NGail

We'll be heading from Michigan to Missouri this fall, and want to spend a few nights at an Indiana State Park inn en route. The last time we did this we stayed at Turkey Run Inn which we enjoyed, especially for the hiking, but would like to try another one.
Any recommendations?
Thanks.

edeevee

The only ones I've stayed in are the one at Turkey Run and the one at Pokagon, north of Angola, IN. Pokagon is a great park, with beautiful trails and a lovely inn, but it's only barely out of Michigan so teh location might not be right for you. I know people who have stayed at Brown County State Park and found it to be very nice. While I haven't stayed there, or visited the park, I can vouch for the area -- it's absolutely gorgeous in the fall. If you stay at Tureky Run again, be sure to visit the Beef House Restaurant in nearby Covington. Great steaks, a fabulous salad bar and the best rolls and strawberry jam you've ever eaten. MmmmMmmmMmmm.

kvick

Brown County is beautiful in the fall -- color over miles of hills, but it's very popular and is likely completely booked by now. Nashville is the nearest town: somewhat "touristy," but you may enjoy it, particularly if you're a shopper. Another choice is Clifty Falls -- very nice at wet times of the year, but it is in extreme southeast Indiana and probably not on your path to Missouri. Nearest town is Madison, an old Ohio River town with Victorian storefronts and homes.

I haven't stayed at Spring Mill for many years, but you might look into it. There is an operating mill there and several old cabins and stores. There are caves, but they will likely be closed in order to protect the bat population from a fungal disease which is thought to come in on people's shoes. Probably the least interesting surrounding towns, but if you're lucky, you might be able to find Indiana persimmons for sale around that area. Just be sure they're ripe!

NGail

Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County has availability. Has anyone stayed there?
How is their restaurant?
Thanks.
(persimmons in Indiana? who knew!)

kvick

Sorry, NGail; can't help in that respect. My wife and I drove by Abe Martin Lodge in April and it looked OK, but we didn't stop to look it over inside and we've never stayed or eaten there.

NGail

Thanks, Kvick-
If we stay there we'll let you know what it's like.

NGail

We did stay for 2 nights midweek at the Abe Martin Lodge and enjoyed it very much. We asked for a "quiet room with a pretty view" and got it - King, upstairs, facing the back. The room was generous, the bathroom less so but adequate.
The Lodge is traditional - woodsy, furniture made of logs, skins and carvings around. I love the look.
Food was variable - first dinner and breakfast was so-so; the second dinner and breakfast very good.(different chefs?)
The indoor pool/water-park was full of bells and whistles- not much room for plain swimming, but the whirlpool/hot-tub was wonderful especially after hiking.
The park is gorgeous, the hiking great.
Nashville was a hoot, especially as we were able to resist buying all the tchotchkes for sale. And had an excellent lunch there.
All in all a perfect mid-trip break.
Thanks all, for your good advice.

Ozarksbill

Yes, years ago we did camp in Indiana state parks and also another time in lodges which I gather is your choice. Wonderful to be there in the Autumn...hiking indeed. Yes, we did like Brown County, Turkey Run, Spring Mill, McCormicks Creek.

We took in several Fall celebrations...Covered Bridge and Feast of the Hunter's Moon (up north).

Moving on to Missouri where we recently live (Springfield) you will also find good parks.

Bill in Boston

Cindywho

Spring Mill Inn is a wonderful choice as well. I remember that you could open the windows in the room, which I thought was awesome. Interesting things to see as someone above mentioned.