- Spring Mill State Park Alerts (4)
- Temporary Closure: Spring Mill State Park and Cave River Valley Natural Area will be closed to the public for deer management hunts on Nov. 18-19 and Dec. 2-3, 2024. The properties will close on the evening before the hunt and reopen the morning after. Only individual licensed hunters selected from the draw may participate at any site. Information about these deer management hunts can be found at on.IN.gov/reservedhunt.
- INN REOPENS SOON: Spring Mill Inn has been closed for renovations and will reopen for lodging reservations on Dec. 6. The closure included lodging rooms, conference facilities, and the Millstone Dining Room. Read more about the renovations. Enjoy our other six beautiful state park inns.
- DONALDSON SHELTER CLOSED: Due to significant damage sustained during severe storms on March 31, 2023, the Donaldson Shelter will remain closed until further notice. All affected reservation holders will be contacted.
- GRIST MILL GRINDING: The grist mill will not grind until further notice pending extensive repairs to shaft, water wheel and flume are completed.
Description
Spring Mill State Park offers a powerful illustration of the link between the natural and cultural worlds. The water flowing from several cave springs led to the founding of an industrial village in the early 1800s. Pioneer entrepreneurs took advantage of a constant water source that never froze, using it to power several gristmills, a wool mill, a sawmill, and a distillery. In turn, pioneer settlers shaped the landscape around the village, clearing land for agriculture and timber.
The park today continues to illustrate how nature shapes us and how we shape our environment. A parcel of old growth timber sits in contrast to regenerated forest, a man-made lake struggles to survive against the in-flow of silt from cave-fed systems, and the native flora and fauna face challenges from man’s introduction of new species.
Visitors can explore this story in the park’s four interpretive facilities—the Pioneer Village, Lakeview Activity Center, Grissom Memorial, and Twin Caves Boat Tour—and see it reflected on the landscape as they hike the trails. The interpretive staff also offers a wide variety of public programs, including an extensive special events schedule. Public programs are offered year-round.
This property is a stop on the
Construction projects
- GRIST MILL REPAIR: The DNR Division of State Parks, in collaboration with the divisions of Engineering and Historic Preservation & Archaeology, has developed a plan for repairs to the historic grist mill in the Pioneer Village. Construction will begin this year and take 9-12 months during which the grist mill shaft, a gear, water wheel, flume, windows, siding, and awning will be repaired or replaced. Learn more about the project.
- INN CLOSED: Spring Mill Inn is closed for renovations. This includes lodging rooms, conference facilities, and the Millstone Dining Room. Read more about the renovations. Enjoy our other six beautiful state park inns.
- Caves
Selected caves at Spring Mill State Park and Cave River Valley Natural Area are open for limited access for self-guided recreational groups. This program is a partnership with the Indiana Karst Conservancy (IKC). Groups must register in advance through IKC and must complete online training explaining decontamination procedures established to prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome(WNS), a fungus that is killing bats in large numbers.
Donaldson/Bronson Cave will be available for visitation by registered groups year-round. The DNR portion of Upper Twin Cave will be available for registered groups from November 1 – May 15. Endless and River Caves in Cave River Valley Natural Area will be available for registered groups from May 1 – August 31. Twin Caves Boat Tours will continue as usual in the park, and the dry side of Donaldson Cave, which is accessible from Trail 4, will be open to individual visitors.
- Twin Caves Boat Tour
Open daily from Memorial Day Weekend through mid-July, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional days and times as posted at park. Open weekends from mid-August thru mid-October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (confirm operating hours with park prior to visit). Tours run on the half-hour. Only same day reservations are accepted, and they must be made in person at the Twin Caves Building. Cost is $3 per person. Children under age 3 and pets are not allowed on the tour. Food and drinks are not allowed on boats. Guides pull the boats through a stream passage while highlighting cave formations and searching for cave animals (the endangered blind cavefish is a common sighting).
- Pioneer Village
Open daily from May thru mid-October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., additional days and times as posted. The restored Pioneer Village, founded in 1814, contains 20 historic buildings to explore. The centerpiece is a 3-story limestone gristmill, built in 1817, that still grinds cornmeal today. Heritage interpreters portray the year 1863 and demonstrate period crafts.
