Van Buren, Spencer Leaders Excited For Opportunities Of New Lodge

The opening of the Lodge at Fall Creek Falls State Park means more revenue for Van Buren County.

Mayor Greg Wilson said the hotel motel tax and sales tax will of course improve. But most importantly, small local businesses will also benefit.

“When you have those mom and pop places that they will pass in Van Buren County and those are the people that are working hard day to day to keep their business a float,” Wilson said. “Now, those people will be coming to Fall Creek Falls. That’s what it all means.”

The 85-room hotel replaces what used to be the Fall Creek Falls Inn. Demolition began in 2018 and left Van Buren County without one of its main revenue streams. As a result, the state has supplemented the loss of tax revenue over that time.

County Commissioner William Maxwell recalled his time growing up around the Inn that was built in 1973. Maxwell said it feels good to see a lodge back open at the location.

“I’m glad to have it back open,” Maxwell said. “We had a bit of situation while the inn was closed due to lost revenue. Glad to have it back open and see those dollars rolling back in.”

Spencer Mayor Mickey Robinson called the new facility, “Breathtaking.”

“More revenue will be coming in for the city and the county,” Robinson said. “It will help both of us, and I think it will be a benefit for both the city and the county.”