There’s just something special about celebrating the Fourth of July at an old-fashioned amusement park.
This year, we pointed the RV toward Indiana Beach in Monticello, Indiana, and it turned into one of those trips we’ll remember for a long time. Between the rides, the food, the fireworks, and spending time with members of the Road Crew, it felt like a perfect slice of Americana.
If you’ve never been to Indiana Beach, it’s a destination that’s been entertaining families since 1926. Sitting right along beautiful Lake Shafer, the park combines a classic boardwalk atmosphere with modern thrill rides, water attractions, arcades, live entertainment, and plenty of places to grab something good to eat.
One of the things I enjoyed most was simply walking the boardwalk. There’s always something happening. Roller coasters rumble overhead, kids are laughing, boats cruise across the lake, music fills the air, and everywhere you look people are making summer memories.
For thrill seekers, Indiana Beach has several roller coasters, including the famous Cornball Express, the historic Hoosier Hurricane, and plenty of rides for every age. If you’re looking to cool off during the summer heat, there are water rides and splash attractions that are perfect on a hot July afternoon.
The midway is packed with games, shops, snack stands, and classic amusement park treats. Whether you’re craving a funnel cake, fresh-cut fries, lemonade, or ice cream, you’ll find plenty of options.
One thing that really makes Indiana Beach different is its lakeside setting. You don’t often find an amusement park built right along the water. Watching boats come and go while enjoying the rides gives the park a unique charm that you just don’t see very often anymore.
Our visit was made even better because we had the opportunity to meet several members of the BigRigTravels Road Crew. One of my favorite parts of traveling is getting to meet the people who have followed this journey over the years. We spent time talking, sharing stories, taking pictures, and simply enjoying the holiday together.
As evening arrived, excitement started building for the Fourth of July fireworks. We found a great viewing spot and watched the sky light up over Lake Shafer. Reflections danced across the water while families gathered all around us. It was one of those moments that reminds you why traveling is so rewarding.
During our stay, we also enjoyed watching the festive golf cart parade around the campground. Campers had decorated their carts with patriotic flags, lights, streamers, and plenty of red, white, and blue. It added another fun layer to an already great holiday weekend and really showed the community spirit that makes camping so enjoyable.
If you’re traveling by RV, Indiana Beach Campground makes it easy to stay close to all the action. Being able to walk over to the amusement park and return to the campground whenever you want is a huge convenience.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandkids, friends, or simply looking for a nostalgic getaway, Indiana Beach offers something for everyone. It’s not the biggest amusement park in America—but that’s part of its charm. It has personality, history, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s becoming harder to find these days.
