Indiana Vacation PackageKathryn Hoyt2023-06-19T10:48:25-05:00
LET TRAVELKATZ PLAN YOUR INDIANA VACATION PACKAGE
Travelkatz will put together an Indiana Vacation Package custom tailored just for you. We handle all aspects of your trip so you can sit back, relax and enjoy. We provide three options for every state in the USA. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate in contacting us.
GARDENS
Indiana Gardens
Indiana Gardens – Indiana is a U.S. state in the Midwest. It is the 38th-largest by area and the 17th-most populous of the 50 United States. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana was admitted to the United States as the 19th state on December 11, 1816. We have in store beautiful gardens, let’s see…
White River Gardens: This garden opened in 1999 as part of the Indianapolis Zoo. This beautiful, 3-acre botanic garden provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn elements of landscape design that they can apply in their own yards. The Gardens include: a glass-enclosed conservatory, 25 individually designed outdoor garden areas, including a wedding garden for ceremonies and receptions, numerous artistic fountains, and sculptures and 1.5 miles of winding paths and walkways; and dramatic views of the riverfront and city skyline. The gardens are a part of the White River State Park and are free to walk through without having to pay for the zoo. The butterfly garden is amazing as are the indoor sections. Please check with TravelKatz before you go because they are making a new entrance and is therefore closed now. Since it can be found as part of zoo, you will have no trouble finding this garden when it reopens in Indianapolis.
Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory: This garden oasis in the heart of downtown. Visit the Showcase Garden with its lush seasonal displays, wander through the Tropical Garden where orchids and palms thrive in the shadows of a cascading waterfall, or retreat to the sparse beauty of the Desert Garden. Always a treat to visit this relaxing indoor garden and an outdoor portion in warmer seasons. The gift shop also has some cool things locally sourced such as soap, lotions, and oils, and they also have a nice little coffee café. You will find this garden in Fort Wayne.
Garfield Park Conservatory: This conservatory is an absolute gem. The $2 entry fee is very reasonable, and any plant or flower lover could easily spend an hour in here. There is a wide variety of exotic plants, some 80 years old or more. They cycle through dozens of orchids as they flower, so there’s always something a little different. Most plants are labeled clearly, and the self-guided tour pamphlet gives you a little more info on highlighted plants. This Conservatory is 10,000 square feet and has a 3-acre Sunken Garden as well as a Children’s Garden. You will find this tropical paradise in Indianapolis.
Holcomb Gardens: These are beautiful grounds to walk around and enjoy some peace and solitude. It is surprisingly not busy even though the weather is usually perfect on the day you might visit. It is a perfect spot to bring a picnic. Parking is also easy. And if you come, make sure to take the path to the nearby lake, fountain, and bell tower as that is another pretty area as well. Also, found in Indianapolis.
Wellfield Botanic Gardens: These Gardens, located in a 36-acre natural enclave touted as a “living museum” and a working source of hydropower and drinking water. It is a not-for-profit organization funded by private donations, earned revenue, memberships, and grants. It is open throughout the year featuring community special events, concerts, holiday lights, education workshops, children and family programming, and facility rentals for your special events. Wellfield features themed garden spaces, beautifully maintained, and is intended for all ages and abilities. The Mission of Wellfield Botanic Gardens is to celebrate the inseparable relationship between water and life, inspire creativity and lifelong learning, foster stewardship of our natural world, and grow community. 18 of Wellfield’s 36 acres are covered in water, beautiful waterfalls, and other water features. This amazing Gardens is found in Elkhart.
TravelKatz is waiting for your call so we can help you and your family have a wonderful time in Indiana visiting the beautiful botanical gardens. Give us a call at 352-277-7300.
STATE PARKS
Indiana State Parks:
Indiana State Parks – While the most familiar of America’s parks are the State Parks, and they operate under a variety of names – Indiana boasts of having a total of 26 State Parks, 15 State Forests, 4 State Memorials, a State Historic Site, a State Fishing Area and Hatchery, 13 State Wildlife Areas, and a State Nature Preserve.
Turkey Run State Park: This famous park has beautiful canyons and natural trails. Voted number one by Hoosiers, visitors to Parke County have the chance to explore sandstone gorges and scenic views along Sugar Creek. You’ll marvel at these natural geologic wonders of this beautiful park as you hike along its famous trails. Nestled along St. Rd. 47 southwest of Crawfordsville. There is a great Inn that is perfect for a special celebration, too. Visit this park in Marshall.
