Guys Trip Ideas In Indiana
If you're planning a guys trip and haven't considered Indiana, you're missing out on one of America's most underrated destinations. The Hoosier State offers an impressive mix of high-energy activities and laid-back experiences that'll suit any group of friends. From the roar of engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to world-class golf courses at French Lick Resort, you'll find plenty of options to create lasting memories. Whether you're adrenaline junkies, sports enthusiasts, or craft beer aficionados, Indiana's diverse attractions might just astonish you with what's in store.
What Do You Call Your "Guys Trips"?
- Indiana offers diverse guy-friendly activities from racing and sports to golf and outdoor adventures across multiple cities.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway provides adrenaline-pumping experiences with IndyCar rides and professional racing simulators.
- French Lick Resort combines championship golf at Pete Dye Course with casino entertainment.
- Notre Dame's gameday tradition delivers sports excitement with stadium tours and local brewery exploration.
- Brown County and Fort Wayne round out adventure options with outdoor activities and craft beer experiences.
Why Indiana Makes A Great Place For A Guys Trip
Indiana, strategically located in the American Midwest and nicknamed the "Crossroads of America," offers an accessible destination for guys trips from multiple major cities. The 38th largest state spans 36,420 square miles with a population of roughly 6.8 million people, anchored by its capital, Indianapolis.
Indiana's rich history includes being the 19th state admitted to the Union in 1816 and playing a vital role in America's automotive and manufacturing heritage. The state experiences all four seasons distinctly, with humid summers reaching the mid-80s°F, colorful autumns, cold winters with occasional snow, and mild springs - making outdoor activities viable year-round with proper planning.
A fascinating fact about Indiana is that it's home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world's largest sports venue, capable of holding a staggering 400,000 spectators.
The state's central location, diverse landscape ranging from the Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of Brown County, and mix of urban and rural attractions make it an ideal setting for groups of friends seeking both adventure and entertainment without breaking the bank.
Top Guys Trip Ideas In Indiana
They say you can find everything "In Indiana" and that's pretty much true I think. If you're looking for automotive history, they've got that! Maybe you just want to chill out on a tech sabbath, well there's plenty of natural spaces to kick back and relax on a hike or even exploring Amish country in Shipshewana. Oh but don't worry - if you want great food and nightlife you can find that in Indianapolis and a handful of awesome college towns spread across the state!
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Experience
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't just about race day - it offers year-round experiences perfect for gearheads and thrill-seekers. Book a high-speed riding experience where professional drivers take you around the iconic 2.5-mile track at speeds exceeding 180 mph in a real IndyCar. The IMS Museum houses over 75 historic vehicles and racing memorabilia that tells the story of motorsports history. Follow up your track experience with a visit to the nearby Dallara IndyCar Factory, where you can test your skills on professional racing simulators.
French Lick Resort Golf Getaway
French Lick Resort boasts two of Indiana's most prestigious golf courses, including the Pete Dye Course, ranked among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. The Donald Ross Course, dating back to 1917, has hosted PGA Championships and offers stunning altitude changes with panoramic views of the Hoosier National Forest. After golf, the group can try their luck at the resort's Vegas-style casino or sample rare bourbons at the 1875: The Steakhouse. The historic West Baden Springs Hotel, with its massive 200-foot dome, provides an architectural marvel and luxurious accommodations.
South Bend Game Day Experience
Nothing beats a fall Saturday in South Bend watching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish play football at the legendary Notre Dame Stadium. Before kickoff, join thousands in the traditional campus walk, passing the Golden Dome and the famous Touchdown Jesus mural. Post-game, head to local favorite Linebacker Lounge for cold beers and their famous burgers, or check out South Bend Brew Werks for craft beers and elevated pub fare. The weekend can include a tour of the College Football Hall of Fame and a visit to Four Winds Field, home of the Chicago Cubs' minor league affiliate.
Brown County Adventure Weekend
Brown County State Park offers Indiana's best mountain biking with over 35 miles of purpose-built trails ranging from beginner flow trails to technical expert runs. The area is home to the Gnaw Bone Camp, where groups can experience world-class zip lining through the forest canopy. Hard Truth Distilling Co., located in nearby Nashville, provides tours and tastings of their craft spirits, including their renowned Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey. End your days at the rustic Story Inn, a former 1851 general store turned restaurant/bar known for its impressive whiskey selection and haunted history.
Fort Wayne Brewery Trail
Fort Wayne's craft beer scene has exploded with standout breweries like Mad Anthony Brewing Company, known for their Ruby Raspberry Wheat, and Hop River Brewing Company's incredible IPAs. The Landing Beer Company, housed in a restored 1800s building, offers unique small-batch brews and excellent wood-fired pizzas. Between breweries, catch a TinCaps baseball game at the beautiful Parkview Field, or visit the Military History Center featuring one of the largest collections of military artifacts in the Midwest. Complete the experience with a stop at Powers Hamburgers, a historic 1940s diner famous for their Depression-era style sliders smothered in onions.
