From Amish villages, to insanely fast roller coasters, Indiana offers plenty of tourist attractions and vacation spots. These vacation spots offer excellent options for weekend or summer getaways.

French Lick

Located in Southern Indiana, French Lick is a historical town known for its mineral springs, the hometown baseball legend Larry Bird (located at the West Baden Museum), and the world’s largest circus diorama. French Lick has a vintage café in West Baden Springs. This town also has their own golf course at the Donald Ross Course in French Lick resort. French Lick has a water park resort for children of all ages.

French Lick Big Splash Adventure Water Park Resort

French Lick water park, connected to French Lick historical resort, has a retractable roof to enjoy the sunshine while on the multiple water rides and laying on the beach-themed tanning area. The admission for younger children is $12 and is attached to the 154 room-hotel with a variety of rooms for any sized family. This water park includes dining options, arcades, Laser Tag and mini golf, many playgrounds, and multiple water rides like the Jolly Roger Jetty (a towering water slide), Pirate’s Plunder (fully enclosed body slides), Buccaneer Bay (a three-story climbing park), Lost River (lazy river), the Splish-Splash Pool (for kids 4 and younger), and many more.

Turkey Run State Park

  Turkey Run State park is home for many different animals, such as turkeys, beavers, deer, and more. Located in Marshall, Indiana, this state park features prehistoric history with sandstone gorges that show 300 million years of erosion that formed the Mansfield sandstone. There are more than ten hiking trails with picturesque views and scenery along with trails for horseback riders. One of the big attractions at Turkey Run State Park is the Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve. The canyon begins at 680 feet above sea level and drops to 540 feet at the Sugar Creek just above the swinging bridge. Turkey Run hosts the Turkey Run Inn and has campground sites with and without electricity for RV and tent camping, several types of cabins, and private outfitters in the area.

“I went with my family to go tubing and kayaking,” said Sophomore Elisabeth Lawson. “I had a blast and I’ve been wanting to go again since then.”

Lake Michigan, Michigan City, Indiana

  Michigan City is known for its proximity to Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore beaches and parks. There are many historic lighthouses built in the 19th century, such as Old Light and Pierhead, that are physical learning experiences for the history of Michigan City. Traveling to Michigan City is also recommended due to the Lighthouse Outlet Mall, which has over 120 stores to browse, and the Great Wolf Lodge, which has an indoor waterpark, restaurants, arcade games, spas, and children’s activities.

Traveling around the world for vacation can be immensely expensive, but staying close to home can save time, gas, and money while still having the same enjoyment and excitement.