Indianapolis is near several other big cities, small towns, and beautiful scenery. Many highways go through the area, so it’s easy to reach a great place for a relaxing weekend. You can go on a fun trip without having to use your vacation days. Here are some of the best weekend getaways near Indianapolis.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus, Indiana, is about two and a half hours south of Indianapolis. The Christmas theme makes this city ideal for kids, and it’s open all year. Holiday World has an exciting wooden roller coaster, and TripAdvisor called Splashin’ Safari one of the top three water parks in the nation. Visitors to both parks can enjoy free soft drinks, Wi-Fi, sunscreen, and parking. Kids can also look at more than 2,800 specialty items at Santa’s Toys.
At the Santa Claus Museum & Village, you can write a letter to Santa, learn about the history of the town, and see a variety of antique toys and dolls. There’s also a 22-foot Santa statue. Adults will enjoy visiting the Monkey Hollow winery and distillery. You can explore the vineyards and sample a variety of wines and spirits.
Columbus
Columbus, Indiana, is about 45 minutes south of Indianapolis. It has a three-story children’s museum, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and a variety of interesting buildings. You can take a guided tour of some of the city’s most beautiful homes, or you can use your smartphone to find impressive architecture on your own. There are lots of places to eat in the area, including Taku Japanese Steakhouse, Fresh Take Kitchen, and Lucabe Coffee Co. You can even see hundreds of varieties of popcorn at Not Just Popcorn, Etc.
Mill Race Park is a 65-acre waterfront park with an 84-foot observation tower, a covered bridge, and a playground. It’s a great place to go fishing or take some scenic photos.
Madison
Madison, Indiana, is about an hour and a half away. It has scenic roads, antique shopping, art galleries, wineries, and historic sites. Clifty Falls State Park is a popular place for speed boat tours. At the Overture Center for the Arts, you can see family entertainment, opera, musicals, dance, art exhibitions, and more. You can also relax at one of the many spas in the area or go for a peaceful hike or bike ride.
Michigan City
Michigan City is on the shores of Lake Michigan, about three hours away from Indianapolis. It’s the location of Indiana Dunes National Park, and there are more than 50 miles of trails. You can explore beautiful dunes, sandy beaches, scenic wetlands, peaceful forests, prairies, and more. It’s an excellent place for bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, biking, and more. The area has lots of shopping, breweries, wineries, and restaurants as well.
These are just some of the great places to visit near Indianapolis. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, an educational outing, or some relaxation, you can find it close by. Something new and interesting is available in any direction.
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