More Indiana Guys Trip Ideas
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Experience the thrill of racing history at the world's most famous speedway, including the Hall of Fame Museum and track tours.
- Brown County State Park Mountain Biking - Tackle over 30 miles of pristine mountain biking trails through Indiana's largest state park.
- French Lick Resort Golf - Play a round at the Pete Dye Course, consistently ranked as Indiana's #1 public golf course with dramatic elevation changes.
- Sun King Brewery - Tour Indianapolis's largest craft brewery and sample their award-winning beers in their downtown taproom.
- Lake Michigan Charter Fishing - Book a fishing charter out of Michigan City to catch salmon, trout, and other game fish.
- Notre Dame Football Game - Watch the Fighting Irish play at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend during football season.
- Bourbon Trail Tour - Visit Indiana's growing bourbon scene with stops at distilleries like Hard Truth Hills and Cardinal Spirits.
- Fort Wayne's Famous Coney Island - Indulge in the legendary Coney dogs at this historic downtown Fort Wayne institution dating back to 1914.
- Turkey Run State Park Rock Climbing - Scale the sandstone cliffs and investigate the rugged canyons at this outdoor adventure destination.
- Indiana Caverns - Discover Indiana's longest cave system with underground boat rides and spectacular limestone formations.
Other Destinations That You Might Also Enjoy Visiting
- Kentucky - The Bourbon Trail offers an incredible guys' experience with distillery tours, tastings, and rich history across multiple cities like Louisville and Lexington.
- Wisconsin - Similar Midwest vibes to Indiana with excellent fishing opportunities, Green Bay Packers football culture, and a thriving craft beer scene in Milwaukee.
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - A blue-collar city featuring amazing sports culture with the Steelers and Pirates, plus numerous craft breweries and iconic local foods like Primanti Brothers sandwiches.
- Tennessee - Combines outdoor adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains with Nashville's legendary music scene and Memphis' world-famous barbecue spots.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota - Offers excellent fishing lakes, the Mall of America, multiple professional sports teams, and a surprising number of craft breweries throughout the Twin Cities.
Your Next Guys Trip Should Be IN Indiana!
Whether you're racing at the Indy 500, teeing off at French Lick, or hitting the brewery trail in Fort Wayne, Indiana's got your guys trip covered. You'll find something for every group's style and budget, from action-packed sports weekends to laid-back outdoor adventures. Don't overlook the Hoosier State for your next getaway - it's packed with enough activities to keep your crew entertained and coming back for more.
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How To Find The Perfect Themed Hotel Rooms For Couples
There are business hotels and then there are hotels with themed rooms designed for a /romantic-getaway. These are fun and exciting with a little bit of naughty thrown in for good measure. Especially in a time like this where you might desperately need an escape but aren't really wanting to go out and hang around with people, finding a themed hotel room near you might just be the perfect solution. The interesting thing is that while you might think this type of getaway would be only found in California, New York, or Las Vegas... the reality is that there are options all over the country, including states you might normally think of as being more conservative such as Illinois, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and even Utah!
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Exploring the Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum: A Journey Through History and Heroism
There's no shortage of automotive museums around the country but I'm a total sucker for stuff that is unique and especially when it celebrates something masculine - like firefighters or military for instance. The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum is celebrating 50 years in 2024 and it is one of the coolest places that I've had a chance to walk through in many years. From antique pumpers and steam powered firetrucks to learning about what life was like in the firestations that our fathers and grandfathers worked in... there's something for everyone here and it's right downtown in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
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Fort Wayne Indiana Is A Great Guys Getaway Destination
Fort Wayne is a relatively hidden gem when it comes to destinations for a guys getaway. It is in a fantastic location - less than a 3-hour road trip from Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Indianapolis but it offers a diverse collection of activities and adventure for guys that love baseball, outdoor adventure, cars, trucks, and of course food, and craft beer. I've visited here a few times before to attend the Vera Bradley outlet sale and each time we visited I noticed "one more reason" to come back with a group of guys.
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Discover Unique Bachelor Party Fun in Shipshewana, Indiana's Amish Country
Earlier this year I attended the Midwest Travel Network in Shipshewana, Indiana and it was an interesting experience. I've driven past this area dozens of times over the past 20 years since it is right off of the Indiana Turnpike between South Bend and Toledo but despite seeing the billboards I'd never thought of it as a place that guys might want to visit for a guys weekend... much less a bachelor party. I was wrong though! This town actually has a lot going for it when it comes to guys looking for an easy-to-get-to destination and especially for those that don't need alcohol to have a great time, it also presents a unique bachelor party destination. Known for its Amish culture, excellent food, and fun attractions, Shipshewana is a fantastic place to gather with friends for a memorable, wholesome experience and I can't wait to go back again with some of my friends for a longer trip.