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.
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.
Urban Farm Treehouse
| North Perry
Build your vacation nest in a cedar shake tree house nestled in a canopy of native Indiana trees, with a veranda overlooking the main animal pasture and wildflower gardens — all without leaving the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Urban Glamper
| Clearwater
Relax in the sun, take a kayak out on the river, or warm your toes by a moonlit bonfire when you stay in this fully refurbished RV.
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.
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 realness. 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.