A Wedding At Pokagon State Park: Is It Possible?

Nestled in the beautiful 1,260-acre Pokagon State Park in Indiana, the Potawatomi Inn offers a picturesque setting for weddings and other special events. With a spacious 10,000-square-foot banquet and conference center, the venue can accommodate up to 400 guests for banquets and boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to create a memorable celebration. The inn provides a naturally beautiful and classic backdrop, complemented by the shores of Lake James, hiking and biking trails, and two sandy beaches.

Wedding venue options

Pokagon State Park offers a variety of venue options for weddings, each with its own unique features and amenities. Here is a detailed overview of the wedding venue options available:

The Potawatomi Inn & Conference Center is nestled within the picturesque Pokagon State Park, spanning 1,203 acres along the pristine Lake James in Indiana. The inn boasts over 10,000 square feet of event space, including the grand Lake James Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 400 guests for a banquet. The ballroom is complemented by the Stillwater Lounge, offering 382 square feet and a private patio with fire pits. The Sun Deck, with its breathtaking views of Lake James and the park, can host up to 250 guests, providing an unforgettable setting for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or banquets. The Courtyard, a private oasis, is ideal for small ceremonies, cocktail hours, or intimate banquets, accommodating up to 60 people.

For a more intimate setting, the Snow Lake room offers 1,273 square feet of natural light-filled space, perfect for rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, and special events. It can accommodate up to 100 guests with various setup options. The Wig Wam, located in the Historic Section, provides 1,012 square feet of space, blending charm and history to create a memorable atmosphere for hospitality, banquets, or breakout sessions. It can host up to 60 attendees.

Pokagon State Park also features several picnic areas and shelter houses suitable for weddings. The Apple Orchard Shelter is a covered, open-air structure accommodating up to 150 people, with charcoal grills and a vast grassy area, creating a fun atmosphere for guests. The Black Cherry Shelter is another option, accommodating up to 40 people with charcoal grills and a small grassy area nearby. For larger gatherings, the Upper CCC Shelter is a partially enclosed space that can host up to 120 people, offering amenities such as electric lighting, a wood fireplace, charcoal grills, and a spacious grassy area.

The Potawatomi Inn & Conference Center, along with the diverse selection of outdoor venues, ensures that Pokagon State Park can accommodate a wide range of wedding sizes and styles, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.

Catering and dining

The Lakeview Restaurant and Courtyard Café, located within the Potawatomi Inn, offer onsite dining options for your wedding guests. The Lakeview Restaurant, with its stunning arched windows overlooking the park, can accommodate up to 12 people for an intimate rehearsal dinner or a small group dining experience. The Sun Deck, with its breathtaking views of Lake James and the park, can host up to 250 people for a ceremony, cocktail hour, or banquet. The Courtyard, a private oasis surrounded by nature, is ideal for smaller gatherings of up to 60 people.

For larger weddings, the Lake James Ballroom boasts a spacious 5,926 square feet and can accommodate banquets of up to 400 people. The Stillwater Lounge, with its private patio and fire pits, complements the Ballroom and adds to the overall event space. The Wig Wam, with its unique charm and history, offers 1,012 square feet of space and can accommodate up to 60 people, providing a memorable dining experience for your guests.

Pokagon State Park also offers several picnic areas and shelter houses that can be reserved for wedding dining and celebrations. The Apple Orchard Shelter, Black Cherry Shelter, Lower CCC Shelter, Sweet Gum Shelter, and Upper CCC Shelter are all reservable and offer amenities such as charcoal grills, picnic tables, and nearby playgrounds. The Warming Center Recreation Building, a fully enclosed building with electricity, a fireplace, and a food prep room, is another option for wedding catering and dining.

Whether you choose the elegant indoor spaces at the Potawatomi Inn or the scenic outdoor settings within the park, Pokagon State Park offers a range of catering and dining options to create a memorable wedding experience for you and your guests.

