When visiting the state of Indiana, guests will want to experience all it has to offer. While many may be visiting to watch the famed Indianapolis 500 or the Brickyard 500, coming to see the Indianapolis Colts, or just to take in the breathtaking scenery that Indiana offers, they will need a place to sleep. Indiana has many hotels and motels along the interstates throughout the entire state, but for those guests who are looking to make their trip a little more memorable or those who wish to simply take in the natural splendor of the state, there are the seven remarkable state park inns that offer lodging for the traveler.
For many generations, the state park inns have offered warmth, comfort, and a unique lodging experience. The early lodges in the Indiana state park system were simply a place to sleep and really didn’t offer any luxuries. The first park inn was built in Indiana in 1916 when an old sanitarium was turned into an inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Since then many new inns have been built and several have been renovated since first being built. Today, the state park inn system offers travelers a total of 630 rooms, along with meeting space, first class service, and plenty of amenities. Whether guests are looking for a location for a family getaway, a romantic getaway or even a business conference, the state park inns are the place to stay.
There are seven inns within the state park system and each of them offer visitors a unique experience and some very scenic views. At McCormick’s Creek, the park where the inn system began, there is the beautiful Canyon Inn. Fall can be the perfect time to visit this inn as the changing colors of the leaves offers a magnificent scene of pure natural beauty. Canyon Inn has 75 guests room with an outdoor pool, tennis and basketball courts and free wi-fi. There is a full service dining room available where guests can do some bird watching from the large windows within the dining room. A truly unique experience!
Another South central Indiana state park that offers a wonderful lodging experience is Clifty Falls State Park and the beautiful Clifty Inn. Clifty Inn offers 71 guests rooms with an indoor pool and whirlpool. Here guests can also enjoy a waterfall suite and they can have a breathtaking view of the Ohio River from this inn. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal at the full service dining room in this inn as well.
Families visiting the southern part of the state will want to check into Abe Martin Lodge located within Brown County State Park. With 84 guests room that offer free wi-fi, a game room and a full service dining room, accommodations seem to be easy for families. Once the kids see the indoor aquatics center that this inn offers the decision of where the family is staying and playing will be settled. The water park offers guests a thrilling slide as well as many other highlights of areas to play in. There are 20 family cabins and 56 rustic seasonal cabins available for families to stay in as well. Brown County is absolutely beautiful in the fall of the year and visitors at Abe Martin Lodge can relax on the back deck overlooking the rolling hills that the area offers.
If visiting the state in winter or summer, travelers might be interested in many of the wonderful activities that can be enjoyed from Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park. This lakefront hotel offers a beach, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, free wi-fi, and a full service dining room. With 126 guest rooms, 4 cabin suites, and 7 historic cabin rooms, guests are sure to find a room that they will like. During the winter, guests can enjoy activities like sledding, tobogganing, and even ice skating near the inn. During the summer, guests can enjoy the beautiful sunshine and natural outdoor beauty of the area on several hiking trails that are located within the state park.
Spring Mill State Park is a step back into time as visitors have an opportunity to walk through a replica of a pioneer village. The Spring Mill Inn is built from Indiana limestone and offers a look into the natural environmental beauty that Indiana has to offer. The Spring Mill Inn offers 74 guest rooms with free wi-fi. There is also a full service dining room as well as an indoor-outdoor pool and a game room. The inn does offer banquet, wedding, and conference facilities for visitors who are looking for those types of amenities. This is a very cozy, comfortable place to stay for anyone who is spending the night in Indiana.
Finally, the state’s most recently built Inn is the Fort Harrison State Park Inn at Fort Harrison State Park. Fort Harrison is a former military base where 4 officer homes have been turned into lodging as well. The inn offers 28 guest rooms in the main lodge building and the Harrison House offers 1 suite and 6 guest rooms. This inn also offers a full service dining room where guests can enjoy a delectable meal without leaving the park. There is also an 18 hole golf course for those golfers who are on vacation. A banquet room with seating for 300 can be used for banquet services as well as weddings or receptions or even a business conference if needed.
The park system wants guests to feel at home while they are in the state and the state park inns offer a relaxing experience and a family friendly environment, while trying to give guests a perfect trip away from home. The employees at these inns want the guests to feel as the room that they have are a home away from home.