8 Weekend Getaways in Indiana | Best End-of-Summer Road Trip

The calendar is doing that thing again — the one where July glances over its shoulder, sees August gaining on it, and starts sprinting toward Labor Day. But before pumpkin spice and busy school schedules take over, there’s still time for one more Hoosier road trip. So, here are eight weekend getaways in Indiana. They are the kind of places where the toughest decision is whether to hike or ride the roller coaster first. Pack your bags, download a playlist, and let’s go.

French Lick and West Baden Springs

Tucked into the hills in southern Indiana, French Lick and its neighbor West Baden Springs feel like stepping into a postcard from a century ago — but with all the 21^st century updates. The West Baden Springs Hotel atrium was once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Standing beneath that enormous dome, you’ll understand why. Go horseback riding at The Stables at French Lick Resort, hit the links on a world-class golf course, or let the little ones burn off energy on the resort grounds and walking trails.

Patoka Lake

Within easy reach of Jasper, Patoka Lake is Indiana’s second-largest reservoir and a paradise for those who like their vacations a little on the wet side. Rent a pontoon, cast a line, relax on the beach, or tag along with a naturalist to spot bald eagles and river otters. It’s the kind of place where cell phones can lose signal, but nobody minds one bit.

Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari

Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to one of the most beloved family parks in the country. Holiday World serves up world-class wooden coasters like The Voyage, a brand-new family coaster, and an entire water park next door. On top of that, there’s free parking, free sunscreen, and free unlimited soft drinks. (Go ahead, read that last part again. It’s real.) The park is spotlessly clean with genuinely friendly staff, so bring the whole crew and enjoy the day.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

A few minutes from Santa Claus, this quieter stop is where a young Abraham Lincoln grew up from ages 7 to 21. Wander the working pioneer homestead, watch costumed interpreters split rails and tend the gardens, and stroll the peaceful woodland trails. It’s history that sneaks up on you. The kids will learn something and won’t even notice they’re doing it.

Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill in Mitchell, Indiana, is a two-for-one wonder. First, there’s the restored 1800s Pioneer Village with a working gristmill that still grinds cornmeal today. Then there’s the underground boat tour through Twin Caves, gliding past blind cavefish in the cool dark. Space fans shouldn’t miss the Grissom Memorial honoring astronaut Gus Grissom — a legendary Hoosier who literally reached for the stars.

Brown County State Park and Nashville

Indiana’s largest state park earns its nickname, “the Little Smokies,” with rolling forested hills, scenic overlooks, and miles of trails. Just outside the gates, the artsy village of Nashville is packed with candy shops, craft studios, and enough homemade fudge to fuel the drive home. It’s a leaf-viewing legend come fall, but late summer means smaller crowds and welcome shade.

Turkey Run State Park

If you like a little adventure, Turkey Run delivers. Its sandstone canyons, ladder trails, and creek crossings make for a genuinely fun scramble (waterproof shoes strongly encouraged). Pair that with the historic covered bridges of surrounding Parke County — the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World” — and you’ve got a weekend that feels part hike, part treasure hunt.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Feel like really getting away? Up north, where Indiana meets Lake Michigan, the Dunes offer 15 miles of sandy shoreline and towering hills of sand practically begging to be climbed (and rolled back down). You can splash in the surf, hike trails and watch the Chicago skyline shimmer across the water at sunset. Who needs an ocean?

Travel worry-free

Here’s the thing about all these adventures: they’re more relaxing when you’re not wondering whether you locked the back door. That’s where we come in.

With Smithville Smart Home Security, you know your home is protected with 24/7 professional monitoring. You can keep an eye on things from a canyon trail, a beach blanket, or the front seat of a scenic railway — all right from your phone. So go ahead and stay that extra day. Home is handled.

Wherever this last stretch of summer takes you, we hope it’s full of the good stuff: memory-makers, sandy shoes and stories worth retelling once the leaves begin to fall.

Safe travels, Indiana friends. See you out there.