Excursion Ideas for Groups of All Sizes

Posted on October 17, 2022

From motorcoach tour groups to family reunions to small meetings and retreats. The Santa Claus, Indiana, area is always a crowd-pleaser. And no matter what your group’s interests are, there’s a tour, excursion, or activity that will complete your itinerary perfectly!

Tour Santa Claus, Indiana

• The magical history of the town is preserved at the Santa Claus Museum & Village. The historic 22-foot tall Santa statue offers a perfect photo op. Kids (and kids-at-heart) can write a letter to Santa inside the town’s original post office. And behold the ageless beauty as you walk into the original 1880 Santa Claus Church.
• Experience unmatched Christmas cheer when you shop the gigantic Santa Claus Christmas Store. Featuring Christmas gifts, decorations, collectibles, fudge and other sweet treats, and over 4,000 ornaments, there’s something for every shopper’s interest. Don’t forget to continue the shopping spree at Evergreen Boutique & Christmas Shop and Santa’s TOYS, both located in the same shopping center.

• Stop in at the only post office in the world with Santa's name! You’ll want to grab a group photo with the Santa statue outside the Santa Claus Post Office for a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Visiting in December? Hand cancel your mail with the special Santa Claus picture postmark available only during the month of December.
• Bring your sweet tooth! A tour of Santa Claus, Indiana, isn’t complete until you’ve had the famous frozen hot chocolate at Santa’s Candy Castle! The historic building is filled to the brim with old-fashioned and hard-to-find candies, the newest and trendiest treats, chocolate confections, flavored popcorn, gifts, souvenirs, and more.

Taste the Local Flavor

• Enjoy complimentary sips at the area’s wineries. Monkey Hollow Winery and Distillery is family-owned and operated, nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, and offers a selection of award-winning wines, distilled spirits, and locally produced meats and cheeses. Pepper’s Ridge Winery is located just minutes from the Ohio River Scenic Byway and invites visitors to sample a selection of unique flavors, including the popular Lakeview Peach that uses fruit from nearby Lakeview Orchards.

• Craft brew more your style? River City Brew Works and Santa Claus Brewing Co. are serving up local craft beers, along with full menus of group-friendly favorites like pizza, wings, burgers, and more.
• Local flavor is best when it's homegrown and homemade. And this area’s farm markets and orchards have an abundance of both! Pumpkins & More Farm Market, Beloved Farms, and Lakeview Orchards offer up everything from seasonal produce to locally raised meats to handmade gifts, crafts, and more.

Experience History

• Visit Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and get a glimpse into the young pioneer life of our 16th president. Watch a 15-minute orientation film and explore the museum inside the Visitor’s Center. Then take a relaxing walk through the woods to the Living Historical Farm, a re-created 1800s homestead. The farm springs to life April through October when it is stocked with animals and reenactors are on site performing daily farm chores.
• At Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum you’ll discover hundreds of artifacts from the area’s fascinating history. One of the highlights is a hutch built by Abraham Lincoln and his father Thomas. Step outside into the village where you can explore 13 Lincoln-era replica cabins, inside and out.

• Founded in 1854, Saint Meinrad Archabbey is one of only two archabbeys in the United States and one of 11 in the world. Guests can stroll the beautiful grounds on their own, schedule a monk-led tour, attend mass with the monks, and shop the onsite Saint Meinrad Archabbey Gift Shop.

Get Outside

• Visit Lincoln State Park to discover Indiana's past through 10 miles of hiking trails, rolling forested hills, and two scenic lakes. There’s something for everyone to enjoy: a beach, boat rentals, sheltered picnic sites, Nature Center, campsites and cabin rentals (including group options), and an outdoor entertainment venue, Lincoln Amphitheatre.

• Looking for a picnic spot, a place to host an impromptu softball game or soccer match, or just somewhere to relax? This area’s community parks have just what you need.
• Known for its rolling hills, valleys, and sparkling lakes, the 18-hole Christmas Lake Golf Club is a beautiful place to hit the links. The Rustic Golf Course features a nine-hole course and is a great place to get a shorter game in. And both offer onsite group-friendly dining.