The Rustic Roost- at Donkeytown - Lake Monroe

Tonya has lived in southern Indiana for most of her life and is a wealth of information on best places to eat, backroad studio tours, art galleries featuring local and heritage artists, kayaking spots, hiking, caves, mountain biking, shopping or just enjoying locally craft-made libations in southern Indiana.
Tonya was the Founder/Publisher of Travel Indiana Magazine since 2008 and retired in 2020 to start Donkeytown at Turner Farms and has traveled all of Indiana finding unique gems and out-of-the way places.
Tonya's has wanted miniature donkeys since she was 18 when she fell in love with a donkey named Libby while house sitting and had wanted them her whole life. In 2017, she finally realzied her dream and was able to start her donkey farm in Brown County where she specialized in vacation homes. She quickly outgrew her small 5 acre farm and found this wonderful 40 acre farm that was formerly the famous Turner Doll Factory over the last 34 years owned by 3 generations of Turners and had been a working cattle farm for many years. Virginia Turner shipped her handmade dolls all over the world and frequently had bus tours come in to view the factory afterwards she made them lunch in the Tea Room. Some of the original buildings were built in the 1800's and are currently under renovation. The barns used by the Turner Doll Factory were built about 25-30 years ago and have been converted into the newly renovated barndominiums. Your family will be staying in the Farmhouse Inn, where three generations of Turners lived.

Attractions
Hoosier National Forest – 12 minutes, we are located at the foothills of 200,000 acres and 266 miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails.
Allen’s Creek Boat Ramp – 12 minutes, boat ramp for Lake Monroe, great place to fish and hang out in lawn chairs or rafts and kayak. In summer this is a busy hang out area for boaters.
Deam Wilderness – 13 minutes, my favorite hiking, Patton Cave, lots of ravines and creeks, cool to hike in summer, but easy to get lost must be prepared with compass.
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower – one of my fav things to do each year is climb this 110 foot tall tower with 133 steps. Once at the top you can see a 360 degree view of three counties. Absolutely breathtaking.
Hardin Ridge State Rec Area – Over 260 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding or biking. My fav is the Allen’s Creek trail, 4 miles roundtrip (roughly two hours) to tip of Allen’s Creek and wonderful views of Lake Monroe. Moderate trail some hills.
Paynetown State Rec Area – 14 min, Lake Monroe boat rentals, marina, beach, Lake Monroe is Indiana’s largest lake. You can rent anything from kayaks to large double-decker pontoon boats. There is an admission fee here, $7 per car Indiana, out-of-state $10.
Bluesprings Caverns – 25 minutes, features a famous boat ride through the longest river cave in the country and gemstone mining. April-October.
Spring Mill State Park – South 40 minutes, Working Pioneer Village open May-October, Twin Caves tour, Donaldson Cave, Virgil Grissom astronaut memorial, Spring Mill Inn and restaurant, endless recreation.

Pinegrove State Rec Area – 18 min, Lake Monroe, this is one of my favorite places to kayak, it is a nature preserve/bird sanctuary and many times will see an Eagle perched. Lots of unique types of wildlife here and very shallow so it is safe. Many can fish while a few go out on water.

Antiquing and shopping – Bedford and Bloomington are filled with lots of antique stores and boutique shopping. Nashville is only 35 minutes away and features over 200 shops and artist galleries. On 37 south of Bedford in one location you can find three antique shops with over 100’s of individual booths.
Salt Creek Brewery – 10 miles away on beautiful country roads. Music on weekends.
Salt Creek Winery – One of my favorite places with a wonderful seven-mile view! 30 min drive to Freetown music in afternoons on weekends.

Farm Tour – Visit the Amish Family of Sam and Annie Hershberger where you can see the Amish children selling their wares. Buy baskets, rugs, jams, jellies, soap, syrup and farm fresh eggs. The address is 675 Buddha Road, Bedford, you will need to drive a little farther than what google says to find the driveway.
We have several maple syrup farmers including Millers and Burtons and Grounhog.
Fourwinds Marina and Resort – Lake Monroe, this is the largest inland marina in the country with two restaurants, a beach and a pool, outside bar service on weekends. Great views from the restaurant of the lake. Great breakfast buffet and music/weekends.
Eagle Pointe Golf and Tennis Resort – great place for golfing on the west side of Lake Monroe, good to pair this with lunch or dinner at Fourwinds.
Bloomington – home of Indiana University, you’ll find cultural events same caliber of a large city, Opera, Broadway shows, wonderful culinary and shopping. Drive through the beautiful limestone campus and you will see why they call this the “limestone capital of the world.”
French Lick/West Baden – 1 hour SW. Indiana’s Crown Jewel! If you are traveling from any distance at all this is a must see. Renovated resort, large historic hotel dome from the 1800’s has been fully restored. French Lick Winery has free wine tastings and is a great lunch place. My favorite restaurant in the state is 1875 Steakhouse and located inside the French Lick resort.