Near Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Clifty Inn
Welcoming visitors since 1924
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, July 25, 2025
1. Clifty Inn Marker
The Clifty Inn has undergone many changes, but the lovely site overlooking the Ohio River remains the same.
In 1924, the two-story Clifty Inn opened at this location. The Madison Courier reported, "The vistas are superb and the panoramas not excelled in the Rockies." Due to its instant popularity, a third floor containing fourteen rooms was added in 1927.
With the economic downturn of the Great Depression and the gas rationing of World War II, the Clifty Inn became a popular nearby destination for those living in Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville.
Mrs. Della Luke was the first Clifty Inn manager. At the time, she was also the manager of the Turkey Run Inn.
Housing was provided for full-time employees at the Clifty Inn. Cooks, waitresses, desk clerks and housekeepers lived in the buildingmen on the first floor, women on the second.
During WWII, inn manager Joe McDonald, delighted inn guests and local diners with fried chicken dinners. The full-course meal included chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, freshly baked rolls and pie for dessert. Meat was scarce during this time of rationing. McDonald would
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In 1974, after 50 years of service, the Clifty Inn was destroyed beyond repair by a tornado.
Since that time, several structures and additions have led to the overnight and conference facility we enjoy today.
Did You Know
In 1934, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt stayed at the Clifty Inn. During her stay she toured the Civilian Conservation Corps camp located at the park.
Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Eleanor Roosevelt series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 38° 44.613′ N, 85° 25.036′ W. Marker is near Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. It can be reached from Cfp Canyon Road north of Clifty Hollow Road when traveling east. This marker stands near the front entrance of the Clifty Inn in Clifty Falls State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 545 Cfp Cyn Rd, Madison IN 47250,
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, July 25, 2025
2. Clifty Inn Marker in context
This marker is the one on the right.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: IKE Clifty Creek Plant (here, next to this marker); "Works of a Public Nature" (approx. 0.2 miles away); History of Clifty Falls (approx. Ό mile away); Where are the Deer? (approx. 0.6 miles away); Stacks of Power (approx. 0.6 miles away); Indiana State Parks (approx. 1.1 miles away); Madison Hill Incline and Cut (approx. 1.2 miles away); Alois O. Bachman (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