Spring Mill State Park: This state park in Mitchell is home to a wonderful pioneer village, as well as caves, hiking, mountain biking, and the “Gus” Grissom Memorial museum. The village is fun to see as the volunteer workers are doing their acts. You get to see the weaver making a rug, the cornmeal being ground and the grist mill. The trails are just amazing, and you’ll get to explore inside the Donaldson cave. Also in Mitchell
Brown County State Park: Nicknamed the “Little Smokies”, this state Park is Indiana’s largest. It encompasses nearly 16,000-acres of rugged hills, ridges, and ravines. It’s considered a hot spot for leaf-peeping, mountain biking, and horseback riding in Indiana. Glaciers from the most recent ice ages stopped short of the “hills o’ Brown,” but their meltwaters helped create the narrow ridges, steep slopes and deep gullies. Indiana’s largest park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland. The park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers accommodations that include motel rooms, cabins, dining and conference facilities and an indoor water park. Large campgrounds, hiking and mountain biking trails, interpretive services, a saddle barn for guided horse rides and a separate horseman campground with 70 miles of horse trails are some of the things that make this Park popular year-round. This park is found in Nashville.
McCormick’s Creek State Park: This is Indiana’s first state park and is over 100 years old and continues to draw visitors to Sweet Owen County! Enjoy swimming, hiking, waterfalls, horseback riding and much more! Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities and services in a beautiful and restful natural setting. You can explore the park by 10+ miles of well-marked hiking trails, taking you past unique features like Wolf Cave, Twin Bridges, and the Falls on McCormick’s Creek. If you enjoy horseback riding you can take guided trail rides or pony rides at the Saddle Barn. Picnickers have a variety of areas to choose from, and some have shelters with fireplaces. Many are close to drinking water, restrooms, or playground equipment. There are also several shelter houses throughout the park, and they are all reservable. Visitors can also enjoy an Olympic-size swimming pool, playgrounds and playing fields, and a variety of games and sports at the Recreation Center. Fishing is available on nearby White River. The Nature Center also offers a variety of exhibits, displays, and scheduled interpretive naturalist services year-round. This special park is found west of Bloomington.
Indiana Dunes State Park: Home to what are rated as some of America’s best beaches for families this park features three miles of Lake Michigan Shoreline, amazing hiking, a fabulous nature center, a birding pavilion, and the incredibly tough 3 Dune Challenge! This isn’t your run of the mill state park, it’s a place shaped by thousands of years of shifting landscapes and Hoosier history. Since 1925, Indiana Dunes State Park has been wowing visitors with its natural terrain, three-miles of dune-lined shores, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Splash around in Lake Michigan, bound up towering sand dunes, or explore beautiful trails on foot or on your bike. Escape the mundane on these storied shores. Play in this park in Chesterton.
TravelKatz is looking forward to hearing from you either by phone (352) 277-7300 or Chat at www.vacationnationradio.com or www.travelkatz.com. Let’s plan your Indiana vacation together!
MUSEUMS
Indiana Museums:
Indiana Museums – Mostly because of the state’s location, being a mid-western state, many of the Museums in Indiana are special and you’ll find unexpected amusement, as well. Such as:
Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy: That title “Mister Television” went to Red Skelton. Growing up in the 60s, “The Red Skelton Show” was required viewing in many households. You’ll learned about Red’s early years, his broad career, hobbies and his patriotic and philanthropic ways. The favorite parts are the fun clips from his TV and movie career. Raised in humble surroundings, Skelton never forgot his roots, which is why the museum honors his long career (the 1930s to his 1997 death) is in his hometown. His many honors are on display; his Emmy awards, scripts, and costumes from the variety of characters he created over his decades on the air – radio and television. As Skelton always considered himself a clown more than an actor or comedian, the artwork he painted later in his life was predominantly clown figures which are on display at the end of the museum. It’s a wonderful stop for the nostalgic. It’s also a great education for modern fans of comedy to see the roots of one of the true kings of comedy. This fun museum is in Vincennes.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum: Wow! If you like classic cars, this museum is a MUST SEE. Lots of classic cars on display, but also interactive exhibits to educate on how a car works. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and willing to share their experience. Many places you visit will say that you’ll step back in time, but this Museum does just that experience! The reasons are roaring 20s music in the background, beautiful art-deco automobiles on display, in an art-deco designed show room with very cool vaulted columns, and the ability to get up close to these fine cars. This museum is found in Auburn.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: The largest children’s museum in the world just got even bigger with the addition of a new 7.5-acre outdoor health and fitness area that encourages activity through multiple sports. The new space, called Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience includes basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pedal car racing – both drag strip and oval track, golf, baseball, and tennis. The indoor portion of the new area includes the National Art Museum of Sport along with the World of Sport and History of Hoops. This Museum is made up with exhibits and activities that are fun and interesting for the entire family as they explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts through exciting interactive exhibits on five floors. Families will discover some of the rarest dinosaur fossils in the world and see what it’s like to live and work in space. Visit this museum in Indianapolis.
