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BY  Sibashree Dec 12, 2025

Kotor, Montenegro, is emerging as an underrated gem for young professionals, digital nomads, people on the autism spectrum, and budget travelers.  In this article on Kotor Montenegro transport tips, you will know about the modes of transport, such as the Blue Line Buses, water taxis, and private transfers. Also, nobody says how reliable the Blue Line Bus Service is, or that the water taxi is not available for regular commuting.  Here, I will share my travel experiences and the secrets no one spills about getting around Kotor on a budget. Kotor is very walkable, and that is one of the reasons why it is a paradise for backpackers and budget travelers. Furthermore, there is the Blue Line Bus, making your transport in and around the city more affordable.  However, during my Kotor Montenegro budget travel, I faced some serious issues regarding transportation. I have missed the Blue Line bus more than once, as nobody gives you the exact pickup location. And I was new to the city, and it was not easy for me to follow the “Yellow Bus Markings” on the pavements. Those were the only indicators of where I would get the bus. Also, I was often confused about the water taxis. Everyone talks about the tours and packages, such as the Blue Cave Tours. But until you get into the thick of it, you don’t actually realize that water taxis are private transfers in most cases. In addition, planning a trip to Kotor in the off-season (October to April) requires you to really WALK. Nobody says that transport availability is at least 70% less during the off-season. And this lack of transportation options can actually make your Kotor Montenegro travel itinerary and budget go for a toss. So, to clear the air of confusion, I thought of sharing some Kotor Montenegro transport tips, which will give you a clear picture of how to move around the city on a budget. What Are The Best Ways To Move Around Kotor? A Quick Summary of The Transportation Tips The best modes of transportation in and around Kotor will depend on how much you are ready to spend. Also, the kind of experience offered by each mode of transportation is very different. Here is a quick summary of the modes of transportation in Kotor, Montenegro. Modes of Transportation in Kotor Best For Average Expense Blue Line Bus Budget Travelers Around $4-$51 based on the route Red Taxi & Transfers Comfort and Speed $25-$40 Car Rental & Scooter Flexibility, Speed, and Comfort$45-$60 a day for small and medium cars and $15-$30 a day for bikes. You will get the car and scooter rental services offering the best deal if you are staying in a homestay or hostel in Montenegro. These hostels are like social hubs where tourists, locals, and tourist service providers meet to celebrate the authentic charm and history of Kotor while doing business. Why Are Budget Transportation Tips So Crucial For Travelers To Montenegro?  Though the tourist demographics in Kotor, Montenegro, are a mixed bag, most travelers in Montenegro are young explorers between the ages of 20 and 30. The reason? Take any major Western European country, Germany, Spain, Portugal, or Italy!  Exploring the historic landmarks of these countries is challenging for young students and professionals due to budget constraints and the impact of overtourism. The overtourism thing is so big in these countries that there is a social backlash in cities such as Barcelona, Naples, and Lisbon.  Kotor, on the other hand, is a sustainable tourism gem after a successful sustainable assessment by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Also, with hostels and cheap eating places, it really attracts travelers who want to experience history and culture but at a lesser price and in a less crowded setup. I was talking to Sohini, a 23-year-old digital marketing professional who works as a digital nomad. She said, “I have heard so much about Kotor, Montenegro, that I just had to go and visit this place.  I did not want to spend a lot on expensive homestays there. A friend of mine suggested staying in a hostel, as well as all the means of transportation.”  The words of Sohini echo what young travelers feel like or look for when traveling to Kotor on a budget. And as a young professional or a digital nomad, you will need the transportation tips that align with your budget and backpacking itinerary. Easy Transportation In Kotor: Making The Travel Scenario More Inclusive Kotor is not just a dream destination for budget-friendly travelers. At a cafe in the Old Town, I met Suzanne and Richard, who were traveling with their 7-year-old son with autism. I was curious and may be borderline intrusive as a friend of mine has an autistic daughter, and I knew how traveling was difficult for her. I asked them, “Why Kotor?” Suzanne said, “The cats! They have been absolutely delightful, and they offered the first sense of familiarity to my son in Kotor. He was instantly at ease with them. Also, moving around the Old Town is so straightforward for the children on the spectrum. And when visiting the outskirts, we took golf carts.  So, he never had to stay cooped up in a bus or car for longer. That was the highlight for us while exploring Kotor.”  