Free to See Atlanta

When most Americans think of Atlanta, they think of the top U.S. cities.  However, as of July 2012, it was ranked only 40th in population, with less than half a million people.  Although, a drive through Atlanta during traffic hour, will make it feel like it is definitely in the top 10!

Regardless of size, Atlanta is definitely on the Top 10 list of Cities to Travel in the U.S.

Here are some free things to see as you travel to Atlanta.

Central Park in Atlantic Station has a free concert series on Friday nights, once a month.

Centennial Olympic Park has regularly scheduled free concerts, free family activities and features the world's largest interactive fountain.  The park was originally built for the 1996 Olympic games and has since been the site for anything from a 8 ton ice sculpture to a picnic for Barnum and Bailey elephants.

Other parks in Atlanta include Piedmont Park, Grant Park and Chastain Park. Each with their own unique free entertainment throughout the year.

Two miles east of downtown Atlanta, take a walking tour of the Inman Park neighborhood.  This neighborhood was home to some of Atlanta's most prominent citizens in the 19th century.  If you happen to be in Atlanta in the Spring, some will open their doors for tours.

Some of Atlanta's museums and sites offer free admission:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Birthplace
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
• Oakland Cemetery established in 1850
• Atlanta Contemporary Art Center - free on Thursdays

Just outside the city, is Stone Mountain, one of the area's best attractions.  Admission is free with a daily parking pass.


This photo of Stone Mountain is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a definite must see for any history buff.  There are three Civil War battlefield areas at the park.  Admission is free.

You might like to visit Underground Atlanta while you are there.  View art displays, historic sites and take in a little shopping too.  If you are in Atlanta over New Year's Eve, you can watch the 800 lb. Peach Drop!

Don't forget to visit the Georgia State Capitol and Museum.  Admission is free and exhibits date back to the early 1800's!

Interesting fact about Atlanta's Asa Candler, who is credited with marketing and expanding the Coca-Cola soda pop, Candler had so much faith in the product, he spent his life savings on a brass pot, a paddle for stirring and the recipe for Coca-Cola.

Here's a map of things to see and do in Atlanta, on any budget!

View Atlanta, Georgia Free to See in a larger map

What's Nearby:
Cartersville, Georgia

Free to See Chicago

Budget Travel to Chicago

 

As of July, 2012, Chicago had a population of over 2.7 million people. The third largest city in the United States.

 

Some famous people born in Chicago include: Ray Kroc, Walt Disney, Hillary Clinton and Bill Murray.

 

Chicago is known as the Windy City, and rightfully so.  If you plan your trip from late Autumn to mid Spring, you'll see why!

 

While in Chicago, you’ll pay enough for hotel accommodations and parking, so why not visit some of the city’s attractions that are free to see!

 

Three of the city’s top attractions offer free admission. Click on the link to visit their web site.

 

Lincoln Park Zoo - The zoo has special activities surrounding each holiday, including Trick or Treating close to Halloween, and ZooLights before and after Christmas.  If you drive around a little, you can also find free parking nearby. 

 

Millennium Park - Don't forget to take a classic photo in the reflection of Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean".  Check their schedule for free Concerts in the Park and shows.

 

Navy Pier - The Crystal Gardens and Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows are just two of the free and unique sites you can see at Navy Pier.  Also, check out the free entertainment  in the Family Pavilion or the Bud Light Stage.

 

This is a list of Chicago's sites and museums, which also offer free admission.  Put one or more of these museums on your list when planning your vacation.

 

• Busy Beaver Button Co. Museum
• Chicago Architecture Foundation
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Chicago Sports Museum
• City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower
• DePaul Art Museum
• Eden Place Nature Center
• Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum
• Hyde Park Art Center
• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• National Museum of Mexican Art
• Oriental Institute Museum
• Smart Museum of Art

If you are an Illinois Resident, you can receive Free or Discounted admission to the following museums on their Illinois Resident Discount Days.

• Adler Museum
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Shedd Aquarium

For free transportation in Chicago, check out the Navy Pier free trolley.  The trolley goes to:

• State Street
• Rush Street
• Michigan Avenue
• St. Clair Street
• Columbus Drive
• McClury Court
• Pesttigo Court
• and Navy Pier

Chicago has a number of festivals which offer free admission. 

• The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world.
• The Taste of Chicago, in Grant Park, is the nation's premier outdoor food festival.
• The Chicago Jazz Festival is held in Millennium Park each Labor Day.

Check out Chicago's Calendar of Events Page to find what's free to see during your vacation in Chicago!

Indiana State Parks

Indiana is full of great state parks, from the limestone of Clifty Falls in Southern Indiana to the beaches of the Indiana Dunes State Park in Northern Indiana.  There is something here for everyone!

Indiana State Park Entrance Fees: In-State $7.00 per vehicle Out of State $9.00

Tip: During the off season, typically Labor Day thru Memorial Day, if the gatehouse is closed, admission to the park is free.

