A Summer Explorers Adventure
I’m thrilled to be exploring Indiana this summer as part of the Summer Explorers Program through the Lilly Scholars Network. This incredible program highlights hidden gems, small businesses, and must-see destinations across Indiana.
If you want to plan your own Indiana adventures, check out:
- Lilly Scholars Network Instagram: @lillyscholarsnetwork
- Visit Indiana: www.visitindiana.com
- My Instagram: @alainateachergoals
This week’s adventure? One of my all-time favorite nostalgic childhood destinations is Blue Heron Family Cabins at Lincoln State Park, a charming and cozy retreat just five minutes from the thrills of Holiday World.
Quick Travel Snapshot
- Drive Time: About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Beech Grove, Indiana, with a quick stop in Jasper for gas and snacks
- Perfect For: Families, multi-family vacations, family reunions, and nature lovers
- Recommended Stay: A whole week in summer (required during peak season)
- Vibe: Cozy, nostalgic, quiet, safe, family-friendly, and the perfect place for a proper digital detox
Why This Made My TravelGoals List
Some family trips stick with you forever, and this is one of those for me. I stayed at Blue Heron Family Cabins as a child, and now, years later, it still feels the same - in the best possible way.
We left Beech Grove, Indiana, on an easy 2.5-hour drive with a quick snack stop in Jasper, Indiana.
My daughter enjoying the vibrant mural in downtown Jasper, Indiana.
We arrived at Lincoln State Park nostalgic and excited, van stuffed with snacks, scooters, and yes, way too many paper products.
My daughter and I are enjoying a moment at the Lincoln State Park entrance as we begin our family getaway.
The charm of the cabins hasn’t changed. They’re rustic enough to feel like a real adventure, yet still offer comfort with amenities like air conditioning, a shower, a toilet, and a screened porch. And the best part? You’re just five minutes from the water slides and roller coasters of Holiday World.
What Makes This Place Special
1. The Cabins – Safe, Cozy, and Perfect for Families
The cabins are arranged in a quiet cul-de-sac, which feels safe and welcoming for kids. We brought scooters, but bikes would be fantastic too. There’s very little traffic so the kids can ride freely.
My kids and niece in front of our cabin at Lincoln State Park, with a peek inside the warm, rustic living room where we spent most of our evenings.
Each cabin features a screened porch (ideal for late-night talks and morning coffee), simple furniture, and a few essential amenities. You’ll need to bring everything else yourself.
A peek inside our cabin—the small bathroom, the bunk beds the kids loved, and our little kitchen area where we kept everything organized (mostly).
Pro tip: Pack paper plates, utensils, coffee filters, mugs, and baby wipes—those quick clean-ups will save your sanity, especially with kids.
2. A Playground That’s a Kid Magnet
The playground near the cabins is a lifesaver. My kids spent hours scootering to and from, meeting new friends, and running out every ounce of energy.
Playground time at Lincoln State Park—perfect for burning off some energy before dinner.
Parents can easily keep an eye on their children because the cabins are right next to the playground.
3. Multi-Family Friendly
We stayed in one cabin while other family members stayed in another.
The Blue Heron Family Cabins—peaceful, shady, and perfect for a weekend getaway.
The cul-de-sac setup makes it easy to hop back and forth between cabins, perfect for family reunions or group trips.
4. Digital Detox
There is absolutely no Wi-Fi, and even spotty cell service, depending on your carrier. It’s a blessing in disguise because the kids unplugged, played outside, and we had some great late-night conversations on the porch.
Breakfast at the cabin, lots of laughs with the crew, and getting ready for another campfire cookout.
Please ensure that you wrap up any necessary work before you arrive, as your laptop will be of no use there. 🙂
5. Wildlife Encounters
We loved seeing bats swoop around at night near the playground, but be warned…the raccoons are relentless. Keep your big trash can indoors at night, and lock your screened porch, or you might wake up to a raccoon party you didn’t plan.
Hiking and Exploring Lincoln State Park
One of the best things about staying here is that you’re surrounded by 2,026 acres of history, trails, and natural beauty.
Best Trails for Families
- Lake Trail (1.5 miles, Easy): Starts at the boat rental cabin, loops the lake, and passes one of Indiana’s oldest CCC ranger cabins.
- Weber Lake Trail (1.8 miles, Easy): Reclaimed pine groves and wildlife viewing. Look for the remnants of the “high wall” from old mining days.
- Mr. Lincoln’s Neighborhood Walk (1.7 miles, Moderate): A history lover’s dream. Passes Little Pigeon Primitive Baptist Church and the grave of Lincoln’s sister, Sarah Lincoln Grigsby.
The kids and I are in front of the lake at Lincoln State Park, right by the boat rental cabin—a perfect evening for a family photo.
For Older Kids or Active Families
- John Carter Trail (2.1 miles, Moderate): Passes an old strip mine area and connects to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.
- James Gentry Trail (3.7 miles, Moderate): Abraham Lincoln worked at the Gentry store. You’ll walk the same ground he did.
Did You Know?
- Lincoln State Park was established in 1932 as a memorial to Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln.
- Many trees in this area were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
- The Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve protects rare prairie plants unique to southern Indiana.
- Lincoln himself slept his last night in Indiana near what is now the James Gentry Trail.
Nearby Adventures
If you want to explore beyond Lincoln State Park, here are some great options:
- Ferdinand State Forest: Camping, hiking, boating, and swimming
- Interlake State Recreation Area: Trails, boating, and hunting
- Pike State Forest: Horseback riding, fishing, and hiking
- Holiday World: Water park, rides, and food.
Me standing with my daughter Anna in front of the Holiday World entrance, smiling and ready for a fun day at the park.
Tips and Tricks for an Amazing Stay
Breakfast on the porch before another day of adventure, and plenty of silly moments in between.
- Bring all bedding and towels (they provide rough pillows, but you’ll also want your own).
- Pack plenty of snacks and easy-to-cook meals. There is no microwave. You are only provided pots and pans. There is a stove, sink, coffee maker, and refrigerator with a freezer in the kitchen. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill provided outside our cabin. Reminder: We highly recommend bringing your own coals.
- Beach towels and swimsuits are essential for the lake and Holiday World.
- Bug spray is your best friend. Indiana bugs don’t play nice.
- Don’t forget scooters or bikes for kids.
- Even though the cabins have air conditioning, bring your fans to help keep the cabin cool.
Dinner at the cabin—simple camp-style food that tasted amazing after a long day of exploring.
My Favorite Part
One of my favorite moments was spending the evening by the lake at Lincoln State Park. The view was peaceful and breathtaking, and the kids were completely captivated as a park ranger shared fascinating facts about bats. It was the perfect mix of nature, learning, and summer relaxation.
The lake beach at Lincoln State Park was gorgeous, and we even got to learn about bats from a park ranger by the water.
My Least Favorite Part
The raccoons. They will try to steal everything that isn’t nailed down.
Cabin rules and a friendly reminder to keep food and trash inside—nobody wants a raccoon visitor!
Google Maps Collection
I’ve added Lincoln State Park and Holiday World to my TravelGoals Google Maps collection. Click here to explore my map and plan your trip.
Plan Your Trip
- Book a Cabin: Reserve at Indiana State Parks
- Park Info & Events: Lincoln State Park Official Site
- Holiday World Tickets: www.holidayworld.com
The awesome drone and fireworks show at Holiday World.