Vacay Fun 2026
Elk Ridge Ranch in Shoals, Indiana
July 12-17, 2026
This year we were back in Indiana after a couple years in Kentucky and Ohio. We were spread out a bit, with some staying in the "Main Lodge" (we called it the Big Barn), some in the "Blanche House," and some staying a mile away in the "Grand Lodge" (or what we called "the cabin"). Although we didn't care for the separation, the property itself was fabulous, with beautiful grounds that included our own golf course and an actual small herd of elk! We really enjoyed the jaw-dropping commercial kitchen and hanging out in the big barn, watching live sporting events in the theater, working out in the gym, and walking around the grounds.
We numbered 19 in total. Roll call in alphabetical order: Ande, Caleb, Celia, Jacob, Jeanne, Jim, Kathy, Kaye, Keith L., Kelly, Kim, Lainey, Lily, Lindsey, Lucy, Luka, Nadine, Patrick, and Sally. We didn't get a whole-group photo, but check out our rogues' gallery below.
Many thanks to all the photographers who took so many wonderful pics during the week. Hope you enjoy!
- Part 1: Hangin' out -- sharing meals, table games, party games (Task Master!), jigsaw puzzling, playing kub, and a fire pit! (Who would build a huge fire for roasting s'mores and singing on a sweltering hot day? We would!)
- Part 2: Hiking! We really enjoyed hiking the "Bluffs of Beaver Bend" Nature Preserve along a heavily wooded rise with stunning views of the White River, and on another day we checked out "Hindostan Falls," which is Indiana's widest falls with the highest water volume, located near a "ghost town."
- Part 3: Pontoon Day on Patoka Lake!
- Part 4: Mother Nature everywhere! Check out some stunning pics by our nature photographers!