Brown County State Park

Clifty Falls State Park

Falls of the Ohio State Park

Harmonie State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

Lincoln State Park

McCormick's Creek State Park

Mounds State Park
O'Bannon Woods State Park

Ouabache State Park
Patoka Lake
Potato Creek State Park

Shades State Park

Shakanak State Park

Spring Mill State Park

Summit Lake State Park

Tippecanoe River State Park

Turkey Run State Park

Versailles State Park

White River State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park

View Indiana State Parks in a larger map

Brown County State Park

Brown County State Park is located at 1405 S.R. 46 W, Nashville, IN 47448.

Visit Brown County State Park in the fall, and you will find the roads jam packed with people who have come to look at the beautiful fall foliage.

The park is 16,000 acres and full of hills, valleys and ravines.  The roads are tree-lined with many overlooks to stop and enjoy the hills of southern Indiana, which make you feel as if you are just a little farther south.

The hiking trails in the park range from .5 miles to 3.5 miles in length, and from easy to rugged.  There are also bridle trails and Brown County is known for it's mountain bike trails.

Animals in the park range from harmless animals like deer, rabbit and turtles.  But take caution, as copperhead have been known to pop their heads out here as well.

If you enter or exit the park at the North Gate, you'll get the opportunity to cross the Ramp Creek Covered Bridge.  One of the few double lane covered bridges left today!

Onsite:

• fire tower
• hiking trails
• swimming pool
• fishing

Nearby:

• T.C. Steele State Historic Site - $5 admission
• Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana

What's FREE to See!

• Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival
• Architecture of Columbus, IN - free walking tour
• Brown County Winery - free tours and tastings

Visit the Brown County Events Calendar to see what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

O'Bannon Woods State Park

O'Bannon Woods State Park is located at 7234 Old Forest Road SW, Corydon, IN 47112.

The O'Bannon Woods State Park features a Pioneer Village including a 19th century working haypress.

The hiking trails in the park range from .8 miles to 2 miles, and range from easy to rugged.

Onsite:

• firetower
• camping
• boating
• fishing
• hiking

Nearby:
Marengo Cave
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site - Admission $5
Butt Drugs Soda Fountain

What's FREE to See!
Turtle Run Winery - Free tours and tastings
Smith Creek Covered Bridge
Southern Indiana Fiber Arts Festival

Visit the Corydon Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to See during your stay!

Indiana State Parks

Smith Creek Covered Bridge

The Smith Creek Covered Bridge is located near Lanesville, Indiana in Harrison County.

This covered bridge is a stringer bridge, with a cover. 

The bridge is 79 feet long and 11 feet wide. 

It is still in operation for vehicle traffic today.

Nearby:
O'Bannon Woods State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park is located at 1418 S. State Road 101, Liberty, IN 47353.

Situated inside Whitewater Memorial State Park is Whitewater Lake.  A 200-acre lake with access to Brookville Reservoir.

The park has a 9 mile bridle trail and several hiking trails.  The trails range from 1 mile to 2.7 miles in length, and are ranked as moderate.

onsite:

• boating
• fishing
• swimming beach
• hiking
• cabins

Nearby:
Metamora, Indiana
Whitewater Canal Boat Rides - only $5
Whitewater Valley Railroad

What's FREE to See!
Metamora Grist Mill
Whitewater Canal Trail
Stockheughter Covered Bridge

Visit the Franklin County Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to See during your visit!


Indiana State Parks

Stockheughter Covered Bridge

The Stockheughter Covered Bridge is located at approximately 27077 Enochsburg Road, Batesville, Indiana in Franklin County, Indiana.

Built in 1887, the bridge is 102 feet long, 15 feet wide and 14 feet tall.

The bridge is a covered Howe through truss design and was built by the Smith Bridge Company.

Nearby:
Whitewater Memorial State Park

White River State Park

White River State Park is located at 801 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Inside 250 acres, White River State Park holds such great attractions as the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indiana and Western Art, Military Park and the National Institute for Fitness and Sport.

You'll also find The Pumphouse, a restored water pumping station built in 1870.

Additionally, the Park features:

• Historic Old Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge
• Sculptures in the Park
• Historic Central Canal
• The Lawn at White River State Park - the Park's concert venue
• Celebration Plaza in the Park
• NCAA Hall of Champions  and the NCAA World Headquarters
• Indiana's largest IMAX Theater

Nearby:

• Easley Winery - $5.00 Tastings
• Indiana State Fairgrounds
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway

What's FREE to See!

• The Scottish Rite Cathedral - free tours
• The Indianapolis Art Center
• Indiana State House Tour
• Emil A. Blackmore Museum

Visit the White River State Park Events Calendar to find what's FREE to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

801 W Washington St Indianapolis, IN 46204

Otter Creek Covered Bridge

The Otter Creek Covered Bridge is located at approximately 933 N County Road 850 W, Holton, IN 47023.  Holton is in Ripley County, Indiana.