- Lakeview Activity Center
Open daily from April thru October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Saturday thru Wednesday from November thru March, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Nature Center overlooks Spring Mill Lake and is filled with exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history. The live animal displays features native snakes and turtles. A special children’s area includes a puppet stage, floor puzzles, and coloring area. Visitors can also drop by the office of the park naturalist to ask questions.
- Cave River Valley
Visit this unique, off-site property for a primitive experience. Cave River Valley, with 317 acres and managed by Spring Mill in partnership with Fish and Wildlife, Nature Conservancy, and the Division of Nature Preserves, is located 15 miles east of Spring Mill State Park. The most noteworthy feature of the property is its caves. All caves on-site require a permit or guided tour to enter. Cave tours are offered through the naturalist at Spring Mill State Park twice a year. Cave River Valley has a rich cultural history as well, with the spring from River Cave being used for milling in the early 1800’s. Cave River Valley’s entrance gate may be opened through the summer/fall, usually around 8 a.m. It is locked in the evening around dusk. If arriving during the day and the entrance gate is closed, visitors can park outside the entrance gate and walk-in during open hours. Please do not block the gate. There are no marked trails, so look for guided hikes with Spring Mill Naturalist to help you become familiar with the property. There are no restrooms on-site, so please plan accordingly. Address: 6031-6871 N. Cave River Valley Road, Campbellsburg, IN 47108. For more information, please contact Spring Mill’s naturalist at 812-849-3534.
- Boat Rental
Kayaks, paddle boats, row boats, and canoes are available to rent during the peak summer season, Memorial Day Weekend through August 1. The rental operations may extend longer, check with the park office for hours.
- Activities
- Pioneer Village
- Grissom Memorial
- Nature Center/Interpretive Naturalist Services
- Nature Nook
- Twin Caves Boat Tour
- Schools and Groups
- Hiking & Biking
- Lodging & Dining
- Kayaks, Rowboats, and Canoe rental. Please visit the fees page or contact park for latest pricing.
- Shelters & Picnic Areas (Shelter Reservations)
- Swimming Pool (Policy) Check office for hours.
- Campstore / Hayrides / Bike Rental
- Nature Preserves
- Donaldson, Bronson, and Hamer Caves
Camping - See campground maps under MAPS tab
- Electric / 187 sites
- Primitive / 36 sites
- Youth Tent Areas
- Camp Store
- Dumping Station
INFORMATION
- Trails
Spring Mill State Park offers a motorized wheelchair that can be taken on trails and around facilities.
1. MODERATE (.375 mile)—Short loop from inn to foot of hill, along Donaldson branch and lake, and returns up the hill to the inn.
2. MODERATE (.5 mile)—Connects village parking area to picnic area and Nature Center.
3. RUGGED (2.5 miles)—Long loop trail. Enter near the Donaldson parking lot. Passes Donaldson Cave overlook, then through dense woods, past sinkholes, then Bronson Cave, on to Twin Caves, through virgin timber of Donaldson Woods Nature Preserve. Returns to Donaldson picnic area.
4. RUGGED (2 miles)—Loop trail may be entered from Trail 4 at picnic area or junction of 1 and 4 near inn. Goes by Donaldson Cave and Hamer Cemetery to village.
5. MODERATE (1 mile)—Loops around lake. Follows lower section of lake from bridge, then around to boat docks, near Trail 2, which leads to the picnic area and parking area.
6. ACCESSIBLE (.25 mile)—Paved trail. Loops around Virgil I. Grissom Memorial. Details about this and other accessible trails.
7. EASY (1.75 miles)—Loops through and around Oak Ridge picnic area. Ties into Trail 4 between Hamer Cemetery and village.
Stagecoach Trail (.5 mile)—Rugged. Follows old roadbed from village, up hill, to Oak Ridge picnic area and playground. A two-mile mountain bike trail is now available for use. The trailhead is located near the campstore. Mountain bikes can be rented at the bike rental. Bicycles permitted only on paved roadways. Skateboarding and inline skating prohibited.
PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS.
- Maps
- Grissom Memorial
Open daily year-round, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Grissom Memorial honors Hoosier astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, one of the seven Mercury astronauts and America's second man in space. The Memorial tells the story of Gus Grissom's life and his contributions to the space program. Exhibits include Grissom's space suit, the Gemini 3 Molly Brown spacecraft, and artifacts from his personal and professional life.
- Spring Mill State Park Founders
A plaque was created in 1968 to honor the individuals who laid the groundwork for creating Spring Mill State Park. That plaque hangs in the Spring Mill Inn. Read a little about those men below:
Albert Fields is attributed as the one who originated the idea of establishing Spring Mill State Park. He was an attorney and was mayor of Bedford from 1910-1918. He led the committee of seven individuals in securing the initial Donaldson Woods acreage for the park in 1923 and continued to advocate for the park until it was officially established in 1927. Fields was actually born in the Sheeks cabin that is now in the Pioneer Village. He was the son of George and Mary (Sheeks) Fields.
Walter Sherrill was one of the seven committee members who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. He was a community leader and a partner in a prominent printing business.
Miles Standish was a part of the committee who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. He was a farmer and mule salesman from Salem. He served on the city council and the Chamber of Commerce. He was Vice President of a Bank and involved with the Rotary Club.
Everett Clark was a part of the committee who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. He was a “highly respected” lawyer who fought to bring jobs to the community during the depression. He was a person of “great wit and wisdom” and apparently fun at parties!
Ben Sherwood was a part of the committee who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. He was a local leader in the Rotary Club and served as a Rotary Club Governor. He owned the first Ford Dealership and was head of the “Forward Bedford” initiative.
William Walls was a part of the committee who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. He was an insurance and real estate executive and involved with the Chamber of Commerce as a chair and member.
Eugene B. Crowe was a part of the committee who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. Through his efforts, the plaque was produced to honor those instrumental in creating the park. He was a teacher, owned a furniture business and helped organize the Bedford Merchant’s Association. He served as a representative in the U.S. Congress and was engaged in initiatives such as the Hawaii Statehood Committee, Indiana limestone for structures in the District of Columbia and locating Crane Naval Base in Indiana.
Kern Armstrong was a part of the committee who worked for the acquisition of land for Spring Mill State Park. He was a lifelong farmer and served two terms as a county commissioner who purchased many of the smaller tracts of land and donated them to help create the state park. And he was apparently well-known for his good barbecue!
State Representative Elam Y. Guernsey was passionate about geology and archaeology, and worked closely with Col. Richard Lieber in founding the Indiana State Parks system. Hedrafted legislation with State Senator John Sherwood that allowed the Donaldson Woods tract, held at the time by Indiana University, to be transferred to the State of Indiana. He was the first park superintendent and oversaw the restoration of the Pioneer Village.
During his 20 years in the state legislature, he authored state law that protects songbirds, supported legislation for the Indiana Department of Conservation focused on archaeology and historic sites, and later worked for the Department of Conservation as a historian. He spoke nationally about the importance of local history in parks.
State Senator John Sherwood served four years in the Indiana House of Representatives and eight years in the Indiana Senate. He and State RepresentativeElam Y. Guernsey drafted the documents that would allow the tract held by Indiana University to the State of Indiana. Sherwood was a farmer and carpenter who served as the Director of the Lawrence County Department of Public Welfare and as the Director of the Martin County REMC.
William Weiknecht was a chemist and then the plant manager at Lehigh Cement (now called Heidelberg Materials) while the park was being founded. He served as the local contact to help negotiate with the company’s leadership to sell the 290.5 acres of the village to the State of Indiana for just $1.00.
Thanks to all of these community leaders and those who stood with them in support to create Spring Mill State Park.
“The memory of these men who were responsible for this park will always be enshrined in Bronze. I hope this will inspire others to be of public service and to do things for the benefit of others” --Governor Roger Branigin, October 31st, 1968, Plaque Dedication Speech
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