7 Small Town Getaways In Indiana Perfect For Families

The state of Indiana is home to some of the most unique towns in the country that can make for an ideal trip with the family. Whether you want to bask in nature along the Ohio River, soak up culture in the utopian town of New Harmony, travel back in history at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, or take on an adventure with a hike along the Whitewater Canal trail, there is a town in this state that is bound to pique your interest and become the next destination for your family vacation. These small towns in The Hoosier State are curated to create an unforgettable experience that you can share with loved ones, no matter how old or young. Dive in below to discover these special family havens.

Corydon

Blending its historical imprint with its nature-friendly environment, the picturesque town of Corydon is ideal for a family vacation. The town’s close proximity to the Ohio River makes it an excellent location for outdoor water activities, such as canoeing and hiking. The Indiana Caverns are also an interesting and unique site to explore for nature and geology enthusiasts. Those wanting to learn more about Indiana's first state capital should head to the Federal-style limestone capitol building, the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, to understand the town’s beginnings, see the preserved trunk of the Constitution Elm, and indulge in their heirloom herb garden.

Corydon also has numerous events that families can partake in throughout the year. Between early spring and late fall, the town hosts an event almost every week in the town square, which includes parades, band concerts, reenactments of battles, and many more performances. The state's oldest county fair, the Harrison County Fair, is held in Corydon every summer. With limited public transportation, the town is best explored by car or on foot, and the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn are good lodging options for those with kids.

Santa Claus

With a name that could not be more inviting for children, the unforgettable town of Santa Claus is a happy little town for families to escape to. In this town, the Christmas cheer intoxicates tourists all year round. From amusement parks to golf courses and museums, everything is donned in the theme of  Christmas. The city has the only post office named after Santa Claus, which is why it receives a large number of letters from children around the world at Christmas time, and volunteers sign up as Santa’s elves to reply to each child.

Spend a day in Holiday World, take a family photo next to the large statue of Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Museum, or down some pizza while playing old-school arcade games at Frosty’s Fun Centre. While you can delve into this holiday spirit at any time of the year, winter is the most apt time to do so. For those vacationing with children, Santa's Cottages and the Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph are both unique options to extend your stay.

Aurora

Settled on the banks of the Ohio River, Aurora is an adorable small town just west of Cincinnati that is inviting for nature lovers and history buffs alike. The town was incorporated in 1845 and has preserved the buildings from its historic times properly, giving it an antique vibe. One such building is the Hillforest Mansion, an Italian Renaissance estate house, which was the home of Thomas Gaff and is now a museum and historic landmark for tourists to explore the past of the town.

To witness the architecture of the olden days, head to Aurora’s intriguing Main Street to walk, shop, and dine at the most visited spots in the town by locals and tourists. Travelers can also bike along the banks of the river or take a picnic in the scenic Lesko Park for a more relaxing day out.

New Harmony

New Harmony was meant to fulfill two utopian dreams: to be a safe haven for religious Harmonists and then for Robert Owen’s communitarian experiment. However, although both those dreams scattered through the years, the town was left with a unique charm that is rare to find in most other cities.

Start with a guided tour of the town’s historic district, which will take you through the Atheneum, various exhibits of the city’s communal history, and a film on the town. Then head to popular tourist sites such as the Working Men’s Institute, the town’s oldest, and free library, and the Roofless Church, built in 1960. Finish your sightseeing strong with a visit to New Harmony’s two labyrinths; The Harmonist Labyrinth with circular green shrubs perfect for a serene walk through nature, and the New Harmony Cathedral Labyrinth. With its rare attractions, this town would be a good family getaway any time of the year, and the New Harmony Inn Resort is right in town for family stays.

Shipshewana

Heart of the Amish Country, Shipshewana is a small town that makes for a special family vacation. Instead of the urban atmosphere of most cities and touristic sites, this town has an interestingly rustic vibe to it. Horses and buggies are a common sight on Shipshewana’s streets, and travelers can experience this different way of life by using them as transport when visiting. To delve deeper into the history and culture of the town, head to the Menno-Hof Museum or take a guided tour of the Amish Country with the Blue Gate Carriage Tours. 

For those looking for local dining options, try out Hoosier Banquets, which offers a unique Amish in-home dining experience. A trip to Shipshewana is best enjoyed in the summer months, between May and September, because that is when the town’s flea market, the largest one in the Midwest, welcomes visitors to shop from dozens of independent vendors and participate in exciting auctions. Families can complete their vacation with a trip to Shipshewana’s Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park, to interact with farm and exotic animals on foot, car, or wagon. Be sure to check out the Blue Gate Garden Inn when looking for places to stay, as it includes free breakfast, as well as access to an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center to keep the family entertained. 

Goshen

Goshen is famously known as Maple City, and the town has embraced it well. Apart from hosting the Annual Maple City Walk every year, Goshen is a welcoming small town that invites tourists to experience the charming brick buildings and important cultural sites harbored in the city. Visitors can begin their vacation with a relaxing trip to the 100-acre Fidler Pond Park to enjoy water and fishing activities or appreciate nature on one of the many walking trails laid out. Those planning their trip in the months of July or August will also be able to partake in the infamous Goshen Country Fair.

The town is also quite culturally and artistically rich, which tourists can relish at the Goshen Theatre or by witnessing one of the First Friday performances displayed in downtown Goshen on the first Friday of each month. A must-see on a trip to this town is the century-old Old Bag Factory, transformed from an abandoned factory into a home for creative galleries, artisan shops, and memorabilia.

Metamora

For those looking for a different weekend getaway, Metamora is the ideal small-town destination. While nature enthusiasts can take a replenishing walk along the Whitewater Canal trail, the true quaintness of this town lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time. Not only is Metamora home to the only working wood aqueduct in the United States, but it also maintains its century-old water-powered mill, called the Metamora Grist Mill, which is still operational and now doubles as a museum for tourists to visit.

An interesting experience to add to the itinerary is a ride on the horse-drawn canal boat, which will take you on a half-hour-long journey down the Whitewater Canal. To experience the fun of all these activities, it is best to visit Metamora in the summer months and check out the Metamora Inn for a family-friendly stay. Once there, make sure to stop by the ‘A one of a kind, LLC’ gift store that houses peculiarly artistic items to take home as souvenirs.

Indiana houses special gems that are not yet subject to hoards of tourists and still make for charming destinations for a family vacation. From the unlimited Christmas cheer of Santa Claus and nostalgic attractions of Metamora to the unique rusticity of Shipshewana and the country fairs of Goshen, these towns are sure to have a packed yet diverse itinerary for all kinds of tastes. Seek out adventure and new experiences in these small towns to create memories with your loved ones that will last a lifetime.