We're talking about a vacation this summer so we can plan ahead. My mother (who will pay for it) said she'd love to go to Yellowstone, but it looks like it's about a 24-hour drive for us. Still, I like the idea of going to a national park. We're in Indiana, so this image shows about the limits of where we're willing to drive. Maybe 14-15 hours at most, which puts most of the ones in the image in range.
However-
• We've already been to Indiana Dunes and Gateway Arch.
• My daughter is scared of caves, so Mammoth Cave is out.
Out of the rest, which would you most recommend so I can suggest it to my mother?
Is there anything not in Indiana that is within this area that you think is more worth visiting than a national park that also would take a decent amount of time to visit and see different things? (Not a city, obviously.)
Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
I think the Smokeys are the #1 most visited park
Specifically, Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge.
A bit touristy though if that is what OP is going for… but also no real need to go in town either and can just enjoy the park on its own.
Renting a chalet for a weekend also makes for a good time, too.
It's the most visited because everyone who needs to drive through that area is visiting it.