8 Best Towns In Indiana For A Two-Day Recharge

The summer may end soon, but that should not stop you from planning a weekend getaway! And if you live in Indiana, you will be happy to know that plenty of adorable towns are perfect for rest before heading back to school or the office. The following eight towns offer lakeside dining, Amish bakeries, and lively weekend festivals, giving you the perfect chance to enjoy life beyond the nine-to-five.

Michigan City

Located along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, Michigan City is one of the best destinations in Indiana for a lakeside vacation. Washington Park & Beach is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon, featuring 140 acres of parkland, two miles of beach, the state’s only working lighthouse, and a relaxed pier. If you are still looking for Labor Day weekend plans, consider visiting Michigan City during its annual Oktoberfest between August 29th and September 1st, with 50 performers on three different stages. The Bridge Inn is a convenient place to lodge for the weekend, located right on the Trail Creek Waterway, near Washington Park, restaurants, museums, and more.

Shipshewana

Shipshewana and LaGrange County are home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States, making it a wonderful travel destination for those wanting to disconnect from the city and enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days. Travelers can start their day with breakfast from the Blue Gate Bakery, which serves handmade Amish goods like pies, cookies, jams, and jellies. Afterward, enjoy a buggy ride through town with Buggy Lane Tours, which offers a variety of tour experiences. Some tour options even take travelers to local horse and dairy farms for the afternoon! At the end of the day, head to the Morton House, a local inn in the heart of town, within walking distance of numerous bakeries and shops.

Madison

Sitting along the banks of the Ohio River, travelers will find Madison, known for its historic architecture and nearby waterfalls. Travelers interested in exploring its architectural scene should visit Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, a national historic landmark that wonderfully exemplifies Greek Revival architecture. Clifty Falls State Park is another town’s most visited attraction, known for its seasonally evolving waterfalls, the rugged Clifty Canyon, and fossil remnants along Clifty Creek. There are several charming local inns along Main Street to check out, such as Iron Gate Inn Bed & Breakfast, which is housed in a 1840 Federal Mansion.

Porter

Porter is about 20 minutes southwest of Michigan City, a town often used as a basecamp for exploring Indiana Dunes National Park. Travelers can easily spend the weekend exploring the park, which features over 50 miles of trails that wind through dunes, prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. Following a day outdoors, hungry travelers can return to town and grab a bite at the Village Tavern Bar and Grill, which serves burgers, ribs, sandwiches, and other pub fare. Spring House Inn is an excellent place to spend the night. It is situated near the dunes and features 50 rooms with an Old World-style atmosphere.

Ferdinand

Home to the Ferdinand State Forest, Ferdinand has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Covering 900 acres and featuring several lakes, some of the most popular activities in the forest include picnicking, fishing, boating, and swimming. There are also 57 primitive campsites for those who want to spend the night outdoors! If you prefer to spend the night with more modern amenities, you will also find several hotels in town. The Comfort Inn offers an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast each morning. Families will also enjoy a day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, just a 10-minute drive south of Ferdinand, which has numerous holiday-themed amusement rides along with water coasters, a wave pool, and plenty of food vendors.

Winona Lake

For a lakeside vacation that is a little more under the radar than Lake Michigan, consider a trip to Winona Lake. This lakeside town has plenty of ways to enjoy nature, with Winona Lake Limitless Park being the perfect place to start. This lakeside park features many amenities, including a swimming area, beach, splashpad, playground, tennis courts, and more. Travelers can spend an afternoon on the Winona Lake Heritage Trail, a paved path that winds through the Village at Winona and features numerous sculptures. For dinner with a view, head to the Boathouse Restaurant around sunset, which is located on the lake and serves fish, chicken, beef, and more. Retire for the evening at the Chestnut House Bed & Breakfast, which is set in a gorgeous, early 20th-century Princess Anne-style home.

Clarksville

As one of the oldest towns in the Northwest Territory, Clarksville is filled with historical parks and landmarks. Falls of the Ohio State Park is an extremely popular park for history lovers, home to some of the world's most extensive exposed Devonian-era fossil beds. Along the banks of the Ohio River, travelers can visit Lewis and Clark Park, which features a historical marker commemorating the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition and the area’s role in recruiting and training members for it. Cool off on a hot day at The Widow's Walk Ice Creamery, which is also situated on the riverbanks and serves 20 flavors of ice cream. The Radisson Hotel Louisville North is located in the heart of town and is just a five-minute drive from the Falls of the Ohio State Park, making it a great place to spend the night.

Goshen

With its small-town festivals, cafes, and local inns, Goshen has a small-town charm unlike any other in Indiana. On the first Friday of every month, the town hosts a First Friday block party, with upcoming block parties including an Oktoberfest-style Bexbach Bash on September 5th and the Harvest Festival on October 3rd. Cozy cafes and boutiques line the streets, with Canelé Café being a great place to start the morning, serving fresh housemade bread, pastries, soups, sandwiches, and more. Visitors can relax for the evening at the Inn on South Fifth, which is housed in a quaint 1887 brick house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Getting caught up in the daily grind and forgetting to enjoy the little things is easy. If you have been thinking about a weekend trip, let this article be your sign: There are plenty of small towns nearby where you can escape! Towns like Michigan City, Winona Lake, and Porter are great if you want to be close to the water. At the same time, other destinations, like Madison and Clarksville, are filled with historical attractions to explore. So pull out your calendar and get ready to plan an unforgettable weekend away!