Located in Depauw, this lodge is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Corydon Capitol State Historic Site and Hayswood Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Wyandotte Cave and Constitution Elm. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
O'Bannon Woods State Park - 15 min drive - 13.8 km
Wyandotte Cave - 15 min drive - 14.3 km
Indian Creek Trail - 15 min drive - 17.7 km
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site - 16 min drive - 18.7 km
Getting around
Louisville International Airport (SDF) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 18 min drive
Culver's - 21 min drive
Ramsey Popcorn Co. - 17 min drive
Subway - 20 min drive
Rita’s Taco Shop - 20 min drive
About this property
Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK 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.- 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.
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
default
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
default
Events
No events allowed
default
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 921326
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Frequently asked questions
Is Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River pet-friendly?
Yes, this lodge allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River?
As of 15 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River on 19 July 2026 start from AU$923, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River located?
Situated on the waterfront, this lodge is 2.1 mi (3.3 km) from Harrison Spring and within 9 miles (15 km) of Harrison County Hospital and Wyandotte Cave. O'Bannon Woods State Park and Hayswood Nature Reserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Large SECLUDED RIVERFRONT Cabin with PRIVATE access to CANOE/KAYAK Blue River Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property is like an old friend and is an excellent value. Communication with our host was easy and all our questions were answered promptly. We had everything we needed and more to keep adults and kids off their screens and engaged with each other. Lots to see within an easy drive, good fishing, board games, extra towels and blankets, cleaning supplies were all there. We are already planning our next visit.
Jacqui C.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
8/10 Good
Joana l.
7 May 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Check-in
Cardinal house was clean, peaceful and relaxing. There was plenty of wood for the woodburning fireplace and there were only 4 old ladies but we enjoyed sitting in our rocking chairs, sipping coffee and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. This would be a great place for families to enjoy a family "campout" without having to worry with tents and dragging the camping gear.. the kitchen is fully equipped with plenty of cooking pots and pans. It is a good ways from town so bring everything with you. Ice, water, food and snacks. It was a bit difficult to find and we have asked host to improve signage so hopefully it will be better marked.
It waa the Perfect Spot for my family that grew up on Blue River. Easy Access to the River, Beautiful Yard. The house is nice and big with lots of beds but the front porch was our favorite.
The management team was friendly and amazing welcoming. The cabin was described as online and has plenty of outdoor space for doing all kinds of activities including hiking,kayaking and bonfire. I recommend this cabin and I’ll be back here again.
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.
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!