Story Inn in Brown County, Indiana: What to Know Before You Go
There’s a stretch of State Road 135 where the hills close in, the cell signal drops, and the whole world seems to quiet down — and right at the end of it sits Story Inn, on ground that’s carried more history than most visitors realize.
The Ten O’Clock Treaty line ran straight through this ground — you can still see the limestone monument marking it on Story’s village green today.
President Millard Fillmore granted the land patent to Dr. George Story, a physician from a family of Ohio timber harvesters. His original patent still hangs on display at the inn.
After booming for decades, Story emptied out during the Great Depression along with half of Brown County. The old general store sat quiet until it reopened as a bed and breakfast — the same building that stands today, with rooms above the restaurant and a kitchen that’s since become genuinely award-winning.
Story Inn, Indiana’s oldest country inn, sits in the historic village of Story — about 13 miles (20 minutes) south of downtown Nashville, Indiana via State Road 135. Most guests pair dinner or lunch with a hike up nearby Browning Mountain, then head back to stay the night at the 1891 Schoolhouse Inn or Helmsburg Homestead.
Ghosts, Ghost Towns, and a Sheriff Who Never Forgot
Believed to be Jane Story, Dr. Story’s wife, said to appear in what’s now called the Blue Lady Room trailing the scent of cherry tobacco, her favorite. Guests have logged sightings in the inn’s guestbooks for years, and local legend says flipping on the blue light beside the bed is an open invitation.
During Prohibition, moonshine was reportedly bootlegged out of Story until a Brown County sheriff caught the still on-site. As the story goes, by the time the case made it to court, half the evidence had gone missing. I can’t vouch for every detail — but it’s exactly the sort of thing that makes a 170-year-old village feel lived-in rather than restored for show.
What to Order
The menu changes with the seasons, built around fresh, local ingredients — so I never go in expecting the exact same plate twice. When the salmon is on it, it’s always my go-to.
My friend Chase Malan, a local I trust completely on food, calls it a top-three burger anywhere in the area, grilled outside in season.
“My mother still talks about the edible flowers on her salad more than anything else at the table.”
Story Inn Restaurant
6404 State Road 135 South · StoryInn.com
I’ll be honest — this isn’t where I send guests for a casual Tuesday dinner. It’s a special-occasion place, priced for milestones, and worth every bit of it for an anniversary or a birthday worth marking. If you want the Story Inn experience without the full tab, eat at the bar in the Still Tavern or grab something off the grill instead.
Fridays bring karaoke, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm the tavern hosts local original singer-songwriters — Story has a real soft spot for homegrown live music. There are monthly comedy shows too. Check the event calendar before you go so you don’t miss one.
Photo: Catie Vioxx
Find Story Inn and Plan Your Day
Story Inn pairs easily with a scenic drive, time in downtown Nashville, or a day exploring Brown County State Park. If the weather turns, I also recommend keeping my guide to rainy day activities in Brown County, Indiana handy so your trip still feels full and easy.
For the best experience, treat Story Inn as something to build part of your day around rather than a rushed stop — give yourself time for the drive, the setting, and a slower pace.
Staying at the Helmsburg Homestead puts you closest to the SR-135 turn toward Story, so it’s an easy loop out and back. If you’re at the Schoolhouse Inn, build in a few extra minutes — the drive is just as scenic, only slightly longer.
Stay somewhere with room to relax before and after the drive — book direct and I’ll help you plan the rest of your stay.
| Schoolhouse Inn | Helmsburg Homestead |
Is Story Inn Right for Your Trip?
Story Inn isn’t for every visit, but it’s a genuinely great fit for a few kinds of travelers:
Story Inn FAQ
Is Story Inn worth visiting?Yes — if you enjoy scenic drives, historic atmosphere, and destination dining, it’s one of the more distinctive stops in Brown County. It’s best treated as a special outing rather than the centerpiece of your whole trip. |
Is Story Inn haunted?Local legend says yes. The best-known story is the Blue Lady, believed to be Jane Story, wife of the village founder — said to appear in what’s now called the Blue Lady Room trailing the scent of cherry tobacco. Guests have logged sightings in the inn’s guestbooks for years. |
How far is Story Inn from downtown Nashville, Indiana?About 13 miles, roughly a 20-minute drive south along State Road 135. The road itself — winding and largely without cell signal — is part of the experience. |
How long should I plan for a visit to Story Inn?If you’re only stopping for lunch, plan on about 90 minutes to an hour. For dinner plus a walk around the village, budget two to three hours. If you’re pairing it with a hike up Browning Mountain, treat it as a half-day outing. |
Do you have to stay overnight at Story Inn to enjoy it?No. Most guests enjoy Story Inn as a meal or outing while staying elsewhere in Brown County, where they have more space and privacy. |
Where should I stay if I want to visit Story Inn?Either of my two properties works well — the Helmsburg Homestead sits slightly closer to the SR-135 turn toward Story, while the 1891 Schoolhouse Inn adds just a few extra scenic minutes to the drive. |
Stay cozy. Stay local. Stay with us.
| Book Direct & Save | Meet Your Host |
Leah Lamm
Owner & Host · My Brown County Vacation
I'm a Brown County local, Airbnb Superhost, and Vrbo Premier Host with eight years of experience personally welcoming guests to Nashville, Indiana. I host two boutique vacation rentals — the 1891 Schoolhouse Inn and Helmsburg Homestead — and I'm involved in every detail of every stay. When I'm not welcoming guests, I'm tending the garden, loving on my chickens and border collies, or enjoying a quiet morning on the porch with coffee.
Hero photo of Story Inn: Catie Vioxx.