Roads fan out from the capital of Indianapolis to all corners of Indiana, a wonderfully well-connected state that is easy to explore behind the wheel of a car. After all, you’re in a place that is in love with the automobile – it’s the home of the Indy 500 race.

Speed limits vary widely form area to area, but on most interstate highways the maximum is 70mph, lower in urban and built-up areas. There is a toll road in the very north of the state, a 156 mile-stretch of interstate 90 that runs from Illinois to Ohio. Ask our local branch team for advice on how to pay if you think you’re going to use it.

You will be driving on the right-hand side of the road and overtaking on the left, and seat belts are essential. It’s a good idea to keep all necessary driving documents in your car and, when parking, to avoid stopping next to kerbs painted yellow, as they’re for emergency services only. Our staff can help you with any specific questions you may have.

Key roads in Indiana generally flow through Indianapolis, with the I-70 running east to west through the state and the I-65 from south to north-west. The I-69 starts in the south-west and passes Bloomington and Fort Wayne before exiting the state in the north-east corner. These well-maintained roads make a road trip to neighbouring states easy.

Away from the cities and interstates, there are many beautiful scenic drives too. You’ll find covered bridges and forests to wind your way through. Brown County, south of Indianapolis, is stunning in the autumn months as its trees turn russet, while there’s a state park and the majestic and serene Ogle Lake.

The reasons why are still debated, but Indiana is nicknamed the Hoosier State, and its people Hoosiers. It’s a state that has long been a major crossroads in America, ever since the days of the settlers and explorers.

Today it combines thoroughly modern cities such as Indianapolis, with quieter towns full of southern-style mansions, dappled woods and corn fields stretching in all directions. It feels like a laidback place… unless you’re here for the Indy 500.

Need for speed

About half a million people attend the annual Indianapolis 500 race, which takes place on Memorial Day weekend every year. It has been running since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the largest spectator sport location in the world. There’s a museum to tour, while a bus will take you round the track – sadly at lower speeds than the race drivers achieve.

Serenity in the south

Brown County State Park is the largest in all of Indiana, stretching over 15,000 acres. Whether it’s budding in spring or slowly drifting through shades of orange and brown in Autumn, it’s a beautiful place and a marked contrast to the adrenaline and fumes of the Indy 500.

There are trails to wander either on foot or horseback, and there are countless picnic areas with unforgettable views. The lakes reflect the vast sky and the area teems with wildlife. Look out for wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, raccoons and a variety of birds. You can fish in the summer, ice fish in the winter and, if you want to stay here, rent your very own cabin in the woods.

Life on the lake

Indiana makes the most of its portion of Lake Michigan’s shoreline. You can sunbathe and swim near the 15-mile stretch called Indiana Dunes, with nearby hiking trails and farms.

There’s a state park too, with cross-country skiers coming out to play in winter. From some of the highest dunes you can even see Chicago in neighbouring Illinois. You can camp here, visit the bird sanctuary or charter a boat and head out onto the great lake itself.

Deep into Indiana

The Marengo Cave was discovered in the late 19h century – the US National Natural Landmark has been drawing visitors into its depths ever since. There are beginner-friendly tours where you’ll see arrays of stalagmites and some awe-inspiring rock formations – they’ll also briefly turn the lights off so that you can experience total darkness. Those with more experience can arrange to take part in more adventurous cave exploration, complete with safety equipment and challenging crawls.

With natural beauty both above and below ground, the lively Indianapolis, pretty county drives and more waiting for you, car hire in Indiana will put you at the crossroads of American history and life.