Spring Mill Inn to reopen after renovations meant to honor inn’s history
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After two years of renovations, the Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park will reopen this month with refreshed rooms, improved conference facilities and upgrades to make the spaces more accessible to people with disabilities.
The park has scheduled an open house from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 to let the public view the changes. As part of the open house, Indiana State Parks staff will answer questions, share information about the inn’s renovations, and provide refreshments.
Located in Mitchell, the historic state park inn has been closed for renovations since November 2022. The state said the building, which originally opened in 1939, needed significant mechanical upgrades in addition to more cosmetic changes. But officials said the goal was to retain the inn’s original historic charm.
“We can’t wait to officially welcome guests back to Spring Mill Inn,” DNR Director Dan Bortner said in a news release. “Its location in the heart of Spring Mill State Park with so many unique features makes it an attraction for Hoosiers and for our guests from other states.”
The changes include a more accessible lobby, centrally located registration desk and a fireplace where guests can relax.
Guests will also find a new gift shop as well as a station for self-serve snacks and drinks 24 hours a day. The downstairs lobby area will provide comfortable gathering spaces for music, family games, reading, and relaxing by the fireplace.
A new splash pad that will include indoor and outdoor elements is still under construction.
State officials said the renovated inn retains the inn’s original rustic atmosphere but with modern conveniences.
The inn’s tables and chairs – which have been refinished – will return to the Millstone Dining Room, park officials said. A new buffet unit will provide group dining for conference and meeting attendees, and it will periodically accompany the restaurant’s daily menu.
The dining room’s first meal post-renovation will be the park’s annual Thanksgiving buffet on Nov. 28.