About
History | Amenities | State Park Features | Local Attractions | Driving DirectionsHistory
In terms of history, the geology of Turkey Run offers a unique view into the past. A walk into one of the ravines takes the visitor on a trip through time when the sandstone gorges represent 600 to 300 million years of nature's handwork.
Mansfield sandstone, named after Mansfield, Indiana, is the main material which forms Turkey Run's cliffs. Many years ago, flowing water deposited sand, then pressure and cementation changed the grains of sand into sedimentary rock. Later, wind and water began to cut the sandstone after it was exposed to the air, but it was the ice age and glacial action that shaped the sandstone into familiar forms.
Glacial ice did at one time cover the north portion of the park. As the glacier melted, the debris collected by the moving ice was deposited. Stones of many shapes and sizes were ground against the softer sandstone by the rushing melt-water. This grinding action helped carve the Sugar Creek stream bed as well as many of the canyons of Turkey Run. Remnants of these hard round stones, called glacial till, may be found in the stream beds today.
In the last few hundred years, the erosion of the sandstone has continued at a slower pace. The gorges are very similar to what was seen by Native Americans and pioneers.
The Miami Indians walked many of the trails that today's park visitors still use. The last Native American, Johnny Green, is said to have died while fishing from Goose Rock. The early pioneers have left traces of their heritage. The historical Lusk Home and Mill site are reminders of early enterprise and ambition. Acquiring the land in 1825, Captain Lusk built a grist mill that was completed in 1829. The Lusk's stewardship of the land preserved the pristine nature of the land. Also, the log cabin museum, located on Sunset Point, was built in 1848. It was moved to Turkey Run in 1918, and the large tulip logs serve as a reminder of the large tulip tree forests that supplied builders of early America.
The log church across the concrete bridge near the Inn was originally constructed in 1923. It stands as a reminder of the religious heritage left by our forefathers. Non-denominational services are still conducted through the warmer months every Sunday at 10:00A.M.
Turkey Run Inn was built in 1919. Over the years, it has undergone changes, additions, and modifications. It has been decades since the excursion trains from Chicago delivered adventuresome travelers for a holiday at the Turkey Run Inn...but the allure of this beautiful facility continues as strong as ever.
Today, Turkey Run Inn provides the comfort of a modern facility with the ambiance of a rustic country inn. Fifty-seven rooms in our main lodge, twenty-three sleeping cabins and a full-service dining room provide ample space for meetings, conventions, parties, and other group events.
In addition, event planners will find more than 5,500 sq. feet of versatile meeting space which includes a large conference area which is ideal for receptions, banquets, trade shows, and conferences.
Turkey Run State Park's location in the West Central part of Indiana makes it an idea location for statewide gatherings.
Amenities
- Wooden oak lobby that features cozy seating around a large stone fireplace, and a perfect spot to play games, enjoy our big screen television, or sit back and read a good book.
- Indoor heated pool with two attached sundecks. Accessible.
- The Narrows Restaurant, a full service dining room with seasonal menus/buffets
- Game room
- Outdoor playground
- Rustic cabin lodging available, as well as Inn lodging
- Inn is centrally located to Turkey Runs famous and adventurous hiking trails.
- Banquet/Wedding /Meeting Facilities available with onsite catering
- Second story Inn veranda is a favorite spot for guests who want relax and experience the tranquility of a beautiful summer night
State Park Features
- Hike up wooden ladders, across creek beds, and under rock ledges. Eleven hiking trails totaling fourteen miles in length. Voted one of the best trail systems in the state
- Nature Center - open for bird watching and planetarium twelve months out of the year
- Lusk Home - built in 1841 by first European settlers to own this land, open by appointment for tour
- Saddle Barn - offers pony rides, scenic trail rides, and hay rides.
- Bike Rentals - single and tandem. Available at the Inn or the campstore.
- Olympic size swimming pool & concession area
- Shelters throughout the park some featuring a fireplace, picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Numerous picnic areas located throughout the park
- Camping - 213 electric sites available. Camp Store.
- Fishing
- Two historic covered bridges located onsite
Local Attractions
Within 2 Minutes from the Inn:
- Canoe Rental - Canoe, Kayak and Tube’n Trips on Scenic Sugar Creek! See Turkey Run and Shades State Parks from your canoe. Float under four Historic Covered Bridges. Trips range from one-hour floats, half-day trips and overnight adventures. Located across from Turkey Run State Park.
- Sugar Valley Miniature Golf
- Up The Creek Boutique - unique filling station, sandbar grill, and outdoor entertainment most summer weekends
- Cox Ford Recreation Park - rent your own or double up with your buddy to ride around a safe and fun go - kart track.
- Horse-Back Riding - located in Turkey Run State Park
- Cherokee Village - gift shop and camping
Within 10 Minutes from the Inn:
- Thirty historic covered bridges - located throughout the county named the covered bridge capital of the world!
- Golf Courses - nine and eighteen hole both available
- Art Gallery - Enjoy all types of framed artwork, jewelry, baskets, pottery, and photography by over 30 Parke County artists.
- Historic downtown Rockville - offers antique shopping, unique stores, dining,
- Ritz Theater - featuring new release movies. Specials available for Turkey Run Inn guests
- Billie Creek Village - historic turn of the century village. Experience history up-close
- Sugar Creek Flea Market - open seasonally during festivals
- Wabash & Erie Canals
Within 30 Minutes from the Inn:
- Shades State Park - rated #1 in Indiana for its quality hiking trails. From mild to adventurous trails.Website
- Raccoon State Recreation Area - featuring Cecil M Harden Lake with boat rental, beach and camping Website
- Mansfield - offers many festivals throughout the year and features a historic roller mill that produces cornmeal. Gift shop
- Ernie Pyle State Historic Site - WW II newspaper correspondent home place memorial
- Rockville Lake - camping, boating, swimming, fishing
- Waveland Lake - camping, boating, swimming, fishing, waterslide
- Buffalo & Elk Farms - unique farm offering retail and animal viewing
Driving Directions
Chicago, IL | Cincinnati, OH | Evansville, IN | Indianapolis, IN | Louisville, KY | Terre Haute, IN- Chicago, IL:
Take I-80 East to US41 at Gary; take US41 South approx. 157 miles to Hwy 47. Turn left 2 miles to Turkey Run Inn.
- Cincinnati, OH:
Take I-74 West to Indianapolis, go West on I-465 to West side of Indianapolis, take Rockville Road exit (US36) 51 miles to Rockville, take a right at US41 intersection in Rockville, go 9 miles north to Hwy 47, take a right 2 miles to Turkey Run Inn
- Evansville, IN:
Take US 41 straight through Terre Haute approximately 142 miles to Hwy 47, turn right on Hwy 47, 2 miles to Turkey Run Inn.
- Indianapolis, IN:
Take Rockville Road exit off of I-465, West on I-465 to Rockville Road Exit, West on Rockville Road (US36) 51 miles to Rockville, turn right at US41 then 9 miles to Hwy 47, Then right 2 miles to Turkey Run Inn.
- Louisville, KY:
Take I-65 North to Indianapolis, West on I-465 to Rockville Road, West on Rockville Road 51 mile to Rockville, right on US41 9 miles to Hwy 47, right 2 miles to Turkey Run Inn.
- Terre Haute, IN:
Take US 41 North 9 miles past Rockville to Hwy 47, then right on Hwy 47 2 miles to Turkey Run Inn.
Turkey Run State Park
8102 East Park Rd.
Marshall, IN, 47859
765-597-2211
Fax: 765-597-2660
Reservations:
877-LODGES-1
877-563-4371
