If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to cruise the Indiana Toll Road, buckle up and join us for a westbound run along one of the Midwest’s most vital cross-country corridors. Today, we’re driving 65 miles from the Ohio state line all the way to Elkhart, Indiana, following the combined route of Interstate 80 and Interstate 90. Whether you’re a road trip regular or just looking for an easy way across northern Indiana, this stretch of highway is all about smooth miles, rolling farmland, and classic Midwest travel vibes.
We kick things off right at the Indiana-Ohio border, rolling onto the Toll Road just past the Eastpoint Toll Plaza. This spot marks your entry into Indiana’s main east-west artery, a toll facility that’s been shuttling travelers, truckers, and families between Chicago and the East Coast since the 1950s. As we set our sights west, we pass by Fremont—the first major exit and a popular stop for travelers needing a quick fuel-up or snack. Just beyond, we reach the crucial interchange with Interstate 69, a major north-south route connecting Indianapolis to Michigan, making this a true crossroad for Midwest commerce and adventure.
From here, I-80/I-90 continues its northwest run, tracing the Michigan state line so closely that in some spots, you’re less than a stone’s throw from crossing into the Wolverine State. The Toll Road itself offers well-maintained lanes, regular service plazas with restrooms and food options, and plenty of signage to keep you on track. One of the unique things about this segment is just how close you are to Michigan throughout—sometimes you’ll see exit signs for towns that are actually in Michigan, not Indiana!
Rolling onward, we pass the Star Mill interchange at Indiana Route 9, which is your gateway to the quiet countryside and small towns that define northeast Indiana. Out here, you’ll spot plenty of wide-open farmland, classic red barns, and on a clear day, some big Midwestern skies. It’s not all fields, though—watch for glimpses of Pokagon State Park and the wooded shores of nearby lakes if you venture off the mainline.
As we make our way towards Bristol, the Toll Road bends slightly southwest. Bristol marks the next key interchange at IN-15, a popular exit for travelers heading into Amish country. If you have time, a quick detour south will lead you through charming small towns, local bakeries, and hand-crafted furniture shops. But for those staying on the highway, we keep rolling west for the final stretch.
The last nine miles bring us to Elkhart, known as the “RV Capital of the World.” Here, the Toll Road meets Indiana Route 19, where we end our drive. Elkhart is more than just a highway stop—it’s a hub for RV manufacturing, a great base for exploring northern Indiana, and a jumping-off point for trips into South Bend or the heart of Amish country. There are plenty of dining and lodging options right off the exit, making it an easy overnight or refueling stop for cross-country travelers.
This segment of the Indiana Toll Road may not have dramatic mountain passes or coastline views, but it’s a smooth, efficient drive loaded with classic Midwestern character. It’s the definition of “getting there easy,” with just enough roadside Americana to keep things interesting along the way.
🗺️ Route Map
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