Indiana National Road follows US 40 across mid-Indiana from the Illinois state line to the Ohio state line. The byway is 180 miles long and remains open year-round. US Highway 40 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles.

The National Road was the first federally funded highway in the United States. It ran from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois. The portion running through Indiana was built between 1828 and 1834. Travelers of the byway today will find 32 historic places listed on the National Register of Historic Sites including: the James Whitcomb Riley Birthplace, the Indiana State Capitol, and Highland Lawn Cemetery in Terre Haute.

Western Indiana National Road

Eastern Indiana National Road

Those interested in camping will need to venture off the byway to find public campgrounds. South of Putnamville is the Lieber State Recreation Area. The 8,000-acre recreation area has over 400 RV and tent campsites; nearly 200 have electric hookups. Facilities are limited in winter, but the area remains open year-round. Near the byway's eastern end is Whitewater Memorial State Park, located south of Richmond. It has over 300 campsites and some cabins available for rent.

Information: Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, Box 284, Cambridge City IN 47327 / 765-478-3172. Old National Road Welcome Center / 800-828-8414. Lieber SRA, 1317 W Lieber Rd Ste 1, Cloverdale IN 46120 / 765-795-4576. Raccoon Lake SRA, 160 S Raccoon Pkwy, Rockville IN 47872 / 765-344-1412. Turkey Run State Park, Rt 1 Box 164, Marshall IN 47859 / 765-597-2635. Mounds SRA, Brookville Lake, PO Box 100, Brookville IN 47012 / 765-647-2657. Whitewater Memorial State Park, 1418 S State Rd 101, Liberty IN 47353 / 765-458-5565