Large SECLUDED Historic Cabin with PRIVATE access to Kayak Canoe on Blue River

"Charming cabin nestled in the woods, perfect for a fall retreat! Enjoy stunning foliage views and cozy nights by the fireplace. This rental is available until the temperature drops below freezing.- book your autumn getaway now!" Cardinal House Lodge offers a large screened porch that wraps around 2 sides of the building and provides space to dine, sleep, or watch the river. A large circular fireplace offers additional gathering opportunities in an open family room setting. The cabin will sleep 8 to 12 comfortably. The cabin has 3 bedrooms. There are also 4 twin beds in view of the fireplace and two comfy couches. There is additionial sleeping arrangements with 3 cots located on the screened-in porch. The cabin has 1 bathroom with a shower and a 1/2 bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped and features a Vulcan stove with a large butcher-block prep table. Exterior gas and charcoal grills are located outside with propane and charcoal provided. Your choice of indoor or outdoor dining areas, and a riverside campfire circle. NO CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING OR HEAT. Fans are available upon request. Firewood is provided with the rental for use of both inside fireplace and out side campfire.

Cardinal History - The cabin is adapted from a 1950's church camp called Camp Merry Ledges. The Camp is constructed of rustic redwood and douglas fir and provides the perfect setting for couples, families, fishermen, and outdoor groups looking for a river retreat. This cabin is the perfect retreat for a river and nature lovers.


We are bordered by the Blue River and public lands: Enjoy easy access to Blue River from the lodge with many access points downstream at approximately 3 1/2, 7, 10 or more miles.
Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe or tubes or rent them from a nearby livery.

This section of Blue River where Cardinal House Lodge is located is not part of the public canoe rentals water route. So you can enjoy a more private and peaceful trip.

The Blue River is renowned for it's cleanliness and naturalness. It abounds with wildlife. Fishermen ABSOLUTELY love fishing on our section of the river.

Harrison Crawford State Forest, O'Bannon Woods State Park, Patoka Lake, Hoosier National Forest, Hemlock Cliffs, Yellow Birch, and the Ohio River are all within 15 minutes of us. That means there is a lot of Hiking, Biking, Hunting, Fishing, and backpacking awaiting you.

Gambling, night life, and shopping abound: We are only 40 minutes from 2 different Casinos. Louisville is about 40 minutes away. French Lick is about 50 minutes away. Corydon is Indiana's 1st state capital and has a lot of things going on.

Scenic Drives and Historic Tourism : We are located right on the Ohio River Scenic ByWay, HWY 62. Route 66 is a few miles away. These roads offer roadside picnicking, amazing vistas, and roads canopied by living trees. You can explore for days and not see the same road twice. Need more space? We have several rentals within 5 min of the Cardinal. Family Reunion? Ask us about renting our incredible Event space. *BOOKINGS AFTER NOVEMBER 1ST WILL BE TENTATIVELY HELD PENDING WEATHER FORCAST AND ARE SUBJECT TO CANCELATION IF FREEZING TEMPS ARRIVE BRFORE YOUR BOOKING DATE. If your reservation is cancelled by the host all money will be refunded and we hope you will visit us during warmer temperatures. REMINDER THAT THE CARDINAL DOES NOT HAVE HEAT. BRING WARM CLOTHES AND YOUR INDOOR BUDDY HEATER TO MAKE YOUR FALL STAY AT THE CARDINAL A LITTLE COZIER while you take in all the beauty and tranquility that Fall brings along Blue River. There isn’t any words to describe the beauty surrounding the cabin, you will just have to see it to understand it.

This lodge offers its guests a water park. This lodge also features barbecue grills and a garden.

This Depauw lodge is smoke free.