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The most unique places to stay in and around Indy

From container homes to adventure forts, central Indiana is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.

INDYtoday: INDY_Container Home Airbnb_SEPT23

Settle into three stories of modern, modular living in this unique container home.

Photo via Airbnb

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We all need a vacation — or a staycation that feels like a vacation — from time to time. Whether you’re a Hoosier feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special Indy experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.

We went looking for unique lodgings around town and central Indiana that showcase that Indy spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.

INDYtoday: INDY_Farm Cabin Airbnb_SEPT23

Listen to crickets chirp, watch fireflies dance and horses play, and roast marshmallows over a fire at this beautiful ranch home.

Photo via Airbnb

Farm charm

Farm Cabin | Southern Dunes
Tucked in between a horse stable and a pond on Indy’s only “solar farm” is this cozy little cabin. The 60-acre property has other Airbnbs if you want to gather with a larger group, but we think this cabin takes the cake with its private hot tub and porch swing.

Farmhouse Estate | Westfield
This lovingly restored estate, once tied to the Underground Railroad, blends a history that dates back to 1861 with modern touches and amenities. With a heated pool and finished barn with air hockey, skee ball, and ping pong, you’ll never want to leave.

INDYtoday: INDY_Burtons Bungalow Nightmare Before Christmas Airbnb_SEPT23

This is Halloween — or maybe Christmas? The yearly debate rages on, but this Airbnb emerges unscathed.

Photo via Airbnb

Theme me up, Scotty

Burton’s Bungalow | Watson-McCord
What’s this? Not Christmastown per se — but it is a super immersive Nightmare Before Christmas-themed home you can rent, located close to both the fairgrounds and the Children’s Museum for a full day of fun.

Palm Springs Bungalow | Mapleton-Fall Creek
Need an escape to sunny California? This unbelievably bright and cheery home will up your (and eight other guests’) serotonin levels stat.

Urban Jungle | Mass Ave.
Welcome to the jungle. This condo is filled with an extraordinary number of plants and sits directly above Mass Avenue — so you can really get wild with the nightlife.

Black House | Fountain Square
Did you know that Indy’s only horror-themed cafe has an attached rental unit? This family-friendly spooky stay sleeps 10 guests, with each room themed after a different scary movie.

Pop Culture Container Home | Fall Creek Place
This NYC-themed stay features pop culture punches throughout in the form of action figures + artwork. It’s nicknamed “The Gotham” — but the greenhouse that overlooks Fall Creek is anything but bleak.

INDYtoday: INDY_Chateau Noir Airbnb_SEPT23

Vintage maximalism meets modern luxury at this designer Airbnb.

Photo via Airbnb

Mod pods

Indy’s First Container Home | Kennedy King
Try to contain your excitement when you see this stylish, modern container home. Relax in the clean and comforting spaces or on the three outdoor decks, or head just a mile east to hit Mass Avenue.

Chateau Noir | Near Southside
You wanted fashion? Check into this designer home, which has been featured in several publications for its gorgeous combination of vintage and modern styling. Not only is it Instagrammable in every way — it’s also within walking distance of the heart of downtown.

Onyx Tiny House | University Heights
Want to find out what it feels like to live minimally? Book a stay in this 398-sqft house. What’s not tiny, however, is that crystal clear swimming pool.

INDYtoday: INDY_Adevnture Fort Airbnb_SEPT23

Cook and hang outdoors with your party during the day, then retreat to comfortable private rooms at night.

Photo via Airbnb

Glamping getaways

Adventure Fort | Morgantown
If you want to get really adventurous, take a drive down to this 1860s-style pioneer fort. You’ll get the perfect wild west experience with a fully outdoor “cowboy kitchen” and hot water soaking tubs under the open sky — all while still retaining a cell signal.

Homestead Yurt Cabin | Crawfordsville
Studio-style living has never been so luxurious. This yurt on a 28-acre homestead is nothing short of tranquil, with a massive spa-like shower and a beautiful skylight for bedtime stargazing.

INDYtoday: INDY_Meridian Mansion Airbnb_SEPT23

This gorgeous Victorian home offers guests a taste of what it’s like to live on the richest street in Indianapolis.

Photo via Airbnb

Mega mansions

Villa on Meridian | Stadium Village
It’s giving Vanderbilt. Rent out this entire property — which is less than four blocks away from our sports arenas and includes a gorgeous historic Victorian home, carriage house, and penthouse — for a weekend you (and 29 of your closest friends) will never forget.

Paradise Retreat | Paragon
Welcome to one of the most unique, well-appointed stays in Indiana — complete with an 8-acre lake, home theater, fully equipped gym, sauna, library, and game room. Oh, and did we mention the indoor tiki-themed pool?

Butler University Mansion | Butler-Tarkington
Missed out on the Greek life in college? Here’s your chance to get that sorority/fraternity experience during the summer while Butler students are away. The enormous great room and equally impressive dining room would make the perfect backdrop for an epic party, and there are enough beds for everyone you know to stay the night.

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