10 Ideal Indiana Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2026
If you don't want to spend your next three day weekend at home, try posing with a giant shoe in New Castle, or recreating Christ's path to crucifixion in St. John. Indiana is full of cultural sites, outdoor fun, and historical significance, with plenty of options for filling up a vacation itinerary. Explore the preserved buildings in Richmond, spend time shopping in Plainfield, or cut into a prime steak in Crown Point. These ten Indiana towns are some of the top places to consider when planning your weekend getaway.
Crown Point
The small city of Crown Point offers plenty of fun activities to fill up your weekend itinerary, whether you want to take in historical sites or enjoy Indiana nature. Bulldog Park can be found close to downtown, with fun offerings through every season. In the summer, cool off in the splash pad, or stop by in the winter to take advantage of the ice rink. In addition to being a great place to spend a quiet afternoon, the park often hosts Crown Point festivals and events. The town is also home to a meadery, Manic Meadery, adding to its unique features. At Manic Meadery, you can try nearly any flavor of mead. They also serve wine and cider, but they don't have food options. If you are looking for a place to eat, consider stopping by Prime Steakhouse. This popular fine-dining option can be found on the historic downtown square. Visitors will find multiple hotel chains in the area, including Hampton Inn.
Avon
Avon is less than thirty minutes away from Indianapolis and can provide a more laid-back weekend destination compared to the nearby big city. Multiple well-known hotel chains call this town home, such as Comfort Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites. They offer a quiet place to relax at night after spending the day exploring. Avon has numerous options for spending time outside. Explore the more than five acres of plants and flowers at Avon Gardens, where visitors can learn about a variety of plants while strolling the pathways, or play a round of disc golf at Blue Heron Park. The park also features several walking trails, a pond to fish in, and outdoor ping pong tables. Ton80 Taphouse is a fun stop for visitors 21 or older. In addition to a classic pub menu, Ton80 provides free poker, darts, and karaoke.
Plainfield
Another town just a short drive from Indianapolis is Plainfield. This small city is home to around 35,000 people, and it offers plenty for visitors to enjoy. Some of the town's top entertainment can be found at Hendricks Live! This venue boasts a range of live entertainment each performance season. They host signature concert series and productions from local arts partners. If your weekend visit is during the summer months, make sure to cool off at Splash Island. This waterpark provides plenty of family fun, including a lazy river and several water slides. Day passes are available, and you can even rent a cabana for the entire family. Find plenty of shopping opportunities at The Shops at Perry Crossing. This 74-acre outdoor shopping center features restaurants, bars, shops, and a movie theater. There is enough at The Shops to keep you busy for an entire weekend. There are plenty of hotels in the area, including well-known chains like Hampton Inn.
Richmond
When you explore Richmond's historical side, you get up close with Indiana history too. This city, home to around 36,000 residents, was deemed a Preserve America Community almost twenty years ago in 2007. Richmond's past is intertwined with the past of the entire country. Its position on the Whitewater River provides plenty of scenic views to enjoy too. The city features 14 historic districts, and the Richmond Historic Auto Tour is a great way to experience them. The two-hour tour, originally released with a map and audio CD and now available online, takes guests by a range of Richmond's historical buildings. If you really want to immerse yourself in Indiana history, schedule your visit to coincide with the annual Pioneer Harvest Festival. Around 2,000 visitors have typically turned out to enjoy historical reenactments and see traditional crafts. If you want to do some shopping over the weekend, consider visiting the stores at Antique Alley. This collection of antique stores has plenty of unique trinkets and vintage gifts to browse. It's known as one of the top antique shopping destinations in the state. There are plenty of accommodations, including motels and B&Bs. For an artistic bed and breakfast experience, consider Monét's Garden Suite in nearby Cambridge City.
Jasper
Jasper is one of the smallest Indiana towns on this list, with just around 16,000 people living here. Despite the small size, it is full of heritage sites, cultural attractions, and fun activities. In the Old Jasper District, step straight into Indiana's past. In this historic district you can find The Spirit of Jasper Train Depot. The depot is a replica of one from 1906, featuring memorabilia, authentic roll-top tables, and an old-fashioned ticket window. The train ran in the past but was parked for the 2026 season due to issues with maintenance and the train track. Not far from the depot, explore the scenic views of the Jasper Riverwalk. The paved trail runs along the Patoka River, cutting through wooded areas and open spaces. It is a little over two miles long, providing a great way to enjoy Indiana nature. Grab a classic Jasper lunch at Jasper Pub 'N' Grub, a pub restaurant known for unique burgers like the PB&J Burger and the Big Texas Melt. The full menu features wings, ribs, brisket, and more. There are several hotels in the area, including Super 8 and the Jasper Inn, ensuring you have plenty of accommodation options during your weekend visit.