Studebaker National Museum: Travel through over a century of transportation history. See the rise of the Studebaker Corporation from its beginnings in a small South Bend Blacksmith Shop. Admire over 50 vehicles which tell the Studebaker story and display iconic styling. Do the little history worksheet they provide and learn a lot more than you would have otherwise. The then and now exhibit is fun to point out things we had or have seen in family’s houses. The Studebaker side was very interesting enjoyed looking at the old cars and the car hop area with jukebox is a favorite. This wonderful museum is located in South Bend.
The USS LST Ship Memorial: How cool is it to walk into a working piece of history! The Memorial, Inc. maintains and operates this ship, the last fully operational WWII Landing Ship/Tank in the United States and is dedicated to these very important ships and the men who served on them. It is was one of the over 200 that participated in the Normandy Landings. Tours are guided as the ship is fully operational and run on the hour with the last tour at 3:00 PM. Please call ahead in September and October to verify that they are in Evansville. You can volunteer to work when it goes out on a voyage. A must see if you love history. If this is a museum that you want to see, please let TravelKatz call to confirm that she in her home port of Evansville.
Travelkatz will be happy to put a special Indiana vacation together for you and yours. Please call us or email us at 352-277-7300 or [email protected] – or – chat with us online at www.vacationnationradio.com
FESTIVALS
Indiana Festivals:
Car shows, historic reenactments, carnivals, art fairs, music festivals, county fairs – Sky’s the limit! Each year, over 640 festivals and events are held in all 92 counties from January to December.
Spring Blooms: Imagine an idyllic, vernal campus carpeted with over half a million blooms. A staggering cascade of flowers will unfold, from tulips to peonies. Thousands of netted iris, crocus, hyacinth, and early daffodils have been planted all across The Garden. Native, perennial wildflowers enhance our wooded spaces. As the weather warms, the outdoor displays begin to swell. Look for the tall, Dr. Seuss-like blooms of Allium ‘White Giant’ near the Sutphin Fountain and the slate-purple colored bell-like flowers of the Persian fritillary at the front of Lilly House. For this year’s outdoor exhibition, our team of staff and volunteers planted over 100,000 bulbs. To top it off, our Beer Garden returns in the spring. You’re welcome to grab a beverage and wander The Garden. Visit early and often to watch nature paint the landscape in slow motion at Newfields. Now – May 26, The Garden at Newfields in Indianapolis.
Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival and +21 Ethereal Ball: The Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival Saturday, May 18th, 2019 10 am – 5 pm & +21 Ethereal Ball 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm. Come and enter a world of fantasy and enchantment. The Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Trail and Realm Events Management Presents the first annual Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival at the Hendricks County 4_H Fairgrounds in Danville Indiana! This is a one-day full fairy immersion experience. This Festival is a fundraising for The Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Trail a FREE family fairy adventure trail and the Hendricks County Humane Society a 501(c)3. 5 Stages OF NON-STOP MUSIC & Entertainment! Fairies, Fantastical games, and activities for all ages and I the day. In the evening an Ethereal Ball for the adults with live entertainment in the +21 Cartlidge Barn.
Cherry Blossom Festival: Join us for the 13th annual Cherry Blossom Festival Fort Wayne, Indiana! This epic 1-day event is the largest Japanese festival in the state of Indiana, and several near-by states. There is taiko drumming, cosplay, Japanese food, haiku poetry, origami crafts, anime art contest, shopping, and more! Admission: FREE Parking: Free on the street. May 19th
Cedar Lake Summerfest: Free annual July 4th festival along Cedar Lake. Cardboard boat race, talent show, senior games, teen scavenger hunt, classic car show, food, carnival, land parade, boat parade, live entertainment, beer garden along with the fireworks over Cedar Lake! Jul. 3-7
Festival of the Lakes: free festival including nationally-known live musical entertainment, a carnival, food vendors, 5k walk/run, splash, polka party, hot rod and custom bike show, fishing derby, Senior Day. Jul. 17-21
Northern Indiana Power from the Past Antique Power Show and Flea Market: Antique power show with over 150 flea market vendors. Family entertainment lasting through the night. Working displays. Horse pull, steam and gas engines. Great food stands including ham & beans and cornbread cooked over open fire. Free parking. Jul. 18-21
Bridgeton Milling & Craft Demo Days: Live demonstrations at the mill. Grinding organic flour and cornmeal on 200-year-old French burr stones. Try some of the Mill’s original mixes. See artisans at work at the Waterfall View Barn and Bridgeton 1878 House. Sep. 7-8
There are other festivals in Indiana; let us look for them for you and plan your next vacation to Indiana. Call TravelKatz – 352-277-7300 to contact Kathryn or Sandra.
