Story Inn: A Historic Hideaway Amidst Indiana Woods
Hidden at the edge of Brown County State Park, the Story Inn is a true retreat—a rustic restaurant and inn set in a 19th-century village, far removed from city noise and modern distraction. Originally founded in 1851 as a timber and farming town, the village of Story was reborn as a destination dining spot and country inn, preserving its old-world charm while serving some of Indiana’s finest locally sourced food. Every visit to the Story Inn feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by untouched forest, antique décor, and warm hospitality. The village itself is a testament to Indiana’s pioneer heritage, with original log cabins, weathered barns, and stone foundations that tell the story of early settlers who carved out a living in these dense hardwood forests.
The Village’s Rich History and Restoration
The Story Inn’s transformation from ghost town to acclaimed destination began in the 1970s when preservationists recognized the unique value of this forgotten settlement. At its peak in the late 1800s, Story was home to nearly 100 residents who operated sawmills, gristmills, and farms throughout the heavily forested valley. When the timber industry moved on and residents dispersed to larger towns, Story’s buildings sat empty for decades, slowly being reclaimed by the forest. The careful restoration that followed preserved not just the structures, but the spirit of the original community, creating an authentic historical experience that transports visitors to Indiana’s frontier days.
Dining in a Genuine Historic Setting
The Story Inn’s restaurant is housed in what was once the town’s original general store, where pioneers once gathered to collect mail, purchase supplies, and share news from the outside world. Carefully restored woodwork, gas lamps, and period details set an intimate, candlelit mood—rustic elegance that instantly invites relaxation. The menu is a seasonal showcase of gourmet takes on Hoosier cuisine, with dishes prepared from local produce, fresh meats, and house-baked breads. Specials range from wild mushroom risotto in autumn to spring asparagus salads, alongside hearty entrees and decadent desserts that change with the market.
The kitchen’s commitment to local sourcing extends beyond mere farm-to-table dining. Chef-prepared meals often feature herbs grown in the inn’s own garden, wild morel mushrooms foraged from surrounding forests, and meats from nearby farms that follow sustainable practices. The wine list emphasizes Indiana vineyards and small regional producers, creating a truly local dining experience. Seasonal specialties might include venison from Brown County hunters, persimmon pudding made from native fruit, or maple syrup produced in nearby sugar camps—all served in a setting where oil lamps flicker and conversation flows as naturally as it did 150 years ago.
An Overnight Escape to Simpler Times
Those wishing to linger can book one of 14 rooms or cottages, most named for former village residents or their trades. The rooms are intentionally television- and phone-free, allowing true disconnect for rest, reading, or quiet conversation by the fire. Each suite is uniquely decorated with vintage finds and local antiques, yet also offers private baths and modern comforts for a restful night in the forest. The Blue Room, made famous by local ghost stories, has become a favorite for both adventure and lore seekers.
Accommodations range from cozy rooms in the main inn to private cottages scattered throughout the village grounds. The Miller’s House offers a romantic loft setting with exposed beams and a stone fireplace, while the Doctor’s Quarters provides a more spacious suite perfect for longer stays. Each room tells part of Story’s history through carefully selected furnishings—a spinning wheel in one corner, a collection of vintage medical instruments in another, or hand-stitched quilts that recall the craftsmanship of pioneer women. Modern amenities are discretely integrated, ensuring comfort without breaking the historical spell.
Events, Gatherings, and Even a Touch of the Mysterious
The Story Inn is a favorite destination for weddings, romantic getaways, and retreats. It regularly hosts wine dinners, live music, and the annual Indiana Wine Fair, drawing visitors from across the region. For those intrigued by legend, staff and guests often recount tales of friendly spirits wandering the halls—lending an extra layer of intrigue to the inn’s already atmospheric ambiance.
The inn’s event calendar reflects both its historic character and contemporary appeal. Monthly wine tastings feature Indiana vintners alongside carefully selected bottles from around the world, while acoustic concerts in the main dining room showcase both local musicians and touring artists who appreciate the inn’s intimate setting. Holiday celebrations are particularly special, with Christmas bringing traditional decorations, Easter featuring wildflower arrangements from the surrounding forest, and Halloween embracing the inn’s reputation for ghostly encounters with storytelling evenings and candlelit tours.
Exploring Story’s Setting and Surroundings
Set just thirteen miles from the artists’ haven of Nashville, Indiana, Story is surrounded by forested trails, wildlife, and scenic byways frequented by hikers, cyclists, and autumn leaf peepers. In fall, the village glows with color and the woods hum with quiet, making it a destination as popular for the views as it is for the food and rest. Many guests cap their stay with a morning hike, a picnic by Salt Creek, or an afternoon visiting nearby Brown County shops and galleries.
The location offers immediate access to some of Indiana’s best outdoor recreation. Brown County State Park, literally at the inn’s doorstep, provides miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and scenic drives through rolling hills covered in native hardwood forest. Salt Creek, which winds past the village, offers excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and provides a peaceful soundtrack of flowing water. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with white-tailed deer commonly spotted at dawn and dusk, wild turkeys strutting through clearings, and occasional glimpses of red foxes or raccoons going about their forest business.
Making the Most of Your Visit
The Story Inn is open year-round, but weekends and peak seasons fill up quickly—reservations for both dining and lodging are highly recommended. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with Sunday brunch a crowd favorite featuring dishes like bourbon-glazed ham, cornbread French toast, and locally sourced eggs prepared in various styles. For longer stays or special occasions, check the inn’s event schedule or consider renting a cottage for extra privacy. And leave the rush behind: part of the magic is simply sitting on the porch, sipping coffee as the dawn mists roll across the woods of southern Indiana.
First-time visitors should plan to arrive early enough to explore the village grounds before their meal or check-in. A self-guided walking tour reveals the foundations of the old sawmill, the village cemetery with graves dating to the 1800s, and interpretive signs that explain Story’s rise and decline. Photography enthusiasts will find countless opportunities, from morning mist rising off Salt Creek to the interplay of natural light and weathered barn wood that creates perfect rustic compositions.
Why Story Inn Is a True Escape
For anyone seeking a memorable meal, a tranquil stay, and a deep breath of Indiana’s wildest landscapes, Story Inn remains unrivaled. Its blend of rustic luxury, local heritage, and genuine quiet make it one of Indiana’s most compelling forest retreats—a place to reconnect, celebrate, and savor escape. In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions and urban pace, Story Inn offers something increasingly rare: the chance to experience life at the speed of conversation, candlelight, and the natural rhythms of the forest.
