Summary
- French Lick Resort
- Turkey Run Inn
- Andrews Lakeside Resort
- The Lighthouse Lodge
- Swan Lake Resort
- Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
- Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center
- Raccoon Lakeside Lodge
- Belterra Casino Resort and Spa
- Beachwalk Resort
- Paoli Peaks
- Oakwood Resort
- Morris Inn
- Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina
- New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center
Indiana, often referred to as the Crossroads of America, invites travelers with its profound history, enchanting small towns, and lively urban centers such as the illustrious city of Indianapolis. From visiting the renowned Motor Speedway to exploring the rich cultural background of the Amish community in Shipshewana, Indiana presents a charming amalgamation of Midwestern warmth and various attractions to captivate every visitor.
A significant proportion of tourists are drawn to the state due to its waterfront attractions and recreational avenues. Bordered to the north by Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes of North America, Indiana boasts a pristine shoreline along that region. Thus, this list encompasses numerous waterfront establishments. However, it also includes a selection situated within wooded areas, several resorts near winter ski destinations, and even one on a university campus.
Let us examine the premier resorts in Indiana:
1. French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort features two distinguished AAA Four-Diamond hotels – the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel. Both establishments are remarkable illustrations of historic architecture, with French Lick listed on the National Register of Historic Places and West Baden recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Nestled in the hills of Hoosier National Forest, the resort is conveniently situated within a short drive from Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati, making it excellent for families and ideal for a romantic retreat. The resort offers an abundance of amenities and activities, including a 45-hole Pete Dye golf course, two luxurious world-class spas, a Vegas-style casino, horseback riding, and numerous children’s activities.
Website: https://www.frenchlick.com
2. Turkey Run Inn
Turkey Run Inn, located in Indiana’s Turkey Run State Park, offers visitors a tranquil forest sanctuary. Established in 1919, the Inn has undergone numerous upgrades and refurbishments over the years. It has evolved into a favored weekend retreat and vacation spot, combining the comforts of a modern resort hotel with the rustic charm of a country inn.
The Inn comprises sixty-one guest rooms in the main lodge alongside five additional structures featuring cabin-style accommodations and three standalone cabins. Guests can immerse themselves in the myriad of offerings within Turkey Run State Park during their stay, complemented by the hotel’s amenities such as an indoor heated pool with sun decks, a game room, bike rentals, and the Narrows Restaurant on-site.
Website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/inns/turkey-run-inn-at-turkey-run-state-park/
3. Andrews Lakeside Resort
This lakeside resort is family-owned and operated, positioned on the shores of Lake Shafer. It attracts family travelers and is conveniently located near various places offering diverse lake rentals to cater to the size of your group. The resort is in proximity to Indiana Beach, where you can discover a miniature golf course, arcade, and water park, all within walking distance.
The resort boasts an indoor pool and hot tub, allowing guests to indulge in recreational activities in the water regardless of the season. Additional amenities include grills, fire pits, kayak rentals, floats, and boats. Guests frequently commend the beautifully appointed deck and fire pit, which provide a splendid location for sunset views. The Penthouse Suite features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two spacious furnished outdoor patios with lake views.
Website: https://www.alexanderslandingresort.com/
4. The Lighthouse Lodge
The Lighthouse Lodge is situated along the serene shores of Lake Shafer. The accommodations comprise seven deluxe suites, each featuring kitchenettes, balconies, and fireplaces. Additionally, there are two standalone cottages equipped with full kitchens, offering further space and comfort.
Guests are treated to daily breakfast and access to a recreation room outfitted with pool tables, card tables, and darts. Due to the lodge’s proximity to the lake, numerous water-related activities are always within reach. Visitors can swim at the shallow lakeside beaches or embark on a scenic cruise. Nearby Crooked Creek offers horseback riding opportunities, with several golf courses located in the vicinity.
Website: http://www.thelighthouselodge.com
5. Swan Lake Resort
Swan Lake Resort exemplifies a golf-centric retreat, positioned on 500 acres of picturesque countryside in Northern Indiana. The resort boasts 36 holes of golf and houses the United States Golf Academy, which provides golf lessons and camps. Accommodation options vary from standard hotel rooms to suites, cottages, cabins, and special fairway villas with optimal views of the 18th hole.
The golf theme is reflected in the resort’s dining as it is home to the sole Sam Snead’s Tavern and Grill in this region. This restaurant is adorned with artifacts from the golfing legend’s personal collection, offering a delectable selection of steak and seafood.
Website: http://www.swanlakeresort.com
6. Indiana Beach Amusement Resort
Indiana Beach Resort is a notable family amusement park showcasing roller coasters, an assortment of nostalgic rides, and classic carnival games. The park encompasses a water park section replete with multiple water slides, among other attractions. The resort offers an array of accommodation choices, including cabins, campgrounds, motels, and inns.
Options include the Beach House Inn, Indiana Beach Jellystone Park, Indiana Beach Cottages, and the Boardwalk Motel. With a multitude of excellent alternatives, there is a suitable option for everyone looking for a restful stay after an entertaining day at the amusement park.
Website: http://www.indianabeach.com
7. Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center
Potawatomi Inn Resort and Conference Center is situated on the shores of Lake James within Pokagon State Park’s grounds. The rustic resort derives inspiration from its wooded surroundings, featuring knotty pine walls and beds adorned with traditional Amish quilts.
