The Strangest Road Names in Indiana and How They Got Them
Just west of Indianapolis, the town of Zionsville, about 20 miles away, offers a charming glimpse into Indiana’s quirky road-naming tradition. Walking through the quaint Village area, visitors encounter streets like “Main Street” that morph into “Oak Street” and then “Birch Street” as if guided by an arboreal theme. But the real oddity is “Popcorn Road,” which is about 10 minutes northeast of downtown Zionsville. This name hearkens back to the early 20th century when the area’s farmers would dry popcorn kernels along the roadside, the kernels popping in the heat and filling the air with a faint, nutty aroma. Driving or biking this stretch in late summer lets you imagine those sun-drenched fields and the rural life that inspired the unusual moniker.
Heading southeast about 45 minutes from Indianapolis, the town of Columbus is renowned for its modern architecture, but it’s also home to the curiously named “Buggyworks Drive.” This street runs near the Irwin Union Bank, a masterpiece by architect Eero Saarinen. The name reflects the town’s history as a hub for buggy and carriage manufacturing in the late 1800s. Today, walking or biking along Buggyworks Drive, visitors can explore the rich industrial past framed by cutting-edge design. The contrast between the street’s name and the innovative buildings makes for a fascinating cultural and historical walk, best enjoyed in spring or fall when the mild weather encourages leisurely exploration of Columbus’s architectural gems.
In the northwest corner of the state, near the Indiana Dunes National Park about 35 miles southeast of Chicago, lies the “Gobbler’s Knob Trail.” This trail’s name seems strange until you understand its origin: it’s named after the wild turkeys—often called gobblers—that roam the sandy dunes and wooded areas. The Gobbler’s Knob Trail is a moderately challenging 2.3-mile loop that offers stunning views of Lake Michigan’s shoreline and sand dunes that rise up to 200 feet. Early morning hikes in late spring offer the best chance to hear or spot the elusive turkeys, adding a delightful wildlife encounter to the scenic beauty of the trail. The blend of unique flora, fauna, and the unexpected road name rooted in local wildlife makes this a memorable experience.
Further south, in the college town of Bloomington, about 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis, you’ll find “Sample Gates Road,” which leads right up to the iconic Sample Gates at Indiana University. The name originates from the gates themselves, which mark the university’s main entrance and symbolize the school’s welcoming spirit. Walking through these gates during fall, when the campus is alive with students and the trees blaze with autumn colors, visitors experience a palpable sense of history and academic tradition. The road name ties directly to this iconic place, making it a living piece of Indiana’s educational culture and a fine starting point for exploring Indiana University’s art museums and natural beauty.
On the eastern side of the state, near Richmond and about 80 miles east of Indianapolis, the “Squirrel Road” winds through rural farmland and residential neighborhoods. The origin of this name reflects the abundant squirrel population that has long been part of the local ecosystem. Visitors can experience this name’s charm by visiting the Madison County Historical Museum in nearby Anderson, which offers insight into the area’s natural history as well as its settlement patterns. A drive along Squirrel Road in autumn is particularly enjoyable, as the forested areas glow in vibrant colors and the squirrels are frequently seen darting through the treetops, reminding travelers of the name’s living inspiration.
Down in the southwestern corner near New Albany, roughly 15 miles southeast of Louisville, Kentucky, “Floyds Knobs Road” offers a name that’s both geographic and mysterious. It’s named after the Floyds Knobs area, a series of hills formed by ancient glacial movements. The knobs themselves provide sweeping views of the Ohio River Valley and the Ohio River Greenway Trail, which is perfect for biking or hiking. Visiting in late spring when wildflowers blanket the hillsides turns the landscape into a vibrant tapestry. The road’s name connects drivers to the land’s geological past, a reminder of southern Indiana’s diverse terrain that contrasts sharply with the state’s generally flat topography.
Near the Indiana-Ohio border, about 40 miles east of Fort Wayne, the small town of Decatur claims “Wabash Road.” This name is a nod to the historic Wabash and Erie Canal, which once ran through the region and was vital to trade and transportation in the 19th century. Visitors interested in canal history can stop at the Decatur Heritage Museum to learn about the era when waterways were the lifeblood of Indiana’s economy. Taking a leisurely walk or bike ride along Wabash Road in the springtime, when the landscape is lush and the museum garden is in bloom, offers a tangible connection to the past and a unique angle on Indiana’s development.
In central Indiana, about 15 miles north of Indianapolis, the town of Fishers delights with “Crossover Street,” a name that sounds like it belongs in a mystery novel. The street’s name references the historic railroad crossing that once dominated the area, where tracks from different lines intersected, creating a busy hub of commerce. Today, visitors can explore the Nickel Plate District, a lively downtown area with shops, restaurants, and public art that celebrate Fishers’ railroad heritage. Walking down Crossover Street during summer evenings, when the district hosts outdoor concerts and markets, reveals a vibrant community spirit layered over a quirky historic name.
Finally, just north of the Ohio River near Madison, about 70 miles southeast of Indianapolis, lies “Clifty Drive,” named for the nearby Clifty Falls State Park. The park features a series of waterfalls cascading over rugged cliffs, with trails like the Clifty Inn Trail offering moderate hikes of 2 to 3 miles through forested ravines. The dramatic geology that shapes the falls also inspired the road name, providing visitors a direct link from town to nature’s spectacle. The best time to hike here is in spring, when the falls are swollen with runoff and wildflowers bloom along the paths, making Clifty Drive more than just a road—it’s a gateway to one of Indiana’s most dramatic natural wonders.
These roads, scattered across Indiana’s varied landscapes, tell stories of nature, history, industry, and community. Each name invites travelers not just to drive by, but to stop, explore, and discover the unique spirit that makes Indiana’s countryside and towns so richly textured and endlessly fascinating.