Valentine's Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, which means a quick dinner-and-home routine won't cut it this year. You've got a full weekend to work with, and the smartest move is turning the holiday into a true "Saturday Night" escape.

From historic domes to cozy forest cabins, here is your guide to the most romantic weekend getaways in Indiana for 2026.

1. French Lick & West Baden: The Grand Luxury

Distance from Indianapolis: 2 hours south

This is the gold standard for Indiana romance. The twin resorts of French Lick and West Baden have been drawing couples for over a century, and since Valentine's Day lands on a Saturday, expect peak energy all weekend.

Where to Stay:

West Baden Springs Hotel is the showstopper. Book a room with a balcony overlooking the atrium, t's arguably the most romantic view in the Midwest. The French Lick Springs Hotel is the classic choice with easier access to the casino and main spa.

What's New for 2026:

The Billiard and Bowling Pavilion just reopened in January 2026 after being shuttered for 90 years. This stunningly restored 1917 building now serves handmade pizza alongside vintage-style bowling. West Baden is also hosting a Wine & Dessert Soirée on Friday, February 13 in the atrium, perfect for kicking off the weekend early.

For more on the area, check out our French Lick travel guide.

2. Brown County: The Saturday in the Woods

Distance from Indianapolis: 1 hour south

Where to Stay:

Solitude Cabin at Antler Log Cabins is specifically designed for two, sitting on a hilltop overlooking a private lake. Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway), located just outside of town, offers minimalist tiny homes built for disconnecting.

What's New for 2026:

Hard Truth Distilling has expanded its "Big Woods" campus with more distillery tours and "forest bathing" walks that are surprisingly peaceful in the winter frost.

The Pro Move: Skip the Saturday night wait at Big Woods Pizza. Instead, hit The Hobnob Corner for a cozy, historic lunch and spend your evening with a bottle of Oliver Winery's Creekbend by your cabin's fire pit.

Planning a longer stay? Our Brown County travel guide has everything you need.

3. Madison: Historic Riverfront Charm

Distance from Indianapolis: 1.5 hours southeast

Where to Stay:

Hillside Inn offers private balconies with every room. Request a River View room to watch the river traffic with your morning coffee. The Shrewsbury-Windle House is hosting a "Sealed with a Sip" event on February 12—arrive early for an evening of historic love letters and wine tours.

Don't Miss: A winter hike at Clifty Falls State Park. In February, the waterfalls often freeze into massive ice sculptures that are far more impressive than the summer trickles. While you're there, tackle the Hatcher Hill Trail for one of the best overlooks in Southern Indiana.

Dinner: Crystal & Jules is the go-to for fine dining, but The Red Pepperoni remains the locals' secret for a more casual, high-quality date.

4. Columbus: A Design-Lover's Dream

Distance from Indianapolis: 45 minutes south

Where to Stay:

The Inn at Irwin Gardens is an Edwardian mansion and a true time capsule. The gardens are world-class, even in the dormant winter season. Hotel Indigo is the vibrant, art-forward choice right in the heart of the architectural district.

What to Do:

The Miller House & Garden tour is a must—book in advance for 2026. It's a masterpiece of mid-century modern design and one of the most significant private homes in America. Afterward, share a sundae at Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor, a soda fountain that hasn't changed since 1900.

Dinner: Henry Social Club. For February 13, 2026, they're hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner, a fun alternative if you find standard romantic dinners a bit too quiet.

5. Bloomington: Vibrant & Active

Distance from Indianapolis: 1 hour south

High-energy and foodie-centric. If your idea of romance is great food followed by a live show, this is your spot.

Where to Stay:

Grant Street Inn is a boutique B&B that feels like a private retreat but sits just two blocks from the best restaurants on Kirkwood Avenue.

The 2026 Saturday Plan:

Spend your afternoon at Oliver Winery (15 minutes north of town). They host "Chocolate Lover's Month" all February—book a heated igloo to sip wine in the snow. For evening entertainment, catch a show at The Bluebird or the IU Auditorium.

Dinner: C3 for upscale cocktails and small plates, or Anyetsang's Little Tibet for a truly unique, intimate atmosphere.

For more on what makes Bloomington special, explore some of the famous movies filmed there.

Quick 2026 Comparison

One More Thing: The Two-Night Minimum

Since Valentine's Day is a Saturday in 2026, many hotels, especially the French Lick resorts, will require a two-night minimum stay. If you can only swing one night, look at Madison or Columbus, which tend to be more flexible.

And if you'd rather stay closer to home, check out our guide to Valentine's Day date ideas in Indianapolis for dinners, concerts, and experiences that don't require packing a bag.