When the winter chill takes over Indiana, it’s the perfect time to head indoors and enjoy the warmth of cozy activities. Whether you’re in Northern, Central, or Southern Indiana, there are plenty of ways to embrace the season while staying comfortably inside. Here’s a guide to some of the best indoor winter activities across the Hoosier state.
Northern Indiana
Experience the South Bend Chocolate Company
Nestled in South Bend, this chocolate lover’s haven offers guided tours where you can see how their delicious confections are made. Warm up with a cup of decadent hot chocolate and pick out your favorite treats from their shop.
Stroll Through the Batman Museum
The Fiberglass Freaks' Batman Museum celebrates the 85 year history of the Batman character, focusing heavily on the 1966 version, starring Adam West and Burt Ward. The 7,000 square foot museum boasts a replica of the Wayne Manor study, complete with sliding bookcase and Batpoles; see Batman documentaries in the theater; do the batclimb wall with your friends; enjoy Mark Racop's first Batmobile replica, built when he was seventeen; and gaze in amazement at the Batcave replica. Bring the entire family for photo ops with Joker, Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman statues in the Rogues Gallery, as well as Batman, Robin, and Batgirl statues in the Batcave.
Relax at Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre
Shipshewana is known for its Amish charm, and the Blue Gate Theatre is the perfect place to escape the cold. Enjoy a family-style Amish meal followed by live performances ranging from music to comedy and drama.
Learn at the Studebaker National Museum
This South Bend museum is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in history. Discover the legacy of the Studebaker family, explore classic cars, and learn about Indiana’s industrial past in a comfortable indoor setting.
Step Into Inspiration
The Haan is home to artwork by historic and contemporary Indiana artists, including an impressive collection of works by TC Steele and the Hoosier Group. It's all displayed in a historic mansion that was built in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair. The collection also includes antique American Renaissance Revival furniture from the 1860s. Outside you can explore the Sculpture Garden and hike on our wooded nature trail behind the museum.
Central Indiana
Children's Museum IN Terre Haute
The Terre Haute Children's Museum is three stories of fun, laughter and exploration. Our museum is dedicated to exposing children and families to new ideas and experiences.
Elwood Haynes Museum
Learn about a notable Hoosier inventor, Elwood Haynes, during a visit to the Elwood Haynes Museum in Kokomo!
Harrah's Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson
Harrah's Hoosier Park is a premier gaming, racing, dining and entertainment destination. All just minutes north of Indianapolis. Open 24/7, year-round.
Igloos at Daniel's Vineyard IN McCordsville
Please join us for some great wine, amazing food, and an even better view. Our igloos are heated and spacious, perfect for a gathering with friends during a cold or snowy night. Igloos will be open during business hours, and more information can be found on our website!
Lane Place
Lane Place was built for Henry S. Lane in 1845 in what is now called the Elston Grove Historic District. Lane lived continuously at Lane Place until he died in 1881.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre IN Franklin
There's nothing like a classic film at this 1920s-era theater. Snack on locally grown popcorn while enjoying an iconic film, then stroll around the corner to snap a selfie in the Artcraft Alley, an art installation with 200 colorful stars overhead.
Opalescent Glass Factory IN Kokomo
Tour America's oldest art glass company! Feel the heat as you experience art glass that is hand-ladled and rolled from a 2,500 degree furnace and watch skilled artisans make hand-blown glass creations in the KOG Hot Glass Studio.
Southern Indiana
Arcademie IN Evansville
Put a new, antiquated spin on your game nights at Arcademie. Because honestly, they just don’t make arcade games like they used to. With a dozen draughts and classic drinks to boot, you can master the art of the flipper on our timeless antique-style machines.
Culbertson Mansion in New Albany
William Culbertson's Mansion stands as an example of the tastes, ideals and lifestyles of the late 1800s.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science IN Evansville
The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science houses a permanent collection of more than 30,000 objects, including fine and decorative art, as well as historic, anthropological, and natural history artifacts.
French Lick Casino IN French Lick
Play to win at French Lick Casino, featuring resort-style gaming with a ton of ways to cash in. Our spacious main gaming floor features hundreds of slots, both classic reels and the latest trending video gaming devices, plus live-dealer table games and a sportsbook.
Kidscommons In Columbus
Explore! Create! Educate! Explore three floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits designed for families with toddlers to early teens.
Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum
Stroll through Lincoln-era replica cabins that stand in memorial to Abraham Lincoln's years spent in Indiana. Cabins, including the Pioneer Schoolhouse, the Lincoln Homestead Cabin, and the Old Pigeon Baptist Church, are decorated to offer a glimpse of what a young Abe's life might have looked like.
Indiana’s winters are made for cozying up indoors, and the state offers plenty of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring art and culture, indulging in delicious food and drink, or relaxing at luxurious venues, there’s something for everyone. So this winter, make the most of the season with these warm and welcoming indoor retreats in Indiana.
