5 Unique Indiana Weekend Getaway Ideas
Are you looking for Indiana weekend getaway ideas? Have you found yourself asking “Where should I go for a weekend getaway?” If you live near Indianapolis (or anywhere in the Midwest), then I’ve got 5 unique, fun, and cheap Indiana weekend getaway ideas perfect for families or couples. Ready for the fun?
1. Fun in Franklin, IN
Franklin, Indiana is a short drive from Indianapolis, so it’s the perfect weekend getaway if you hate to drive! Franklin has delicious local restaurants (love Richard’s Brick Oven), lots of fun family activities, and an adorable downtown.
Make sure to arrive on a night that the Artcraft is showing a movie – you don’t want to miss this local treasure. If you have kids who love to swim, the Franklin Family Aquatic Center has plenty to keep them entertained. On your way out of town, take the time to stop at the Hoosier Cupboard Candy store for homemade ice cream and treats for the short drive home.
For more details on all the great things to do in Franklin, check out this series of blog posts: Friday Night Fun in Franklin, Farm Animal Yoga and Downtown Dining and Exploring and Enjoying Franklin, IN
Bumming around Batesville, IN
There is so much to do in Batesville, IN that a weekend may not be enough time to do it all! You’ll want to start your weekend getaway by checking into The Sherman – I don’t think you’ll find a hotel quite like it anywhere else in Indiana. In addition to the hotel, you’ll want to find time to visit the Biergarten as well as enjoy at least one meal at the Circa 1852 Restaurant. So yummy!
Batesville is also home to several eclectic shops as well as a wonderful coffee shop. Just outside of town is a winery – always an enjoyable stop on a weekend adventure. Plan to spend at least a few hours at nearby Versailles State Park to get your outdoor fix.
If Batesville sounds like the weekend getaway for you, check out this post: Batesville Indiana Fun! for more info on The Sherman and downtown Batesville.
3. Warsaw – a weekend trip for girlfriends OR families
Warsaw, IN makes a perfect weekend getaway for a group of girls OR for families. If you’ve never tried a salt cave before, grab a delicious latte at the connecting coffee shop and spend an hour relaxing in a Himalayan Salt Cave. It’s a truly unique experience. Just down the street is the headquarters for MudLove – a fun and funky store that sells bracelets, mugs, and other fun items.
2023 UPDATE: The salt cave and MudLove storefront are closed, but there are PLENTY of other fun things to do in the area.
Warsaw has several tasty local restaurants, a lovely garden to explore, AND the nearby Village of Winoa on Winoa Lake – perfect for a day on or near the water.
Ready for the perfect itinerary for a weekend in Warsaw? Check out Starting the Weekend off Right!
4. Year-Round Fun in Northern Indiana
Pokagon State Park is a perfect weekend getaway any time of the year, but in the winter you’ll get to enjoy something truly unique. The park hosts a refrigerated toboggan run. It is quite exhilarating to whoosh down the run on a wooden toboggan at up to 30 miles an hour!
The State Park itself is lovely and has the wonderful Potawatomi Inn that makes the ideal base for a weekend stay. Nearby Angola has a darling downtown, well worth a visit. If you like wineries, there are several within a few miles of the park. There is even a Buffalo Farm nearby. This area of Indiana has plenty of interesting things to do for a full family weekend getaway!
Get the full scoop on all this corner of Indiana has to offer at An Overnight at Pokagon and 5 Fun Things to do in the Winter near Pokagon State Park.
5. A nature lover’s weekend getaway at McCormick’s Creek State Park
Just a little over an hour south of Indianapolis is the oldest state park in Indiana, McCormick’s Creek State Park. The Canyon Inn at the Park is a wonderful choice for an overnight adventure. You’ll have access to all the park amenities as well as some terrific hiking.
The nearby town of Spencer is in the midst of an exciting revitalization. Be sure to stop there for your morning coffee and a walk around the square. On your way back to Indy, make a pit stop at Owen Valley Winery to enjoy a tasting and pick up a few bottles to enjoy later while reminiscing on your weekend away.
Ready for a Perfect Day In Spencer?
There are dozens of other wonderful weekend getaways in Indiana, so I hope I’ve just begun to get you planning some exciting weekend trips for your family. If you are looking for more things to do in Indiana, be sure to check out my Explore Indiana post, where I’ll eventually highlight a fun way to spend a day (or more) in every county in Indiana.