2026 GROUP
TO U R P L A N
NER
Fueled by Tradition Discover legendary speedways and the storied sites that shaped racing history
Savor the Sweet Side of Indiana Discover the flavors that enhance the Hoosier State
www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
<< DECEMBER 2025 001
FROM AUTHENTIC TO QUIRKY, NORTHERN INDIANA’S AMISH COUNTRY IS BURSTING WITH EXPERIENCES YOUR WHOLE GROUP WILL ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Wander scenic backroads along the Heritage Trail and dive into the Meet the Makers Amish Tour, where every stop is a chance to experience the heart of Amish Country. Roll up your sleeves with Eliane to master the art of perfect cinnamon rolls, laugh along with Laverne’s antics in his basket shop, and watch skilled artisans transform custom and exotic materials into top-quality leather goods right before your eyes. Feel the craftsmanship, hear the stories, and connect with the makers in way that will leave your group inspired, laughing, and creating memories that last long after the trip ends. Ready for an adventure that’s fun, interactive, and totally unforgettable? Northern Indiana’s Amish Country is calling - gather your group and make it happen! DISCOVER THE QUILT GARDENS ALONG THE HERITAGE TRAIL
This annual event is an ABA Best of the Best and a group favorite. Stroll vibrant gardens, snap unforgettable photos, and enjoy a colorful experience everyone will love. Scan the QR code to learn more!
002 DECEMBER 2025 << www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
Indiana 2026 Group Tour Planner Editorial & Advertising Office Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com Chief Editor – Jason Paha jason@ptmgroups.com Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Design & Production – Liudmyla Domina
Learn more about Indiana’s group travel opportunities!
Business Development Manager – Cheryl Rash , cheryl@ptmgroups.com Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com Content Development Specialist – Tyler Drag tyler@ptmgroups.com
Contents
Published in Partnership with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation One North Capitol, Suite 600 Indianapolis, IN 46204 P 317.234.8860 VisitIn@VisitIndiana.com
5 Sweet Stops in Indiana
Discover the Hoosier State’s delicious legacy through iconic shops
The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.
8 Indiana’s Racing Spirit
Indiana Group Tour Planner is published by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations.
Runs Deep
Explore iconic tracks, thrilling events and historic racing landmarks
Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 A
Thank you to our Advertising Partners
publication
All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
Elkhart County CVB
02
Shipshewana/LaGrange County
12
SoIN Tourism
07
Visit Fort Wayne
10
Visit Madison
11
2026 GROUP
TOUR PLANN
Fueled by Tradition Discover legendary speedways and the storied sites that shaped racing history
ER
Savor the Sweet Side of Indiana Discover the flavors that enhance the Hoosier State
www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
<< DECEMBER 2025 51
ON THE COVER: INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY Photo courtesy of Visit Indy
INDIANA FACTS Population:
Statewide: 6.9 million Indianapolis: 892,551 (also the state capital) Fort Wayne: 275,405 Evansville: 114,8991 South Bend: 103,803 Carmel: 104,530 Fishers: 105,107
Getting Here by Air
Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Served by Air Canada, Alaska, Allegiant, American, Contour, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United South Bend International Airport (SBN): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United Evansville Regional Airport (EVV): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta, United Fort Wayne International Airport: (FWA): Served by Allegiant, American, Delta
Getting Here by Rail
Amtrak stations in Connersville (COI), Crawfordsville (CRF), Dyer (DYE), Elkhart (EKH), Hammond-Whiting (HMI), Indianapolis (IND), Lafayette (LAF), Michigan City (MCI), Rensselaer (REN), South Bend (SOB), Waterloo (WTI)
Average Temperatures by Season: North – Spring 71, Summer 81, Fall 63, Winter 31 Central – Spring 73 Summer 84, Fall 65, Winter 36 South – Spring 77, Summer 88, Fall 70, Winter 41 Schwabenblitz/Bigstock.com
004 DECEMBER 2025 << www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
INDIANA IS HOME TO SOME OF THE SWEETEST TREATS YOU CAN FIND. Photo courtesy of Visit Indiana
SWEET STOPS IN INDIANA
Discover the Hoosier State’s delicious legacy through immersive candy tours, handcrafted treats and iconic shops By Laurie Contreras
I
If you have a sweet tooth, Indiana is a state you have to visit to get your fix. The Hoosier State is well-known for its wide variety of candy shops, chocolate factories, and confectioneries, but that is not all. Not only can you taste and take home these delicious treats, but you can learn back stories and
witness them being created in real time like you were in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. These shops and factories dot the landscape throughout the entirety of the state, so no matter where your trip takes you and your group, you are sure to find one of these nearby. www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
<< DECEMBER 2025 005
VISITORS ENJOY A CANDY-MAKING DEMONSTRATION AT SCHIMPFF’S CONFECTIONERY IN JEFFERSONVILLE. Photo courtesy of Visit Indiana
McCord Candies, Lafayette Not only will visitors get a dose of nostalgia from the perfected candy, but they will also be wowed by the building itself. This piece of living history has been a candy store since 1912 in Indiana’s Biggest Little City and is called The Sweetest Corner in Town. The shop is open all year and even has a seasonal candy cane tour that runs from November 8 to December 20 for groups up to 22; this tour consists of sipping hot cocoa as guests learn about the rich
history of the building and owners who made it what it is today. The star of the tour is creating your very own candy canes. When the adventure is about ready to conclude, each person’s creativity and skills will be tested here when they curl their candy into whatever shape they can think of.
