Spring Mill State Park 2023 Tour Guide (Mitchell, Indiana)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2023
- Spring Mill State Park is simply incredible! It has a former 1800’s era ghost town, brought back to life in the 1930’s, a space museum, and lots of CAVES! Beginners can take a boat tour through Upper Twin Cave, or walk themselves through one section of Donaldson Cave. Experienced, trained cave enthusiasts, can get permits to many other caves in the park, as well as Cave River Valley Caves (outside of the park, at Campbellsburg). Add all of this to hiking trails, a nature center, and a place to swim and boat, and you have an amazing park, one of the very best in America!
My parents loved going there in the 80s when they lived in Indiana, They are gone now but the memories of them talking about it haven't faded. Never been there myself.
I had just got out of college, and was down in the dumps because I couldn’t score a job. My Mother said, “You’re in a rut, we need to go somewhere.” So we went to Spring Mill State Park, and it totally changed my perspective. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve returned. 🙂
I LOVE going to Spring Mill- a must see state park- very popular place to go in Southern Indiana
My favorite park on earth! So many great memories!
My favorite state park as well.
My “first” state park back when I was 6 (60 years ago). It’s always held a soft spot in my heart and I go at once a year still.
Every time I go, I say something to myself like, “this is all wonderful, but I’ve seen all there is to see, I probably won’t be back.” And I visit again! It just never gets old.
Such happy carefree memories
I grew up in Mitchell and spent many summer days there with my friends. I remember swimming at the beach they used to have there before they built the swimming pool near the camp grounds. It was located where the Nature Center is now.
Spring Mill is our favorite state park here in Indiana. A few years back my wife and I had the entire village to ourselves late one early Fall afternoon. We were shocked that no one else was down there. Very peaceful and relaxing.
I’ve had that happen on many occasions and it’s wonderful. Outside of the busy tourist season, which is about May through late August, it can be pretty sparse. One evening it was just me with Village lights, very surreal!
I can’t wait to use the new approach! As you enter the cave, on the left upper side, is a plaque to the late Carl H. Eigenmann, Professor at IU, who studied the cave fish there. I sincerely hope someone refinishes or replaces it! My distant relative at IU, the late Prof William J. Moenkhaus was best friends with him, and eulogized Dr Eigenmann at his funeral. Two stalwart men in scientific circles!
Excellent video Thank you and God bless you
Thank-you!
I grew up in Louisville, my family went to Spring Mill at least once each summer. WONDERFUL memories! THANKS so much!!!
My pleasure, Jason!
Love this and all your videos...
Thank-you!
Thank you.
My pleasure!
Seen the video last week and went there today with the family. Great daytrip and will definitely go camping there.
Keep up the great videos!
Thanks, Daniel! This is what it’s all about: creating memories! 🙂
Beautiful place!
Grew up in Clarksville and always loved spring mill
Been there several times. Stayed at the lodge twice. They make the best persimmon pudding.
There are persimmon trees as you leave the parking lot to the village, right after the bridge. Ate a persimmon raw one year.
I went there with my family in 1960. We lived in Mitchell, Indiana. I was 3 years old at the time. I saw the space capsule at the Persimmon Festival during approximately that same year.
My favorite state park, nothing else like it in Indiana.
In 1970 my senior class picnic was held at Spring Mill State Park....sweet memories.
The outside world is better and with birds and songs and leaves bathed with translucent light of the sun!
I love it there! So much to do. And the history! I only live about 30 minutes from there
Simply the best!
A great little video! I grew up (and still live) about 30 miles from Spring Mill State Park. I had not eaten in the Inn dining room for several years. So I went one day in early November 2022, about a week before they closed the inn for renovations, walked the basically empty village, and then ate at the inn and took some pictures of the interior. Spring Mill surely is a southern Indiana treasure!
I love Spring Mill when it’s virtually empty, especially in the fall! Some of my life’s best memories!
We love visiting spring mill. Granny white is a descendant of my husband's mom. I love watching when they use the saw mill. We need to take a trip again there soon.
Always a good day at Spring Mill! I can be in a bad mood, walk through the village, and it’s like I’ve been renewed. Would recommend to anyone. 🙂
Another "GREAT" video of Indiana "Hidden Treasures" , 👍👍👍
Thank-you again, Gerald!
We used to go to springmill park two or three times a year...good times and great memories !
