"Up the Creek" Food and Fun

Up the Creek Restaurant is just up the creek from Sugar Valley Canoe Rental near Turkey Run State Park. This unique little paradise has a whimsical, “margaritaville-esque” charm.

“This has grown through the years,” says owner Ron Lambermont. The restaurant, canoe rental and Sugar Valley Spirits are family run. “It started with a few canoes.”

Lambermont doesn’t seem to know a stranger after over 30 years in the area. The restaurant and canoe rental business have become a family fun destination. A woman stopped by to say hello and introduce her daughter. “I’ve heard stories about you and this place for years,” the young woman tells Lambermont.

The food menu is simple and service is fast—quesadillas and more. The stream on the restaurant floor takes customers to a camp store and the food counter. Glimpse the Sugar Valley Spirits operation at the far end of the restaurant.

Pizza, sandwiches and salads are just the beginning. Or start with ice cream treats! Cocktails feature house-made rum in all the rum drinks. Eat at a table inside or head to a picnic pavilion hang-out space.

“There’s more to the story,” Lambermont says. He starts talking about the music venue. There’s live music in the summer, no charge. An open-air pavilion is available to rent for large gatherings, including weddings.

The adjacent canoe rental now has 300 canoes, 300 kayaks and 1,000 tubes for self-guided trips on scenic Sugar Creek.

A variety of primitive cabins are available. Primitive tent camping sites are across the road from Up the Creek. 

Whatever your destination in Parke County, fill up for fun at Up the Creek!