Winter doesn’t always get the best reception. Each and every year, without fail, you’ll have folks lamenting the end of summer and wishing autumn would last until spring – it’s not every day you meet someone who’s really into the coldest time of the year. However, if you’d like to become one of those folks who dig the chilly months, we suspect that one or all of these winter day trips in Indiana should teach you a newfound respect for the season. Just be sure to bundle up with your warmest winter essentials!

1. Indiana Dunes National Park
Tom Gill/Flickr
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
Indiana Dunes National Park has the special distinction of being the first National Park in Indiana. It is simply astonishing no matter what time you decide to visit, but we cannot recommend a winter jaunt enough. Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes and shoreline become positively magical when covered in snow and coated in ice, and if you've never seen it in person... you need to. Go. Now. We'll be here waiting for you to get back.

Get a closer look at this beautiful national park:

2. Angola, and the famous toboggan run
Benjamin Seese/Flickr
The delightful little town of Angola, Indiana, is a lot of fun. There's plenty to do, and in the winter, there's one activity in particular that draws folks from around the state. It's only the single most epic winter toboggan run in Indiana, and it's pretty much the definition of fun. It makes for the perfect winter day.
Pokagon State Park, Park Office:, 450 Ln 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703, USA
Kevin Miller/Google
3. Perfect North Slopes
Perfect North Slopes/Facebook
Perfect North Slopes, 19074 Perfect Pl Ln, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025, USA
Perfect North Slopes/Facebook
If you're a fan of the epic toboggan run in Angola, you'll also love a visit to the legendary Perfect North Slopes, an amazing array of fun stuff to do, including the best snow tubing hills in Indiana. This one is amazing for the entire family, and we don't think winter's ever been as much fun as it is when we're at Perfect North.

Check out the far side of these fun slopes:

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4. Nappanee, and The Barns
The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres/Facebook
Nappanee, IN 46550, USA
The Barns at Nappanee, 1600 W Market St, Nappanee, IN 46550, USA
The Barns at Nappanee, Home of Amish Acres/Facebook
If there's one thing we're really excited to call ours (well, sort of), it's Amish country. There is a large Amish presence in Indiana, and we can't get enough of their amazing food, wares, and shops. A visit to Nappanee, and what used to be known as Amish Acres (now known as The Barns at Nappanee), is sure to thrill you for a day. Enjoy some of the best Amish food, baked goods, and more while catching a glimpse of everyday Amish life. Winter in Indiana makes Nappanee especially splendid.
5. Wolf Creek Habitat
Wolf Creek Habitat/Facebook
Wolf Creek Habitat/Facebook
Animal lovers, this one's for you! Observe an amazing, real-life wolf pack at Indiana's amazing Wolf Creek Habitat, which is made all the better when covered in snow. Learn all about these amazing, beautiful animals, and even meet some face-to-face! This might be one of our all-time favorite attractions in Indiana... especially when it's cold.

Get an in-depth look at this wonderful wolf habitat:

6. Santa Claus
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
Santa Claus, IN, USA
Santa Claus, Indiana/Facebook
Last but not least is a major given: the one and only Christmas town in Indiana that's literally known as THE Christmas capital of the nation: Santa Claus! Here, it's Christmas all year round, but should you visit in the winter, you'll experience the town in its element. Don't forget to visit the year-round Christmas Store, and then spend the rest of the day playing at Holiday World.

So there you have it: six amazing winter day trips in Indiana, all of which are worthy of taking the day off work to visit! Have you ever been to any of these delightful attractions? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more adventures, hit the road on these unforgettable road trips in Indiana.

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More to Explore

Wonderful Things To Do In Indiana

Will Suphan | November 30, 2023

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Indiana?

The best kid-friendly hikes in Indiana include:

  • Trail 10 at McCormick’s Creek State Park. This is the first state park in Indiana and has an easy hike with amazing canyon views.
  • Strahl Lake Trail at Brown County State Park. This is a hike that goes around a lovely lake and has a fun nature center.
  • Trail 4 at Chain O’Lakes State Park. This is an easy 1-mile hike that will bring you to four different lakes with varied wildlife.
  • Trail 9 at Clifty Falls State Park. This hike on a wooden boardwalk goes past beautiful waterfalls.

Learn more about the best kid-friendly hikes in Indiana. 

What are the best amusement parks in Indiana?

The best amusement parks in Indiana include:

  • Deep River Water Park. The Paddle PlayZone and bumper boats are great fun for all ages.
  • Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Fun characters greet you at this fun park that has the longest water coaster in the world.
  • Fun Center Paiges Crossing. This place has mini-golf, go-karts, rides, arcade games, and so much more.
  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure. Rather than rides, this park has you propelling yourself along tunnels, bridges, ziplines, and a whole lot more active fun.

Find out more about the best amusement parks in Indiana. 

What are the best animal encounters in Indiana?

The best animal encounters in Indiana include:

  • Wolf Creek Habitat. You can pet adult wolves and wolf puppies here as well as foxes and rabbits.
  • Wilstem Ranch. This is an elephant retreat where you can pet and bathe elephants. There are also giraffes, horses, and kangaroos.
  • Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve. Come here to interact with and learn about buffalo and stay in a teepee if you like.
  • Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. This is where you can pet ostriches, elk, bison, zebras, llamas, and many other animals.

Discover more about the best animal encounters in Indiana. 

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