PLACE OF INTEREST
French Lick & West Baden
French Lick is a town in southern Indiana. It’s known for its historic mineral springs, which are chronicled at the French Lick West Baden Museum. French Lick Scenic Railway offers rides on vintage diesel locomotives through Hoosier National Forest. To the east is Paoli Peaks ski area. Larry Bird was raised in French Lick, Indiana, too. How did it get its name? Simple…the French settled here and they noticed the deer and cattle loved licking the salt from the dry rocks around the mineral springs – thus – French Lick!
Nestled among the hills of the Hoosier National Forest resides a classic American destination – French Lick Resort. This resort has had a complete restoration and is the largest privately funded preservation projects in this country.
French Lick Resort. Home to two AAA Four-Diamond nationally historic hotels, three challenging golf courses, two rejuvenating spas, impressive meeting venues and a Vegas-style casino (rated No. 4 Best Casino outside of Las Vegas.
French Lick Springs Hotel is one of the two Posh 1845 resorts with a day spa, a casino & 9 restaurant, plus pools & horseback riding.
West Baden Springs Hotel: Once known as the “eighth Wonder of the World” and has been deemed a National Landmark.
The Spa at West Baden: This spa is named one of the Conde Nast traveler’s Top Spas in the US. This full-service spa features a two-level natatorium with 12 treatment rooms a full-service solon, health club and indoor lap pool.
French Lick Scenic Railway: If you like scenic train rides, this one is nice! A shorter trip that doesn’t deposit you at a tourist trap. Larry Bird’s childhood home is a few doors up from the tracks, otherwise it’s mostly forest with a few historic structures. Oh, and an old train tunnel long enough you get the “light at the end” effect. This is the ultimate train enthusiast destination! Located in picturesque southern Indiana, the museum boasts some of the most treasured railway cars and museum quality industry heirlooms.Indiana Railway Museum: Enjoy 1 hour and 45 min., 20-mile train trip through the Hoosier National Forest. Special events include Wild West Hold-ups, Polar Express and more.
French Lick West Baden Museum: The museum also features exhibits on the town’s former casinos and on local basketball legend Larry Bird, plus a huge circus diorama. This museum focuses on the history between 1900 and 1930 and tells of the famous artists, politicians and many more who called this area home.
French Lick Winery: Visit this winery’s tasting room where you can sample their wines or take a glass or bottle out to their patio. The winery also incudes a gift shop, teas and a café.
Outdoor activities and indoor: Zip line canopy tours and ATV adventures, golf and snow sports to name a few. The Gaming area is state of art with machines and live-action dealers.
French Lick West Baden truly has something for everyone. Travelkatz will be happy to make this special place come alive for you and your family and friends. Just give us a call at 352-277-7300.
Indiana State Capital: Indianapolis
Indianapolis is a portmanteau, combining the name of the state with the Greek word polis, which means “city.” Though that may sound like a pretty benign choice of name, it was surprisingly controversial when it was chosen in 1821. The name Indianapolis, which was proposed by Judge Jeremiah Sullivan, beat out the names Tecumseh (the name of an Indian chief) and Suwarrow (a European name). Supporters of the other names were so appalled by Indianapolis as the name of the city, one newspaper even called the decision “one of the most ludicrous acts” and called Indianapolis “not as a name for man, woman or child; for empire, city, mountain, or morass; for bird, beast, fish nor creeping thing.”