Again, Kotor's walkability and compactness play a major role in making it suitable for autism-friendly travelers. Also, thanks to the Blue Line bus services and Red Taxis, traveling in and around Kotor requires fewer transitions. How To Get Around Kotor Montenegro On A Budget? A Detailed Guide  I had a slimmer face and stomach when I came back from Kotor, and it’s because I really walked while I was there. Exploring the medieval lanes, ancient walls, and the 12th-century churches, Kotor was all about a delightful time travel. Nevertheless, with the Blue Line Bus and various car and bike rental services across the city, Kotor has a well-managed public and private transportation system. Here are the details. 1. Walking The Old Town (Stari Grad)  Walking along the pedestrian-only historic squares and medieval cobblestone streets is the best way to experience Kotor. This is an experience everyone loves! Be it an introvert who just wants to be by themselves and introspect, or the young and curious minds who want to explore new places and people! After exploring the Old Town, you can also take a walk or cycle along the flat promenades, taking you to the waterfront. Walk or cycle and stop by to interact with the cats, the guardians of the city, or have the best meal at a quaint coffee shop. Life is beautiful in Kotor when you walk and discover. 2. Using The Blue Line Bus System  When traveling to Kotor on a budget, the smartest method is to buy the Blue Line Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus service. The pass will cost around 25 Euros for a day, and it departs from the Central Bus Station of Kotor. The bus route is like Kotor, Risan, Perast, Bajova Kula, and Kotor. However, you can also take the regular intercity buses to Podgorica, Budva, Belgrade, and Herceg Novi. You can check the bus timings and fare on https://www.checkmybus.com/. Also, you can travel to areas such as Dobrota, Tivat, and Muo within 20 to 30 minutes and for a ticket price of 1 to 3 Euros. 3. Taxis And Private Transfers In Kotor  Taxis and private transfers are easily available in Kotor, and most vehicles operate with a metered fare or a standard tariff rate. Red Taxi Kotor and GarGo Taxi Kotor are some trusted taxi services in the city. You will easily find the taxis from the Lower Station of the spectacular Kotor-Lovćen Cable Car or the DUB Station. The charges will be around $45-$60 a day, or based on the destination, it can vary from $15-45. 4. Kotor Water Taxis: Tours Vs. Commute  Kotor water taxis are not public transport services. These are private tourist services, taking you to the Blue Cave of Montenegro, Perast Island. Montenegro Water Tours and Rijo Tours are popular water taxi services in Montenegro. Rijo Tour offers speed boat tours to the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rock at 40 and 20 Euros, respectively. You can even book a private boat tour for 100 Euros per hour. Montenegro Water Tours is a little expensive, charging 150 to 250 Euros for its most popular tours.  How To Reach Kotor From The Nearby Airports?  Tivat Airport, Podgorica Airport, and Dubrovnik in Croatia are airports near Kotor. Know how to travel to Kotor from these airports.  1. From Tivat Airport  Tivat Airport is the closest to Kotor Old Town. If you want to explore the scenic view of Kotor Bay from the water and avoid the traffic, go for a private water taxi service. However, the best way to travel from the airport to Kotor is to take a private taxi. Also, if you are a budget traveler, you can take a walk to the Tivat Bus Station and then take a Blue Line bus from there. 2. From Podgorica Airport  The Podgorica Airport is located at a distance of 79 km from Kotor. The travel time is close to 2 hours. If budget is not a constraint and you want to experience the highest comfort, you can take a taxi from Podgorica Airport’s Arrival Hall. The metered taxi fare from Pogrocia Airport will be around 85 Euros. There is no direct bus service from Podgorica. You will have to reach the Podgorica Central Bus Station at Golootočkih žrtava Square, and from there, you will get a bus to Kotor. You can book your bus ticket by calling busticket4.me at Golootočkih žrtava Square at +382 (0)20 633 010. There is also a storage service near the bus station where you can keep your luggage for 1 Euro. The first bus for Kotor from Podgorica Bus Station starts at 12:30 AM and the last one for the day departs at 10:25 PM. The bus ticket price will be between 7 and 9.5 Euros. 3. Dubrovnik In Croatia  There are four ways to travel from the Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia to Kotor, Montenegro. Bus from Dubrovnik Central Station to Kotor  Private Transfer  Ferry Ride  Car Rental  However, for a budget traveler, the bus ride is a more suitable option. You can take the airport shuttle or the Platanus service to reach the Central Bus Station, from where buses to Kotor are available. You can check the options on flixbus.com. One bus starts at 11 AM from Dubrovnik Central Bus Station and reaches Kotor at 1:10 PM. The next bus departs at 5:30 PM and reaches Kotor at 7:30 PM. The ticket price is 32 Euros. However, keep 1 hour or so as a buffer as passport checking at the border of Debeli Brijeg can take up to one hour. Expert Kotor Montenegro Transportation Tips: The Secret Hacks You Must Know  This is where I will talk about how to travel like a local around Kotor. Follow these hacks to avoid missing a Blue Line Bus, get rid of the parking worry, and make the overall transportation experience easier. 