story by GLENDA WINDERS
The delicious experience of settling into a cozy room away from it all and close to nature just got a bit sweeter at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell. For the past two years, Spring Mill Inn has been closed for renovations, and the newly reopened results are going to please anyone lucky enough to stay here.
Spring Mill Inn was structurally sound but after 83 years in operation, it was due for significant mechanical modernizations that required temporary complete closure of the facility, including the Millstone Dining Room, conference facilities, and overnight lodging. The goal of the project was to modernize all the mechanical systems while retaining the historic, natural look and
feel of the public spaces and the comfortable rooms that guests enjoy.
Guests at the inn today will immediately notice a new front desk location, which provides a smoother and more welcoming atmosphere. An interior ramp was added to provide better access to the lobby for all guests. Public spaces such as the lobby and other gathering areas still provide comfortable seating for games, music, or reading by the fireplace.
The Millstone Dining Room, where travelers enjoy a variety of delicious Hoosier favorites like tenderloins, persimmon pudding, fried biscuits and apple butter, is newly spruced-up. The Lakeview Room for larger gatherings such as wedding receptions and business conferences is also newly painted and refreshed with new windows featuring bird-friendly glass.
The indoor-outdoor pool is being replaced with a surface-level splash pad to provide easy play opportunities for children and their families and will open in Hallways and bedrooms have attractive new carpeting, and bedrooms and bathrooms have been upgraded with new furnishings, fresh paint, and other cosmetic improvements.
If you have visited previously, you might not notice some of the significant behind-the-scenes changes such as the new fire-alarm and sprinkler systems. New water lines were added throughout the building, too, along with a new HVAC system. The few structural changes that might be apparent in some guest rooms and public spaces were made to accommodate the mechanical upgrades. Even the parking garage and parking deck got a facelift with improved staircases, facades and traffic flow.
But remodeling a state park inn is not as easy as it might sound. Any building on state property that is more than 50 years old with a high degree of integrity in its appearance and location is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
That being the case, this project required review and approval by the Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology. Ongoing discussions through the Indiana State Parks cultural resources manager ensure that any changes made now or in the future maintain the historical integrity of the inn.
In the early 20th century, a group of local businessmen and politicians advocated for making the piece of land where the inn stands a park, and their efforts were rewarded when Spring Mill State Park opened in 1927.
One of those people was Albert Fields, who was born in Sheeks cabin, which remains in the Pioneer Village. Today it and the gristmill fed by cave springs that started it all are reminders of how the natural world helps shape the cultural world in which we live.
Come visit the park’s interpretive facilities —the Pioneer Village, the Lakeview Activity Center, and the memorial to astronaut Gus Grissom. Take the Twin Caves Boat Tour and hike the park’s many trails. The interpretive staff also offers a wide variety of public programs, including an extensive special events schedule.
Then at day’s end, treat yourself to a stay at the Spring Mill Inn with its 71 rooms and suites. Experience the renovations first-hand and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and historic feel of the recent renovations. Remember to check on available lodging specials while you’re at it! Spring Mill Inn and all other Indiana State Park Inns offer a Winter Special that you won’t want to miss. Stay two nights for the price of one.
Details can be found online at IndianaInns.com or call their friendly agents at 1.877.LODGES 1.