The Charley Creek Inn: Where timeless elegance meets state-of-the-art comfort

By: INPUT

Nestled in the heart of Wabash, Indiana, the Charley Creek Inn straddles the past and present. It’s a regional destination and witness to bygone times. According to guest accounts, it blends timeless charm with modern sophistication. The hotel features 30 uniquely decorated rooms that celebrate regional artistry, local landmarks and cultural icons. Each room tells its own story, with thoughtfully designed spaces that pay homage to native daughter and singer Crystal Gayle and institutions like Purdue University, Manchester University and Huntington University.

“(Some of our repeat guests) stay in different rooms every single time,” says Kari Highley, Charley Creek’s director of marketing and sales. “So they may have a checklist of the rooms at the hotel and check off which room they stayed in. We also have some guests who have a favorite room they always request because of the decor.”

Additionally, the inn’s location stands out as a key feature, offering guests easy walking access to boutique shops, art galleries and local dining spots. It’s also just steps away from entertainment venues like the Honeywell Center and the Eagles Theatre.

This is an important element in the Charley Creek success story, according to Christine Flohr, executive director of Visit Wabash County. Before the Inn’s restoration, downtown Wabash was struggling. Visitors who came to attractions such as the Honeywell Center would often leave immediately after performances, without exploring the town. Flohr says the $15 million private investment in the Charley Creek Inn changed the trajectory for downtown Wabash.

The property first opened in 1920 under the name Hotel Indiana. The hotel’s Georgian-Revival facade and two-story lobby welcomed guests and were works of art in their own right for the time, according to “From Hotel Indiana to Charley Creek Inn — More Than a Century of Midwest Hospitality,” a book authored by Howard M. Kaler, general manager of the hotel, and Kari Highley about the hotel’s history. Natural sunlight flooded the lobby. Terrazzo floors elevated the main areas of the building, while the mezzanine was outfitted with Wilton carpets.

Less than four years after its opening, Hotel Indiana faced serious financial challenges, as documented in the book. The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 took a toll on the hotel’s stability, and by 1932, it went into foreclosure. In 1939, the hotel was auctioned off at a sheriff’s sale as part of legal proceedings. The Schrader Hotel Chain acquired the property, ensuring its continued operation.

Ownership shifted again in May 1946 when Adolf W. Dekau took over and rebranded the hotel as the Red Apple Inn, a nod to the original operating firm that had leased the building. However, as downtown areas lost their significance as central community hubs, small urban hotels like the Red Apple Inn began changing forms nationwide. By the 1950s, the hotel was renovated into a mixed-use building, featuring 22 permanent apartments and 17 rooms available for overnight stays.

Under the operation of the Dekau family for three generations, the once-thriving property eventually transitioned into a building of efficiency apartments. Over time, it fell into a state of disrepair, according to the book. As the authors explain, this decline reflected broader changes in the economic and social fabric of downtown districts at the time.

In 2007, the hotel was transformed, thanks to the vision and dedication of Richard E. Ford, a local philanthropist and historic preservation enthusiast best known as part of the Ford Meter Box family. Ford acquired the property, setting the stage for a three-year rehabilitation project in collaboration with RATIO Architects, Brandt Construction, Rowland Design and local subcontractors.

The hotel reopened in 2010 as The Charley Creek Inn– a nod to the childhood memories of Ford playing in the creek named for the Miami Chief Charley. As the authors recount, both the exterior and interior were brought back to their original glory during the $15-million renovation project and as a result, the boutique hotel is now a cultural and architectural gem in Wabash County.

Flohr explains that the boutique hotel became the anchor the area needed, turning single-visit performance attendees into overnight guests who began to explore the shopping district, dine locally and enjoy other nearby attractions, like the Eagles Theatre and the Wabash River Trail.

“Today in downtown Wabash, building vacancy is close to zero,” Flohr shares. “We’ve gone from just five retailers a decade ago to nearly 30 now, and that’s a direct result of investments like this one.”

The destination has come a long way, redefining hospitality as a seamless blend of elegance and functionality. However, the reopening of the independently owned and operated hotel wasn’t merely about restoring its aesthetics. It was an effort to honor and preserve a piece of Wabash’s identity.

“Each room has been meticulously restored to maintain its historic integrity while incorporating modern elements that cater to our guests’ needs,” says Highley.

According to Flohr, this is a bit of an understatement. The meticulous restoration of this historic building earned it Indiana’s coveted Cook Cup Award for Historic Preservation. But beyond the awards, the effort injected new energy into Wabash, with the Inn quickly becoming a key draw for locals and tourists alike.

“This isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about giving people a reason to experience Wabash in new ways,” Flohr says.

The consensus is that the current iteration of the hotel represents a space where luxurious décor meets contemporary amenities. It’s an environment that feels as welcoming as it does luxe. Highley says the hotel features an extensive range of modern amenities tailored for both leisure and business travelers. High-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, voicemail services, and individual climate controls offer guests the convenience they expect today. For eco-conscious visitors, EV charging facilities are located nearby.

Guests who appreciate thoughtful details will find that everything has been designed to marry timeless elegance with state-of-the-art comfort.

“I think that attention to the design detail creates a cozy and inviting environment that’s more like home than a typical hotel room,” Highley says.

While Highley says guests will enjoy the experience year-round, Charley Creek is busiest from August through October. This season is full of events like downtown car shows, fall-themed weddings, and class reunions. Additionally, the inn hosts several annual events, such as Valentine’s Day wine and chocolate tastings and September’s Sweet Treat Festival during the Founders Day celebration.

“There’s always so much happening downtown, and we’ve formed strong relationships with local businesses,” Highley says. “Partnering with them not only enhances our guest experience but also creates a sense of connection to the region.”

Highley says this is good for business, as people want to return and they’ll tell their friends about the positive experience. Along similar lines, curated packages create novelty. Summer visitors can enjoy the canoe and kayak package, partnering with Rustic River in nearby Mount Etna, which invites guests to unwind in nature. For year-round charm, the romantic getaway package features perks such as a bottle of wine, a rose, a dining voucher and a box of fine chocolates.

“Each package is thoughtfully crafted to enrich our guests’ experience — whether it’s creating unforgettable romantic moments or fostering community connections through local partnerships,” Highley says.

Highley encourages guests to take advantage of the Green Hat Lounge, which hosts live performances every Saturday night. The same goes for casual fine dining at Twenty and gourmet confections from Rich’s Chocolates and Albanese Candy at the Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe. Charley Creek Inn is also home to a wine and cheese shop that features hand-picked selections from Indiana.

The inn hosts weddings, corporate retreats and church gatherings. Highley says it’s sought out because the property offers an intimate venue that feels worlds apart from the sometimes sterile feel of chain hotels.

Whatever the reason for setting foot in the Charley Creek Inn, Flohr says visitors are in for a treat.

“You can have outdoor recreation, high-quality dining, luxury accommodations and cultural experiences — all within a four-block radius,” she says. “Investments like this prove small towns don’t just have charm; they can deliver on quality of life, too.”

For more information about Charley Creek Inn, visit their website.

This story was created in partnership with Visit Wabash County.