Preserving History at the Story Inn
Just beyond the rolling hills of Brown County lies one of the Midwest’s most charming hidden getaways: the Story Inn. Located about 20 minutes from Nashville, the property is a fully preserved National Historic District, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step back into the 19th century. It’s rustic, romantic and proudly “one inconvenient location since 1851,” a slogan as quirky and beloved as the inn itself.
Today, the Story Inn is led by proprietor Richard Hofstetter, who carries forward a legacy begun by his father, a lawyer with an unexpected passion for historic preservation. In the late 1990s, Hofstetter’s father purchased the entire town of Story at a sheriff’s sale, an impulsive moment that shaped the destination guests know today. He went on to secure its placement on the National Register of Historic Places and fought significant legal battles to bring utilities to the property. When he passed away, Richard took the reins.
Rather than feeling confined by his father’s legacy, Hofstetter views his role simply.
“I’m a custodian,” he says. “I’ll take care of the place until somebody else wants it back.”
His commitment to preservation is evident everywhere, from the restoration of historic cottages to the return of original family names to each building. Many of the cottages now bear the surnames of the earliest residents, a meaningful gesture that has helped reconnect present-day descendants with their heritage.
“Some people have deeper roots here than I do,” Hofstetter says. “I don’t want to violate someone else’s family history.”
Beyond history, what makes the Story Inn truly remarkable is its rare structure: The business owns the entire unincorporated town. That creates an unusual cohesion between departments. Culinary staff help with winter maintenance, the maintenance team assists with dishes, and employees float seamlessly between roles. This symbiotic model allows the inn and its award-winning restaurant to operate sustainably, even in a challenging rural location.
Guests come for many reasons, from quiet getaways to candlelit dinners, weddings and photography sessions, and nearly all of them return, Hofstetter says. The Story Inn boasts one of the highest repeat-visit rates in Brown County, something Hofstetter attributes to offering a great value at a fair price and creating an experience guests can’t replicate elsewhere. Overnight packages simplify stays: For a flat rate, guests enjoy lodging, a fine-dining meal and a truly unplugged retreat. Wi-fi is available, but its sparsity is part of the charm.
“People come here for disconnection,” he says. “It’s a slower pace. When you’re not distracted, you can reset.”
The inn is also known for its inventive events, from comedy shows and wine fairs to murder-mystery dinners, one of its most popular offerings. Staff are encouraged to dream up new ideas, and if something works, they refine it. If not, they try something else.
Natural beauty also sets the Story Inn apart. Photographers regularly travel two hours or more to capture its diverse backdrops — gardens, wooded trails, rustic barns and the iconic blue-and-yellow cottages.
“We have what other people don’t,” Hofstetter says. “The grounds are just beautiful.”
Whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend, a culinary escape or a nostalgic brush with Indiana’s past, the Story Inn offers a destination that feels both timeless and refreshingly simple.
For more information, visit storyinn.com.
