If you’re searching for the best weekend getaways from Indianapolis, you don’t need to hop on a plane or drive to the coast. Just a few hours north lies Lake Michigan — a freshwater giant that feels more like an inland sea than a lake. With sandy beaches, towering dunes, and charming lakeside towns, it’s the perfect destination for your next weekend getaway from Indianapolis.

From Indy to the Inland Sea For those living in Indy, summer heat and flat landscapes can make a true escape feel far away. But in just 3.5 hours, you can trade cornfields for rolling dunes and sparkling waters that stretch to the horizon. Lake Michigan offers everything you expect from an ocean — waves, sandy beaches, and fiery sunsets — without leaving the Midwest. That’s what makes it one of the most unforgettable weekend getaways from Indianapolis.

Indiana Dunes National Park: Indiana’s Gateway to the Shore

Your road trip begins with Indiana Dunes National Park. Just 2.5 hours north of Indianapolis, this is the perfect midway stop on your Lake Michigan escape.

• Over 15 miles of sandy shoreline and 50 miles of hiking trails

• Towering dunes that give you panoramic views of the lake

• A proud claim: Indiana’s only national park

For many Hoosiers, Indiana Dunes is a first taste of the Lake Michigan shoreline and a fitting start to a weekend getaway from Indianapolis.

Beyond the Dunes: Discover New Buffalo & Harbor Country

From Indiana Dunes, it’s only a 16-minute drive across the state line to New Buffalo, Michigan — the heart of Harbor Country. This is where your weekend getaway from Indianapolis transforms into a full lakeside experience.

• Explore boutique shops and cafés downtown → Discover Downtown New Buffalo

• Sip and savor Michigan wines → Best Wineries and Tasting Rooms

• Chase fiery skies → Best Places to Watch a Sunset in New Buffalo

• Try something unique → Sandboarding at Warren Dunes is a thrill you usually only find out West.

• For drama lovers → Storm Watching on Lake Michigan makes fall and winter getaways equally exciting.

New Buffalo blends adventure, dining, and relaxation into one of the most accessible and rewarding weekend getaways from Indianapolis.

Make Copper Top Ridge Your Home Base

No weekend getaway from Indianapolis is complete without the perfect place to stay.
Copper Top Ridge in New Buffalo is a modern cottage retreat designed for comfort, style, and connection:

• Private hot tub under the stars
• Fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs
• Spacious patio with pergola and dining area
• Cozy interiors with fireplaces and panoramic windows
• Trek e-bikes available to rent for exploring Harbor Country

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family trip, or a group retreat,
Copper Top Ridge elevates any weekend getaway from Indianapolis.

A Perfect 3-Day Indianapolis to Lake Michigan Itinerary

Day 1: Drive north from Indy, explore Indiana Dunes National Park, then check into Copper Top Ridge for a hot tub soak.

Day 2: Spend the morning at New Buffalo’s beach, try sandboarding at Warren Dunes, and visit local wineries. End the day with a Lake Michigan sunset — or, if the skies roll in, dramatic storm watching.

Day 3: Relax with coffee on the patio, then enjoy one last indulgence: breakfast in New Buffalo before the drive home.

This flexible itinerary shows how easy it is to turn a short drive into one of the most memorable weekend getaways from Indianapolis.

Photo Tour of Copper Top Ridge