Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park: Review, Dining, Amenities, Things to do
Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park
Planning a trip to Indiana? Consider adding a visit to Pokagon State Park – especially in the winter to check out the toboggan run. If you do decide to visit the park, the ideal place to stay is the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, located within the park on the beautiful Lake James.
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Types of Rooms at Pokagon Potawatomi Inn
The Potawatomi Inn opened in 1927 with 40 rooms. Since then, there have been several additions, and today the Inn boasts 126 hotel rooms. A conference center was added in the early 1990s.
There are a variety of room types from rooms in the historic section with full-size beds to larger queen beds in the newer section.
A favorite room type is the patio room. These rooms have a back door that opens to a patio overlooking Lake James.
Other accommodations at Pokagon State Park
In addition to regular Inn rooms (like a hotel room), the Pokagon Potawatomi Inn offers 8 cabins & 4 cabin suites with extra space and amenities like a mini refrigerator, microwave, and private bathroom. The cabins have been recently remodeled and are a nice option for families who need more space and/or want a bit more privacy.
What time is check-in at Potawatomi Inn?
Check-in is at 4:00 pm and check-out is at 11:00 am.
Are pets allowed at the Potawatomi Inn?
There are accommodations at the Inn that allow pets. The designated rooms allow dogs up to 75 pounds, but there is an additional pet fee.
How much does it cost to stay at the Potawatomi Inn?
Staying at the Potawatomi Inn is actually very reasonable. Prices start at under $100 and run up to $150ish based on the day of the week and the time of the year, but in general, if you can stay during the week (Sunday – Thursday) you’ll save a bundle. Plus, the State Park Inns often run specials during the winter for Sunday – Thursday nights.
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Potawatomi Inn Dining
There is a restaurant in Pokagon State Park at the Potawatomi Inn, so you don’t need to leave the grounds if you don’t want to.
Lakeview Grill
The main Pokagon State Park restaurant, the Lakeview Grill, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a wide variety of home-cooked meals. On weekends there is a special brunch menu, and the dinner menu has a daily special.
The Lakeview Grill does have a liquor license, so you can indulge in a Bloody Mary or Mimosa for brunch or a local beer or wine with dinner.
The holidays bring special menus, so check those out if you happen to visit over a holiday. During the winter if you are lucky, the large historic fireplace will house a roaring fire – very cozy after a cold day of hiking or exploring the park.
Courtyard Cafe
A second dining option at the Potawatomi Inn is the Courtyard Cafe. Its hours of operation are limited – it’s often only open on Friday night and Saturday. If you are there when it’s open and looking for a quick sandwich, pizza, or ice cream, it could be a good alternative.
🌟 There are plenty of other dining options just outside the park as well as in the nearby town of Angola.
Potawatomi Inn Amenities
Even though the Potawatomi Inn is located at a state park, it has all the typical amenities you’d expect in a regular hotel. Each room has wireless internet, satellite television, hairdryers, and in-room coffee makers.
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Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park Things to Do
Although you are probably staying at the Inn to visit Pokagon State Park, there are actually quite a few fun things to do at the Inn itself as well as the park.
Inside the Potawatomi Inn
It’s easy to spend a fun afternoon (or longer) enjoying all that the Potawatomi Inn has to offer. There is a game room with all kinds of video games, air hockey, etc.
Another fun option is the activity room. Throughout the year various crafts are offered in this room, so ask if there is anything happening when you visit.
The Inn has an indoor pool, so swimming is an option year-round. The indoor pool is next to a whirlpool and sauna. When my kids were tweens, they loved hopping from the whirlpool to the pool to the sauna.
If hiking isn’t your jam – or the weather is bad, there is an exercise room with enough equipment for a decent workout.
There is a small gift shop inside the entrance that has a variety of unique Indiana-themed items for sale. It’s a great place for picking up a small souvenir.
One of my favorite spots at the Potawatomi Inn is next to one of the large fireplaces with a crackling fire. I can settle in with a good book and a cup of coffee and just feel the stress melt away.
Things to do at Pokagon State Park
As if there isn’t enough to do inside the Potawatomi Inn, Pokagon State Park is overflowing with fun activities!
Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run
The toboggan run is a HUGE draw in the winter months. Typically open from after Thanksgiving until the end of February, this refrigerated toboggan run is the only one of its kind in Indiana.
If you live within driving distance, it’s something you need to experience at least once – although you’ll probably have so much fun you’ll find yourself making the trip year after year!
🌟 Related Post: Pokagon State Park – Winter Fun!
Hiking the trails at Pokagon State Park
There are nine trails mostly easy to moderate, and ranging in length from .7 to 2.2 miles. If you really want to challenge yourself, go for the 8-mile Hell’s Point Challenge that connects many of the other trails in a loop.
As you hike the 8-mile Hell’s Point Challenge, if you photograph six specific waypoints and show these photos to the nature center staff at the end of the hike, you’ll receive a small prize (while supplies last, so I’d ask before you accept the challenge!). Ask about the challenge and get a map at the nature center.
Other fun things to do at Pokagon State Park
In the warmer months, rent bicycles and ride around the paved areas of the park, or even rent a boat and explore Lake James from a different perspective.
Most evenings if the weather cooperates the staff will have a bonfire going outside – ask which nights it’ll be happening when you check-in.
In the summer you can visit the nature center, play volleyball or even participate in a guided horseback ride. Although the park is known for the winter toboggan, it’s actually a wonderful place to visit year-round.
🌟 Related post: Looking for more to do in the area? Check out Five Fun Things to do Near Pokagon State Park.
FAQs about the Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park
How much are rooms at the Potawatomi Inn?
Average rates are $105 – $109 with prices varying based on the time of year and the day of the week. There are also often many State Park Inn specials offered throughout the year.
What is the phone number for the Potawatomi Inn?
1-877-LODGES
When was Potawatomi Inn built?
The Potawatomi Inn was built in 1927. It originally had 40 rooms.
Conclusion: Potawatomi Inn Pokagon State Park Review
Ready for a trip to stay at the Potawatomi Inn Pokagon State Park? I am ready to go back – it’s a perfect location for a weekend getaway any time of the year. The combination of the beautiful natural setting and numerous amenities and things to do make it a winner for any traveler!