ABE MARTIN LODGE continued from 17 brings in more money than it spends, with excess revenue going into improvements at the lodge, and helping improve facilities at other state parks. The Department of Natural Resources funds infrastructure at the park and lodge.
The price for an overnight stay at the lodge varies depending on the accommodations and the season. During the slower period from December through February, the lodge offers special rates of two nights for the price of one. That’ s what attracted recent visitors Roger and Nancy Brubaker of Eaton, Ohio, to the lodge. The couple said they have stayed at most of the state park lodges in Indiana, and made the return to Abe Martin Lodge after first staying there about six years ago.
The Brown County Music Center also brings visitors in search of overnight stays to the park, and Indiana University sporting events do the same, Andrews said.
While the park and its lodge are well known to Hoosiers and residents of surrounding states, McGee said sometimes residents of Brown County and its closest neighbors are unaware of what it has to offer. photo by Cindy Steele
Amelia Purcell lands in a splash at the Aquatic Center slide.
To attract more local and regional visitors, the lodge is reaching out with advertising, school field trips, appearances at vendor fairs, conventions, and bridal shows. Social media is also being utilized.
“ People come here for the scenery, the history, and the amazing customer service they get,” Andrews said. The lodge’ s goal is guest retention, and interaction with the staff is a big part of that. You cannot train people to be nice, he said, instead you have to hire nice people.
“ We always strive to do better.” •
Cyrus Andrews inside a deluxe cabin. photo by Bob Gustin
18 Our Brown County March / April 2026