1. The "Yellow Paint" Bus Stop Rule  Are you looking for signs or vertical poles to catch a “Blue Line” bus from a stop? You will inevitably miss the bus. Kotor is different from other European cities in this matter. To keep the visual appeal of the city intact, Kotor has the word "BUS" painted on the asphalt. It is the only indication that the bus will stop here. You will have to stand at the mark and wave your hands so that the bus stops to pick you up. 2. Use The Lepetane-Kamenari Pedestrian Loophole  You can save 40 kms of driving if you are crossing the narrow strait at Verige. Furthermore, when crossing the bay, the crossing charge for a car will be $5. However, if you are crossing as a pedestrian, there will be no charge. I used this hack, and our hostel owner suggested it to me. I took a bus to Lepetane and boarded the ferry for free. Then, upon reaching the Kamenari side, I took a bus to Herceg Novi.  3. Red Taxi And Red Taxi Apps Are Safer And Cheaper Than Regular Taxis Red Taxi is the most reliable mode of transportation in Kotor. The metering system is the most accurate. You can contact Red Taxi at +382 67 319 714. Also, you can install the Viber app on your phone. If you are travelling in the Red Taxi or a Viber Cab, you will have to pay around $15-$40, based on the distance you are traveling. 4. Know About The "Kamelija" Parking Validation  Parking anywhere in and near the Old Town of Kotor is tricky and expensive. So, if you are traveling in a private or rented car/bike, you will need a parking hack to save money. You can park your car at the Kamelija Shopping Centre parking lot. If you are shopping for $5 or more, you will get free parking. Keep the receipts handy to show the proof. You will have to validate the receipt at the information desk before you make an exit. 5. Sunday Schedules For The Blue Line Buses Are Irregular Blue Line buses are the saviors when you are on a budget travel in Kotor. However, Sundays are not the best if you want to travel by bus. The frequency becomes less, and the buses running on hourly intervals can run every two to three hours. So, if you are traveling in Kotor on a Sunday evening, you need to look for an alternative, like a taxi or a bike. 6. Remember That There Is No Direct Bus To The Podgorica Airport  Many buses run between Podgorica and Kotor. However, only a local knows that the buses do not take you to the airport. You can go to the City Center or the Bus Station. From the bus station, you will have to take a taxi, which will cost around $15-16, and the journey will take around 45 minutes. 7. Be Extra Careful During The Tivat Airport "Highway Walk"  The Tivat Airport is the closest to Kotor. The nearby bus station is just 800 meters away. For a traveler in their twenties, walking this distance seems like a breeze. However, being a budget-friendly traveler does not mean that you have to compromise on your safety. Here, you will have to walk along the Adriatic Highway, and there is no designated sidewalk. So, walking along this way with luggage, especially in the evening, can be dangerous. It is okay to spend $5-$6 on the taxi ride from the Kotor Airport to the Kotor Bus Station.  8. Remember This Hack To Avoid The Hiked Fortress Wall Fee  You know, in 2026, Kotor is probably the most unexpected European travel destination to be on everyone’s bucket list. Also, recently, it has been getting a lot of attention from the young and budget travelers in the USA and the UK. It happened after the US News called it an underrated destination, and British Airways made an announcement about starting new flights to Tivat in 2026. Now, Kotor, a postcard-perfect fjord, will make your camera drop, and the “Ladder of Kotor” is one of the most interesting features of Kotor. This zigzag hiking route with 70 switchbacks takes us to Cetinje and Njegusi. This route, built by the Austrians, was an important trade and military route. It is just behind the Kotor Old Town and near the River Gate exit, which you can access via Tabačina Street. However, only locals know that it is the trusted alternative route to reach San Giovanni fortress. After the recent hike, the entry fee to the San Giovanni fortress is 15 Euros. So, now you know how to explore the fortress walls for free!  The route is moderately challenging with its steepness and loose rocks, and climbing up and down the route takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. After ascending for 20-30 minutes, you will find the famous “Window” through which you can get into the fortress. I know it’s not right, but many locals do it. Updates About The Ladder Of Kotor Route  The famous “Window,” the access point to the fortress from the Ladder of Kotor, has been blocked. The authorities were always against it, but this time, it has finally blocked. So, while the Latter of Kotor will not give you access to the fortress anymore, you can choose a free hike along the route for the best views of the Kotor Bay and the fortress. Also, on this route, I tasted the best cured ham at a family-run smokehouse. I had the ham with honey, cheese, and rakhija. 9. The Perast "Upper Road" Bus Trap Is A Nightmare  Following the “Bus” sign in yellow is a task when taking a Blue Line bus; the traffic on the Perast waterfront also makes it difficult to catch a bus. To avoid the traffic, the bus drivers often stick to the upper highway only and skip the waterfront. So, if you are standing by the waterfront and waiting for a bus that never arrives, you need to run up the stairs to the main highway stop. You will get the bus from there.  