The bridge is currently open to pedestrians only.

Built in 1884, the bridge is 113 feet long, 16 feet wide and 13.4 feet high.

The bridge is a Covered Howe Through Truss design.

Versailles State Park

Versailles State Park is located at 1004 U.S. 50, Versailles, IN 47042. 

With a 230 acre lake, Versailles State Park is the second largest state park in the state of Indiana.

Discover fossils from a time when the area was covered by waters.

Also, investigate the Civil War history that tells when the Confederate Army had control of the town of Versailles and the area that is now Versailles State Park.

Trails in the park range from easy to moderate and are from 1.5 to 2.75 miles in length.

Onsite:

• fishing
• boating
• swimming pool
• camping
• hiking
• bicycling
• horseback riding
• birdwatching

Nearby:

• Bluegrass Festival
• Ripley County Museum
• The Damm Theatre

What's FREE to See!

• Versailles Pumpkin Show
• Busching Covered Bridge and Otter Creek Covered Bridge
• Batesville Area Historical Society
• Powers' Winery

Visit the Ripley County Tourism Calendar of Events to find what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Busching Covered Bridge

The Busching Covered Bridge is located at 999 E County Road 25 S, Versailles, IN 47042.

Built in 1885, the bridge is 182 feet long, 14 feet wide and 15 feet tall.

This covered bridge crosses Laughery Creek on County Road 25 near Versailles State Park.

Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park is located at 8121 E. Park Road, Marshall, Indiana 47859.

Turkey Run State Park is full of ravines, canyons, gorges, and cliffs.

The Miami Indians walked trails that are still used today.

The park features Lusk Home, which is an early pioneer home and grist mill open to the public.

Also, in the park, a Log Church, constructed in 1871 and the Colonel Richard Lieber Memorial Cabin.

Trails in the park range from easy to very rugged, and from .5 miles to 3 miles in length.

The park features:

• live entertainment
• Turkey Run Holiday Breakaway
• Sweetheart Getaways
• Lusk Pioneer Festival
• Meteor Shower Watch

onsite:

• swimming pool
• horseback riding
• camping
• Inn
• cabins
• canoeing
• fishing
• birdwatching

Nearby:
Bridgeton 1878 House and Cabin
Mansfield Roller Mill


What's FREE to See!
Windy Ridge Winery
Amish Farms
Parke County Covered Bridge Tour - 31 covered bridges

Visit the Parke County Calendar of Events to see what's FREE to see during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Narrows Covered Bridge

Narrows Covered Bridge is located in Turkey Run State Park, in Parke County, Indiana.

The bridge is dated 1882 on the front, although some argue that it was built in 1883.

The bridge is 121 feet in length.

A covered burr arch-truss bridge.

Tippecanoe River State Park

The Tippecanoe River State Park is located at 4200 N. US 35, Winamac, Indiana 46996.

Whether you like to fish or just float along, the Tippecanoe River is popular for it's canoeing.

The park also has hiking trails, bridle trails and a recreation building, available to rent for special occasions.

The trails range from easy to moderate, and are from .8 miles to 3.5 miles in length.

Onsite:

• canoeing
• hiking
• horseback trails
• camping
• fishing
• boating
• cabins

Nearby:

• The World of Motorcycles Museum
• Area Dining
• Tippecanoe Place

What's FREE to See!

• Francesville Fall Festival
• Kankakee Valley Winery

Check out the Pulaski Journal Events Calendar to find what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks



 

 



Summit Lake State Park

Summit Lake State Park is located at 5993 N Messick, New Castle, Indiana 47362.

Known for it's fishing, Summit Lake State Park has three boat ramps and a large lake on it's 2680 acres.

The trails range from accessible to moderate, and .75 to 2 miles in length.

Onsite:

• swimming beach
• fishing
• cross country skiing
• camping
• hiking
• boating

Nearby:

• Hoosier Park Racing and Casino
• Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
• Boondocks Farms
• Wilbur Wright Birthplace and Museum

What's FREE to See!

• Veteran's Memorial "Garden of Memories" - Washington Street, Knightstown, Indiana
• The Hoosier Gym - unchanged from the 1950's, made famous by the movie "Hoosiers"
• Hoover Hall built in 1875

Visit the Henry County Events Page to find what's FREE to See during your visit!

Indiana State Parks

Darlington Covered Bridge

Darlington Covered Bridge is a two-span covered bridge over Sugar Creek, in Montgomery County, Indiana.

The bridge was built in 1868.

The design is a Covered Howe through truss.

Darlington Covered Bridge is 169 feet in length.

The bridge is only open to pedestrian traffic.

What's Nearby:
Shades State Park
Myers Dinner Theatre
Rotary Jail Museum

What's FREE to See!
Ropkey Armor Museum
Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County
Deer's Mill Covered Bridge

Visit the Crawfordsville Current Events Page to see What's FREE to See during your visit!