1. Serenity Springs (La Porte)
If you and a significant other are looking for a nice getaway location, Serenity Springs is perfect. Just off the interstate in northern Indiana, it provides a way to disconnect from reality and just relax. Serenity Springs offers cabins that each have themes, like Sunset or Safari, and offer other nice amenities like an indoor jetted tub right in the floor, a back porch with gas firepit, large, comfy beds, and a wall of movies and games to pick from on arrival. Another plus is the call box each cabin has that gets filled with goodies like smores supplies, cheesecake, and fruit and muffin baskets throughout the trip. On the grounds, there are several scenic lakes to walk around/bike around, and there are even horse rides offered from the parking lot to your cabins. Several minor downsides here are that you can still hear some of the traffic from the interstate, horse rides can be unavailable due to weather/other reasons (and their van they use as a backup is super sketchy), and some rooms show more wear than others. That being said, I took my wife here for a weekend, and we had a blast.
2. West Baden Hotel (French Lick)
French Lick is definitely a tourist destination, but the West Baden offers a way to stay in style. The hotel is huge, with the 200-foot dome being the most eye-catching feature. The hotel has a casino, golf courses, spa, restaurants, pools, and amazing architecture. The area offers plenty to do, but the hotel itself is quite marvelous. I would recommend the West Baden for a couple’s getaway, while families might better enjoy the sister hotel, the French Lick Springs Resort. Both offer access to all the things I listed above, but the West Baden is the more expensive of the two hotels. Online reviewers say the West Baden Hotel is a first-class experience, with only 100 of the 2,300+ Tripadvisor reviews rating it below 4/5 stars.
3. New Harmony Inn (New Harmony)
New Harmony Inn boasts 90 rooms with a fun, old style décor. Apart from the rooms, the inn features 4 different guesthouses for larger groups. The grounds and surrounding area are described as calm and peaceful, with plenty of greenery and water. The town of New Harmony offers some fun shops and restaurants, but the inn has a heated pool, fitness center, restaurant, spa, tennis courts, walking trails, and more. This is one of the cheaper options on this list, but you won’t be getting as great as an experience as some of the more expensive places. I’d recommend this for a couple’s getaway that is focused on relaxing and quiet.
4. Patoka Lake Floating Cabins (Birdseye)
Patoka Lake is known for its beauty and plentiful water activities, but it’s also becoming known for the floating cabins that can be rented on its shore. Each of these cabins has an outdoor back deck and includes all the usual amenities of a regular cabin. People highlight the uniqueness of the floating cabins, as well as the view of the lake that they offer. Renters can pick from either a 2-bedroom option or a 3-bedroom option. I wouldn’t necessarily pick these cabins if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, but they certainly look like a fun experience.
5. Clayshire Castle (Bowling Green)
Ever wanted to stay in a castle that has a distinct Medieval ambiance? Clayshire Castle is a B&B type lodging that goes all out in providing guests with a fun, unique stay. Open in 2013, Clayshire is home to 5 different guest room, each with a different theme. Each room has a queen bed and sofa bed, and a gourmet breakfast is provided. Guests also have the opportunity to pick from over 100 costumes to wear while here. Things to do while here include walking trails, an exercise room, a cedar hot tub, and a library. They even host a Medieval Fair once a year. The one downside people have mentioned is that there is no nearby option for lunch/dinner.
6. Mary Rose Herb Farm and Retreat (Bristow)
Have you ever heard of a yurt before? Think of it as a fancy teepee. This retreat destination offers 2 yurts that provide quite the glamping experience. Each yurt has 2 double beds, a microwave, fridge, and heating/cooling. This is a perfect getaway for people who enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, but don’t feel up to sacrificing modern conveniences. There is also a Japanese soaking tub that can be used as well, but it requires advanced notice and does cost extra. Breakfast, however, is provided.
7. Nestle Inn (Indianapolis)
Mere blocks from downtown Indy is a B&B called the Nestle Inn. It’s known for great service and for providing all modern necessities for a bed and breakfast: a quiet, comfy room with a shower, free Wi-Fi, and free snacks and local coffee. Apart from the amazing location, one thing about the Nestle Inn that stands out from other B&B’s is the cooking classes that they offer. The kitchen here is huge, and they bring in local chefs to teach people how to make things like Thai food, scones, and more. Visitors can’t help but have great things to say about this place.
8. Fort Harrison State Park Inn (Lawrence)
Many state parks in Indiana have inns where people can stay, but Fort Harrison’s inn provides a whole different feel. The area around the state park used to be an active military base, so the inn makes use of buildings that used to be a part of that. The inn itself has quite a bit of history, but larger families and groups can stay in one of the Officer’s Quarters, which are set up to be more like a house. Apart from being next to the state park, the inn is also across from a Pete Dye constructed golf course. Guests here rave about great treatment from staff, the proximity to golf and hiking, and the unique feel of the place itself.
9. Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn (Roanoke)
Joseph Decuis is a 5-star restaurant in the tiny town of Roanoke that is one of the very few places in the state that you can order Wagyu beef. However, they also have a bed & breakfast associated with their name. The Farmstead Inn is a restored 1884 farm house, carriage house, and barn. This rural getaway offers 6 bedrooms (each w/private bath) and an opportunity to learn what farm life is like. Some rooms also have private, screened in porches. Despite having an older feel to it, this B&B contains quite a few modern luxuries, though not as much info is available about it online as other places on this list.
10. Charlie Creek Inn (Wabash)
This inn has a very distinct Victorian/French feel to it as soon as you walk in the doors. The beautiful architecture is also a part of the inn’s 30 rooms, though the old school feel doesn’t extend to the amenities offered. Along with free wi-fi, televisions, and comfy beds, the inn provides several food options. There is a cocktail bar, wine and cheese shop, ice cream and dessert shop, and a full service restaurant on site, and guests also have access to the YMCA during their stay for free. Online reviews highlight cleanliness and great staff.
11. Oakwood Resort (Syracuse)
Oakwood Resort offers a great option for a weekend getaway in a warm month. This resort is situated right on Lake Wawasee and offers great views and a lot to do. Guests can use the swimming pier and beach area to swim in the lake, rent kayaks, paddleboards, and boats, or take advantage of nearby walking/bike paths. The property also has a picnic area, fire pit, basketball court, and space for yard games. Inside, the resort has a small fitness center and a small game room, plus a salon/spa. As far as food is concerned, there is a restaurant on site, and complimentary breakfast is offered on weekdays. Cleanliness and service are highlighted here, and cost per night is actually pretty low. Don’t expect anything super swanky, but it’s a great find!
12. Blue Heron Guest House (Winona Lake)
Staying at the Blue Heron is essentially like renting a room in a mansion overlooking a lake. It’s a beautiful property right on Winona Lake, and while the design makes it look vintage, it’s only a decade or so old. Housed inside are 3 different suites that are available to rent, each with their own private deck or patio. One of the 3 options has a hot tub on the deck too! As this is a bed and breakfast, morning meals are provided each day you’re here. One only review on Tripadvisor is a 4/5, and the rest are all 5/5 reviews.
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