10. Luggage Storage Is Old School You will not get a digital locker for storing your luggage in Kotor. However, there is a cloakroom near the Kotor Bus Station. This garderobe or cloakroom service allows you to keep your bags at a charge of 2-3 Euros per bag. You will have to pay the charges in cash. However, in the peak season, the cloakroom can get full. Then, check the House 44 Seafront Apartments in Muo for your luggage storage. Also, some nearby hostels offer similar services. Kotor Montenegro Transportation Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Kotor Montenegro transport tips.  1. Is There Uber Or Lyft In Kotor?  No, Uber, Lyft, or any other international app cab service does not operate in Kotor, Montenegro. You have to rely on Red Taxi or local cab services. Furthermore, the Blue Line bus service is another trusted mode of transportation in Kotor. 2. How Much Is The Bus From Kotor To Perast?  Perast, a small coastal town to the north, is a popular day trip destination from Kotor. The distance between Kotor and Perast is around 15 km, and a Blue Line bus ticket will cost 1.5€. Children below 6 years can travel for free on this Blue Line Bus route. The travel time is around 35-40 minutes in ideal traffic conditions. The first bus, the Blue Line, departs from Kotor to Perast at 5:18 AM, and the last bus departs at 11:18 AM. From Perast to Kotor, the first bus departs at 6:29 AM, and the last bus departs at 10:34 PM.  3. Can I Drive Inside Kotor Old Town?  No, you cannot drive inside Kotor Old Town. It is a pedestrian-only area, and you have to trust your feet to take you through the medieval cobblestone streets. You must park your car or bike outside the city walls, and from there you will have to walk. However, finding a free and safe parking spot near the city walls can be a challenge. 4. How Do I Pay For The Blue Line Bus?  You can pay for the Blue Line Bus rides with cash and small coins. Keep the ticket price, around 1 to 2 Euros, handy. The drivers usually don’t have change for the 20 or 50 Euro notes. You can buy the ticket immediately after boarding the bus. However, make sure that the bus goes to your destination. 5. What Is The Main Bus Station In Kotor?  Kotor Main Bus Station, or Autobuska stanica Kotor in the Škaljari neighborhood, is the main bus station in Kotor. You can reach the bus station after a walk of just 5 minutes from the Kotor Old Town. From this bus stop, you will get domestic buses to Tivat, Budva, and Podgorica. You can even get international buses like the ones to Albania from Kotor Main Bus Station. 6. Is The Blue Line Bus Reliable?  The Blue Line bus service in Kotor is trusted for moving in and around Kotor Bay on a budget. It also offers transfer services to Tivat and Perast. However, the summer heat and traffic on the Kotor roads often cause delays in these bus services. These buses can get late by 30 minutes or so. Also, due to cheap ticket prices, the buses often get overcrowded, and the ACs in these buses may not always work.So, the Blue Line Bus Service is reliable for its affordability and scenic journey to Perast. However, it is not so dependable regarding timeliness and comfort. In fact, the digital display of these Blue Line Buses often does not work. 7. What Is The Best Taxi Company In Kotor?  Red Taxi is probably the most popular private taxi company in Kotor. Djir Taxi and Orahovic Taxi are other trusted taxi companies in Kotor. Furthermore, you can use the MonteGO app to book taxis for Kotor and other cities in Montenegro. Irrespective of the service or app you use, make sure that the taxi only charges the metered fare. Also, carry small coins and cash to pay the taxi driver.  8. Can I Rent A Scooter In Kotor?  Yes, you can rent a scooter or bike in Kotor. These scooters and bikes are the best modes of transport to beat the summer traffic of Kotor and enjoy flexibility while moving in and around the city on a shoestring budget. You will get scooters and bikes ranging from 50 to 650 CC from local companies such as Boka Rent-a-Scooter and Step Up Scooter. Motoroads.com is an online platform from which you can rent a moped. The average cost of renting a bike is around $15-30 per day. However, make sure that you have a valid driving license, especially if you are renting a gas-powered bike.  9. Is There A Water Taxi From From Kotor To Tivat Airport?  Yes, you will get a water taxi service from Kotor to Tivat Airport. Montenegro Water Taxi (MWT RIBS) offers this private transfer service in RIB boats. Remember that it is not a public ferry service, and it would cost more, around 30 to 50 Euros. It is ideal for a touristy experience through a scenic route and to avoid the dense traffic on the road. However, taking a bus or a taxi service to Tivat Airport is the most budget-friendly way. Remember that the bus only goes till the Tivat Bus Station, and from there it is around an 800-meter walk to the airport. So, despite a cheap ticket price (around 2-5 Euros), it may not be the best choice.Take a private taxi instead and reach the Tivat Airport from Kotor within 10 minutes at a cost of around 5 Euros.  10. How Do I Cross The Border From Dubrovnik To Kotor?  