06/08/2026
The village of Spring Mill was founded during Indiana’s pioneer era. By the 1850s, it was home to twenty families. The economy was centered on local production of furs, whiskey, and flour. After the Civil War, the nation’s economy shifted to larger scale production and as the railroad bypassed the community, the village declined. By the 1890s, it was largely abandoned. Richard Lieber, as the Director of the Dept. of Conservation, saw its potential for highlighting Indiana’s pioneer era. He marshalled resources to restore the village. It became a state park in 1927. More about Spring Mill SP at on.IN.gov/sprINgmill