Abe Martin Lodge

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Abe Martin Lodge Overview

Abe Martin Lodge (the Brown County State Park Inn) and the original cabins were built in 1932 of hand-hewn native stone and oak timbers that were cut in the park. Open all year long, the Main Lodge has two large lobbies with two fireplaces, a rustic public dining room, 30 lodge rooms, and 6 patio rooms. Another 54 lodge rooms are located in the new addition. Each bedroom contains one king (accessible versions available) or two queen beds and a bathroom. Two queen bed rooms include 4 aquatic center wristbands, while king bed rooms include 2 wristbands.

The Abe Martin Lodge offers all the comforts of home in the beautiful and unique setting of Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana. Enjoy an indoor aquatic center, gift shop, game room, video & VCR rentals, wireless Internet, satellite TV, a campfire pit off the back lawn, and more.

Entrance to Abe Martin Lodge

Aquatic Center at Abe Martin Lodge

The indoor aquatic center features a zero entry swimming pool, waterslide, water channel ("lazy river"), fountains, water volleyball and basketball, hot tub, and a whirlpool with a waterfall. The aquatic center is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. (Hours are subject to change.)

A swimsuit and wristband are required. Wristbands are included for Abe Martin Lodge and cabin guests, and they available for purchase by the public for $15 per day per swimmer. (Price is subject to change.)

Indoor aquatic center at Abe Martin Lodge

Abe Martin Lodge Restaurant

Little Gem Restaurant at Abe Martin Lodge is open to the public. Dress casually, and enjoy a great family menu in a non-smoking dining room or on the outdoor patio overlooking the Park. Carryout available. Buffets or special menus may be available on holidays.

Breakfast: 8 am - 11 am
Lunch: 11 am - 2 pm
Dinner: 5 pm - 8 pm

Breakfast Menu (PDF)
Lunch & Dinner Menu (PDF)
Kids Menu (PDF)

Restaurant at Abe Martin Lodge

Recreation at Abe Martin Lodge

Recreational activities and programs are offered throughout the year at the Abe Martin Lodge.

The Lodge hosts a Halloween Bash in October and a New Years Eve Party annually. Musicians often entertain on Saturday evenings in one of the Lobbies in the winter months. Local artists and craftspersons show off their talents in the Annie Nugent Lobby on selected weekends throughout the year.

Morning and evening hikes take off once a week from the Lodge during the summer and fall months. Kids activities include everything from Family Flicks to scavenger hunts to simple crafts. For more information about the recreational offerings please call the Abe Martin Lodge.

Lobby at Abe Martin Lodge

Banquet and Conference Facilities at Abe Martin Lodge

Abe Martin Lodge has excellent facilities for you to host your next conference, retreat, family reunion, wedding/reception or other group event, with seating capacity ranging from 10 to 400. The banquet and conference staff can cater to all your banquet and meeting needs. They can also cater to any one of the Park's shelter houses for groups of 50 or more people. Grab-n-go items are also available from the restaurant for your graduation, birthdays or reunions. For more information or to make reservations call toll free 1-877-265-6343 and ask for Group Sales, or e-mail the sales director

Melodeon Hall (3,720 Square Feet)
Located on the lower level just off the Lodge's main lobby, Melodeon Hall is the largest and most spacious meeting room, accommodating up to 400 people. Melodeon Hall is a very popular choice for corporate events, vendor presentations, weddings and banquets.

Bridal Suite
The Bridal Suite is the perfect place for brides and bridesmaids to get ready on the wedding day. The room features bride’s and bridesmaid’s areas with mirrors, a loveseat, TV with DVD player, refrigerator and snack bar area.

Allison Peabody Room (1,536 Square Feet)
Located on the upper level in the orignal lobby of the Abe Martin Lodge. The Allison Peabody Room features hard wood floors, flanked on each end by fireplaces, stonework and an open-beamed ceiling, the epitome of rustic elegance. Versatile and charming, the Allison Peabody room is the most desired meeting space.

Ms. Priness Room (1,012 Square Feet)
Located on the lower level just off the Lodge's main lobby, the Ms. Priness Room is a very versatile multi-function room offering a wade array of configurations for your meeting or banquet needs.

Photo Gallery

Gift Shop
Gift Shop
Game Room
Game Room
Snack Bar
Snack Bar
Lobby with fireplace at Abe Martin Lodge
Lobby with fireplace
Aquatics Center hot tub at Abe Martin Lodge
Aquatics Center hot tub
Lawn and patio of Abe Martin Lodge
Northeast lawn and patio
Community fire pit at Abe Martin Lodge
Community fire pit
Patio Rooms
Patio Rooms

History of Abe Martin Lodge

Abe Martin has become a favorite son of Brown County and of the State Park. The Abe Martin Lodge commemorates his connection with the county.

For twenty-five years, from 1905-1930, "Abe Martin" was the mouthpiece for Kin Hubbard's daily quips in The Indianapolis News, which, accompanied by sketches of Abe and his friends in action, were syndicated across the nation. Born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, then settled in Indianapolis, Hubbard started the Abe Martin character in 1904. At first Abe Martin belonged to no particular locality, but on February 3, 1905, he announced, "I'm goin' ter move ter Brown County Tewmorrow," and the next day he was depicted in a wagon piled high with household goods.

His comment was, "By cracky, it's sum travelin' ter git ter Brown County." The reason for the move lay in the fact that the steep hills and the general "picturesque-ness" of that area lent themselves to humorous exaggeration and provided the material Hubbard liked for his pictorial backgrounds.

Gradually many of Abe's neighbors came into being, to appear in the pictures and text. The cabins of the Abe Martin Lodge in the Park bear the names of these characters.

Much of Hubbard's humor is as timely now as it was during its heyday, from 1905 to 1930. Will Rogers called Kin Hubbard "America's greatest humorist."

Hubbard's cartoons played a significant part in drawing the attention of artists and tourists to Brown County. They, in turn, have made the area world famous. In dedication to his memory, the Department of Natural Resources built Abe Martin Lodge in 1932 on Kin Hubbard Ridge, naming the cabins after his principle characters.

NOTE: RVs & vehicles towing trailers must use the West Gate Entrance (off S.R. 46, west of Nashville).
The North Gate Covered Bridge is restricted to 9 foot height and 3 ton weight limits.
Horsemen's Campground users should use the entrance off 135 South.

Interested in other State Park Inns or Cabins in Indiana?
Check out this great Indiana State Park Guide.



Note: This is not the official Park website. However, it is the most complete and easy-to-use site, with everything you need to plan a trip to Brown County State Park.

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