The Best Weekend Getaways in Indiana

With a biking trail, numerous craft breweries, fantastic restaurants, and a gorgeous campus, Bloomington is one of our favorite Indiana weekend getaways. There's always something going on in this college town!

Visitors can cozy up at Grant Street Inn, a Victorian B&B with a modern twist that's within walking distance of the university. On the charming property, guests enjoy homemade cookies at check-in, a delicious breakfast in the morning, and a big porch with rocking chairs to indulge in a glass of wine at the end of their busy day.

Upon arrival, go for a hike in Hoosier National Forest, visit a Buddhist Cultural Center, and drop by the glistening Monroe Lake. Then, travel into town for lunch at Cardinal Spirits, known for being Indiana's first Craft Distillery but making a name for itself with its delicious food pairings. After lunch, hit the B-Line Trail to walk or bike off some of those calories. The 3.1-mile path will take you through the heart of downtown Bloomington.

You have several options for dinner, including iconic Nick's English Hut, a staple in the community since 1927, Upland Brewing Company, a local favorite for craft beer and pub food, or Mother Bear's, named the best pizza in Indiana.

The next day is open to tour the beautiful Indiana University campus and grab a bite to eat at the Laughing Planet Cafe down the street for lunch. Finish the weekend at Oliver's Winery, ranked one of the best 25 wineries in the United States, just north of town.

Christmas in July? Suspender-wearing Santa himself flying down a waterslide? Yes, please.

The town of Santa Claus really exists and you can find it in southern Indiana. It's one of my top recommended weekend getaways in Indiana for families during the summer months.

Book a cabin at the Christmas-themed Lake Rudolph RV Resort and Campground. It is within walking distance of the main attraction for your visit, Holiday World Amusement Park and Splashin' Safari Water Park.

Not only do the parks have the world's longest water coaster and America's only launched winged coaster, but both parks offer free parking, soft drinks (Gatorade, coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and water), and sunscreen throughout both parks. Now that's impressive!

You'll also find a year-round Christmas store, horseback riding, miniature golf, a candy castle, and a Santa Claus Museum.

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Indianapolis is one of the perfect city weekend getaways in Indiana for families. A three-day family vacation isn't enough to cover all the area has to offer, but we will point you in the right direction to plan an unforgettable trip.

And that begins with sleeping in a historic train car. At the Crown Plaza Downtown, guests can book rooms in the original trains that used to steam in and out of Union Station over 100 years ago. The 273-room also has an indoor pool as is located close to many family attractions.

Introduce the kids to one of the coolest museums in the Midwest, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Good for all ages and entertains parents as well, the museum is huge so plan to spend an entire day here. Afterward, head over to the Old Spaghetti Factory to keep with the train theme where you can eat Italian food inside a railroad car.

If you have a need for speed, experience a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, or if no races are scheduled, take a tour of the Hall of Fame Museum located inside the track. Combine your visit with a meal at Mug N' Bun, a classic American drive-in.

A few other do-not-miss attractions is Connor Prairie Interactive History Park, the Indiana State House, White River Gardens, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Canal Walk.

Amish Country is one of the unique fun weekend trips near Indiana. Spend a weekend driving the Indiana Amish Country Heritage Trail, a 90-mile loop through multiple towns with quilt-designed murals and flower displays. Your road trip will take you to radiant gardens, artisan shops, a few craft breweries, and a bucolic bike ride through the countryside.

Begin your trip in Elkhart where you can pick up a Heritage Trail map. Explore downtown, take pictures next to the noteworthy murals, walk the grounds at the perfectly landscaped Wellfield Botanic Gardens, and visit the three-story Beaux-Arts Ruthmere Mansion. Here you'll also find Linton's Enchanted Gardens, Indiana's largest home and garden center. Don't skip this store, you'll be quite "enchanted" with the unforgettable experience.

The scenic drive will guide you to historic places like the Bonneyville Mill County Park, an 1880s flour mill, Krider Gardens, originally designed for the 1933 World's Fair, and the Old Bag Factory, built in 1896. And if you enjoy bike riding, the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail is worth an afternoon.

