Looking for a nice weekend trip in Indiana just to kick back, relax, and chill out? Here are some ideas of places you should visit this year.

Small towns are really a hot topic lately. When it comes to Indiana, we have no shortage of them. Everyone has small-town pride nowadays. As someone who is from a small town in Indiana, I am proud of where I come from. Boonville, Indiana is a great place to raise a family and to call home. I don't care what anyone says.  Recently we have covered many of these small towns in articles such as the worst small towns in Indiana, an Indiana small town that makes you feel like you are in a Hallmark movie, the best must-visit small town in Indiana, and HGTV naming this Indiana town as the most charming in the state.

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Now, let's talk about vacationing in Indiana. Sure, Indiana isn't a typical state that people flock to for a vacation, but that doesn't mean that we don't have a lot to offer. Especially in terms of a nice and relaxing trip. You work hard for those vacation days, so why not spend them chilling out?

8 Best Small Towns In Indiana To Chill Out

World Atlas compiled a list of the eight best Indiana small towns to chill out. Each of these towns scattered throughout the state has its own unique offerings that make it nice to visit for you and your family. Check out what World Atlas says about each of these small towns in Indiana.

Madison

Madison is located along the Ohio River. While you are there, you can visit Clifty Falls State Park to check out some amazing waterfalls, gorges, and caverns. Perhaps you might want to stop in some antique stores, art galleries, or some of the local restaurants. One thing to see in Madison is the annual Madison Ribberfest, which is a blues and BBQ festival held each August.

Nashville

Indiana's Nashville is much more chill than the one you will find in Tennessee. The tiny town is located near Brown County State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and more. It's especially beautiful in the fall. In Nashville, you might want to check out some of its unique local shops, dining options, or my favorite, the gormet popcorn store.

Santa Claus

It's Christmas year-round in Santa Claus. Of course, the most popular thing to do there is to visit Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. Any of the water slides and water coasters are worth waiting in line for at Splashin' Safari. Oh, and don't forget to stop by Santa Claus Candy Castle! You can also do some camping at Lake Rudolph and Lincoln State Park.

New Harmony

New Harmony was created in 1814 as a utopian settlement. This tiny town has a lot of history that you can see, including the famous Roofless church. Stop by Harmonie State Park for more fun that includes camping, fishing, and more.

Shipshewana

This Amish town in northern Indiana features one of the biggest flea markets in the Midwest, the Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market. The nearby Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area presents chances for hunting, fishing, and hiking. Of course, you can always find some good food in Shipshewana too! As someone who was raised around the Amish, their food is some of the best homestyle meals you would eat!

Vevay

Vevay is nestled alongside the Ohio River in southern Indiana. The town is known for its Swiss origins, after all, it is located in Switzerland County. If you're like me and love being outdoors, fishing, camping, and hiking, Vevay has a lot to offer in that department.

West Baden Springs/French Lick

West Baden Springs Hotel is a sight to see. It's actually on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only that, but the town of French Lick has a lot to offer such as a casino at the French Lick Resort, golf courses, go-karting, and Big Splash Adventure, which is an indoor water park. Plus, right down the road is Patoka Lake, one of my favorite places to visit during the summer. A huge lake for boating, fishing, camping, and an overall great place to chill.

Zionsville

Zionsville is located right outside of Indianapolis. Another great town to visit if you love being at one with mother nature. That seems to be a common theme among these towns. Lots of fishing, boating, camping, and in this case, bird watching too.

Maybe you have been to some of these towns, maybe you haven't. Either way, they would make for a nice way to spend the weekend off just to chill out. Personally, I highly recommend Santa Claus, especially in the summer. Holiday World and Splashin' Safari both offer so much for families. You'd have a hard time not having fun chilling out on the lazy river!

The 25 Smallest Towns In Indiana With Shockingly Low Populations

The 25 smallest towns in Indiana have population numbers that will blow your mind. Wait until you see the smallest's population size!

Gallery Credit: Travis Sams

16 Indiana Towns with Dirty-Sounding Names

A majority of these towns were given their names in the mid-to-late 1800s as settlers making their way across the country found unclaimed plots of land and decided to make them their own. While I imagine they thought the names they came up with were innocent, and perhaps a tribute to something in their lives, pop culture has warped our minds to the point since then that we can't help but think of something about the town that was never intended by its founders. Take a look at this list. I guarantee there's at least one name that will make you chuckle.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan

See 11 Unique Attractions You'll Only Find in Indiana

From the World's Largest Ball of Paint to a pink elephant drinking a martini, the Hoosier State is filled with quirky little things worth a detour on your next road trip.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan

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