Indiana’s eighth and newest state park inn will be located on the south shore of Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park, which is near North Liberty in St. Joseph County. Rendering provided by the governor’s office.

By Casey Smith
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANA — Indiana officials broke ground Thursday, Oct. 19, on a new lodge at Potato Creek State Park, making it the first lodge to be built in one of the state’s parks since 1939.

The lodge will be the eighth to join the Indiana State Parks Inns system and sit on the south shore of Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park, which is near North Liberty in St. Joseph County.

“There’s a reason why Indiana’s state park inns have the highest occupancy rate in the nation and continue to earn such high national rankings,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a statement. “People come here from across the country and around the world because of the unparalleled experience and hospitality extended at our state park inns. Whether you’re out hiking a trail or sitting by the fire, our state parks offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s finest surroundings.”

State lawmakers set aside $50 million in 2021 for the inn, but as inflation caused construction prices to increase, the funding turned out not to be enough.

Holcomb then called for the legislature to include $1.25 billion for general capital expenditures in the 2023 budget, including for the Potato Creek State Park Inn. Lawmakers agreed to the request and added an additional $100 million in the latest state budget for the lodge.

The preliminary plan for the inn includes 120 guest rooms, a full-service dining room that seats 150, a conference center with three break-out rooms and capacity for 350 guests, an indoor aquatic center, a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for small gatherings, a mini-nature room for programs and exhibits, a café, a gift shop, and access to the lake and other park features.

The governor’s office said the lodge will provide year-round outdoor recreation for guests. Activities will range from bike riding and boating in the summer to ice fishing and hiking in winter, along with the viewing of spring wildflowers, migratory birds and fall colors in the surrounding woods and prairies.

The lodge will be operated through the Indiana Inns Authority, part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks.

“By building our second overnight lodging facility for Hoosiers in the northern part of the state, we’re both making history and making way for new opportunities to get out and explore our great outdoor Indiana,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner. “Our park guests love making year-round memories at Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, and we know this new lodge at Potato Creek is going to be a great place for more memories to be made.”

State officials said they do not have a definite completion date for construction of the lodge but anticipate it to be done sometime in 2026 or 2027.

Pricing for overnight lodging, conference facility use and other inn amenities also has not yet been determined. DNR officials said fees will be comparable with prices at the current Indiana State Park inns and lodges.