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been there! Every time I go, I say something like “probably the last time I’ll come here, nothing new to see.” And then I visit again, and have a great time. 🙂
Nice ty 😊 🙏
Thank-you!
What a gorgeous place and only 4 hrs away ☺️💕
It is a gem, Gina! And, so much other stuff is within 30 minutes or less: Bluespring Caverns boat ride, West Baden Springs, Jug Rock, Bluffs of Beaver Bend, the Christmas Store, Candy Castle, Historic Santa Claus post office, Holiday World, Lincoln Boyhood home national memorial, Wilstem Ranch, Corydon and the three other show caves!
@@AdventureswithRoger sounds absolutely amazing ☺️
@@ginamaria2579 about three videos from now, I’m going to compile an overview video, of some of my favorite southern Indiana places.
I grew up in Jeffersonville and i love Spring Mill!
We absolutely love Spring Mill! One of our favorites as well!
Just a wonderful gem of a place!
Our family used to have family reunions at Spring Mill. Fun times
Ive been there a handful of times
This makes me want to go back up there. When I was a child, my family went up there to picnic at least one a year, all the way from Louisville. Good memories.🥰
Find a free moment and go! So many of my best times were the result of a spur-of-the-moment road trip. 🙂
Wow! I truly enjoy all of your adventures, Mr. Roger. BUT - I liked this one the most so far. Fantastic journey into the caves and their each individually uniq1ue landscapes! Tnank-you, Adventures with Roger!
My pleasure, Colleen! It’s a great park all year round, but I especially love it in the spring and fall. At Christmas time, they have “Christmas at the village”, where people come out of an evening to tour the cabins, sing Christmas carols, and enjoy the beauty of a warm, glowing fireplace.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited this wonderful park, would recommend to anyone!
Great video Rodger. Man those are some beautiful places. Just unbelievable. Thanks for sharing.
Everyone should visit Spring Mill State Park, at least once in their life. But if they do, it probably won’t be the last!
Certainly my favorite park, hit the caves in the early seventies, 1972 prom picnic was great...what's cool for me is The Hat Shop was a family cabin, Young Edwards, named on the plaqard is my third Great Grandfather. Thanks for the awesome production...
Truly one of my favorite places on earth! I remember being a young man, life wasn’t going anywhere, and Mom said, “You’re in a rut. We need to get out and go somewhere.” So we came to Spring Mill, and it was just what I needed! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited, since that day. I brought dates and friends hiking here, and still visit when my mind just needs a break.
Hey Roger 👋 thanks for new episode. Very good 👍
Thank-you, Jay!
Dear sweet lord, i live down the road from here.
7:30 I think I've been down that tunnel years ago with 3 friends. And I've seen that exist at 7:36 and when approaching this cave system it is like you're approaching an AC.
I’ve been in many caves, but Donaldson is the only one where I’ve seen fog. Very cool phenomenon!
Hi Roger. I’m from Bedford and just recently ran across your videos on TH-cam. Absolutely love ‘em and appreciate the professionalism! I’ve worked with Brian Turpen for 24 years and saw where he got a nod for his book on Dr. Foote. Once again, we’ll done and thank you!
Thank-you, Brian! My folks grew up in Lawrence County, and I’ve enjoyed exploring and learning the area.
Brian Turpen was wonderful to work with, and he supplied so much depth to the 3 part Dr Foote project! And I didn’t even know of Brian, until I started assembling facts for the film: an unknown relative! Joyce at the museum told me I should get in touch with Brian, he’d been researching Dr Foote for decades. I was so glad I did! 🙂
My grandmother was a Grissom, whether she was directly related to Gus Grissom we never knew, but we always said she was. That being said, we would always have family reunions at Spring Mill. As a kid, climbing the rock to get to the caves was the best. Many of the trails are connected and have awesome views. They also have events with people working the mill, shops, and my favorite the black smith. I even met President Lincoln there once...lol. Now, I take my kids there just to remember and let them explore the their past.
Probably the most beautiful event I ever attended was “Christmas at the village”. No lights, just old buildings with roaring fires inside, and so many nice people. 🙂
Very cool
Yep, I've been in Mitchell my whole life, and I don't go to springmill that much just because it's close by. But it's a beautiful place to connect with nature. Always had family reunions there, and hangout with friends having a great time, been trying to get some friends and go paddle boating but they don't want to for somereason. Any check it out If you can.