You have to cross the border of Debeli Brijeg or Karasovići to reach Kotor from Dubrovnik. You can take a bus from the Gruž bus station. However, you have to book it in advance as there is always a rush, and the journey takes around 3 hours. Tickets are available on platforms such as BusTicket4.me and from the Dubronik main station. Also, remember that Montenegro is not a Schengen country. So, there will be stringent passport checks at the border. As a result, the travel time will be around 4 hours or more during the peak season. FlixBus, Blue Line, and Croatia Bus run buses on this route, and the ticket price will be between $30-40 based on the distance you travel. You can even take a car rental or drive a car through E80/M2 to Debeli Brijeg and cross it to reach Kotor. The charge will be around $150 for the rental. If there is heavy traffic on the route, you can choose the smaller Vitaljina crossing. Start early so that you get a free parking space near Tanjga Grill or the city walls. Otherwise, you will have to pay for the parking.

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

Are you looking for a unique and fun travel destination for your upcoming trip? If yes, head to Gatlinburg. This town- nestled in the mountains of Tennessee-allows you to see breathtaking views from every location, adding a gorgeous background to the area. From Ober Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome, you can enjoy mountain vistas from everywhere. Moreover, there is never a shortage of adventurous points to observe the scenic beauty of Gatlinburg, whether you’re hiking or riding along in a car. This enchanting town is home to some of the most exciting outdoor attractions in Tennessee, and its vibrant downtown is full of unique attractions. Whether you’re hunting for an action-packed trip or a relaxing vacation, Gatlinburg stores something for every visitor. Additionally, Gatlinburg is full of shops and novelty stores. In fact, the Village Shops have about 25 unique galleries and boutiques, providing you with an unforgettable experience. Alongside, this town is also filled with delicious restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re craving a juicy burger, southern BBQ, pizza, pancakes, or Mexican, you can find it all in this town. But that’s not all. One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg is that it’s a budget-friendly destination. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Gatlinburg or the hundredth, there are countless ways to save money during the vacation. After all, you can get Gatlinburg vacation packages and the best vacation experience within your budget. Here Are 4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg 1. Have Fun at Anakeesta Trust us, a trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without visiting Anakeesta. Anakeesta is one of the best attractions and is a must-visit during your trip to Gatlinburg. With scenic views and an impressive number of exciting activities, this is an excellent spot for visitors of all types and ages. But what can you do at Anakeesta? Some of the fun activities to try at this attraction include: Gem mining: During your trip to Anakeesta, don’t forget to stop by and find your treasure at Gem Mining. An interactive cascade and sluice gate let visitors of all ages looking for an exceptional fossil or gemstone. Grab a meal: If you want to enjoy your meal with breathtaking views, make sure you visit the Cliff Top Restaurant. They offer various meals such as desserts, burgers, steaks, appetizers, and whatnot. Rail Runner: This is a personal roller coaster on a single rail at Anakeesta. The exciting ride starts with 1600 feet of downhill turns and ends with a picturesque uphill ride back to the Anakeesta. 2. Explore Ripley’s Aquarium Wondering what makes Ripley's Aquarium a must-visit place in Gatlinburg? One of the best parts about this attraction is that it's perfect for everybody. Everyone will have a blast at Ripley's Aquarium if you have kids or grandparents in your group. The displays are interesting to everybody, and they will all love watching sea creatures like fish and sharks, providing you with a unique chance to bond with the whole crew.  Besides that, throughout the aquarium, you can see creatures up close. For instance, you get the unique opportunity to touch live stingrays as they swim at Touch-a-ray bay. Whereas in the Discovery Center, you can hold horseshoe crabs. This attraction offers a reasonably priced adventure for the whole group. With all the exhibits of the aquarium and the fantastic creatures you can learn about, the price to enter this aquarium is worth it. Moreover, you can even watch one of the interesting live shows at the aquarium. This allows you to watch divers clean and maintain exhibits while being close to the massive predators in Shark Lagoon Dive. Not just that, you can even explore coral reefs and learn more about the colorful fish living during the Coral Reef Drive, guaranteeing you the best time of your life. 3. Roam Around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular park in America, and it’s no wonder why. After all, you can explore many historical sites, from Cataloochee to Old Mill. Whether you’re interested in seeing grist mills or barns, you can find a historic place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not all. There are a lot of other things you can do at this national park, such as: Horseback riding: This allows you to see the national park differently. Sugarlands and Cades Cove are the most famous stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dove: Head to the highest point in this park- Clingmans Dove. Additionally, this is also the highest point in entire Tennessee. You can get to the summit of Clingmans Dove for some of the most incredible observation points. Camping: You can go to the Deep Creek Campground, a 90-site campground perfect for visitors who want to embark on various freshwater activities. Additionally, it also provides impressive hiking trails and views of gorgeous waterfalls. 