Munster
The town of Munster has a deep history with roots tracing back to the Potawatomi people. Before the town existed, travelers often used a trail now known as Ridge Road. This road allowed pioneers to eventually settle in the area, and it grew into a railroad and farming community. Today, Munster has a reputation as one of Indiana's most desirable communities. One of the town's top destinations is The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Each season includes a range of stage plays, concerts, stand-up shows, and various other performances. The Community Veterans Memorial is one of the best stops in town for enjoying the outdoors. The park spans 6.5 acres, featuring green spaces and several life-size sculptures. These monuments reflect on the military conflicts of the 20th century. The Hampton Inn and Suites in Munster is a relaxing and pet-friendly accommodation option. Guests can take advantage of a complimentary breakfast and an on-site pool.
Franklin
The historic town of Franklin is full of fun activities to fill up any weekend. The downtown area is known for hosting lively festivals and gatherings, like Porchtober each October and the Holiday Open House in November. Porchtober happens during the first four Saturdays in October, featuring free live music on some of the porches downtown. Each night features two porch locations, with music from 5 to 7 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. The Holiday Open House takes place over three days in November. Dozens of downtown businesses take part in the shopping event. Shoppers can even enter to win gift cards to spend at many of the same local stores that participate. Visitors looking to spend time inside during a weekend trip will want to check out the unique mini-bowling experience at 10 Pins. This experience uses smaller pins and balls. Guests can enjoy snacks, beer, and wine while playing. After a full day in Franklin, relax at a hotel like Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Lebanon
While fewer than 20,000 people call Lebanon home, there are plenty of fun things to do in this small Indiana town. The downtown scene features annual events and festivals, but there are also plenty of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. During the warmer months, visitors can catch the Boone County Summer Fest, a two-day event full of family fun, live music, and local vendors. It's a great experience for visitors and residents of all ages. Honor Lebanon's Native American heritage by attending the Traditional Pow Wow. The event features authentic cultural displays, music, dancing, and immersive celebration for a day full of family fun. For a sweet treat, swing by Donaldson's Finer Chocolates. This local favorite has been serving chocolate made the old-fashioned way since 1966. The shop also offers a selection of sugar-free options. There are multiple budget-friendly hotel options in Lebanon, including Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn.
St. John
The small town of St. John is about 35 miles from downtown Chicago. In addition to easy access to big-city amenities, St. John itself is full of fun attractions to enjoy, including more than twenty city parks. Homestead Acres Park includes walking trails, picnic tables, and a playground. Lake Hills Park has many of the same features as Homestead, but also includes a fishing pier and an amphitheater. The Shrine of Christ's Passion is one of the most well-known attractions in St. John. This multimedia experience depicts Jerusalem in Indiana. It features 40 life-size bronze sculptures in garden spaces and allows visitors to walk the path with Christ to his crucifixion. There are several hotels just a short drive from the center of town, such as the Best Western Crossroads Inn in nearby Schererville.
New Castle
New Castle is known for having a welcoming community and friendly atmosphere. It's a hub of culture and history in east-central Indiana, set on the Big Blue River. It's close to Summit Lake State Park, allowing residents and visitors alike to take part in a range of outdoor activities. The park is a great place for hiking, biking, and fishing. There is even a campground for those who want to sleep under the stars during their weekend trip. One of the most interesting parts of New Castle is the fact that visitors can find two Giant Sneaker monuments in different parts of town. One of them stands outside the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, a must-see attraction for any sports fan. The Hall of Fame celebrates basketball history in the state and honors Indiana players and teams. In 2024, new interactive exhibits were added to the nearly 21,000-square-foot museum to really bring basketball to life. The second Giant Sneaker in New Castle sits outside the Steve Alford All-American Inn. The hotel is one of the town's most well-known accommodation options, providing free parking and high-speed internet for guests.
A Weekend In Indiana
No matter what brings you to Indiana for a weekend trip, there are plenty of cities and towns to consider. This list features some of the best destinations to visit in the state, whether you want to relax in the great outdoors or dive deep into history. Annual events in Lebanon and Franklin, heritage sites in Richmond and Jasper, and quirky landmarks in New Castle mean there is a destination for everyone in Indiana.
