If there's one thing about the Midwest that many of us can agree on, it's that it can be a little spooky at times. There are countless tales of hundreds of wayward spirits and specters all over the entire Midwestern region, and Indiana is definitely no stranger to them. The Hoosier State is home to a lot of supposedly haunted places, and some of those are definitely a little more... active... than others, so to speak. One of our favorites is, quite possibly, the most haunted place in the whole Midwest: this haunted historic hotel in Indiana is the perfect place for ghost hunters and skeptics alike to come have a good time to die for.
The Story Inn is located in Nashville, Indiana, and has had "one inconvenient location" since 1851.
It's a pretty isolated place; once upon a time, the town of Story was a bustling, booming economy, but the Great Depression ensured that the success did not last long. Nowadays, the hotel sits in the middle of relatively nowhere, which adds to the mystique surrounding it.
It's a beautiful little place, and the rooms are not numbered but named instead. It creates a quaint, intimate atmosphere that you can't find at a whole lot of other spots.
For over a century, though, something funny has been going on; each and every room has a guest book in it. Why every room? Well... because of the ghosts, of course.
For decades, guests have been asked to write any and all bizarre and spooky experiences they might have at the Story Inn in these books.
It's certainly not a secret: the old Story Inn is, in a couple of words, ridiculously haunted. Ghost sightings and bizarre experiences are so commonplace that these guest books need to be replaced regularly. When one is filled up, it's brought up to the attic and stored, and a new, empty guestbook is put in its place, ready to harbor all the strange and wonderful occurrences and goings-on at the Story Inn.
The most famous ghost of the place, by far, is that of the Blue Lady.
It's believed that she was once the wife of Dr. George Story, whom the town of Story was named for. She's encountered so often that the room she appears to prefer - once known as "the Garden Room" - is now known as the Blue Lady Room.
She's said to have brilliantly blue eyes, and she appears to guests whether or not they've turned on the little blue light beside the bed in "her" room, though they say doing so increases the odds of running into her.
They say she comes with the scent of cherry tobacco, which she enjoyed when she was alive. She also occasionally leaves people "gifts" - almost always of the color blue.
Of course, there are also the more "traditionally haunted" things going on at Story Inn; lights are known to turn on and off on their own, things move around by themselves, there are cold spots, and sometimes you might even hear the disembodied whispers and voices of the wayward spirits calling this place home.
The best part of all of this is that you can stay here to this day - even in the Blue Lady's room. Room prices are quite affordable - usually under $100 per night - and you are MORE than welcome to write down any strange encounters you have in the guestbooks to be remembered for the rest of the hotel's history. You'll be following in the footsteps of generations of visitors who came to experience the paranormal in a unique and historical setting. To book your stay and see more photos (and to learn more about the hotel's history), take a look at the official Story Inn website. One thing is for sure: you're not likely to ever forget a stay at this haunted historic hotel in Indiana.
There's a hotel or resort for just about any type of vacation. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend, a family reunion, or a solo trip. there are so many choices, sometimes too many choices. We compiled a list of places to stay if you're looking for a memorable getaway. Take a look at these beautiful resorts and best hotels in Indiana and book your stay!
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Indiana
Why stay in a boring hotel that looks like any other hotel when there are so many unique options out there? Each of these places is one of the best hotels in Indiana and will ensure you'll have a memorable stay.
With its 19th-century industrial design, numerous amenities, and luxury, Ironworks Hotel Indy is one of the top hotels in Indiana. You'll fall in love with all the design elements like exposed brick walls and the location just north of Downtown Indianapolis where you'll find high-end restaurants and shops. But you may want to spend more time relaxing at this exceptional hotel with its on-site restaurants, bars, and more. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Address: 210 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN, 47408
Price: $189/night
Amenities: Pet-friendly, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant and coffee shop, fitness center
Ratings: 9.4/10 stars
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Located close to Indiana University Bloomington, the Graduate Bloomington is in a great location as a "Hoosier hangout right on Kirkwood Ave." A stay here means you'll be within walking distance of Courthouse Square and all the best of the city. The rooms are comfortable, inviting, and uniquely decorated. There's just so much to see at this hotel alone! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
The Brewery Lodge & Supper Club in Michigan City offers 12 well-appointed suites. Set on 40 acres, you'll be surrounded by woods, streams ponds, and plenty of wildlife. On-site is a craft beer and wine bar as well as a spa. It's a great place to drink, dine, and relax for a while. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Best Hotel Pools in Indiana
Some amenities are a must for some people. Whether it's a spa, a hot tub, or a pool, there are ways that some like to relax on a getaway. If you're the type who enjoys a hotel with a pool, here are the best hotel pools in Indiana.
4. Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort, French Lick
Address: 8505 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN, 47432
Price: $174/night
Amenities: Free breakfast, 2 restaurants, bar/lounge, room service, water park, mini golf, gym
Ratings: 7.6/10 stars
Need a family-friendly getaway? How about a hotel with its very own waterpark? Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort is located in Southern Indiana and has a pretty epic 40,000-square-foot waterpark that all family members can enjoy. With slides, a lazy river, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and play structures, this could be quite a memorable vacation destination! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Address: SR 46 East, Brown County State Park, Nashville, IN 47448
Price: $142/night
Amenities: On-site eatery, game room/arcade, hot tub, indoor aquatic center
Ratings: 3.5/5 stars
Located in Brown County State Park, the largest state park in Indiana, Abe Martin Lodge offers 84 guest rooms as well as numerous cabins. You can enjoy spending time outdoors or have some fun indoors at the lodge's aquatic park with waterslides and lazy rivers. It's fun for the whole family! Book your stay on TripAdvisor.com.
