Potato Creek State Park Inn
A NEW LODGE FOR POTATO CREEK
The Potato Creek State Park Inn is a highly anticipated new lodge project currently under construction in northern Indiana. Here are the key details about this exciting development.
Location and Significance
The lodge will be situated on the southern shore of Worster Lake within Potato Creek State Park, near North Liberty in St. Joseph County. This will be Indiana’s first new state park inn constructed since 1939, making it a historically significant addition to the state park system.
Project Details
$100 million for construction, plus $5 million for design services
2026 or 2027
Indiana Inns, Authority Part of the DNR’s Divison of Parks.
The preliminary plans for the lodge include:
Significance and Impact:
Tourism and Economic Growth
The lodge is expected to boost tourism and create jobs in the surrounding communities, including positions for chefs, housekeepers, bartenders, and maintenance staff.
Year Round-Recreation
The lodge will provide opportunities for various seasonal activities, including biking, boating, ice fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Northern Indiana Expansion
Northern Indiana Expansion: This will be only the second state park inn in northern Indiana, joining the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park.
Cultural And Historical Significance
The project acknowledges the area’s rich history, including its ties to Indigenous peoples and the Huggart Settlement, a free Black community from the mid-1800s.
Environmental and Design Considerations:
The lodge is designed to blend with the natural and cultural features of the park while offering modern amenities. It will be located in the Whispering Winds Picnic Area, providing views of Worster Lake and access to the paved bike trail and a small boat launch.
Funding And Support
The project received strong backing from the Indiana General Assembly and Governor Eric J. Holcomb. Initially allocated $50 million in 2021, the budget was increased to $100 million due to rising construction costs.
This new lodge at Potato Creek State Park represents a significant investment in Indiana’s state park system and is poised to become a major attraction for both in-state and out-of-state visitors, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and modern amenities.
For more information about the Lodge go to https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/potato-creek-state-park/lodge/ .