Covered Bridge Retreat rentals available in mid-July

Covered Bridge Retreat, a new group-retreat facility located north of Annapolis in Parke County, will be available for rental reservation starting in mid-July.

The 296-acre state forest property, formerly known as Country Haven and operated by the Gehlhausen family, was sold to The Nature Conservancy in 2008.

The property was acquired by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry in 2009.

Features ideal for a group retreat or week-long getaway include 4.5 miles of well-marked woodland trails, a one-acre fishing pond just out the front door of the main lodge, equestrian facilities, wildlife viewing areas and a groomed campground.

The main lodge has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and sleeps up to six people. The campground provides 20 campsites, including 11 with electricity. The equestrian barn features a 75-foot by 100-foot indoor arena and 34 horse stalls.

The online DNR Campground Reservation System, Camp.IN.gov, will be the primary avenue with which to reserve the retreat facilities. The Covered Bridge Retreat listing should be up and running in mid-July.

While most bookings will be on a group or full-facility basis, for two weeks during the summer/fall of this year, Covered Bridge Retreat will host family camping weekends. During those weekends, families will be able to reserve individual campsites or lodging. Specific dates have not been set.

Covered Bridge Retreat will available only by reservation. It will not be available for walk-in day use.