Stay in the heart of Amish Country at the highly-rated Blue Gate Garden Inn, in our favorite town on the trail, Shipshewana. The best attractions in the area include the huge outdoor Auction and Flea Market, the award-winning Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre, and the four-floor Davis Mercantile.

You could also combine this road trip with a visit to South Bend and Notre Dame College, another picturesque campus.

Looking for cabin getaways in Indiana? This Log Cabin in Southern Indiana is a great region to unwind and reconnect with nature. The cabin is a stone's throw away from Patoka Lake State Park which offers boating, hiking, wine cruises, kayaking, bike trails, fishing, and swimming. At Patoka Winery, also nearby, you can enjoy a wine tasting or a wine slushy.

If you don't want to rent a boat, you can get into the water at the state park. It has a wide sandy beach on the beautiful lake open to the public.

Not far away are two quaint towns, Jasper and French Lick, each worth a side trip. A unique way to explore both towns is to hop on The Spirit of Jasper Train, a fully restored vintage train that runs between them.

Dating back to 1845, the French Lick Resort is a lavish historic hotel known for its mineral springs and now is a destination in itself with a championship golf course, top-notch spa, and lively casino.

In Jasper, start at St. Joseph Catholic Church, a 140-year old beautiful church listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then take a short stroll along the river walk to see the Jasper City Grist Mill and Schaeffer Barn. Afterward, eat at The Schnitzelbank, Jasper's authentic, locally-owned German restaurant. Finish your visit, with a dessert from Chocolate Bliss.

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There's plenty of hiking and fall weekend getaways in Indiana, but Brown County State Park - the largest state park in Indiana with over 16,000 acres and more than 20 miles of hiking trails - is a trip worth taking. There are tree-lined roads, expansive views, and sparkling lakes. During the autumn season, the park explodes with deep reds, burnt oranges, and bright yellows.

Right next door you'll find, Yellowwood State Forest, offering colorful scenic drives and fall foliage hikes within its over 23,000 acres of trees. A popular trail we enjoy is the 4.5-mile Yellowwood Lake Trail, it loops around the lake through an old-growth forest.

For accommodations, choose between a rustic cabin or patio room at the Abe Martin Lodge inside the picturesque park, or booking at the Brown County Inn, situated in the must-visit lovely town of Nashville. Known as the Artist Colony of the Midwest, you'll find galleries and shops stacked with pottery, glass, wood creations, and stoneware. Make sure to check out Wooden Wonders.

There are many good restaurants and a few breweries to choose from in town including Big Woods at Hard Truth Hills, Indiana's largest destination craft distillery, OoeyGooey Cinnamon Rolls, a hidden gem on one of the side streets, or Brozinni's Pizza, a New York-style pizza joint.

When looking for a girlfriend mini vacation near Indiana, look no further than Hamilton County just minutes north of Indianapolis. Pack your bags, grab your favorite gal pal, and hit the road!

Book a room in the center of it all at the elegant Hotel Carmichael, located near the Arts and Design District of Carmel. Once situated, walk through downtown stopping at Peace Water Winery for a tasting, Silver in the City to peruse the unique Indiana-pride products, and the multiple art galleries to see why it's one of the Midwest's premier art destinations. Don't forget to take a few funny selfies with the 17 life-like statues displayed around Main Street.

Rent a bike and hit the Monon Trail, a 20+ mile paved rail-trail that's nice and flat. If you imbibe a little, make a detour at Union Brewing Company and Books & Brews. For dinner, hit up divvy, a chic eating establishment voted as one of “Indy’s 25 Best Restaurants” by Indianapolis Monthly. Pair a few diverse shared plates with a craft beer or a carafe of wine.

Other things to add to your itinerary include hiking at Strawtown Koteewi Park, breakfast or lunch at Rosie's Place, Hamilton County Historical Society’s Old Sheriff’s Residence, and County Jail, a show at the Center of Performing Arts, and so much more.

With wooden ladders, deep ravines, a suspension bridge, and forested trails, Turkey Run State Park is a natural outdoor playground.

For those who want a full nature-loving escape, consider a stay at the Turkey Run Inn & Cabins, connected to the park. It has an indoor pool and restaurant on the property making it a pleasant retreat.