Truly my favorite park!
@@AdventureswithRoger yes, and I've been looking at your channel and see so many places I'd love to explore whenever I get free time from farm and work life, lol, thanks for the inspiration.
My definite pleasure! I love finding interesting places along Indiana’s backroads
Neat place to visit. Great video Roger!
Thank-you, Edward!
This is a great tour. I haven't been here since I was a kid in the late 50s.
Thank-you Steven! The good news is that the trail to the village is flat and paved. That means that no matter how old I get, I can either walk or be pushed through the village! Just a sensational place!
@@AdventureswithRoger That is good to know.
Donaldson woods are some of the best old grow trees I’ve seen
I’d went to Pioneer Mothers Forest a few weeks ago, just outside Paoli. As the story goes, the family would never allow logging, and it’s some of the best preserved old growth forest in the state. It’s also the site of a prehistoric village, though there’s nothing left to see.
On my Bucket list. Cataract Falls was wayyy better than I was expecting FYI.
I love Cataract Falls! There are other good ones in Indiana, but it’s my favorite. 🙂
Spring mill has some wild caves, " should be taking with experience and caution" actually whistling cave in springmill is one of the largest in the state and it starts out as a 20 inch flooded hole in the wall. Loaded with blind cave fish, formations, and crystals. In my opinion it's the most beautiful cave in the state.
I know where Whistling Cave is, but have only seen pictures. I’ve never seen anything about Saltpeter Cave, it’s like they covered the entrance when they built the hotel, and all was forgotten!
@@AdventureswithRoger have you ever checked out Henderson Park, also a beautiful park. Smooth trails and has 3 caves, one cave has about a 300ft stand up walk that goes straight to a massive water fall. Super cool to see.
Had not heard of that one, and I’ve been all over Salem! I’m most familiar with the cave behind Becks Mill, that used to be a tourist cave. A friend of mine is president of a grotto, I’m almost sure that he’s showed me pictures of a cave at Henderson Park, but he only identifies counties when he posts. I can’t blame him. Some of the wild caves I’ve come across have been defaced by careless people.
Roger, thanks for the adventure. I can't do stairs.
My pleasure! I have a cousin, in her 90’s, that says I bring back good memories of places that she, and others, used to know, but can’t go. It’s my honor to show these places! 🙂
You can park on the south side of the bridge by the lake and walk to Donaldson Cave. Fun to walk along the creek.
The time before this hike, I swore I’d never go to Donaldson again. It really winded me, and I thought maybe my hiking days were coming to a close. But, having lost over 40 pounds, this trail was not bad at all, just a little pacing required. I can only wonder if the main trail to Rose Island, at Charlestown State Park, is easier now.
I just went there to shoot a video :) great minds think alike.
Truly my favorite Indiana state park! So much there, and so well done. Lots of people have made videos about it, but everyone brings their own unique version to the world. In a little while the colors will be outstanding!
Hi Roger, found a little about Lew Wallace an the Kankakee river. The 1st recorded date he went there was 1858. He used it as his hideout. He bought a local power barge an converted it into a canvas-walled houseboat. Occupyed it periodically for 43 yrs. Untill he died in 1906. His wife called the Kankakee his happy hunting ground. He called his houseboat The Thing. He left the boat at the river and it was used to build a cabin after he died. The hunting club was about 4 miles north of my town. Wheatfield. A hotel was built there too. They tore it down last summer. I'm wondering if the hunting club is one of the houses there. It looks like the river used to go down the road in front of it. The river was rerouted with a dredge an turned it into a straight giant ditch. They ruined it!!! They continued to ruin it to this day. Its very sad. There was a road going alongside of it, (dirt road) an they bulldozed the road an all the trees along the river an were supposed to put limestone on the sides but most of it doesn't have limestone an is getting eroded now. It was sad when they ruined the road because it was my hideout! Got the info from a paperback small book called The Kankakee river of history by Marion Isaacs. Printed in 1964. He was a porter county historian. Harrison used to go to the river too. It was one of the best hunting an fishing place's in the country. Another great book is The story of Indiana by Ross F. Lockridge. 1951
I love finding hidden histories and backstories, thank you for sharing this! I always sit back after I do these films, and think, “maybe I missed something, maybe I should’ve done this or that differently.” The few things I would’ve likely added, was his direct civil war service story, his time in exotic Turkey, dealings with Billie the kid, and his love of the Kankakee. But, if it at least gets people go to see the study, and learn more, maybe it worked like it should. I always feel like I could have done more! 🙂
@@AdventureswithRoger you always do good. But it doesn't hurt to get cool old books! They even have maps!