Schimpff’s Confectionery, Jeffersonville This family confectionary has been in business at this location since 1891 and has been creating
006 DECEMBER 2025 << www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
delicious treats since the 1850s. Not only does Schimpff’s have an immersive tour with century-old machines that still make candy, but it also has a museum and a deli. While it can host groups of up to 40 for a tour, if a tour is booked in advance they will make accommodations for larger groups. Another perk of booking ahead is a guarantee that candy will be made at the time of your tour to observe, as they are a small shop that makes candy when needed. The museum is one of the only candy museums in the United
“
Indiana’s historic candy shops aren’t just places to satisfy a sweet tooth — they’re living pieces of American history where visitors can taste, tour and create.
States and has a multitude of candymaking equipment and artifacts that date back decades. This more than a century-old family business will make guests feel at home with their personable and hands-on approach to their confectionary, they have even been mentioned as one of the area’s top 20 for-profit attractions on media such as The Food Network, The History Channel, and more.
Abbott’s Candies, Hagerstown Abbott’s Candies is the oldest candy shop in Indiana, having been established in 1890. Its caramel and chocolate recipes have been created for generations and are still being sold to this day. A tour is available free of charge for small to large groups, beginning
with the history of Abbott’s production, then moves on to the caramel room to see their classic recipe being used, the chocolate room where guests will get to see chocolate being made and boxed. When the tour is complete, there is a chance to visit the showroom and look over all the sweets and gifts this company has to offer.
DeBrand Fine Chocolates, Fort Wayne An entrepreneur with deep roots in confectionary arts, Cathy Brand opened a chocolate factory in her hometown and has been dedicated to it for the past 37 years. She has a passion for simplistic chocolate made with high quality ingredients that is open to see on a tour of the factory. During this tour, visitors will learn about DeBrand’s history and get a front row seat of the chocolate making process.
South Bend Chocolate Company, South Bend At this chocolate factory, visitors will learn the history of chocolate and the process of making it step by step, with a taste test at the end. South Bend Chocolate Company also has a chocolate museum where guests can create their own box of chocolate and see one of the largest collections of chocolate memorabilia that includes a 1,300-year-old year old Mayan chocolate pot.
SMOOTH SIPPABLE SOUTHERN INDIANA GOSOIN.COM Huber’s Orchard & Winery, Starlight, IN SoIN Tourism PTM Indiana 1_3 Page Ad_Oct 2025.indd 1
www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
<<
10/14/25 4:16 PM
DECEMBER 2025
007
START
YOUR ENGINES: INDIANA’S RACING SPIRIT RUNS DEEP Explore iconic tracks, thrilling events, and historic racing landmarks across the Hoosier State
W
When one thinks of speed, checkered flags and adrenaline-fueled excitement, Indiana comes to mind immediately. Of course, the Indianapolis 500 is the crown jewel, but motorsports in the Hoosier State run far deeper than a single track or a single weekend. From asphalt and dirt to two wheels and even water, Indiana
By Jason Paha is a playground for racing enthusiasts of every stripe. Speedway, Indiana, has proudly hosted the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for more than a century. Since 1911, Memorial Day weekend has meant engines roaring, fans cheering, and the world converging on this legendary venue. But Indi-
008 DECEMBER 2025 << www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
ana’s love for speed doesn’t stop there. Across the state, tracks of all kinds, once even brick-lined, dot small towns, county fairgrounds, and cities like Indianapolis, where four tracks sit within 30 miles of each other. And it’s not just four wheels: motocross thrills at Ironman Raceway and high-octane powerboat races on the Ohio River’s Madison
extensive collection of cars, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits, perfect for group visits and tour planning.
Lucas Oil Raceway Just a short drive from downtown Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Raceway is a versatile venue hosting drag racing, road racing, and oval track action. Its marquee event, the NHRA U.S. Nationals, is the world’s largest drag race. Year-round, the venue also hosts car shows, swap meets, and community events — a magnet for motorsports fans of all kinds. Tour operators can build group experiences around special events or tailor visits to coincide with races for an unforgettable outing.