4. Thrill Yourself at The Skylift Park Do you want to experience something adventurous and fun during your trip to Gatlinburg? If yes, Skylift Park is the perfect cherry on top of your stay in Gatlinburg. But what can you do at this attraction? Here’s how you can spend your time at Skylift Park: Ride the SkyLift: The famous Skylift was created in the 1950s, taking visitors to the top of mountains and back down again. Visit the Skydeck: As soon as you get off the Skylift, you’ll meet the incredible Skydeck. Placed particularly on top of Crockett Mountain, this is the perfect place to relax. You can even grab a snack or beer and enjoy the scenic views. Browse through the gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the first floor of Skycenter on Skydeck. Whether you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountain-themed toys, clothes, or Skylift Park-themed merchandise, you can find it all here. Head to Skypark: The Gatlinburg Skypark lies on the top of the mountain. You can spend your day at the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views you might not find anywhere else. Final Words If you’re confused about where to go in Gatlinburg, check out these places. During your getaway to Gatlinburg, make sure you explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alongside, visit Anakeesta for an exciting and adventurous experience. Trust us, no matter which attractions you choose; you’ll have a blast in this town. Read Also: 5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers

BY  Mashum Aug 2, 2021

Indiana state is famous globally as the “Covered Bridge Capital” because there are 32 covered bridges alone in Historic Parke County, which are discoverable through a road trip. Apart from the Indiana national parks, the state is also famous by the name of “great lakes state” since it shares 40 miles of shoreline with Lake Michigan.  The four national parks in Indiana are renowned as outdoor adventure destinations, namely the Indiana Dunes National Park, President Lincoln’s Boyhood Cabin, George Roger Clark, and the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail. Of the four national parks, Indiana Dunes National Park is a must-see destination. Indiana Dunes National Park and George Rogers Clark National Historical Park are national parks in the term's true meaning. And, the other two national parks in Indiana, i.e., Lincoln’s Boyhood National Memorial and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, are the two memorial sites in Indiana, recognized for their routes of historical significance or original trails by the National Historic Trails. Let’s check more details about each of the national parks in Indiana and see how we can spend our day if we plan a trip there. The Four Noted Indiana National Parks 1. Indiana Dunes National Park:  Of the four celebrated Indiana national parks, this one is an unmissable destination if you are in the state. The national park shares 15 miles with the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes National Park is spread over 15,000 acres and has a lot to offer.  Your search for rare species of birds will end here, along with 1,100 native plant species and the fun of flying kites on the sandy beach. You will feel enchanted with every step you take in this national park as this place is among the most biologically rich areas in the nation.   The park offers 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, sunny prairies, mysterious wetlands, peaceful forests, and meandering rivers for hikers. Shall we now check out basic information about the national park to plan our tour accordingly? Directions To The Park: You can access Indiana Dunes National Park through Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road, U.S. Highway 12 & 20, Indiana State Road 49, and several other local roads. To visit the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, you need to take Indiana State Road 49, between U.SD. Highway 20 and Interstate 94. Operating Hours Of The National Park: This Indiana national park has general areas that are open throughout the year but have specific hours of operation. The standard working hours of the general areas of the national park are Monday to Sunday from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm. The entrance to the Indiana Dunes National Park is through the west beach. The hours of operation of this portion of the park is Monday to Saturday from 07:00 am to 09:00 pm. Weather News: Usually, July is the warmest month in the national park, and January is the coldest month. June month witnesses the heaviest rainfall with 4.66 inches of rain on average. Entrance Fees To The Park:  West Beach - Standard Entrance Fee $6.00, Senior Pass Entrance Fee $3.00, Access Pass Entrance Fee $3.00, Bus Entrance Fee $30.00. Dunewood Campground - Standard Camping Fee $25.00, Senior Pass Camping Fee $12.50, Access Pass Camping Fee $12.50. This campground is 1.5 miles from the beach and boasts 67 campsites made for both RVs and tent camping.  