Vacation is only a road trip away! Indiana is among the cheapest places to live, but most people don't think of the Hoosier State as a travel destination. If you're looking for a fun weekend getaway that won't break the bank, this article is for you!
We've partnered with our friends at Elements Financial to provide a list of some of the most affordable places to travel to in Indiana. So, pack your bags, gas up your car, and hit the road to one of these destinations.
1. Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter, Indiana
Indiana Dunes is the nation's 61st national park. The park stretches 15 miles along Lake Michigan and offers beaches, hiking trails, wetlands, and plenty of dunes to explore. You can get there in under 2 hours if you're traveling from central or northern Indiana (3+ hours if you're south).
Enjoy birdwatching, lounge on one of the park's many beaches, or take on the 3 Dunes Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park, which is adjacent to Indiana Dunes National Park. Parking is known to fill up fast during the summer months, so be sure to arrive early to secure your spot. Save money during your trip by packing your own snacks, drinks, and beach items.
Pricing Breakdown
- Annual Pass: $45.00
- Daily Pass: $7.00 for Indiana Dunes State Park
- 7-Day Pass: $25.00 per vehicle for Indiana Dunes National Park
- Annual America the Beautiful Pass: $80.00 per vehicle with access to thousands of national and recreational parks
Keep in mind: Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park are two separate properties. Indiana Dunes National Park is owned by the U.S. federal government, and the Indiana Dunes State Park is owned by the State of Indiana. Each park will have different entry fees, with several free entrance days throughout the year. Check their website and mark your calendar for the date that works best for you.
Budget camping is also available at Dunewood Campground for $25.00 per night and puts you within walking distance of the scenic trails. The nearby towns of Portage and Chesterton also offer affordable lodging, with motels starting at $65.00 per night.
2. Brown County in Nashville, Indiana
Nashville, Indiana, is a small yet charming town in Brown County. Known as the "Little Smokies" of Indiana, Brown County is one of the most scenic and affordable getaways in the state. Brown County State Park is Indiana's largest state park with over 16,000 acres of rolling hills, mountain bike trails, and forestland.
Pricing Breakdown
- Daily Pass: $7.00 per vehicle for Indiana license plates
- Annual Pass: $50.00 per vehicle
The town of Nashville also has tons of art and attractions for families to enjoy. If hiking isn't your thing, you can explore Downtown Nashville, filled with artisan shops and galleries. This town is also home to the world's oldest continuously running bluegrass festival. The Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival takes place every June with full performer lineups and over 200 campsites with cabin rentals.
Brown County is a short hour drive from Central Indiana. With this being a shorter road trip, you can pack your own food to cut down on dining costs. While lodging prices tend to rise in the summer, many cabins and inns offer weekday discounts, which also helps with budgeting.
3. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana
If you're looking for a destination filled with fun, look no further than Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. Open since 1946, this park has a total of 49 attractions, including a combination of thrill rides, water rides, and kid-friendly rides.
The owner, Louis J. Koch, wanted to bring holiday cheer to children visiting or living in Santa Claus, Indiana. The Holiday World amusement park is divided into four holiday-themed sections: Christmas, Halloween, Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving. Each section of the park features rides, games, and food associated with the section's holiday. Splashin' Safari was a later addition to the park and follows a safari theme with over a dozen unique water rides, wave pool, lazy river, and more.
Pricing Breakdown
- Pick Your Date Ticket: If you have a day that you plan to visit the amusement park, secure a "Pick Your Date" ticket to save on admission
- Any Day Tickets: $72.99 online or $76.99 at the gate
- Tickets grant you one-day admission to both Holiday World and the Splashin' Safari Water Park. Discounts are available for military, nurses, teachers, and first responders. Major ticket discounts are offered for those visiting the park on consecutive days.
Santa Claus visitors can also explore the Santa Claus Candy Castle, a 1930s candy shop with signature frozen hot chocolate, or the Santa Claus Christmas Store filled with thousands of ornaments and personalized holiday gifts.
For affordable lodging, consider camping in cabins or motels in Jasper, Huntingburg, or Ferdinand, rather than right next to the park. It's best to book early for the best rates.
4. SKYLAKE Adventures in Sheridan, Indiana
Just 15 minutes north of Indianapolis and near Grand Park in Westfield is another outdoor adventure for families to enjoy, SKYLAKE Adventures. Located in Sheridan, SKYLAKE is Indiana's newest outdoor water destination. This water experience combines nature and recreation with designated swimming areas and water obstacles for both kids and adults. SKYLAKE has three shoreline beaches, each offering its own unique experience, along with kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Pricing Breakdown
- Child (ages 4-9): $50.00
- General (ages 10+): $55.00
- Seniors (ages 60+, no water access, beach access only): $25.00
Annual passes and prepaid parking passes are also available to purchase on their website. The Adventure Pass (no blackout dates) provides the best bang for your buck at $139 for children (ages 4-9) and $159 for adults (ages 10+).
SKYLAKE is a great option for families or groups who want a more relaxed water-day experience than a traditional amusement park. Because it combines swimming, beach space, and rental activities, visitors can easily spend a full afternoon there without feeling rushed. If you plan to stay a while, bring sunscreen, towels, water shoes, and snacks to keep your costs down and your trip comfortable.
5. Central Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the largest city in Indiana, with a population close to a million. Whether you're an Indiana native or planning to travel to the state, Indianapolis offers plenty of low-cost attractions perfect for a weekend getaway or staycation.
If you're looking for some outdoor fun, White River State Park, Eagle Creek Park, or the Monon Trail are good bases for walking, biking, or relaxing. Bring your own chairs, blankets, and favorite picnic food for a budget-friendly outdoor experience.
Indianapolis is also home to several museums, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year. Many attractions offer free or discounted admission during holidays and special community events.
Free or Low-Cost Indianapolis Activities
Newfields
A 152-acre campus that combines the Indianapolis Museum of Art, historic Lilly House, and lush gardens. The museum also has free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library
A small, literary-focused museum and library honoring Indianapolis-born author Kurt Vonnegut, featuring exhibits on his life and works, personal artifacts, and rotating programs. Free admission is offered every first Monday of the month.
Soldiers & Sailors Monument Circle
Built between 1888 and 1901 as Indiana's official memorial to its Civil War veterans, the 284-foot monument is now the city's most recognizable symbol, with panoramic views over downtown, a gift shop, and an observatory.
First Fridays
Every first Friday of the month, galleries and studios across the city stay open late for free exhibits, live music, and local vendors. This tradition builds on a broader "gallery crawl" movement, making local art more accessible.
Indianapolis is centrally located within the state, making it an easy road trip destination no matter where you live in Indiana.
The Perfect Ride to Get You There
Indiana is an ideal road-trip destination due to its lower fuel costs compared to major regional cities. From lakeshore dunes to small-town festivals, Indiana is full of budget-friendly adventures waiting to be explored. Before you pack the car for your next trip, make sure your ride is ready for the road.
Our friends at Elements Financial offer competitive rates and flexible financing options to make upgrading your ride more affordable. Learn more about auto loan options at elements.org/getingear.
