Looking for a great spring getaway that’s close to home? River towns make great trip ideas because they’re water focused and generally offer some great outdoor and indoor attractions. So take a nice drive, pick a town, and enjoy one of these 9 charming river towns in Indiana.

1. Madison

If you have never been to this quaint southeastern Indiana gem, you have to visit Madison immediately. Nestled along the Ohio River, Madison has an array of charming shops, historical sites, architecture, and wineries. Of course, there are several great places to view the Ohio River, like Clifty Falls State Park. Be sure to visit the Riverwest Antique Mall and visit the Historic District while you’re there.

2. Elkhart

Elkhart actually sits along two rivers: the St. Joseph’s River and the Elkhart River. On top of river related attractions like Island Park and the Riverwalk, Elkhart is bursting with things to do. Visit the Midwest Museum of Art, check out the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, discover Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, or for a slightly funkier time, enjoy the unique RV Hall of Fame.

3. Knightstown

Perched along the Big Blue River (a tributary of the Driftwood), Knightstown is a pretty tiny town that offers an attraction that is hard to resist: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park. This award winning park makes for a perfect family getaway where you can pitch a tent or rent a cabin to enjoy educational and fun activities like Gold Camp and much more.

4. New Harmony

Located along the Wabash River, New Harmony is a fantastic river town to visit with a ton to do and see. Learn about New Harmony’s fascinating former utopian history at the Atheneum while touring the area’s architecture, outdoor charm, and art. Looking to stay for a weekend? Consider lodging at the New Harmony Inn Resort & Conference Center for a comfortable, amenity-packed stay.

5. Spencer

This historic town offers beautiful sights of the White River and so much more. Spencer is home to McCormick’s Creek State Park where visitors can hike bike, horseback ride, swim, view waterfalls, and enjoy gorgeous geology and nature sights. In addition, Owen Valley Winery is also located in Spencer which offers great scenery and wine tastings.

6. New Palestine

This charming river town is located along Sugar Creek, which is a tributary of the Driftwood River (a watershed of the larger Mississippi River). New Palestine has some beautiful sites, as well as some great eats. Check out Mozzi’s Pizza, Jayraes Eatery and Bakery, and the Hideout for delicious meals.

7. Yorktown

Yorktown in eastern Indiana sits along the northern part of the White River where it meets up with Buck Creek. In fact, ancient Miami legend has it that because of this unique junction of the two bodies of water, Yorktown is actually unable to be harmed by tornados. Yorktown is a tiny town, but offers some quaint attractions like Morrow’s Meadows, a large community park along the two bodies of water with a bridge connecting visitors to downtown places of interest.

8. Hebron

This tiny town resides along an interesting point in the flow of the Kankakee River, the Grand Kankakee Marsh. This marsh contains sand dunes and gravel plains and is an interesting sight to behold. View all this and more and be sure to check out local parks like Cohen Park while you’re there.

9. Lawrenceburg

The Great Miami River reaches its end in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Does this town sound familiar to you? If it doesn’t, it should, because it’s home to the famous Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. A visit to Lawrenceburg will guarantee you a fun trip, and offer you gorgeous scenery and an exciting time indoors.

All of these charming river towns would be great places to visit, vacation, or stop in on a road trip. Have you ever been to any of these quaint river towns? Which one is your favorite?