One-half of the site is open for reserve, and the other half is given on a first-come-first-served basis. You will find showers and restrooms at the campground but no water or electric hookups.  Indiana Dunes Visitors Centers:  Dorothy Buell Visitor Center - This Indiana national park visitor center is open on all days except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The operation hours are 09:00 am to 04:00 pm Central Time (Due to covid-19). At Dorothy Buell, you will view lobby displays, read brochures about Porter County, Dunes State Park, Indiana, and Indiana Dunes National Park. You can also shop in the Eastern National Bookstore and enjoy watching educational displays and two short orientation videos. Paul H. Douglas Center For Environmental Education - This visitor center is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm Central Time during Summers and from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm during Winters. This center is your gateway to the magnificent Paul H. Douglas Trail via Miller Woods. You will find a natural environment all through the center through its hands-on educational exhibits, animals, lectures, Nature Play Zone, ranger-guided hikes, and crafts. Popular Activities To Do At The National Park: Hiking. Picnic at the beach. Birding. Swimming. Fishing and Paddling. Geocaching. Horse Riding on the equestrian trails. Camping (Between April 1st to October 31st). Biking. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Shuttle Bus Services: During the summer period, on weekends, you can take the services of free shuttle buses from the Dunewood Campground to the beaches. You can stop at sites like the Miller Train Station, Marquette Park, Lake Street Beach, and The Douglas Center.  Pet Friendliness: Indiana Dunes National Park is completely dog-friendly. You can take your pet to almost all trails and other parts of the park, besides a few exceptions. For example, you cannot take your pets on Glenwood Dunes Trail’s equestrian part, in the lifeguard area of the West Beach, and the Pinhook Bog Trail. You can enjoy a free public wi-fi facility at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center. 2. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park:  Located on Southwest Indiana and beside the Wabash River, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is one of the small Indiana national parks, which has a few monuments, a picnic spot, statutes, and a visitor center as its main center of attraction. The national park is about an hour tour in total.   Why Was George Rogers Clark National Historical Park Built? George Rogers Clark National Park was built in the 1920s in memory of an American Colonel named George Rogers Clark, who captured Fort Sackville in 1779 and his army with help from French residents of the Illinois country. The capture of the fort guaranteed the United States a claim to the frontier, which is approximately an area as big as the original 13 states. The National Park is a memorial built to commemorate Clark’s success for his unmatchable success for the revolutionary war’s 150th anniversary. When you visit this national park’s visitor center, you will discover the fort’s history, how it was built, and how it felt living in the Pullman District. In addition, at the national park, you will be shown a 30-minute short film on the life of George Rogers Clark. Things To Do At The George Rogers Clark National Park A short walk around the nearby town of Vincennes will offer you the following things to do at this small Indiana national park: Dine at restaurants. Camping at Campgrounds. The Old Cathedral. State Historic Sites. Shops to shop. Antique Stores. There are particularly no campgrounds at George Rogers Clark National Park. But, visitors can find campgrounds for RV and tent camping at the Ouabache Trails Park, located in Vincennes.  Space For Pets: Your leashed pets can accompany you on the walkways around the Memorial and the visitor center, but their entry inside any buildings is strictly prohibited. Operating Hours: The park is open for visitors on all seven days of the week. At the same time, it is closed on most of the federal holidays except Independence Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Timings for the Park District: George Rogers Clark Memorial is from 09:00 am to 04:45 pm on demand. Weather At The Park: The weather inside the national park is very much typical for the Midwest. Summer months can be hot and humid, and winters quite cool. Entrance Fees To The Park: For a George Rogers Clark National Park tour, there is no entrance fee charged.  The Visitors Centers To Visit: This Indiana national park has one visitor center with the same name as the national park. This center has a small exhibit area. You will be shown a short 30-minute introductory movie titled “Long Knives,” which tells about the backstory of George Rogers Clark and his military campaign. No drinks or food are allowed at the visitor center or Memorial. Services offered here are charging stations, restrooms, bookstores, and drinking fountains. 3. