, 2026-Jan 2, 2027: Mon-Sat 10-5; closed Sun; closed Nov 26, Dec 24-25; last admission 1 hour before close
    Adult
    44.99

  9. Perfect North SlopesIN3 miles offSki or bike

    Busy hill serving Cincinnati and Indianapolis

    Kind
    Ski Areas