It’s 2022. After canceled plans and travel delays due to the coronavirus, Americans are ready to hit the road this summer.
But what is this? Can a gallon of gas cost you $5 or more? Flight prices are rising?
Looks like the summer trip is going to be a big hit in the wallet. But if you still want to get out of town, there are a few options that will allow you to relax while sticking to a budget.
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Sure, cities like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati are close by, but there are plenty of great travel destinations in Hoosier.
Here are some options for relaxing this summer while staying close to home.
Indianapolis Residences
Who does not like accommodation? All the relaxation on vacation without having to take your stuff to the airport, or deal with canceled flights or a traffic stop.
The Bottleworks Hotel, located at 850 Massachusetts Avenue Suite 100, was recently named one of the “Best New Hotels” in the world by Trip Advisor at the annual Traveler’s Choice Awards “Best of the Best”. The hotel is a local option for a great vacation experience within Indianapolis.
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The hotel has many facilities, including the Woodhouse Spa located inside the building, restaurants and entertainment in the entire Bottleworks district.
Far from downtown, Ironworks Hotel, 2721 E. 86th St. A luxury industrial haven for locals and travelers alike.
There are also several public pools and water parks within a few miles of Indianapolis, including Waterpark in Carmel, Splash Island in Plainfield, and more. You can find more public pools and aquatic centers here: bit.ly/3mS7G8g.
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Day trips in Indiana
Nashville
Channel the wood artist in you in the city that’s known to be part of the historic Hoosier Art Colony in Brown County. The quaint city has a lot to love, including Brown County State Park for hiking, camping, and fishing.
There are also plenty of places to shop, eat, watch the arts, and have fun.
Shipshewana
This charming town in northern Indiana is home to a vibrant Amish community. The popular Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market, which prides itself on being the largest flea market in the Midwest, is a must when it’s open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
There are also plenty of unique Amish experiences, such as riding a buggy, buggy, quilting bee, or more.
Shipshewana has many local places to eat and stay, including the local Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery, where you can enjoy Amish meal and home-style baked goods.
Shipshewana is also the birthplace of the award-winning Rise’n Roll bakery. In 2001, a young Amish couple began selling baked goods from their back porch, and eventually, the first Rise’n Roll bakery opened in neighboring Middlebury in 2004.
Bloomington
A true day trip just over an hour away, Bloomington has great meals and tons to offer.
Explore the Indiana University campus, spend a day at one of the city’s three lakes or just enjoy the city’s vibrant and vast dining scene.
There’s also Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market, a popular Saturday destination, as well as a downtown plaza with plenty of local shopping options.
If you’re up for staying the night, there’s also the Stranger Things Suite at the Graduate Hotel. Visit before the last two episodes of Season 4 drop on July 1, if availability permits.
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If you’re driving from Indianapolis, skip the I-69 continuation and take I-65 south through Johnson County and take State Route 46 through Brown County. It’s a little longer, but offers a chance to stop at the Edinburgh Outlet Mall and Nashville’s convenience stores on the way!
Columbus
The city is famous in Indiana and beyond for being Architectural and Technical. Just over 40 miles south of Indianapolis, it’s worth a visit for its unique buildings alone. The city features the work of famous architects such as Eero and Eliel Saarinen.
There are many tours about the city’s impressive architecture, which you can book here: columbus.in.us/tour-options/#tour-app. For $25 a person, you can tour the historic Miller House and Garden for an up-close look at mid-century modern style and architecture.
There is also a vibrant public art scene in Columbus. See the guide here: columbus.in.us/public-art/.
Santa Clause
It’s always Christmas, even in July, in this southwest Indiana city.
Perhaps the most popular attractions are Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari amusement park, where there is always a celebration of some sort.
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The park is located at 452 E. Christmas Boulevard. While prices will vary, a day pass for a specific date is $49.99 online, and kids 3 and younger can enter for free. You can buy tickets here: bit.ly/3NUw70T.
For more information about Holiday World, visit the website: holidayworld.com.
Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
The Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort is located in northwest Indianapolis in Monticello. The water parks and amusement parks are located at 5224 E. Indiana Beach Rd.
A single daily ticket for people 4 feet (48 inches) or taller is $39.99, and for people 4 feet and under, it’s $29.99. For people 60 and older, the price is $19.99.
For more information on the park and seasonal cards, visit Indianabeach.com.
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The great outdoors
Go out this summer! Indiana offers many locations to enjoy the great outdoors. Just be sure to pack water, sunscreen, and insect spray.
Brown County State Park
While the popular destination is at 1801 Indiana State Rd. 46 E. In Nashville, it’s known for its fall foliage, and there’s plenty to offer in the summer, too.
There is a daily admission fee of $7 for cars with Indiana license plates and $9 for cars with out-of-state license plates, plus a $2 fee for pedestrians, cyclists, or horse riders of five years and older who enter the park. Gates are open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM
Little Smokies covers approximately 16,000 acres of land. You can hike, swim, bike, fish, or ride horses, or make use of the playground or nature center facilities.
The park, as well as Indiana Dunes, is a stop on the Indiana Birding Trail: indianabirdingtrail.com. For camp, you’ll need to make a reservation.
Indiana Dunes
Of course, when we talk about Indiana day trips, Hoosier’s only national park should be included. There are state and national parks in the dunes, and both are worth a visit.
Indiana Dunes National Park, located at 1215 N. State Rd. 49 in Porter, is a beach destination off the shore of Lake Michigan. Hiking, swimming, birding, camping, and boating opportunities are available, and that’s just the beginning.
The daily per-car entry fee to the state park is $7 for Indiana registration plates and $12 for out-of-state plates. As of March, you will need a permit to enter the national park. It’s $25 per vehicle or $15 per person for walk, bike, and boat.
There is an annual national park pass option, as well as an annual state pass option which is accepted at all Indiana state parks. Since the parks are separate, the state park pass at the entrance to the national park will not be accepted, and vice versa.
Both state and national parks have campgrounds. To book a campground in the state park, visit here: bit.ly/3zDqUpN. For the national park, you can book here: bit.ly/3Qsys4C
Hoosier National Forest
The forest contains the only officially designated wilderness area in Indiana, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness District. Located in southern Indiana with the headquarters in Bedford, the forest contains miles of hiking trails as well as camping, horseback riding, and biking.
Most of the forest is open to the public for free, however, there are some costs depending on the activity. Hoosier National Forest entry costs include a daily trail use pass for $5 per day if you ride a horse or bike. Some well-developed camp and recreation areas require a day pass.
For more information about the Hoosier National Forest, visit the website: www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier.
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