Located in the southern region of Indiana, the 4-H Center is established in the town of Darmstadt. There are 40 RV sites available year-round for guests to occupy, with an additional 200+ sites that can be opened for those who are hosting or participating in an event. The property manager, Taylor, considers the events that are held at the 4-H Center to be the most unique aspect of the business. One of the main events involves displaying antique cars or tractors, though the campground often receives fundraiser groups, education programs, and weddings as well. Some visitors may take an interest in the historical significance of the 4-H center, as a portion of its acreage formerly served as a storage site during World War II. Concrete bunkers that were built during the war can still be found on the premises.
The 4-H Center encompasses a vast expanse of 207 acres in Darmstadt, Indiana. There are 40 sites In the general campground section; however, the establishment also has over 200 more sites that are reserved for overflow during events or for larger groups. These extra sites solely provide 30-amp electrical hookups, while the other 40 sites are equipped with full services, including water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electrical hookups. A picnic table and fire pit are additionally supplied at each of the 40 sites. Taylor, the property manager, says that the larger spaces can accommodate RVs of up to 60 feet in length. It should also be noted that a bathhouse is available for patrons. In addition to the RV spots and amenities, the premises features a main office building that operates by appointment only.
The establishment is located in a more rural area. A fraction of the land is utilized for agriculture, and what had previously been a drained lake is now a re-established body of water that characterizes the property. Taylor takes pride in the location of the business, as a variety of restaurants and attractions are situated in fairly close proximity. She remarks that the Evansville Wartime Museum and LST Museum are a couple of notable places that she would recommend visitors tour during their stay. In terms of nearby dining options, Gardo's Italian Oven, Hornet's Nest Steakhouse, and Darmstadt Inn are a few specific establishments that Taylor suggests patrons visit. According to Taylor, Gardo's Italian Oven is a locally-owned pizzeria that uses produce from local farmers to make their pizzas, and they also offer delivery services. As for Hornet's Nest Steakhouse, Taylor highlights the quality of food that the sous chef serves. Lastly, in the words of Taylor, Darmstadt Inn is "known for their breakfast."
One of the most unique elements of the 4-H Center is the events that are held on-site. The County Fair tends to be among the largest gatherings, as mentioned by Taylor, the property manager. At the beginning of the summer in May, a rodeo was organized, and Taylor says that "it is the first time there has been a rodeo in this area for a long time." Moreover, the 4-H Center serves as the setting for what is known as the Classic Iron Show—an antique tractor show that often receives people from various parts of the country who bring their tractors to display. Another event that has been hosted for over 40 years is the Frog Follies which Taylor says was deemed "the largest gathering of antique cars in the Midwest." For this specific event, those who bring their vehicle to showcase must be aware that the minimum year that the vehicle can date back to is 1948.
Beyond the previously listed events that are held at the 4-H Center, the owners also permit guests to arrange their weddings at the property. "This is one of the only facilities in the surrounding county that can accommodate a wedding of up to 800 guests," Taylor remarks. Furthermore, fundraisers have been held at the 4-H Center in the past, such as NRA and Ducks Unlimited. Educational programs have provided their service at the center as well. One person who participated in a plant sale from the Master Gardener's program at the 4-H Center left the following review of their experience: "Attended a plant sale here and was not disappointed. The grounds and buildings are well maintained. Plenty of parking space and easy to navigate."
Taylor says that she and the other staff members strive to make the 4-H Center "the hidden gem of the area." She explains that the location of the establishment outside of a metropolitan area can provide a relatively secluded experience for those who are hoping to distance themselves from the more urban districts of Indiana. The owners and staff make an effort to maintain the natural setting of the acreage with the intent to enhance the atmosphere of the campground. They also try to interact with their guests on a daily basis and check in with them should they have any questions or concerns over the course of their stay.
Generally speaking, Taylor mentions that the 4-H Center is located in a town of German Catholic heritage. As such, some of the policies of the campground pertain to the use of alcohol on-site. The state of Indiana enforces a prohibition on alcoholic beverages at the 4-H Center, however, Taylor explains that if guests undergo the process of receiving a proper license and permit, then alcohol can be present at events and weddings. Aside from this, the establishment also implements a quiet time that lasts from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every night. Concerning pet guidelines, Taylor says that pets are welcome, as some people in the past have had to bring their cattle, horses, and other animals with them during their travels. In this case, people who bring farm animals are typically accommodated in a location on the property that is more secluded from the general campground area.
The 4-H Center operates year-round, with its busiest season most commonly occurring during the spring and fall, on account of the moderate temperatures that Darmstadt experiences throughout these months. Taylor observes that families and snowbirds primarily constitute the demographic of those who visit the 4-H Center, more specifically people between the ages of 40 and 80. Repeat guests are also received periodically at the campground.
With connections to the Second World War, the 4-H Center bears historical significance, as 20-foot-deep concrete storage bunkers that were utilized during the war can be found on the premises. At the time, these bunkers were used to store the 40-caliber ammunition that was manufactured in Evansville, Indiana. Taylor, the current property manager of the business, says that these bunkers were built to last, as they are still being used presently. She also explains that during World War II, new pilots would practice flying from the nearby airport to the present-day site of the 4-H center when they were being trained on landing planes.
In the 1980s, it was determined that the community was in need of an establishment that could educate the county residents, particularly the youth. The current owners of the property took ownership of the acreage and slowly expanded by purchasing the adjacent properties, including the aforementioned World War II storage site. A fair amount of renovations and additions were made to the 4-H Center over the course of its history, though many of the already existing buildings were kept on the site.
Taylor was led to enter the lodging industry because she had the dream of working for a nonprofit organization. She discovered the job and took the opportunity after moving to the area, as she says that she "didn't want a typical desk job." Taylor has discovered that her favorite part about her occupation as the property manager is the variety. She explains, "It is never the same thing each day, and it's the variety that definitely makes it worth it." Moving forward, the owners' and staff's goal is to continue its growth as an event center. With the aim of developing educational programs, Taylor says that the money they receive from the events and the campground portion of the business goes toward providing the facility for these programs.
201 E Boonville New Harmony Rd
Evansville, Indiana 47725
United States
Campground
