History of the Inn
The turning point in the McCormick's Creek history came in 1888 when part of the area was purchased by Frederick Denkewalter, a physician who was interested in the scenic and restful qualities of the site. Dr. Denkewalter felt the tranquil peace of the canyon and its surrounding cliffs would be the perfect location to build a sanitarium, a place for the wealthy and the weary to "get away from it all" and recuperate. The original sanitarium, built on the present-day Canyon Inn site, was a white-sided structure with long porches on every side. It offered guests plenty of access to the loveliness of the well-landscaped grounds where Denkewalter delighted in planting a variety of trees and shrubs. Meanwhile, local residents continued to picnic and hike along the canyon, making the spot a favorite of everyone for rest and relaxation.
With the death of Dr. Denkewalter in 1914, his estate went up for sale at a land auction. Both Owen County and the State of Indiana were interested in maintaining McCormick's Creek in its park-like setting, and so the land was purchased. McCormick's Creek State Park was dedicated as Indiana's first state park on July 4, 1916, as part of the state's centennial celebration.
Canyon Inn opened its doors in the old sanitarium building.
A few years later in the early 1920's, the building was remodeled
and new brick siding was added. Subsequent changes have brought
new wings, a banquet room, swimming pool and recreation center,
but the Inn today still rests on the original foundations of
the Denkewalter sanitarium.
Notes on Making a Reservation
- Rooms available upon request that meet ADA guidelines
- Rollaway beds available for some rooms for additional $10.00 per night
- Cribs available for an additional $5.00 per night
- Check-in time: 4:00 pm
- Check-out time: 12:00 pm (noon)
- Up to nine rooms (of same room type) per reservation is allowed.
- For events needing more than nine rooms, please call the Sales Department directly at 877-9-CANYON (877-922-6966).
- For events needing conference space or catering - weddings, receptions, reunions, business meetings, or private gathering needs - please call the Sales Department directly at 877-9-CANYON (877-922-6966).
- Your arrival date cannot be more than two years from today's date beginning at 8:00 AM EST
- Your departure date cannot be more than two years & three days from today's date.
- Reservations may be made only with Credit Card, and you will be charged the first night's room rate plus tax for each room reserved.
- Pets are not allowed in lodging facilities.
- Reservation validity isn't confirmed until the end of the reservation process.
- Confirmation of the advance deposit and reservation will be mailed or e-mailed.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your reservation, please do so four (4) days prior to arrival to ensure a refund on your reservation. Cancellations must be done over the phone by calling 877-LODGES-1 (877-563-4371).
Amenities
- Free Wireless Internet available throughout the Inn
- Complimentary Coffee
- Coffee Makers in all rooms
- Full Service Restaurant
- Satellite Television
- Hair dryers in all rooms
- Game Room
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Rollaway’s available for $10.00 per night
- Cribs available for $5.00 per night
- Refrigerators available for $7.50 per night
- Large lounge with fireplace and comfortable hickory and leather furniture. Also see our fossil display.
- Gift shop
