8 Coziest Indiana Towns To Visit In 2025
The coziest places tend to be hidden away in unexpected places. One such place is the Midwestern state of Indiana. Due to the many roads that cross through the state, it has a reputation of being a fly-over state, but it also has many relaxing destinations that are perfect for anyone to slow down. Within these towns, you can explore the largest historic district, enjoy a beer in a monastery, gaze at one of the largest domes in the world, or visit an inn in a ghost town. From the lakeside charm of Winona Lake to the peaceful countryside of Shipshewana, there’s a cozy corner waiting for everyone. Here are the eight coziest Indiana towns to visit in 2025.
Winona Lake
This peaceful lake town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Nestled just outside Warsaw in North Central Indiana, Winona Lake invites visitors to slow down and soak in its tranquil setting. Start your day at Limitless Park, Beach & Splashpad, where you can swim, play, or rent a canoe to paddle along the calm waters. The paved Heritage Trail winds along the shoreline, perfect for a breezy walk or bike ride through nature.
Along the trail, you’ll find The Village at Winona, a delightful shopping district filled with unique boutiques like Luxe Studio & Boutique and Nine Pines Apothecary, as well as cozy cafes. For those seeking a spiritual touch, stroll past the Beatitude statues lining the path or visit the Billy Sunday Home Museum to learn about the famed evangelist. When it’s time to rest, the Chestnut House Bed & Breakfast offers a warm and inviting place to stay.
Madison
Madison is the epitome of a historic river town. It was a major steamboat center on the Ohio River in the 1800s, which led to an explosion of Victorian style architecture, much of which is still standing today in the largest historic districts in Indiana. Many of these are open for visitors from the magnificent Greek Revival Lanier Mansion to the three-story brick Eleutherian College, founded by Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society in 1848. If you're up for a hike, go see limestone waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park, or if you need a place to relax with the kids, go to the Playhouse Café, which offers coffee and an indoor playground for the kids to stay entertained while you chat. If you need a good hotel, try out the affordable Hillside Inn.
French Lick
This small town is perfect for a comfortable stay in Indiana. That's because French Lick is home to some of the best hotels in Indiana. With the discovery of sulfur springs here in 1840, it sprang up as a major spa town with several luxurious hotels, including French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel. The latter was built in 1901 and was world famous for having one of the largest domes in the world at 200 feet. This palace of a hotel is certainly worth visiting, either to spend a few days or to tour its historic grounds. Take it easy in French Lick with laid-back activities like learning about Larry Bird, seeing the world's largest circus diorama at the French Lick West Baden Museum, or going for a gentle train ride through the woods with the French Lick Scenic Railway. You can also spend a great day fishing, hiking, or relaxing by the water at nearby Patoka Lake, an 8,800-acre reservoir.
Aurora
This small river town's name means the dawn in Latin. Aurora is located on the Ohio River on the southeastern edge of the state and has been nicknamed the "City of Spires" due to the wide range of historic churches in its downtown area. Today, this town is ideal for a fun day of gentle walks and exploration. For example, go see the beautiful 1855 Italian Renaissance style Hillforest Mansion, completed with arched windows, Victorian toys, clothes, and furnishings, and well-informed tour guides. After seeing this mansion, enjoy a relaxing hike by the riverside at Lesko Park, or go kayaking at Hogan Creek at Waterways Park. Lastly, don't forget to head downtown to curl up with a book and cup of coffee at Spire Book & Coffee Co. There are a few good chain hotels in the area, including DoubleTree by Hilton in nearby Lawrenceburg.
Jasper
The best towns have the richest culture, and Jasper is a shining example. Known as one of the largest centers for German American immigrants in Indiana, this town proudly celebrates its heritage. At the heart of this is the Dubois County Museum, the largest of its kind in the state. The museum features an impressive double log cabin and a full-scale recreation of Main Street as it appeared at the turn of the 20th century, offering an immersive look into the past.
Just outside town, the Monastery Immaculate Conception rises like a castle on a hill, with its beautiful medieval-style architecture. In town, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Parklands of Jasper, a lovely natural area filled with wetlands, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks near downtown. With its cultural richness and natural serenity, Jasper is a cozy place to unwind. Several chain hotels are available, including the Comfort Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jasper.
Vincennes
Vincennes is both the oldest founded town in Indiana and one of the most laid-back towns. Founded in 1732 by the French, it traded hands several times before finally being violently conquered by George Rogers Clark during the American Revolution. As a result, the town is home to the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, the largest Beaux-Arts style monument west of Washington, D.C. It also has some of the oldest buildings in Indiana, such as the Red House, the original territorial capital building, which was built in 1805 as a tailor shop. As mentioned above, Vincennes keeps a laid-back, fun-loving spirit with its Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy, which honors the laughter and life of comedian Red Skelton. Enjoy a fine morning at the Vincennes Bed and Breakfast during your stay.
Nashville
Nashville blends stunning natural landscapes with an inviting artisan culture, making it one of Indiana’s coziest and most picturesque small towns. At the heart of the experience is Brown County State Park, known for its rolling hills, forested trails, and scenic lakes. Whether you prefer hiking, horseback riding, or relaxing boat rides on Ogle Lake or Strahl Lake, the park provides plenty of peaceful ways to connect with nature.
The town itself is equally charming. Discover hidden gems like the Story Inn, a 19th-century hotel nestled in a ghostly ambience that still welcomes overnight guests, some say even haunted ones. The T.C. Steele Historic Site, tucked within the woods, showcases the life and works of one of Indiana’s most celebrated artists. Whether you’re staying at the historic Story Inn or relaxing at the Brown County Inn, Nashville is the kind of place where it’s easy to linger.
Shipshewana
With its strong Amish roots and welcoming atmosphere, Shipshewana offers a cozy step back in time. This northern Indiana town is home to one of the largest Amish communities in the country, and visitors are encouraged to experience their lifestyle through food, craftsmanship, and heartfelt hospitality. At Menno-Hof, explore exhibits on Amish and Mennonite history, including a recreated meeting house and a 17th-century transatlantic sailing ship.
Hungry? Head to the Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery for hearty, home-cooked meals and decadent pies. For a truly local experience, hop into a buggy with Buggy Lane Tours and explore the quiet countryside, or stroll or cycle the 17-mile Pumpkinvine Nature Trail that winds past farms and open fields. The Blue Gate Garden Inn, right next door to the restaurant, offers cozy accommodations with a personal touch.
Concluding Thoughts
Within these small towns, you can enjoy life at your own pace. Although many of them have wide open parks and natural wonders, you don't have to go on long hikes to see them all. You can enjoy impressionist art in the woods of Nashville or go for a buggy ride through the countryside of Shipshewana. And of course, with the many historic buildings, you can beat the elements by taking an indoor air-conditioned tour. These cozy towns are sure to delight any visitor, whether from Indiana or out of state.
