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

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January 2025

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

Outdoor dining
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fireplace, books
3 bedrooms, desk, WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Depauw, IN
  • Wyandotte Cave
    18 min drive
  • O'Bannon Woods State Park
    18 min drive
  • Marengo Cave National Landmark
    31 min drive
  • French Lick, IN (FRH-French Lick Municipal)
    62 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Depauw

With a stay at this lodge in Depauw, you'll be on the waterfront, and 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from Wyandotte Cave and 8 mi (12.9 km) from O'Bannon Woods State Park. .This lodge is 9.4 mi (15.2 km) from Corydon Capitol State Historic Site and 12.4 mi (20 km) from Stephenson's General Store.

What's nearby

  • Wyandotte Cave - 18 min drive - 12.8 km
  • O'Bannon Woods State Park - 18 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Corydon Capitol State Historic Site - 20 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Marengo Cave National Landmark - 31 min drive - 24.5 km
  • Churchill Downs - 50 min drive - 59.0 km

Getting around

  • Louisville Intl. Airport (SDF) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Ramsey Popcorn Company - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Rita's Taco Shop - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Idlewild Post - ‬17 min drive

About this property

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.
There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. The bathroom has a shower and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a water park or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like onsite parking.

Property manager

Missi Bush-Sawtelle

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi

Things to do

  • Water park access

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility

More

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets

Bathroom

  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Dining table
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Desk
  • Fireplace

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

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

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 73 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Blue River’s Beautiful Bounty
We love coming to the Cardinal Cabin every fall! Its peaceful and close to a lot of great trails. Looking forward to next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

patrick h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best time of the year
Everything great can’t wait until next year
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stanley S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rockstar Property manager
The cabin was really quiet and have a large backyard for outdoor activities. Most of all, Jennifer was great and appreciated her helps during our stay at Cardinal House.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenna G.

Liked: Cleanliness
We wanted to stay
We weren’t ready to leave! Beautiful property. Perfect to celebrate my husband’s birthday. He loves the river and has mentioned so many times his desire to stay on it. Water level was a little low but that section of the river was one we hadn’t done before and we can’t wait to go back with our kids. So much room to accommodate people. Casual enough you don’t have to worry but still so so cool and nice at the same time. The property manager was amazing. Spoke with her a couple times before the trip and once we got there. Zero complaints. Can’t wait to rent again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon J.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Southern Indiana Gem
I rented the Cardinal Cabin for group of 8 childhood friends that had not had any significant time together in decades. It was everything I wanted it to be. Secluded in nature, it was quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. River access was icing on the cake Although we spent the majority of our time outdoors, the cabin was inviting, comfortable, and clean, with plenty of room for guests. The kitchen was perfect for preparing large meals. 5/5 highly recommend for anyone looking for a place to enjoy time with friends & family all while enjoying the great outdoors!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Southern Indiana Gem
Perhaps my 12th time visiting the Cardinal Cabin and it never disappoints. Although this was my first time visiting during the warm summer months, and it does get warm in the cabin. They provided AC units, which helped out! This place is an absolute treasure if you need to get away from it all, including technology! Magical! Jenny
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodee K.

Liked: Cleanliness
July 4 Family Tradition
We noticed some improvements from the last time. Air movers and fans for when the weather was hot and humid were comforting. There was more room to put the suitcases etc. The wrap around screened in porch was perfect for watching a thunderstorm roll by. The setting was beautiful, rural and serene yet not too far from town. Access to the Blue River was easy. We could either put in or take out there. We saw lots of wild life and enjoyed being serenaded by a barred owl. Jennifer was very attentive to us. She checked in with us before we got there and was quick to answer any questions we had. We loved it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing few days
Thank you so much for a very nice few day stay there in the Cardinal cabin! We had a ton of fun riding the back roads, fishing, and golf. It was exactly what we needed for a quick work retreat. The host was excellent…..she even came and cleaned up some boxes of mess we had left in the patio area (which was a really nice surprise to come back to). Thanks again for an awesome stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mell B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Stay
Beautiful cabin in secluded location with easy access to the river. Hosts are top notch and provide an accomodating stay every time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Angel B.

Family time
It was fun, family time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Weekend
The location is great, and the cabin is incredible! Really a gem - it’s a wonderful place to get together
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

michael h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cats meow.
Nice place in the woods. Fishing,kayak right out the front door. Sleeps 20. Owner is very nice.Stuff people need not apply. We all loved it!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

patrick h.

Liked: Cleanliness
White / hamsley family
ive been coming to this camp, almost 50 years it is always GREAT
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aaron E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magnificent Property
This place is so great to get away from it all and a perfect location right next to the Blue River. Loved the property! Can’t wait for the next trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another great stay
We come here every year for our Fall Break. Our kids love it and it's a tradition now. Everything was great yet again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emerald P., Palmyra, Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Cardinal Cabin
Beautiful scenery, peaceful vibes and lots of memories made in this comfy cabin
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris D.

Liked: Cleanliness
No surprises
Cabin was exactly as listed. Huge interior, plenty of seating, good water pressure, and very helpful host. Weather was only downer, but that can't be helped. Porch screens need some maintenance, but never had 1 mosquito bite, so no complaints. Overall it was as I expected.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Jessica M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming but rugged
Great cabin for a group that likes camping! We had a group of 8 stay for a weekend away. The cabin is very difficult to find but otherwise check-in was easy. Kitchen is well equipped for feeding a large group which is nice. Screened in porch is the real treasure (at least in the hot weather while we visited) it was significantly cooler than inside the house which got very hot during the day. Bring water for drinking and cooking and bug spray - there’s no escaping the bugs in the summer (inside or out) and you’ll be set. There was plenty of firewood, towels and games which all made the trip easier for our group. River access makes fishing and kayaking easy. It’s also a great fishing spot our group caught quite a lot just off the bank. There were 4 cars with groups of people not in our group that came to launch kayaks and parked in the access path to the river which made it challenging for our group to get down there and was a little surprising as we didn’t know that was a possibility and they didn’t leave until close to dark. If you want to explore the area it’s easy to get to state parks and caves as well. All in all it was a great backdrop to a family trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

PHYLLIS G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Blue River stay
We have a wonderful stay. Expect primitive and wildlife. We spent all day at the river, kids swam and fished. Loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nina D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great weekend getaway
This is our 2nd time staying here. Love the peace and quiet of nature!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindi K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place to relax
Very nice hime to relax and get away from the busy life
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenny M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best southern Indiana rustic cabin and water front!
This place is a great getaway for relaxing and beautiful views. Its super quiet semi-remote. The kitchen and open space is large enough for a sizable group of people. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Anna W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful setting
Quiet clean serene setting Everything you need for a wonderful damily gathering, plenty of space a blue river fun for kids Had trouble with breaker , electric went off several times. Reported to owner. Other than that perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julia G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Country living!
Great property to just go to and relax! Loved the river view! We lived on the porch and with the fans on it was comfortable. We had trouble with the smell of the sulfur water. It is a rustic and beautiful lodge! Would be great for a large group!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Sandy E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic cabin
The cabin was large and comfy. There is no air conditioning but plenty of fans. Only issue we had is the sulfur water, which is quite unpleasant. But it was roomy, nice rustic cabin with a large screened in porch, several nice grills, and all the necessities on a large wooded lot on the river.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022