Gov. Holcomb and Indiana State Parks dedicate cornerstone plaque for Lodge at Potato Creek

Lodge to be first built in Indiana State Parks since 1939

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined Indiana State Parks to dedicate the plaque that will be placed on the cornerstone for the Lodge at Potato Creek, which is the first state park lodge in Indiana built since 1939.

“Hoosier hospitality isn’t just a motto – it’s a way of life at our Indiana State Parks,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Walk into any of our inns this time of year, and you’ll find a warm fire and an even warmer welcome greeting your arrival. The world-class accommodations, meals, and experiences you’ll discover statewide help explain why Indiana is a national destination in outdoor immersive experiences.” 

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

Today’s dedication ceremony follows the groundbreaking ceremony held in October 2023. Work on the lodge is progressing on schedule, including excavating, preliminary development of parking areas, construction of a new water tower for the park, installation of the trunk for water and sewer lines, and the pouring of basement walls. Follow construction progress online at on.IN.gov/potato-creek-lodge. The plan for the lodge 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 nature room for programs and exhibits, a café, a gift shop, and access to the lake and other park features.

The lodge will provide a base for four seasons of outdoor recreation for guests, with activities ranging from bike riding and boating in summer to ice fishing and hiking in winter, along with the viewing of spring wildflowers, migratory birds, and fall colors in the woods and prairies.

To support the lodge’s construction, $100 million was appropriated in 2023 in the state budget. The lodge will be operated through the Indiana Inns Authority, a legislatively established, quasi-governmental entity that is a functional part of the DNR Division of State Parks. “Construction is well underway on the Lodge at Potato Creek, which will provide Hoosiers and visitors alike with a second lodge to welcome them to northern Indiana’s stunning landscapes,” said DNR director Dan Bortner. “With the dedication of the cornerstone plaque, we’re excited to provide this update on construction and look forward to the day when we officially open our doors here on the shores of Worster Lake. The Lodge at Potato Creek is sure to be a year-round destination for memories made naturally.” Today’s dedication ceremony precedes Friday’s official reopening of another state park inn – the Spring Mill Inn in southern Indiana near Mitchell. The historic inn underwent two years of renovations that included significant mechanical modernizations, accessibility upgrades, and cosmetic room and conference facility improvements. More information about Potato Creek State Park is at on.IN.gov/potatocreeksp.