Accommodation for guests

If you're looking to host a wedding at Pokagon State Park, there are a few accommodation options for your guests. The Potawatomi Inn & Conference Center is nestled within the park's 1,203 acres of natural beauty along the shores of Lake James, one of Indiana's largest lakes. The Inn offers 126 guest rooms, ensuring ample space for your wedding guests. Each guest room is equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, the park also offers 12 cabins, providing a cosy retreat for your guests. These cabins offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature while still enjoying the comforts of home.

The Potawatomi Inn also boasts an extensive list of amenities, including an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and two onsite restaurants. Your guests can unwind after the wedding festivities by exploring the miles of hiking and biking trails or simply relaxing on one of the two nearby beaches.

In addition to the Inn and cabins, Pokagon State Park offers a variety of picnic areas and shelter houses that can accommodate groups of different sizes. These areas are equipped with picnic tables, charcoal grills, and, in some cases, playgrounds, making them ideal for a casual get-together before or after the wedding.

The park also has a special wedding rehearsal arrangement, which can be discussed by calling the park office at (260) 833-2012. This option allows you to reserve a shelter specifically for a wedding rehearsal, ensuring that you have a designated space for your wedding party and guests to gather and celebrate.

Alcohol policy

Pokagon State Park in Indiana offers a beautiful natural setting for a wedding. The Potawatomi Inn & Conference Center is nestled among 1,203 acres of the park, along the shores of Lake James, one of Indiana's largest lakes. The venue offers over 10,000 square feet of event space, with the Lake James Ballroom accommodating banquets of up to 400 people. The Sun Deck, with breathtaking views of Lake James and the park, can host up to 250 people and is ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or banquets.

The alcohol policy for Pokagon State Park is as follows:

• Daily visitors to all DNR properties are expected to drink responsibly.
• Alcohol possession is prohibited for anyone under the age of 21.
• Alcohol is not permitted on the beaches.
• All regular Indiana laws regarding alcohol must be obeyed.

When planning a wedding at Pokagon State Park, it is important to contact the park office at (260) 833-2012 to discuss arrangements, especially if alcohol will be served. The park's alcohol policy should be communicated to all guests to ensure compliance with the rules.

Please note that the park also offers a Wine & Chocolate Package for $39.99 + tax, which includes a bottle of house wine (choice of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Moscato, or White Zinfandel) and two property-specific wine glasses.

Recreational activities

Pokagon State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors, with something for everyone, whether you're looking for excitement or relaxation. The park is located on the shores of Lake James, one of Indiana's largest lakes, and offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Here are some of the recreational activities on offer:

Hiking and Biking:

The park features 13.7 miles of hiking and bicycling trails that wind through rolling wooded hills, wetlands, and open meadows. Visitors can explore the diverse natural landscapes and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.

Water Activities:

Lake James provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can rent boats (motorized or non-motorized) to explore the lake or enjoy a swim at one of the two sand beaches, one of which has a bathhouse. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, with year-round access.

Toboggan Run:

Pokagon State Park is home to Indiana's only quarter-mile dual-track refrigerated toboggan run. Visitors can experience the thrill of speeding down the track at over 30 mph during the winter months. The toboggan is available for rent and can accommodate up to four people.

Horseback Riding:

The park offers guided horseback trail rides, pony rides, and hayrides. Visitors can explore the park's scenic trails and enjoy the surrounding nature while riding through the woods and open spaces.

Nature Center:

The interpretive nature center at Pokagon State Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature activities throughout the year. Visitors can learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the area and participate in naturalist programs.

Picnic Areas and Shelters:

The park offers a variety of picnic areas and shelter houses, some of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while others can be reserved for larger gatherings. The picnic areas are equipped with tables, charcoal grills, and playgrounds, making them perfect for outdoor meals and social events.

Winter Activities:

During the winter, the park offers cross-country skiing (with rentals available), sledding, and ice skating. Visitors can explore the frozen landscapes and enjoy winter sports, making it a true winter wonderland.

With its diverse range of recreational activities, Pokagon State Park offers something for everyone to enjoy and create lasting memories. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the park has something to offer for all ages and interests.

Frequently asked questions