Best Luxury Hotels in Indiana
Looking for a bit of luxury in your life? We all deserve to be pampered in a five-star hotel at times. Check out these stunning luxury hotels in Indiana:
Looking for a bit of luxury in your life in Indianapolis? Then look no further than the Bottleworks Hotel! This used to be the Coca-Cola Bottling Company which closed its doors back in 1964 but has since gotten a grand makeover to become the boutique luxury hotel it is today. Here at Bottleworks Hotel, guests can appreciate the historical details from the building's past as they enjoy modern-day amenities. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Amenities: Pet-friendly, continental breakfast, 2 on-site restaurants, fitness center
Ratings: 9.4/10 stars
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Hotel Carmichael is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Carmel by the Arts & Design District. While you'll love the walkability of the location, there are so many amenities in this hotel to enjoy as well. Stay in or go out, you'll have options while staying at Hotel Carmichael! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Located in downtown Indy, JW Marriott Indianapolis has a skywalk to the Convention Center and is walkable to plenty of places in the area. Whether you're here for a game at Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts) or to explore nearby White River State Park, you can come back to your luxury hotel room for a restful night's sleep. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Best Boutique Hotels in Indiana
Boutique hotels are normally in centralized areas close to all that a city or a town has to offer. They are also normally smaller and more unique than most larger hotels. Here are some of the best hotels in Indiana:
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9. Brickhouse Loft - A Boutique Hotel, Martinsville
Brickhouse loft is a small boutique hotel that can accommodate up to 30 guests. Each guest room is a suite so you can expect plenty of room and privacy. The property has contactless check-in and you'll use an access code to get into the building and your room, so there's no staff on-site. From this boutique hotel, you can walk to shops and restaurants. And just a quick drive from Brickhouse Loft will get you to Downtown Indy, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the airport. Book your stay on TripAdvisor.com.
With just 19 rooms, Hotel Broad Ripple provides plenty of privacy and quiet. Each room has its own private bathroom and some even have a balcony overlooking the White River. Guests can enjoy hanging out at the on-site bar as well as exceptional service. Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Best Resorts in Indiana
How would you like to stay in a resort in Indiana? Resorts normally offer an array of amenities that hotels may not like a pool, a spa, activities, and more. Some resorts are also family-friendly. Check out these best resorts in Indiana:
Address: 702 East Lake View Road, Syracuse, IN, 46567
Price: $145/night
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, free continental breakfast, 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, playground, on the beach, fitness center, garden, terrace
Ratings: 9.2/10 stars
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Located at Lake Wawasee, Oakwood Resort offers gorgeous views, walking paths, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. If you prefer the great indoors to the outdoors, there's plenty to experience at this resort such as a fitness center, a restaurant, and a shop. This is one resort that's perfect for a family getaway! Book your stay on Hotels.com.
Amenities: Full-service spa, golf course, events, casino, on-site restaurants, bars/lounges, fitness center, seasonal outdoor swimming pool with cabanas
Ratings: 8.4/10 stars
With everything you'll need at your fingertips, there's no excuse to leave the property of Belterra Casino Resort. There are so many amenities to enjoy from the casino to the spa to the outdoor pool, poolside bar, restaurants, and more. What more could you ask for? Book your stay on Hotels.com.
So, which of these exceptional resorts and best hotels in Indiana will you book first? Do you have another favorite hotel? Please tell us about it in the comments!
Looking for hotels for a winter vacation? Check out these one-of-a-kind Indiana hotels that you'll want to hibernate in.
Every now and again, it's nice to get away. You want to escape the pressures and boredom of everyday life and do something else, even if it means spending a little bit to do so or going off the beaten path. Well, in this case, have we got the ultimate escape for you! Cabins & Candlelight offers remote cabins in Indiana that specialize in romantic escapes and the kind of trip where you relax, unplug, and find solace from the outside world. It's quiet, out of the way, and the perfect chance to unwind in a stunning natural setting with someone you love.
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There are two beautiful cabins at this retreat; they are the mirror images of one another, and no matter which one you get, you're in for a treat.
This little getaway is located between the cities of Indy and Lafayette, on the Montgomery/Boone County Line. It's surrounded by breathtaking forest, and on the southern border of the property is beautiful Sugar Creek.
Out here, in this little bubble of paradise, there is no Wi-Fi.
There is hardly any cell service, either, so you'll be able to kick back, put your feet up, and do whatever it is you want to do without interruptions from modern technology.
You can select an option in which all the fixings for a delicious dinner - steak or chicken with plenty of delicious sides - are waiting for you at the cabin upon arrival.
You'll also have all the ingredients for a delicious breakfast, too... what's more down-to-earth than cooking up an amazing meal and then enjoying it riverside in the quiet respite of Indiana's forestland?
Outside, there is also a fire pit, and just enough seating for you and your person to enjoy.
We're not sure what the best part here even is; the location is equal parts romantic and relaxing, and it's perfect for escaping real life for a little while. Perhaps one of our favorite features, though, is just how quiet it is out here.
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Once you've had your fill of listening to the woodlands around the cabin (if that's even possible), you can retreat indoors for a soak in the hot tub and then a delightful movie night.
We cannot overexpress how much we love these quaint, but perfectly peaceful, cabins in the woods. Looking for the perfect retreat in Indiana? You found it.
Every time of year is a good time of year to book your stay (remember to do it in advance), but we personally love morel season most.
Winter is magical, spring is amazing... but morel season is the best. There are lots that grow on the property - you're welcome to grab a basket and hunt for them!
To learn more about the cabins, your hosts, and to find out how to book your stay, check out the official Cabins and Candlelight website. We bet you'll be packing your bags in no time!
