Sometimes the best day trips are the ones that don’t require a packed itinerary or hours of driving. Shelby County offers a scenic loop filled with local history, beautiful natural areas, and seasonal farm stops along the way.
We spent the day following this self-guided driving tour, making stops at each destination, and it turned into a very sweet afternoon.
Start at The Schoolhouse Library
Our first stop was The Schoolhouse Library in Shelbyville, operated by Hoosier Landmarks for Learning.
Housed in a historic school building, this unique library specializes in education, Indiana history, and preservation. It’s a fascinating place to browse if you enjoy local history or simply appreciate beautiful historic buildings. The library is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seasonally from May 1 through December 1.
Even if you’re only stopping in for a short visit, it’s a great way to begin the day and learn a little about the area’s past before heading out to explore.
***Take some books to donate & then grab a few to take home with you.
Walk Through One of Indiana’s Oldest Forests
Our favorite stop on the tour was Meltzer Woods.
This National Natural Landmark protects one of the last remaining old-growth forests in Indiana. Some of the trees here are more than 400 years old, meaning they were already standing long before Indiana became a state.
Walking through the preserve feels different from hiking in a typical park. It’s easy to imagine what much of Indiana looked like before roads, towns, and farmland transformed the landscape.
The trail is relatively short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. If you enjoy photography, birdwatching, or simply slowing down for a while, this is a stop you won’t want to miss.
Meltzer Woods is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Pick Up Fresh Produce at Harker Family Orchard
After spending time in the woods, we headed to Harker Family Orchard in Waldron.
This family-owned orchard is a wonderful seasonal stop during the summer and fall. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, local products, baked goods, and plenty of fall favorites.
We always enjoy supporting local farms, and this one is worth adding to your trip.
Harker Family Orchard is open daily during its summer and fall season.
Celebrate Fall at Birch Island Farm
Just a short drive away is Birch Island Farm, another seasonal destination that comes alive each autumn.
Their fall season begins around September 20, making it a fun stop for pumpkins, seasonal decorations, and family activities. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easy to include on a weekend road trip.
If you’re planning a fall drive through Shelby County, combining Birch Island Farm with Harker Family Orchard makes for a perfect afternoon.
Visit Two Historic Covered Bridges
No scenic drive through this area would be complete without stopping at a pair of historic covered bridges.
We visited:
- Forsythe Covered Bridge near Rushville
- Moscow Covered Bridge near Milroy
Indiana is home to more covered bridges than almost any other state, and these two are beautiful examples of the craftsmanship that has survived for generations.
They’re perfect places to stretch your legs, snap a few photos, and appreciate a small piece of Indiana history.
Make It a Full Day Trip
One thing we loved about this route was the variety. In a single day, we explored one of the state’s oldest forests, learned about local history, visited family-owned farms, and crossed historic covered bridges.
It’s an easy road trip that doesn’t feel rushed, and each stop offers something completely different from the last.
If you’re looking for a weekend adventure that’s a little off the beaten path, Shelby County deserves a spot on your Indiana travel list.
Shelby County Tour Loop
📍The Schoolhouse Library
- 6014 IN-244, Shelbyville
- Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Seasonal: May 1–December 1
📍Meltzer Woods
- 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville
- Open daily from dawn to dusk
📍Harker Family Orchard
- 7589 E State Road 244, Waldron
- Open daily, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Seasonal during summer and fall
📍Birch Island Farm
- 7430 E State Road 244, Waldron
- Open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Fall season begins September 20
📍Forsythe Covered Bridge
- W. County Road 650 S, Rushville
📍Moscow Covered Bridge
- 6099 W 900 S, Milroy
— Brittany | Indy Family Fun