When it comes to the state of Indiana, if beautiful scenery, a serene lake, and the sounds of nature are right up your proverbial street, Pokagon State Park is probably on your radar. And while it’s fine to rough it once in a while, having your necessary creature comforts is the way to go for this gal.
Enter Potawatomi Inn. . Featuring the best of both worlds, it’s a popular destination no matter what time of year you visit. Here’s everything you need to know about Potawatomi Inn to help you plan your next visit.
Potawatomi Inn: The Basics
While the name Potawatomi Inn may be a mouthful at first, the reason for it is a good one. Translating to “Keepers of the Fire,” the inn pays homage to Native Americans and the Potawatomi Tribe that lived in the Great Lakes region. The members call themselves Neshnabek (the true people), and today, there are 50,000 enrolled members in the U.S.
Potawatomi Inn offers 126 guest rooms and 12 cabins for rent along the bank of Lake James if you prefer a little more space. It is known for its super popular winter toboggan run, but I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting during that season. I have heard only good things about it, though.
Guest Rooms
With plenty of guest rooms, you can reserve rooms with one or two queen beds in its newer section or one or two full-sized eds in the historic section of the inn. When I visited, my room had a gorgeous view of the lake, which I suggest when you make a reservation.
Our room had everything we needed: a television, telephone, shower and tub, separate vanity area, and even the ability to crack a window open to get some fresh air. The beds were very comfortable, as were the pillows (I’m a bit of a pillow snob), and I slept very well.
Common Areas
I really enjoyed the fact that the Inn brings in outside touches to meld the two together seamlessly. In many of the common areas, massive windows showcased the land and water - and even a mated pair of Sandhill Cranes that make a return visit every year.
With a very laidback look and feel, there were plenty of chairs and couches to get comfy in. My favorite feature, though, was the giant fish tank that was only a few feet from our guest room wing. Featuring fish native to the area, I found myself visiting the tank frequently to check on the fish. Thanks to the tank, I have a new favorite fish: the Gar.
Dining
Potawatomi has two dining options, and you can enjoy them with or without a reservation. The full-service dining room has a hearty menu and features dishes you might see on an Indiana dinner table: fried chicken, whitefish, fried steak, and salads. One dish I had no idea existed until I dined there was fried biscuits. Served with a side of apple butter, they made for an easy breakfast for me and my daughter.
The second option is the Courtyard Cafè. Open on weekends seasonally, you’ll find lighter fare compared to the inside dining room and outdoor-only seating. Of course, you can order from the menu and grab a seat in one of the common spaces inside if you’d like.
Amenities
Potawatomi Inn has plenty of activities and amenities to keep you busy. There’s a pool, sauna, and hot tub for guest use, a small game room, dock space, and even boat rentals. The exercise room offers just about anything you’d need for a light workout, and the library is filled with books for all ages. Additionally, you’ll find decent wifi throughout the Inn, but it does weaken the farther away you walk.
In a Nutshell
I truly enjoyed my visit to Potawatomi Inn and would happily recommend it to anyone in the area of Pokagon State Park.