Spend the weekend hiking in Indiana's oldest state park discovering natural arches and steep hollows. With the hilly and rocky terrain, most hikes are considered moderate to strenuous, but so worth it. If your adventure brings you to the area during the summer, rent a tube and float Sugar Creek, a scenic river that cuts through the park.

And if you're up for a drive, hit the country roads to find a few of the 98 historic covered bridges across the state. Parke County - where Turkey Run is - has 31 of them. A few favorites include Bridgeton Bridge and Neet Covered Bridge. Close to Bridgeton is Mansfield Roller Mill worth a detour as well. While you're out and about, stop in the small town of Rockville, where you'll find a friendly biker bar & restaurant, a winery in an old jailhouse, and an awesome donut shop.

College communities have so much to offer especially when the frost disappears and the warm weather ushers in. Lafayette and West Lafayette, home to Purdue University, is no exception. Spring is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway.

The newly renovated Purdue Union Club Hotel is just the spot for a home base during your stay. Not only is it in the middle of campus so it's a great location, but it also has comfortable digs and stellar restaurants.

Mix in a bit of old and new on your trip. Don't miss an indelible meal at the contemporary 8Eleven Bistro and classic Purdue restaurants like Triple XXX and Arni's. Try one or two of the five few breweries. And don't forget the attractions outside of the main district.

Prophetstown State Park, just minutes from downtown, features a mix of habitats including prairie, woodland, and wetlands. Within the park, you can hike, bike, observe wildlife, and swim at the Aquatics Center. Learn about the way of life for Native American Indiana tribes at the village and for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, book your trip around a Farm to Table Dinner offered every so often at the Farm at Prophetstown.

Spring also kicks off festival season. Since 1958 every April, the Purdue Grand Prix is held. The event is a big go-kart race but also has a parade, car show, and other activities. Another annual festival is the Round the Fountain Art Fair, a one-day art fair featuring up to 100 artists from around the nation held over Memorial Day Weekend.

As far as romantic cabin getaways in Indiana go, Serenity Springs offers a secluded escape to snuggle up with your significant other and get reacquainted.

The log cabins are nestled in a quiet area outside of Michigan City and are equipped with an indoor fireplace, outdoor firepit, sunken whirlpool, and a private deck with a grill.

To kick off the intimate vacation, you're delivered to your room via horse and carriage. Once you're tucked away in your room, you avoid interruption because every cabin has a "butler door.” The compartment is accessed from inside and outside so when something is brought to you like breakfast or a s'mores kit, a light alerts you of the special delivery.

Other romantic add-ons are offered like wine and cheese, champagne, rose petals, candies, and other customized packages. If you are looking for a peaceful romantic getaway in Indiana, Serenity Springs is it.

After nearly 100 years of trying, Indiana Dunes was finally designated Indiana Dunes National Park. The park runs for roughly 15 miles on the southern shore of the stunning Lake Michigan and has multiple access points making it a fantastic beach vacation getaway.

The 15,000-acre national park also offers over 50 miles of hiking trails through soaring dunes, meandering creeks, mellow marshlands, and tallgrass prairie. The 3 Dune Challenge is a great introduction to the desert-like area with breathtaking views. The 1.5-mile trail is short but challenging in the sand so bring plenty of water and be prepared to sweat! You'll conquer a trio of dunes topping two hundred feet above lake level: Mt. Tom, Mt. Holden, and Mt. Jackson.

On the eastern edge of the park, don't miss the five Century of Progress homes built for the 1933-34 World’s Fair in Chicago. The purpose of the historic homes was to speak to the future of architecture since that year's theme was technological innovation. They demonstrated creative designs, experimental materials, and ingenious technologies such as central air conditioning and dishwashers. 

Whether you're traveling as a couple or on a family vacation, book a room over at Riley's Railhouse Bed & Breakfast in the heart of adorable Chesterton. The unique Inn is inside the restored 1914 freight station and is a favorite among couples.

The small town has a few good eats so don't miss the Northside Diner and Food Truck for breakfast, The Original George's Gyros Spot for lunch, the Taproom for dinner, and the Dog Days Ice Cream Parlor for dessert.