High-speed, history and good old Hoosier hospitality are a few reasons to put Indianapolis on your list of great getaways. Sports is another. From the legendary Indianapolis 500 to the Pacers and the Colts, the city offers ample opportunities to view professional and amateur sporting events, take part in athletic events and visit sports museums. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall Of Fame Museum you can tour the famous track (try to reserve tickets if there is a race in town) or visit the museum dedicated to automobiles and auto racing. Other sporty museums include the NCAA Hall of Champions. To get in on some of the action, head to SportZone which features six acres of indoor athletic facilities the whole family will enjoy. Those less interested in sports, or with kids in tow, can still find tons to do in and around the city. History, art and other cultural attractions abound. Visit the Children’s Museum or checkout the zoo. Stroll along cobblestone streets past 19th-century buildings in the Lockerbie Square District or visit any number of historic landmarks. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” more interstate highways bisect Indianapolis than any other city in the country, making it an exciting and easily accessible destination.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: It’s a great place to take kids and watch them spend an entire day playing, using their imagination, learning, and exploring! The permanent exhibits are fantastic and feature a science area, a brand-new play-scape for young children, a Chihully glass sculpture, the dino-sphere, and so much more!! It can get quite crowded, especially on holidays and non-school days. Because of this, it is recommended that you get there right before they open and be one of the first in and first out. They offer ample parking near, and there’s a food court and awesome gift shop! The food court has a nice variety though a bit pricey but you can also bring your own snacks or sandwiches. With exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to the international space station, trains and a trip to China your family will love it all. There is a ramp system to all floors or elevators that are stroller friendly. Parking is free in the attached garage or surface lot. There is also an often-overlooked outdoor park with the 7 wonders of the world; grandkids love to climb on it.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: The IMS is one of Kathryn’s favorite places. Everyone needs to experience the Indy 500, The Brickyard, the Red Bull Air Races, and the Motocross. The events for the Indy 500 during the month of May are special and the excitement from the crowd is contagious. Get your tickets early!! Each race is different and thrilling in its own way. The museum is great, with so much history. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway HOF Museum is truly a gem. Beautiful restored race cars, winning cars of the Indy 500, trophies, and memorabilia are on rotating display. Two fully-stocked gift shops and a variety of track tours are available as well. For an awesome experience, ask for directions to the official IMS Photo Shop and purchase a piece of history. Race fans will love the museum for its contents, and non-race fans will be awed by the massive facility. There’s something about driving into the facility itself that makes you smile.
Indiana State Capitol: When touring the Indiana State Capital building with a guide you’ll enjoy all of the historical significance contained in that vast building. Strategically locate just two blocks west of the majestic Monument Circle, the state capital building houses the Senate, House of Representatives and other administrative staff. Of course, the current governor and Lt. governor and hundreds of law makers and administrative workers do their duties under only one roof. Each year, legislative personnel hear from lobbyists and their constituents about issues that affect their lives. The exterior of the State House was covered using limestone that was quarried from open-pit mines, in southwestern Indiana. The architecture and craftsmanship is beautiful, most impressive being the stained glass in the rotunda. Wonderful visit.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site: Very well maintained home. About 80% of the furnishings belonged to Benjamin Harrison, and the wallpaper had been restored to match what was in the home when Harrison lived in the house. This is the 10th presidential home we have visited and is one of our favorite. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and friendly Although most of the focus was on his life and living in Indianapolis, there is some important information on what he accomplished as President. Very informative and educational for adults and school-age learners. One gleamed what life was like before and after being President, and all life brought him, good and bad. this one really gives an up-close look at the home of the 23rd president. Toured all parts of the home with a welcoming tour guide and allowed to see many artifacts without feeling like the things were too important for the public to get a good look at.
White River State Park: White river runs through the center of Indianapolis and the state park is right near its downtown. Sunday may be the best day to visit as the offices are closed and you don’t find yourself stuck in congested road and parking is easily available. Lot of activities to do in the park. You can visit museum, ride bikes or go for nice long walk around the river. This can be a stopover on your way to other areas in Indiana. When we arrived we we’re pleasantly surprised to realize all the attractions at this location.
We visited the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American Art. The admission price to each museum was $13.00 per person; a little steep but at least it includes parking. Each museum had a restaurant inside. The park setting is peaceful with a canal running through it. It was hard to believe this park was in a major city.
Fountain Square Theatre Building: Get a delicious meal at the End of the Line, where the servers are kind and accommodating, and have a little fun at Duck Pin Bowling. You’ll find this to be a fun activity for all. Call ahead for possible need for a reservation at Duck Pin Bowling so you are not disappointed if they are full when you arrive. A meal at the End of the Line is impressive and they are more than willing to accommodate dietary needs, with a smile! Check the hours of the restaurant as well. Short hours on Sundays. Try them both. You should walk away pleased!
INDIANA VACATION PACKAGE MADE EASY
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