The Patoka Lake Marina and Winery sits on the edge of Patoka Lake in Birdseye, Indiana. There are multiple lodging options including houseboats, floating cabins, and suites. Floating cabins are buildings built on individual docks on the water. In total there are 16 units available for patrons to rent. There is a winery on the premises that guests can visit. Those who stay in the suites on the property are given two free vouchers to visit and test the wine on-site. The owner hopes that those who stay on the grounds are able to create lasting family memories and have a peaceful stay at either the lake or the winery. There are two convenience stores that the owner created for guests to be able to get snacks and other small items without having to leave the grounds. One of the stores is floating on the lake on its own dock in the water.
The Patoka Lake Marina and Winery, located in Birdseye Indiana, has multiple unit options for guests to choose from. With its unique location on the marina of Lake Patoka, the property has houseboats and floating cabins, as well as suites at the winery to stay in. Each of the floating cabins is built on docks in the water to give guests the unique experience of sleeping on the lake. There are a total of 16 units available to rent on the grounds. Each of the units is different from each other and provides patrons with the option of relaxing by the water or at the winery. The owners say that the most popular units are the floating cabins and the houseboats. The lodging is right on the marina, providing guests with access to the water by 15 docks across the property. The docks are managed by the state, but are located on the grounds and are free for guests to use.
There are two stores located on the grounds of the Patoka Lake Marina and Winery. One is inside the main building and is a convenience store. The other is located on the water and is floating near the dock for guests who are closer to the water than to the main building. It is also a convenience store, and they offer mostly snacks and other food items. Also on the property is a restaurant called Benny's Off the Water, which serves barbecued brisket as well as fried shrimp and other similar flavors. The Patoka Lake Winery is also on the premises, and guests who stay in any of the various lodgings at the establishment are given two free vouchers for wine tasting at the winery.
The area near the property is home to many different outdoor activities. Some of the most popular activities to do in the area include boating, hiking, biking, and playing at the beach. The Patoka Lake is relatively large and offers a beach area at the property as well as other areas along the lake.
The staff of the Patoka Lake Marina and Winery hope to provide guests with an atmosphere conducive to creating lasting family memories. They strive to help guests feel comfortable and to give them a place where they can relax as a family. In hopes to provide this caliber of service to their patrons, before arrival guests receive a welcome email stating interesting things to do in the area, as well as any information the owners think visitors need before they get to the property. The staff at the property strive to cater to the needs of those who are visiting the area and to be hospitable in order to create a relaxing environment for guests. The motto of the winery on site is 'uncork the possibilities,' and the owner tries to help patrons have the option to have fun and create memories with their families on the property.
Those who stay at the Marina and Winery mention the hospitality and high caliber of the staff on-site that help guests settle in and understand how to work the boats if necessary. One said, "We rented a 2 bedroom floating cabin. I really liked the fact I could tie my pontoon boat right by the cabin. All the staff members were really friendly and helpful." Other patrons of the property comment on the cleanliness of the rooms. "We stayed in one of the suites which was ready and very clean when we arrived. Every employee was very nice and helpful, especially the ones that stocked and cleaned the cabins," another of the guests remarked.
At the Patoka Lake Marina, there is an event center where guests can have family reunions and other gatherings. The owner asks that those hoping to use the event center contact the property in advance to reserve the space. The business has hosted different activities at the center before, such as a girl's day out event.
In addition to reserving the event center in advance, there are a few policies on the property that guests should be aware of. There are no pets allowed in any of the different units or amenities. Smoking is not allowed inside any of the rooms or guesthouses. There is not a quiet time enforced on the grounds, but the owner hopes that those who choose to stay at the property will respect other patrons and keep any noise to a minimum during the later hours.
The Patoka Lake Marina and Winery are open year-round. However, the floating cabins and houseboats are only available for guests to stay in from April through October. All other unit types are open year-round. The busiest season at the property is from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The owner describes the common demographic of guests to be families on vacation, and the summer months when school is out is a popular time, especially for the houseboats and the floating cabins.
While guests are at the premises, the owner recommends a few different restaurants nearby that patrons can visit. There is an eatery on the grounds called Benny's Off the Water that those who are staying in any of the lodging amenities can visit. The establishment is open to people who aren't staying overnight as well. There are also a few restaurants nearby that guests can visit. Kelly's Restaurant and Bar is close to the property, and there is also the Schnitzelbank, which is farther away from the grounds, but serves German and American cuisine.
Heather Setser, the owner of the Patoka Lake Marina and Winery, has owned the establishment since 1998. Before Heather took ownership of the property, the state owned and operated the grounds. There is a campground nearby the property that is still owned by the state and uses the same docks that are found on the beaches of the lake on the property. When Heather bought the land from the state, the business only had two floating cabins. Heather and her staff have performed updates to the property to include the houseboats, as well as the other lodging options.
In the future, Heather plans to add a 27 room hotel to the grounds near the winery for more guests to be able to stay at. She also plans to add a distillery to the grounds.
2991 North Dillard Road
Birds Eye, Indiana 47513
United States
Campground
Heather Setser
