Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, June 22, 2013
(UNDATED) - Indiana’s state forests offer solitude, recreation, and now overnight lodging for those seeking a one-of-a-kind retreat.
Options range from a rustic one-room log cabin to modern rent-a-camp cabins to lodges with modern amenities.
Deep in the woods of Parke and Montgomery counties is a treasure available to families and small retreat groups. Located in the hills above Sugar Creek near Annapolis is the newly renovated Covered Bridge Retreat Lodge, a three-bedroom A-frame on 300 acres.
Rentals at Covered Bridge Retreat Lodge start at $250 per night with a three-night minimum. The weekly rental fee is $1,300 for six nights. Visitors also can rent the adjoining 20-site campground and horse barn. The property offers 5 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding.
Visitors to Morgan-Monroe State Forest can enjoy the restored and updated 1930s Cherry Lake Lodge. The two-bedroom cabin is on a quiet lane near the Morgan-Monroe office. Lodging begins at $150 per night with a two-night minimum, or $950 per week for seven nights.
Morgan-Monroe also has an 1890s, one-room log cabin known as Draper Cabin. The cabin has no plumbing or electricity but is popular for those seeking a deep woods experience.
Families looking for more comforts can check out the 25 new rent-a-camp cabins at Deam Lake or Starve Hollow state forest recreation areas.
"The rent-a-camp cabins have been extremely popular since they were introduced in 2012 at Deam Lake and this year at Starve Hollow," State Forester John Seifert said. "We are especially pleased that these log cabins are made from Indiana-grown forest products."
The cabins start at $35 per night and have electricity and heating and cooling. Visitors must bring bedding and sleeping pads. Similar cabins will be installed at Greene-Sullivan State Forest this summer.
Reservations for rent-a-camp cabins and the Covered Bridge Retreat Lodge & Campground should be made at Camp.IN.gov.
To book the Cherry Lake Lodge or Draper Cabin, call Morgan-Monroe at (765) 342-4026.
For more information, visit dnr.IN.gov/forestry.
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