6 Picturesque Towns in Indiana for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
A weekend retreat in beautiful Indiana is never enough, but it’s definitely a good start. The state’s picturesque small towns are the perfect place to relax, unwind, and do something different in 2024. Whether you are a weekend warrior looking for a two-day retreat in nature, a busy couple in need of somewhere to recharge, or a family wanting something different from the norm, these towns are the answer to the question, “What are we doing this weekend?”
Goshen
Just east of the city of South Bend is Goshen, a charming town with a historic downtown and lively vibe. It is easy to lose a few days here, especially if you are staying in the idyllic surroundings of the Rose Lane Farm Bed and Breakfast. This charming Bed and Breakfast just outside town overlooks acres of rolling farms and woodlands and offers beautiful rustic rooms with incredible views.
While it is tempting to spend all day on Rose Lane’s wraparound porch, there is too much to explore in Goshen to linger. If you are visiting on the first Friday of the month, head downtown for Goshen’s monthly block party, which is an evening of shopping and entertainment showcasing local artists and businesses. Spend more time discovering downtown on Saturday, calling into the Goshen Historical Museum on Main Street to learn about the town’s history. Head across the street to see the impressive grandeur of the Elkhart County Courthouse. Nearby is the public square where you can see local landmarks, including Neptune’s Fountain, a seasonal quilt garden, the ‘Old Bullion’ cannon, and the Goshen Veterans Memorial.
For your final day in Goshen, experience the natural beauty of the Elkhart County countryside. Take the Millrace Canal Trail to wander Goshen’s southern neighborhoods, following the path of the hydraulic canal that used to serve the town’s industrial district. For more gorgeous views, head out of town to Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard, which has been family-owned since 1922. The farm operates a bustling store, has pick-your-own produce, and runs seasonal events, including fall hay rides.
Nashville
The quaint town of Nashville is a must for history lovers and fans of storybook streets packed with boutique shops and charming eateries. To really get a feel for the village, rent the 1840 Stagecoach for the weekend, a two-bedroom historic home just steps from downtown. This beautifully restored property was once a tollhouse for stagecoach traffic through town.
You don’t need stagecoaches to get around town these days. The best way to see the sights is via the Nashville Express, an old-fashioned train that offers a 25-minute historical tour of the town. The train departs from Fearrin’s Ice Cream shop, a local favorite, and a great place to grab a sweet treat before or after your journey.
If you are looking for something a little different after your tour of the town, head out to Cox Creek Mill just a short distance from town along Salt Creek. The mill is a handcrafted metal art studio set on beautiful grounds among shady trees by the water. Take an afternoon to stroll the property, admire the huge metal wheel, and browse unique metal art by local craftsman Brad Cox.
Finish off your weekend with a trip to Browning Mountain, also known as ‘Indiana’s Stonehenge.’ Hike through the woods to the circle of sandstone slabs and, if you are feeling very adventurous, continue the 928 ft climb to the top of the mountain for stunning views of Brown County.
Madison
Home to one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States, Madison is a must for history lovers. Within its busy downtown you can see architecture in the Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Gothic Revival and Arts and Crafts styles.
Settled in 1809 on the banks of the Ohio River, Madison was a bustling trade center. Visit the Lanier Mansion, built in 1844, to see the grand former home of one of the town’s biggest influences, financier and railroad tycoon James Franklin Doughty Lanier. Appreciate more history while enjoying local wine at the Thomas Family Winery downtown, housed in a restored 1850s carriage house and serving up delicious bites with hand-crafted wines.
Stay the night in the centrally-located Chandler Hotel, a former livery dating back to the 1870s and now one of Madison’s top hotels with eight beautifully furnished suites. After a good night’s sleep in the historic venue, you will be ready to hit the trails at nearby Clifty Falls State Park, a stunning recreation area.
Beverly Shores
One of the most picturesque lakefront communities on Lake Michigan, Beverly Shores is a great place to visit on a warm weekend. Named after the daughter of real estate mogul Frederick Bartlett who began developing the area in the 1920s, this beachy town is the gateway to Indiana’s most popular recreation area, the Indiana Dunes State Park. With over 2,000 acres of pristine lakeside wilderness and more than three miles of beach, this is a beautiful spot to spend a day. Go birding, visit the nature center, take the 3 Dune Hiking Challenge, or simply enjoy a leisurely swim.
Back in town, visit the Beverly Shores Depot Museum and Art Gallery to see the town’s history and pick up a unique souvenir handcrafted by local artists. You will also want to swing by the Wieboldt-Rostone House, an architectural oddity first showcased at the Chicago World Fair in 1933. The home was constructed from a new material, Rostone, made from shale and limestone. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as durable as its architects hoped and had all but disintegrated by the 1950s when it was replaced with Perma-stone. Visitors can still see the remnants of the original framework around the doorway and entrance area.
Stay close to the town and the beach with lodgings at Al & Sally’s Motel. This quaint roadside motel has been in operation since 1955 and boasts a fun, retro design reminiscent of classic Americana. Low-key and less than a mile from the lake, it is the ideal base for a beachy weekend.
Corydon
A historic town in southern Indiana, Corydon has it all — a beautiful downtown and scenic surroundings. Founded in the early 1800s, the town has been careful to preserve its historic places and landmarks. You can even stay in some! Book a few nights at the Kintner House Inn, listed on the National Historic Register, to enjoy comfortable rooms in a period house that dates back to 1776. The inn is located in the heart of historic downtown where you can wander over to the visitors center and pick up a map of Corydon’s historic self-guided walking tour. The tour takes you past Indiana’s first state capitol, built between 1814 and 1816.
After exploring downtown, head out of Corydon to see the area’s spectacular natural attractions. Deep in the heart of cave country, this is where you will find the Indiana Caverns, where you can take an underground boat ride, pan for gemstones, hunt for fossils, or ride the Bat Chaser Aerial Coaster. A short drive from downtown is another beautiful recreation area, the Buffalo Trace Park. Named for the herds of bison that used to graze the area, the park includes a 30-acre lake and several scenic hiking trails.
Franklin
Spend your first day in Franklin getting to know the town by its trails. The Franklin Greenway Trail is a 3.4-mile pathway that meanders through the city parks and wetlands, making it a great trail for birders. Back in the heart of downtown, explore Franklin’s vibrant arts district, where you will find Artcraft Alley, an installation featuring over 200 dazzling stars. Nearby is the Historic Artcraft Theater, which first opened in 1922 as a silent movie theater and Vaudeville house.
While you are taking in the sights, be sure to stop by Franklin’s oldest vintage shop, Vintage Whimsy, which is a treasure trove of rare antiques, repurposed trinkets, and retro home decor. Given that you will be spending most of your weekend downtown, it makes sense to stay where you play. The Ashley Drake Inn is in the heart of the historic district, directly across from Franklin College. This quaint and character-full Bed and Breakfast offers four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and is a historic landmark in itself, built in 1897.
Take a Weekend to Explore Indiana’s Best Small Towns
Holiday weekends are a whole lot of fun in Indiana — take a hayride among the fall foliage, soak up the summer sun at Lake Michigan, browse Christmas markets in December. But you don’t need an excuse to visit these pretty small towns which are welcoming and lively any time of year. Why waste another weekend on the couch when you could be hiking Indiana’s state parks, picking your own produce at an Indiana orchard, or exploring Indiana’s stonehenge? Pack your suitcase and get ready for your next adventure.
