Road Trips from Gary, IN
Gary, Indiana, offers a variety of driving experiences. You've got several options for short trips under two hours, perfect for a quick escape, all of which are close to Indiana Dunes National Park. If you're looking for a longer haul, there are multiple destinations around four to five hours away, providing a chance to cover more ground. The available routes offer a mix of surface roads and highway driving, with most having access to parks.
Total Routes
33
Shortest
0.2h
With Parks Nearby
24
Under 2 hours
6 total in this range
Plymouth, IN
1h 28m66.1 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive is a turn-heavy local route that gets you to Plymouth. It's a good option if you want a shorter trip than the longer drives but still get out of the immediate area. Like many routes from Gary, it offers access to Indiana Dunes National Park.
South Bend, IN
1h 18m66.2 mi one way
A 1.3-hour trip on mostly surface roads, this route heads to South Bend. It's a comparable distance to Plymouth but utilizes a different road style. Indiana Dunes National Park is also accessible from this drive.
Lake Station, IN
12m6.3 mi one way
If you need a very short drive, this is it. Just 0.2 hours and 6.3 miles, this route sticks to surface roads and is the closest option. Indiana Dunes National Park is nearby, making it a convenient park destination.
Roselawn, IN
47m36 mi one way
This 0.8-hour drive is a turn-heavy local route that takes you to Roselawn. It's a shorter option than heading to Bloomington or Ashland, and it also provides access to Indiana Dunes National Park.
Hawthorne Hills, IN
32m15.3 mi one way
At 0.5 hours and 15.3 miles, this is a quick trip on surface roads to Hawthorne Hills. It's one of the shorter drives available, offering easy access to Indiana Dunes National Park.
Full-day getaway
18 total in this range
Bloomington, IN
3h 49m198.6 mi one way
This is one of the longer options, a 3.8-hour, 198.6-mile drive on a turn-heavy local route. It offers a significant change of scenery compared to the shorter, closer destinations. Indiana Dunes National Park is still an option from Gary.
Ashland, IN
3h 53m196 mi one way
Similar to the Bloomington route, this is a 3.9-hour, 196-mile trip featuring a turn-heavy local drive. It's a substantial distance from Gary, providing a longer road trip experience. Indiana Dunes National Park remains accessible.
Highland, IN
3h141.2 mi one way
This 3-hour, 141.2-mile drive is highway-focused, offering a different feel than the local routes. It features mostly flat terrain and is a good choice for a longer excursion. Indiana Dunes National Park is also nearby.
Fairmount, IN
3h 17m153.2 mi one way
A 3.3-hour, 153.2-mile drive with mixed road types, this route heads to Fairmount. It's a mid-range option in terms of distance from Gary. Access to Indiana Dunes National Park is available from this starting point.
Eugene, IN
2h 43m128.5 mi one way
This 2.7-hour, 128.5-mile drive offers a mix of road types to Eugene. It's a solid choice for a longer day trip or an overnight. Indiana Dunes National Park is also accessible from Gary.
Weekend trip
9 total in this range
Austin, IN
4h 20m228.6 mi one way
This is one of the longest drives at 4.3 hours and 228.6 miles, utilizing a mix of highway and surface roads. It's a substantial journey from Gary. Indiana Dunes National Park is still an option from your starting point.
New Pekin, IN
5h 3m258.9 mi one way
At 5.1 hours and 258.9 miles, this is the longest drive available from Gary, featuring a mixed road experience. It represents the furthest reach for a road trip starting here. Indiana Dunes National Park is accessible.
Clarksville, IN
4h 54m261 mi one way
Bedford, IN
4h 16m222.9 mi one way
Saint Joseph, IN
4h 54m255.4 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Austin, IN
4h 20m228.6 mi one way
New Pekin, IN
5h 3m258.9 mi one way
Clarksville, IN
4h 54m261 mi one way
Bedford, IN
4h 16m222.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions for the numerous local routes, with Indiana Dunes National Park providing green spaces to explore.
Summer
Summer is ideal for longer drives to destinations like Austin or New Pekin, with parks like Indiana Dunes National Park being prime destinations.
Fall
Fall foliage can enhance the driving experience on the turn-heavy local routes, and Indiana Dunes National Park remains accessible.
Winter
Winter drives are possible, though shorter trips to nearby parks like Indiana Dunes National Park might be more practical due to weather.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Gary, IN city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.