Construction making progress on new Lodge at Potato Creek

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. (WNDU) - Part of Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty is being turned into a parking lot.

The lot will serve guests at a new lodge being built there on the grounds. It will be the first new Indiana state park inn to be built since 1939.

The $100 million project is a work in progress, and Tuesday brought an opportunity for a progress report.

There are finally visible signs of construction. Basement walls are being poured, and curbs are popping up on what will eventually be parking lots.

“We’ve got a lot of the underground work done. We’re pouring basement walls and things so what you’re going to be seeing very soon is things being built up. We’ll start working on elevator shafts, things like that, to try to get it going but, from here on out it’s going to be pretty visible,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner.

Tuesday brought a steady buzz of earth moving equipment. The crews were told to keep working, even as Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and other dignitaries held dedication ceremonies on site for a plaque that will be attached to the building’s cornerstone.

“Ðamn the torpedoes, full steam ahead,” said Gov. Holcomb. “We like to stay on schedule and under budget, and that speaks for itself.”

Plans call for 120 hotel rooms, a full-service dining room that seats 150, and an aquatic center.

“It’s going to create memories that are going to last forever,” Holcomb said. “I always think about growing up as a little guy, we had our family reunions at the state parks, and while my haircuts and T-shirts may have been embarrassing. The memories that we made there I treasure.”

The budget for the project is $100 million.

“I think it’s worth it,” said Indiana Rep. Jake Teska. “I think absolutely, I think look at the history of the fact that we haven’t done one of these since 1939. I think this thing is going to be around for another 100 years or more, and that’s going to be here for generations of Hoosier families to enjoy.”

The project is expected to be completed sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.

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