Local Tourism Investment Tops $14.2 Million in Spencer County

Posted on May 9, 2023

Several businesses are getting ready for the peak summer tourism season in Spencer County with additions and enhancements totaling more than $14.2 million.

Tourism investments for 2023 include:

• Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari added drones to its Holidays in the Sky drone show, built Compass Commons team member housing, and completed scheduled retracking on The Voyage roller coaster.
• Lincoln Pines Lakefront Resort will add three new cabins and more playground equipment.
• In addition to repairs and improvements on roads and lodging sites, Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph added 18 new Candy Cane Cottages, 12 new Deluxe RV Sites, and four new J-1 student housing units.
• Santa Claus Museum & Village completed renovations of the historic church and purchased outdoor Christmas decorations.
• Lincoln Amphitheatre refurbished existing seats, built a new entrance, added lighting equipment, and other enhancements.
• A local vacation rental, Hollow Creek Cabin, improved its exterior and parking area as well as added new living room furniture and remodeled the kitchen.
• Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum rebuilt the Sarah Grigsby Cabin, reopened the 1955 Transportation Building, improved displays inside the museum, redesigned its website, added two murals, and completed other enhancements.
• Santa’s Lakeside Cottages built three cottages, expanded Reindeer Forest, replaced lake fountains, and enhanced its pool area.
• Christmas Lake Golf Club purchased patio furniture and made improvements to the back patio plus invested in equipment for groundskeeping.

“We love hearing how businesses are reinvesting into their properties to provide an exceptional visitor experience,” says Melissa Arnold, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau. “With additional lodging offerings, enhanced amenities, and upgraded facilities, Spencer County’s tourism industry continues to grow.”

Spencer County is home to nationally known attractions such as Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, as well as national and state parks commemorating Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home.