Once in a while, life and never-ending to-do lists can have you wanting to escape it all and retreat to the woods. But unless you’re a wilderness expert and truly willing to forego modern pleasures, a cute lodge tucked away inside of a state park is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds. The only thing that would make it even better is if said lodge were also home to an indoor waterpark to splash away your stress. The beloved Abe Martin Lodge is the well-equipped, hidden escape you’ve been seeking.
Nestled within the grounds of Indiana’s Brown County State Park — one of the best state parks in America for unparalleled views of fall foliage — the lodge is open to guests all year long and features both fun and tranquility for the whole family. It’s just an hour drive south from Indianapolis and the city’s scenic arts district, Massachusetts Avenue. The park is easy enough to get to, whether you drive there from elsewhere in the state or fly into Indianapolis International Airport.
Accommodations and amenities at Abe Martin Lodge
The original cabins at Abe Martin Lodge were built in 1932 from oak and stone sourced from the park itself, adding to their rustic charm. There are 90 rooms in the Main Lodge, including 54 newer suites that were built later on as part of an addition to the property. In the Main Lodge, you’ll also find a restaurant with a scenic patio and two lobbies with fireplaces to keep you warm and cozy year-round. Other perks include an on-site snack bar, arcade, and outdoor fire pit.
Depending on when you visit, a deluxe suite with one king bed or two queen beds runs anywhere from $99 to upwards of $300 per night. The property also offers full cabins, as well as rooms with private patios if you’re looking for more space. The grandest option is the Family Cabin Deluxe, which sleeps eight people. Private cabins are perfect for a secluded, nature-filled escape. There’s no complimentary Wi-Fi in the cabins, which is great for an off-grid vacation, but if you do want to connect to the web, you can do so in the lodge’s public areas.
Once you check in and drop off your luggage in your room, you won’t be able to stop yourself from quickly changing into a swimsuit and running over to the indoor waterpark. The facility includes a waterslide, lazy river, swimming pool, fountains, and water sports such as basketball and volleyball. With floor-to-ceiling windows, you can also enjoy the natural scenery as you take a soak in the waterpark’s hot tub or whirlpool, which comes with a waterfall to top it all off.
Explore Brown County State Park and nearby Nashville, Indiana
