Ready-Made Itinerary: 3 Days in the Santa Claus, Indiana, Area

Posted on July 27, 2023

Planning a long weekend in the Santa Claus, Indiana, area? We’ve done the work and put together a ready-made itinerary that hits all the highlights! 

The itinerary is packed with fun, but still allows time to rest and recharge. See something on the itinerary that doesn’t quite meet your interests or timetable? It’s easy to swap one activity for another. And if you need more help planning your visit, you can always contact us for assistance. Or try out our convenient trip-planning tool to completely customize your itinerary.   

Friday Fun Day 

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is the perfect place to start the day. Stop in the Visitor Center to watch a short film, tour the museum, and find a fun memento at the bookstore. Then take a relaxing walk up the trail to the flagpole, stop along the way to pay your respects at the Pioneer Cemetery (where Nancy Hanks Lincoln’s gravesite is) and see the Cabin Foundation Memorial, and end at the Living Historical Farm.  

Hop in the car and head south toward the City of Rockport. Your first stop is Lakeview Orchards where you can pick up some of their peaches to take home. Then head to Darlena’s Lincolnland Restaurant to enjoy a late breakfast or early lunch of homestyle favorites. 

With bellies now full, you’re ready to take a trip back in time at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum. This hidden gem offers a museum filled with fascinating artifacts and 13 Lincoln-era replica cabins that you can explore inside and out.   

Stop in Beverly J. Ellen to check out a great selection of beautiful home décor, gifts, and florals. And then it’s time to make a very important choice: ice cream or wine? 

If you’re in the mood for a frozen treat, drive through Scoops Ice Cream for a shake or cone and head to The Bluff to enjoy your dessert with a view of the majestic Ohio River. 

If it’s wine you’re craving, Pepper’s Ridge Winery serves up everything from dry whites and reds to fruity favorites, including Lakeview Peach made with local fruit from nearby Lakeview Orchards. Tastings are complimentary! 

Hope you didn’t fill up on ice cream and wine because it’s time for dinner. And there are plenty of great options to choose from: Angelo’s Pizza (try the locally famous breadsticks), Los Panchos (eat in a real train caboose), River City Brew Works (pair a local brew with your meal), and The Rustic (the house made chips are a must). 

End the day with an activity that’s as relaxing as it is entertaining: a double feature under the stars at Holiday Drive-In.  

Get Outside Saturday 

Today’s going to be an outdoorsy kind of day. Grab a breakfast on the go with a nutritional shake or wellness tea from Patriot Nutrition, and stock up on picnic essentials at Stone Ridge Station. 

There are two spots in the area where you can spend an entire day outside: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari and Lincoln State Park. 

At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, get your thrills on award-winning roller coasters, including the high-flying Thunderbird. Splash around in the Bahari Wave Pool or race to the finish on Cheetah Chase, the world’s first launched coaster. Plus, check out great shows, shopping, and eats all throughout the parks.  

If you want a more relaxing time outside, plan your day at Lincoln State Park. Head to Lake Lincoln to stretch out on the beach, take a dip to cool down, or rent a paddleboat, kayak, or canoe. Enjoy a not-too-rugged hike throughout the park’s 10 miles of trails. And find a shady table or shelter house to enjoy your picnic fixins’.    

Make a quick trip back to your lodging to clean up and then head out for a delicious dinner at Santa Claus Brewing Co., S&S BBQ & Pizzeria, Back 9 Grill, or Hoosier Land Pizza & Wings. 

End your evening on a high note at Lincoln Amphitheatre. On select Saturday nights throughout the summer and fall, the amazing outdoor venue comes to life with nationally touring music acts.  

Shop & More Sunday 

With the long weekend drawing to a close, it’s time to do a little shopping before you head for home. And your first stop is Beloved Farms where you can shop unique handmade items and locally produced food gifts and enjoy a delicious breakfast menu of omelets, French toast casserole, cinnamon rolls, and more. 

Stop in at the Santa Claus Museum & Village to learn all about the town, snap a Santa selfie with the 22-foot-tall historic Santa statue, find a unique keepsake in the gift shop, and even write a letter to Santa himself (you’ll get a response by Christmas!).  

Find all things festive at the Santa Claus Christmas Store. Shop everything from holiday décor to the latest women’s fashions at Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop. Discover a Christmas-worthy selection of toys at Santa’s TOYS. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a frozen hot chocolate from Santa’s Candy Castle. And fill your shopping bags with handmade craft items and some of the area’s best local produce at Pumpkins & More Farm Market. 

Take a break from shopping and stroll the grounds of the beautiful Saint Meinrad Archabbey. The historic Benedictine monastery is one of only two in the United States and one of 11 in the world. (You can also continue your shopping spree at the onsite Saint Meinrad Archabbey Gift Shop!)    

Finally, it’s time to wind down the weekend… or “wine” down the weekend at Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery! Sample award-winning wines and unique distilled spirits, enjoy a bottle along with some wine and cheese on the outdoor patio, and pick out a few bottles to take home from your magical visit to the Santa Claus, Indiana, area! 

Find a Place to Stay in Santa Claus, Indiana 

You have the itinerary, now it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you want the coziness of a cabin or cottage, the homeyness of a vacation rental, or the amenities of a hotel, this area has just what you’re looking for!