Make the Most of Labor Day: Easy Getaway Ideas to Close Out Summer

From charming small towns to lakeside escapes, we’ve gathered a few easy and inspiring destinations that are perfect for a quick trip—not too far from home, but far enough to feel like an adventure.

INDY:
Outdoor Adventure & Parks
- Eagle Creek Park - One of the largest city parks in the U.S. Go hiking, rent a kayak or paddleboard, try the Go Ape treetop adventure course.
- Fort Harrison State Park - Great for hiking, biking, or a picnic. They have easy trails plus horseback riding.
- Brown County State Park - “The Little Smokies.” A must for hiking, mountain biking, or just scenic drives. Stay overnight in Nashville, IN.

Small Town Charm
- Nashville, IN - The artsy hub of Brown County. Cute shops, local art, cafes, and a rustic vibe.
- Zionsville, IN - Walkable brick Main Street with boutiques, ice cream shops, and great restaurants.
- Carmel Arts & Design District - Galleries, antique stores, cafes, and the beautiful Monon Trail.

Unique Day Trips
- Indianapolis Cultural Trail - Bike or walk this 8-mile urban trail linking Fountain Square, Mass Ave, and other cool Indy neighborhoods.
- Newfields / Indianapolis Museum of Art - Wander the gardens, art exhibits, or have a picnic.
- Connor Prairie - Living history museum with events, balloon rides, and family fun.

NORTHWEST INDIANA: 
A Day by the Beach
- Indiana Dunes National Park & State Park - Spend a day hiking the trails, relaxing on the beach, or climbing the dunes. Bring a picnic or check out Chesterton for local restaurants.
- New Buffalo, MI - A classic beach town with cute shops, restaurants, and the beach at New Buffalo Public Beach.

Outdoor Adventure & Parks
- Kankakee River State Park - Canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on the river, plus hiking or biking.
- Turkey Run State Park - A bit farther, but the canyons, ladders, and suspension bridges are worth it for a full-day hike.
- Chain O’Lakes State Park - Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through connected lakes

Small Town Charm
- Valparaiso, IN - Stroll downtown, grab brunch and visit a farmers' market
- Geneva, IL - A beautiful historic town along the Fox River. Stroll Third Street for boutique shopping, coffee shops, and cozy restaurants.
- Saugatuck, MI - Quaint beach town with art galleries, dune rides, unique shops, and good eats.

FORT WAYNE:
Outdoor Adventure & Parks
- Promenade Park - Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding on the river, take a stroll along the scenic walkways.
- Outdoor Movie Night at Sweetwater Pavilion - Check the local calendar for family-friendly concerts or movie nights hosted at Sweetwater. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for a cozy community event.
- Fox Island County Park - Just west of Fort Wayne, this peaceful nature park offers hiking trails, a small beach, birdwatching areas, and kayak rentals. Great for a quiet day outdoors.

Small Town Charm
- The Landing + Downtown Fort Wayne Explore local boutiques, art murals, and stop at Utopian Coffee or Nawa for lunch. Enjoy the public art installations and head to a TinCaps game at Parkview Field if they’re in town.
- Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo-
A perfect family outing! Spend the day visiting over 1,000 animals, riding the Sky Safari, or hopping on the miniature train. It’s consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the U.S.
-  Visit a Local U-Pick Farm - Check out Hilger’s Farm or Advanced Tree Technology’s sunflower fields. Pick apples, sunflowers, or just enjoy a rustic afternoon outside the city buzz.

Fort Wayne Trails Adventure
- Plan a bike day on the Rivergreenway or Pufferbelly Trail. Stop at local parks or ice cream shops along the way and make it an active family outing.
- Metea County Park A hidden gem with scenic views, wooded trails, and picnic areas. Bring your camera and enjoy wildlife spotting or a peaceful hike.

As summer winds down and the school year begins, Labor Day offers one last long weekend to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with the people who matter most. At Olthof Homes, we know how important it is to create a home that’s both a retreat and a launching pad for memorable experiences. Whether you’re planning to stay close to home or hit the road, a well-planned Labor Day getaway can be just the reset you need before fall routines set in.