The resort operates year-round, with heightened popularity during winter when guests can ice fish and skate on the lake, along with enjoying the park’s thrilling toboggan run. Boasting the only refrigerated toboggan slide in the state, it allows visitors to ride even in the absence of snow. Potawatomi Inn provides an assortment of suites, cabins, patio rooms, and six children’s rooms that serve as ideal options for families.
Website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/inns/potawatomi-inn-at-pokagon-state-park/
8. Raccoon Lakeside Lodge
Raccoon Lakeside Lodge consists of a collection of lakeside apartments and suites. Accommodations range from one to three bedrooms, accommodating six to eight guests. Each unit is equipped with a full kitchen and a patio complete with a gas grill and table seating. The lakeside location is the primary highlight, offering ample opportunities for enjoyment.
Pontoon boats and jet skis are available for rental, and the resort features a well-maintained swimming pool. Additionally, there is a public beach only a few minutes away, while golf enthusiasts will find a nearby course that provides an affordable round of golf.
Website: http://raccoonlodge.com
9. Belterra Casino Resort and Spa
Belterra Casino Resort and Spa is structured around a riverboat casino that is docked on the Ohio River. The resort caters predominantly to adults while providing some activities suitable for older children. The property boasts more than 600 guest rooms, including specialty suites, and offers pet-friendly accommodations for travelers with pets.
The resort features a diverse array of entertainment options, including shows, concerts, and, naturally, Vegas-style casino gaming. Additionally, it has a full-service luxury spa, a swimming pool, and various shopping facilities. Visitors can also access Belterra’s Tom Fazio Golf Course, recognized as one of the finest in the region.
Website: https://belterracasino.boydgaming.com/
10. Beachwalk Resort
Beachwalk Resort is located along the shores of scenic Lake Michigan. Accommodations at the resort consist of a cluster of small lakefront cottages. The property serves as a popular family destination during the summer months, with many surrounding attractions appealing to summer tourists visiting the area.
Despite its design as a serene retreat, Beachwalk offers various options for active pursuits. The resort features a golf course, dining options, and a beautiful beach with sand dunes. Families especially appreciate the property’s playgrounds, tennis courts, and the fishing pier on the lake.
Website: https://www.beachwalkvacationrentals.com/
11. Paoli Peaks
Paoli Peaks is a well-favored ski resort located in Southern Indiana. The resort features natural slopes with a vertical drop of 300 feet. The tracks cater to various skill levels, ranging from beginner and intermediate to advanced and expert runs. There is also a family slope designed for shared enjoyment among family members.
In addition, Paoli Peaks includes a tubing park with nine tubing lanes for added excitement. The resort is equipped with a snow-making machine, enabling skiing, snowboarding, and tubing when conditions are cold but without natural snow. Although Paoli Peaks Lodge operates exclusively as a day lodge, guests wishing to stay overnight may choose from the rustic Trailview Ski Lodges located on the slopes or several other hotels within the vicinity.
Website: https://www.snow.com/
12. Oakwood Resort
Oakwood Resort is situated in Syracuse, adjacent to Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in the state, providing an ideal setting for memorable occasions, family holidays, or short escapes. Oakwood offers a selection of 77 guest rooms and suites, along with ten vacation cottages, allowing accommodation for diverse group sizes and budgets.
The resort features an array of amenities, including a full-service salon and spa staffed by Aveda-trained professionals utilizing Aveda products. Additionally, it provides an on-site restaurant and bar featuring an elegant indoor dining area coupled with seasonal outdoor seating.
Website: http://oakwoodresort.com
13. Morris Inn
Morris Inn is a AAA 4 Diamond hotel nestled within the campus of Notre Dame University. The hotel houses 18 well-appointed suites and 132 modern, renovated guest rooms. Grand Suites come equipped with 48-inch televisions, 1 ½ bathrooms, and spacious living areas, making them a comfortable choice for families and couples seeking additional space.
On-site dining venues include three restaurants catering to a variety of tastes, featuring fresh seafood, light meals, and casual outdoor dining experiences. Guests at Morris Inn can access several amenities offered by the University, including the Warren Golf Course, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, and local sporting events held in the campus stadium.
Website: http://morrisinn.nd.edu
14. Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina
Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina presents a relaxed lakeside atmosphere ideal for families. Located on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, this inn is part of the Fairfax State Recreation Area and comprises 118 guest accommodations that deliver both a laid-back and sophisticated experience.
The primary attraction of the resort is its lakeside setting, along with a variety of water-related activities which encompass fishing, lounging on the private beach, swimming in the indoor/outdoor heated saltwater pool, and a fully equipped marina that renders jet-ski and boat rentals. Land-based activities are abundant as well, including scenic hiking trails, a fitness center, and sports facilities featuring tennis and basketball courts, alongside miniature golf.
Website: http://www.fourwindsresort.com
15. New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center
New Harmony Inn is located on a bend of Southwest Indiana’s Wabash River. This resort serves as a tranquil sanctuary for couples seeking a romantic escape. The serene property features expansive rolling hills, intersecting hiking trails and walking paths, picturesque waterfalls, ponds, and meticulously landscaped gardens.
An outdoor covered heated pool is available in the gardens, alongside a fitness center and other amenities. The resort presents a curated option—Harmony for Two—designed for couples that includes dinner and breakfast for two, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne, in addition to late checkout possibilities.
Website: https://www.newharmonyinn.com