The Log Inn is currently taking a well-deserved winter break, before celebrating its bicentennial in 2025.

A Family Tradition

Like many families in the Tri-State area, The Log Inn is a place where my family has gone to celebrate many big events over the years. From birthdays to graduations, and engagements, my family has gone to The Log Inn several times to enjoy a delicious family-style meal and celebrate fun occasions. The Log Inn isn't just a restaurant, where you go to eat fried chicken, it's a whole experience of enjoying a family-style meal with loved ones (and as a bonus, it's a family-style meal you don't have to cook)! There is just something special about dining and celebrating a special occasion inside of a place that holds so much Hoosier history.

Indiana's Oldest Restaurant

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The Log Inn was built in 1825 and when it opened it was the Noon Day Stage Coach Stop and Trading post. According to The Log Inn's history section on their website, not only has it been recognized as the oldest restaurant in the state of Indiana, the building itself is known to be one of the oldest original inn and stagecoach stops in the United States.

In the 1840's the Log Inn was one of the main stage coach stops between Evansville and Vincennes.
The first established road north of Evansville was built to the John Withrow farm near Warrenton, in 1811. In 1822 a state road was commissioned to be built between Evansville and Terre Haute. The first stage coach started running between Evansville and Vincennes in 1824.

A Legacy That Includes a Stop From the 16th President

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"I cannot tell a lie, The Log Inn gets FIVE stars from me!" - Abraham Lincoln (probably)

Okay but seriously, part of what makes The Log Inn particularly unique, is the fact that you can still dine in the same log room that the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln dined in when he visited the popular stagecoach stop in 1844.

From The Log Inn's website:

Abraham Lincoln stopped here in November 1844 en route back home from Evansville. He was on a campaign tour speaking for "Clay for President" on the Clay Whig party ticket.
Lincoln's trip included stops in Vincennes, Washington, Gentryville, and visited his mother's grave which is now a national shrine. This was the only time he ever visited his mother's grave after moving to Illinois. After visiting his mother's grave, Lincoln went on to Rockport, and Evansville, where on October 31st, he attended a meeting in the courthouse before taking the stagecoach back home.

The Log Inn is Still Open, But Currently Closed for a Winter Break

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There's no word on how The Log Inn will be celebrating its bicentennial this year, but I would bet that the celebration will include their legendary fried chicken! You can still dine at The Log Inn these days, however, you won't be able to during the month of January. Every winter The Log Inn takes a well-deserved break after serving families during the busy holiday season.