Absolutely! A few weeks ago, I had an old map that clearly identified Indian mounds, so went out to find them. Talk about dirt roads known only to pioneers! 😂 It was really something, and made me think, “how many miles do I have on this car, and will I make it home tonight?” It was great fun!
People have never experienced nature unless they have been in a forest. It is a form of peace that is hard to reproduce.
Love your videos. I will be in Nashville, IN with my friends for a few days in August. Any suggestions as to where to go?
Serendipity: I have filmed a segment about Nashville, will be posting sometime in the next week! Really quickly though:
1) Look up Brown County Music Center online: they have many popular acts coming to town, and it’s a great way to spend an evening
2) Also, Brown County Playhouse, a Brown County entertainment staple, on the strip
3) You’ll want to stay local, and there’s several options, from renting a cabin, The Brown County Inn with huge indoor pool, or the premier choice: staying inside Brown County State Parks Abe Martin Lodge. They have a nice buffet, that some people visit without even staying at the lodge.
4) Brown County State Park. It opens up with the only double portal covered bridge, and has great high up views, places to picnic, hiking trails and even a place to get a horse trail ride. Pony rides are also available for little ones. Outdoor pool is on the premises, as well as two lakes. They have a fun nature center, where you can see bees at work (behind glass), and a tall fire tower you can climb. In fall, the park is packed due to the beautiful fall colors.
5) Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Museum
6) Brown County Historical Society Village and museum
7) TC Steele historic art studio in the woods
8) Lots and lots of artsy, fun window shopping, fair style food, and sit down restaurants in downtown Nashville. It’ll remind you of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. My favorite eatery is Brozzini’s Pizzeria, they even have gluten free crusts!
9) On weekends in good weather, there are tons of large flea / antique markets just east of Nashville, both sides of the road.
10) Just southeast of town is the historic Story Inn and pub, a popular stop in the country. You can stay upstairs, but be advised: it’s haunted!
11) Southwest of Story, on horrible roads (ie don’t drive over 20 mph if you love your suspension), is Browning Mountain. It’s bit of a steep climb to the top, but up there are the ruins of what some people call “the Hoosier Stonehenge”.
12) Bean blossom covered bridge. Do not use the road from the south, it’s incredibly steep and hazardous. Coming from the north is much much safer.
Lots of fun to be had in Brown County!
Thanks for the wonderful advice. I’ve been following your videos. My daughter, grandson and I spend a lot of time in southern Indiana and really enjoy your trips. Hoping to get my friends hooked when I bring them to Nashville in August. Your help is much appreciated.
No worries and glad to do it! 🙂
No swimming at Spring Mill
There’s a pool.
I swam through one of the cave tunnels. To go farther into the cave tunnel you had to swim through a stream. During summer it is refreshing.
It is such a lovely park. It's just a shame we can't walk our dogs through the village.
It's a historical site. It's a shame everyone is entitled these days...
It is NOT a "former ghost town". It is a recreated pioneer village.
It actually was a ghost town at one point. A few buildings were moved there during renovation, most notably granny’s cabin.
@@AdventureswithRoger Please cite some verifiable sources for this outlandish claim.
@@mikeamos6720 Here’s from the states own brochure. “Ghost town” is actually the words they used.
“The Village You See Today
In the late 1890s the mill at Spring Mill Village was abandoned. For the next few decades, neglect and nature transformed Spring Mill into a ghost town.
The millwheel rotted away. Roofs collapsed. The surrounding forest crept in from the edges. In the late 1920s, the State of Indiana took over the village as part of its newest state park. Workmen began the laborious task of restoring the village to its
former appearance. But what was its former appearance? Several buildings referred to in old records were completely gone. Other buildings were no more than piles of decayed timbers.
The restoration of Spring Mill is a story of exhaustive research and some educated guesses. A few buildings were brought from other locations. Others were built from scratch on their original locations.
Many, however, are the original structures on their original foundations. In every case, a great deal of thought and work went into the village’s restoration.”
Article here:
www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/sp-spring_mill_history.pdf