Ironman Raceway THE HOOSIER STATE FEATURES A VARIETY OF GREAT RACING OPTIONS, INCLUDING NHRA RACING. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation
Regatta or Lake Michigan’s Great Lakes Grand Prix prove that Indiana’s racing passion knows no bounds. To help travelers navigate this rich racing heritage, Visit Indiana created Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana — a hub for discovering historic tracks, iconic races, car museums, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the state’s enduring impact on motorsports.
Motorcycle fans should mark Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville on their maps. Home to the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the track draws elite riders from around the globe. Challenging terrain and heart-pounding races make this a must-see destination, while the scenic surroundings offer a perfect backdrop for group picnics and casual gatherings.
Powerboat Racing Highlights Indiana’s racing thrills extend to water with the Madison Regatta on the Ohio River and the Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City. Both events showcase hydroplane racing at breakneck speeds, combined with parades, live entertainment, and family-friendly festivities — a full-sensory experience for touring groups. From the roar of engines to the thrill of close finishes, these events add a whole new dimension to Indiana’s motorsports story.
Historic Tracks Indiana is home to tracks steeped in tradition and excitement: Winchester Speedway: Known for its high-banked turns, the track hosts the Winchester 400 and ASA/CRA Super Series, offering authentic racing steeped in history. Anderson Speedway: Famous for Figure 8 races and demolition derbies, this versatile venue keeps fans on the edge of their seats with thrilling near-misses and daring maneuvers. Terre Haute Action Track: A dirt-track gem hosting the USAC Sprint Car series
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is a global icon, home to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and countless other events, including the IndyCar Grand Prix and endurance sports car races. Beyond the thrill of the track, the IMS Museum offers a deep dive into racing history with its
SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST HISTORIC RACETRACKS CAN BE FOUND IN INDIANA. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation
www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
<< DECEMBER 2025 009
INDIANA’S MOTORSPORTS CIRCUIT IS FULL OF PASSIONATE COMPETITORS.
and other major events, perfect for fans of grassroots racing. Bloomington Speedway & Kokomo Speedway: These dirt tracks deliver sprint car excitement, community-centered events, fireworks, and unforgettable race-day energy, making them ideal stops for groups seeking a more hands-on racing experience.
Photo courtesy of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation
Visit Indiana’s Motorsports Circuit
To truly appreciate Indiana’s racing legacy, Motorsports Circuit IN Indiana is an invaluable resource. From historic tracks to world-class museums like the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, the circuit connects travelers with the state’s full spectrum of motorsports attractions. Tour operators can use it to plan well-rounded itineraries, from Indianapolis’ high-profile events to small-town dirt track adventures, en-
suring every group can experience the thrill of the race. No matter your speed of choice — IndyCars, dirt-track sprint cars, motocross bikes, or hydroplanes — Indiana delivers. The state’s passion for motor-
GroupToursAd24_7.5x4.75_paths.indd 1 010 DECEMBER 2025 << www.LeisureGroupTravel.com
sports is evident in the variety of tracks, events, and experiences spread across its landscape. Tour operators can create unforgettable group journeys that combine history, adrenaline and local culture.
10/22/24 9:04 AM
gigantic to gentle prehistoric to peaceful Bones to Buggies - a NEW cultural educational experience in northern indiana
4 dayS - 3 nightS - 2 DESTINATIONS Blending the ancient & modern worlds into one itinerary! This Newest Midwest Group Tour Highlights:
• See Giant Prehistoric Beasts • Meet Gentle Amish people • Visit Notre Dame and Iconic National Treasures • Tour Authentic Amish Off the Beaten Path Adventures • Tour Behind the Scenes at the South Bend Chocolate Factory • See Buggy parts and pieces built before your eyes • Shop ‘til you drop for food, swag, handmade and high style • Catch a show at the Award-Winning Blue Gate Theater • Bid for Bargains at the ABA Best of the Best Flea Market • Wear your stretchy pants for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and pie... lots of pie • Experience South Bend’s rich heritage at the Studebaker National Museum and Oliver Mansion • Listen to the horse’s clip-clops Scan the QR Code for the Full Bones to Buggies Itinerary!
EXIT 77
EXIT 107
20
Call to cusTOMIZE an itinerary! Shipshewana, Indiana The Heart of Amish Country Indiana
Judy McConnell - Group Travel Manager (260) 768-4008 | judy@lagrangecountycvb.org VisitShipshewana.org/groups
31
South Bend, Indiana Where You Can Bend Your Rules Nicole Lawler - Director of Engagement (574) 400-4020 | nlawler@visitsouthbend.com VisitSouthBend.com/meetings-and-groups
INDIANAPOLIS