story by GLENDA WINDERS
Parents know the drill: you plan an exciting, often expensive vacation, only to be met with complaints of boredom or kids glued to their phones. But what if there were a destination where fun wasn’t a question, but a guarantee? A place so full of engaging activities that choosing what to do each day becomes the only challenge?
Any Indiana State Park can deliver this kind of magic, but Spring Mill State Park offers even more to explore than most. For parents, the benefits are twofold: an outing that’s easy on the budget and a chance to unwind and recharge in a beautiful natural setting, while kids frolic, play, and explore across 1,358 acres of scenic landscape.
Start by booking a stay at the Spring Mill Inn, which recently reopened after a two-year renovation that refreshed the historic property with modern comforts. While kids may not notice the updated carpet, fresh paint, new furnishings, or improved accessibility with added ramps, one feature will immediately capture their attention: the new zero-entry splash pad. Replacing the former indoor-outdoor pool, it offers a safe, high-energy “drenching experience” that’s sure to be a highlight of their stay.
Visitors may then uncover the link between nature and culture at the mill that gave the park its name. Springs emerging from nearby caves attracted early pioneers, who established an industrial village in the early 1800s and harnessed the never-freezing water to power a gristmill, sawmill, wool mill, and distillery.
The pioneers then shaped the landscape by clearing land for agriculture and timber. Children won’t realize how much they are learning when they visit the three-story limestone gristmill and watch the wheel power the mill that grinds the 2-pound bags of fresh cornmeal their family can purchase and take home.
The mill is the centerpiece of the Pioneer Village, made up of 20 historic buildings left over from the 19th century, that the whole family is welcome to explore. Interpreters transport visitors to 1863 through demonstrations of period chores and crafts, while occasional Civil War reenactments bring the park to life.
Next, they might opt for a Twin Caves boat tour, where guides gently pull boats through an underground stream, pointing out fascinating cave formations and searching for unique wildlife, including the endangered blind cavefish.
The nearby Activity Center (also called the Nature Center) overlooks Spring Mill Lake and contains exhibits of the park’s natural and cultural history. Kids will delight in live animal exhibits featuring native snakes and turtles. The area also includes a puppet stage, floor puzzles, and a coloring station.
Space-loving youngsters and their parents alike will want to visit the Grissom Memorial, which honors Hoosier astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom, one of the original seven astronauts and America’s second American in space. Visitors will see his space suit, the Gemini Molly Brown spacecraft, and items from his personal and professional life.
Be sure to make time for hiking on one of the marked trails that meander throughout the park and are ranked either easy, accessible, moderate, or rugged. A 2-mile mountain-biking trail is also available for use if the kids brought their bikes.
When it’s time to wind down, there’s still plenty to do back at the inn. Visit the game room and arcade for pool, video games, board games, and grab your snacks and drinks from the gift shop. Another bonus for parents: You can enjoy three delicious meals every day without leaving the park. The Millstone Dining Room takes pride in serving Indiana favorites such as a tenderloin sandwich, pulled pork and fried chicken with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy or mac-n cheese. For dessert, save room for Indiana’s state pie, sugar cream.
Kids have their own smaller-portion menu with dishes called Here Fishy Fishy, Kickin’ Chicken and I’m Not Hungry, all at prices that won’t use up their college savings. The gift shop also features Indiana crafts and souvenirs.
By the end of your stay at Spring Mill, “I’m bored” is replaced with “Can we stay longer?” It’s a place where fun comes naturally, and time together becomes the best part of the trip.
For more information visit: www.in.gov/dnr/