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial:  In the southern part of Indiana and Lincoln City, you will find the third Indiana national park, named Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. This is where former President Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood before becoming the 16th President of the United States of America. Operating Hours Of The Lincoln Boyhood National Park: All visitors are allowed to tour the national park grounds and visit all the outside areas daily, between sunrise and sunset. Once you arrive at the park, there are plenty of things that you can do, such as two miles of trails, watching the sculptured panels on the outside of the Lincoln Memorial Visitor Center, visiting the Cabin-Site Memorial, the Pioneer Cemetery, and the Living Historical Farm. Unfortunately, the park is closed on almost all federal holidays. Weather At The Park: The climate in Southern Indiana is moderate, with a touch of warmness and moistness. The summers are warmer and winters cooler. It rains the most during Spring. Visitor Center At The Park: The Lincoln Boyhood park has a Memorial Visitor Center built in 1943 with two memorial halls and a connecting cloister. In the Memorial Court, you will find the works of E.H. Daniels and five sculptured panels that mark significant periods in Abraham Lincoln’s life. Taking a tour of the whole Memorial will take up to 30 to 60 minutes. There is also an orientation film shown at the visitor center every half an hour from 08:00 am to half an hour before the day’s closing. The Museum artifacts and exhibits speak about Abraham Lincoln’s life.  This national park is all about Lincoln’s family, boyhood, and frontier life in this Indiana national park area. During summers, the visitor center is open on all seven days from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm except for the federal holidays. And, at the time of the Fall season, the timings are 07:00 am to 03:00 pm. Place For Pets At The Park: Visitors are permitted to bring in their pets inside the park, but with certain restrictions. The pets must be restrained at all times on a leash, which should not be longer than six feet in length.  The pets are only allowed on the 2 miles of hiking trails and roads in the park and barred from entering public buildings. Things You Can Do At The Park: It will take at least two hours to complete a tour of the whole park. The indoor activities at the park include: Watching the Park Film at the Memorial, titled Forging Greatness and Lincoln in Indiana, which is 14 minutes in length. Paying a visit at the Lincoln in Indiana Museum, which would take around 15 to 30 minutes. The outdoor activities include: Hike the Trail of Twelve Stones, a type of front-country hiking of 20 minutes. Hike the Boyhood Trail, which is another front-country hike of 10 to 15 minutes. Visiting the Lincoln Living Historical Fa, you'll find a re-created homestead with outbuildings, log cabins, field crops, gardens, livestock, and split rail fences.  For kids of 05 years and above, there is a Junior Lincoln Boyhood Ranger Program. Lincoln Spring, which is an obscure waterway. The entry to the Lincoln Boyhood Indiana national park is free. 4. Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail:  The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is nearly 4,900 miles long, starting from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Columbia River mouth, which is near the present-day Astoria, Oregon. This Indiana national park follows the historic incoming and outgoing routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition along with the preceding section initiating from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the Wood River in Illinois. This Trail connects 16 U.S. States and many Tribal lands. Today, visitors are allowed to explore the whole Trail using varied transportation methods and interpretive means, following the approximate route of the Corps of Discovery, i.e. Lewis and Clark Expedition Members.  Places To Visit In Lewis And Clark National Park:  Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Centers and Museums: At Lewis and Clark Historic Trail Museums and Visitor Centers and Cultural Centers, visitors can learn more about the expedition and experience blissful and diversified landscapes and communities on the Trail. Directions To The National Park: You will find the Lewis and Clark Indiana national park visitor center inside the DOI, National Park Service. Weather At The Park: The summers are sweltering, so you must drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen when stepping out for a tour of the Trail. The winters are icy, with ice settling on trails and sidewalks. Since this Trail covers 16 U.S. states, you must watch the weather prediction of the state you are planning to visit. The Final Thoughts We hope that the above comprehensive guide on Indiana national parks is a one-stop solution and a valuable guide for you if you plan a trip to any of the four national parks and trails. From serenity to beautiful natural landscapes, from magnificent and ancient monuments to rare species of animals, you will find every part of each of the four national parks surprising. More Resources: A Guide To National Parks In Georgia – Latest Guide 8 Best Bachelor Party Destinations To Visit In 2021 A Guide To National Parks In Michigan – Latest Guide 2021