The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced that the Brown County State Park will completely reopen today including its campgrounds, cabins and the Abe Martin Lodge.
Modern restrooms and drinking fountains are also now open. The state park’s pool will open at noon, a press release from DNR states.
The Abe Martin Lodge’s Little Gem restaurant will also resume its regular schedule with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m.
The lodge’s aquatic center will also be open.
“We have had a great team effort to analyze and resolve this challenge, despite the continued turbidity in Ogle Lake.” says Dan Bortner, Director of Indiana State Parks.
“We know the impact this has had on campers, lodge guests and group functions over the last week, and we appreciate their great cooperation. We certainly look forward to welcoming all of our guests back into Brown County State Park this weekend.”
The horseman campground is open, but horse trails are still being assessed for storm damage, according to the release.
Mountain bike trails will remain closed as they are being assessed for damage.
Some hiking trails also remain closed due to flooding damage to boardwalks and staircases, the release states.
Campsites and inn rooms are currently available for this weekend.
Visit camp.IN.gov or call 1-866-622-6746 for camping reservations. Visit IndianaInns.com or call 1-877-LODGES1 for inn room reservations.
Since June 17, the Abe Martin Lodge, pools, modern restrooms and drinking fountains have been closed due to an “unprecedented amount of sediment that washed into Ogle Lake along with torrential rains,” the release states.
Ogle Lake is the park’s main water supply. The sediment impacted the filters in the water treatment facility.
Limited day use, like allowing picnicking, was allowed on Monday, June 24, but guests were encouraged to bring their own drinking water as water fountains and restrooms remained closed.
The release states that a team of DNR and Indiana Department of Environmental Management staff worked “around the clock” to filter out the sediment and produce enough water to reopen the lodge and campground.
Two mobile pre-treatment units will continue to filter the water before it reaches the park’s treatment plant, according to the release.
The release states that all required potable water tests have been successfully completed.
Park admission is $7 per vehicle for in-state residents and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state residents.
