Thousands of Hoosiers each year choose Florida as their go-to destination for spring break. But the Sunshine State isn’t for everyone. Sometimes you want the shopping, the scenery, and the venues without the rowdy beaches.
Indiana, fortunately, has plenty of places where you can find spring break thrills and quiet spots to relax. If you happen to be on a budget or don’t feel like swimming in the Gulf of America this year, these locations in the Hoosier state are worth a drive.
Warsaw, Indiana, listed among ‘most charming small towns’ by HGTV
A community in Indiana caught the attention of HGTV for its pleasant streetscapes, robust shopping and entertainment venues. And no, it wasn’t Carmel.
The home improvement and reality TV channel named Warsaw, Indiana, two years ago as one of the “50 most charming small towns in America.”
Incorporated in 1854, Warsaw is the county seat of Kosciusko County and has a population size of roughly 16,000 people, according to the U.S. Census.
Winona Lake in Warsaw, Indiana.
“Spend a day relaxing by beautiful Winona Lake in Warsaw, Indiana, and leave time to wander through the beautiful, historic Village at Winona,” HGTV wrote. “Once a summer retreat, this Northern Indiana destination is now a shopping mecca and a venue for concerts, performances and festivals. The Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.”
📍Where to find it: Warsaw is about 60 minutes southeast of South Bend and 2.5 hours north of Indianapolis.
Indiana Dunes State Park: Sand and solitude
We know what you’re thinking: Why on Earth would you visit Indiana Dunes State Park, a popular summer destination when March temperatures along its sandy beaches can hover in the 40s and 50s?
But that’s precisely why you go — to avoid the crowds.
Indiana Dunes State Park is one of 23 others managed by the Indiana State Parks System, and there’s more to do than just swimming. Nature enthusiasts can saunter through 2,200 acres of lush, primitive landscape teeming with hundreds of species of birds. And that’s the state park. There’s a national park next door with 50 miles of hiking trails spread across 15,000 acres.
📍Where to find it: Drive to 1600 N. 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304, or visit the state park’s official website at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Visitors to Indiana Dunes National Park can reach it via Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90), U.S. Highways 12 and 20, Indiana State Road 49 and other state roads, according to park officials. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located on Indiana State Road 49.
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Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park offers spectacular views in the late summer and fall, but its majesty can be enjoyed also in spring. Waterfalls and moss-covered rock formations have made this Indiana gem considered to be one the best spots for hiking.
The park, 8121 E. Park Road, is about 30 minutes southwest of Crawfordsville and has a cabin commemorating Richard Lieber, the father of Indiana’s state park system. You can also take a trip to nearby Shades State Park for some equally rugged and picturesque trails.
turkey run state park, rocky hollow, trail 3, punch bowl
📍Where to find it: Drive to 8121 E. Park Road, in Marshall, Indiana.
See a baby orangutan in spring 2025 at the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo near White River State Park is one of the largest privately funded zoos in the country, and the largest in the state. At 67 acres, the zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals.
This includes lions and tigers and bears (oh my), baby elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, pythons, alligators, kangaroos, dolphins and 3,000-pound walruses.
One very cute addition to the zoo’s menagerie spring guests will enjoy is a baby orangutan.
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Born in late February, the baby male orangutan can be found at the Indianapolis Zoo’s Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center. Twelve other primates live at the facility for guests to observe.
📍Where to find it: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Splash around at an indoor water park in French Lick
You don’t have to fly all the way to Florida for a springtime dip in the water. Drive to French Lick where you can find Big Splash Adventure, a 40,000 square-foot indoor water park that’s open all year.
In addition to waterslides and lazy rivers, the park has dining and shopping options, as well as an arcade.
Those who spend the night at its 153-room hotel can receive passes and early entry into the water park. Day passes are limited during spring break, officials said, and must be purchased in advance online. The passes run about $20-$25 each.
📍Where to find it: 8505 IN-56, French Lick, Indiana.
More in Indiana travel: Will spring breakers slam Indianapolis airport? Here’s how many travel to Florida in March.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Forget Florida. Indiana has these spring break destinations in 2025
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