Welcome to the Lost River Hostel

A main project of the Lost River Foundation, we are a 3-season adventure hostel in the woods of southern Indiana somewhere between a hotel and camping. We believe the way we’ll create change is from creating spaces where people can become their best selves.

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Discover Yourself

It Might Take Getting Lost to Find Yourself

The Pop Top

Hanging 30 feet above the ground in the crown of a 5-trunked poplar tree, this treehouse sways in the breeze and will rock you gently to sleep. This one is not for those afraid of heights!

 

The Nests

These screened-in beds buried in the forest will put you right in the middle of the fireflies, storms, and birdsong all while protected and cozy.

 
Labyrinth

The Labyrinth

A 20 minute meditative walk through a young hedge maze leading to a serene old persimmon tree in the center.

 
Dinner with gratitude circle

Family Mealtimes

Lovingly cooked and preceded by our daily gratitude circle, this is often a highlight of the day

 
Clay lagoon

The Clay Lagoon

On the Summer days, this is where we laugh and lounge in the sun. When night falls, there’s nothing more magical than a swim under the stars.

 

The Art Porch

Looking out over the valley, there’s a nearly endless trove of creative supplies here. Come paint, draw, sculpt, carve, burn, sew, and make some magic of your own!

 

Campfires

We can all get mezmerized by the dancing of the flames, but it’s the people that make the night worth remembering.

 

The Outdoor Showerhouse

Soak in the trees while you soak your skin. With rainfall showers and a rooftop tub, get a little closer to nature.

 

Great Conversations

The world slows down here. Time flows differently. In other places, you might find conversations about the weather and the Kardashians. Here you’re more likely to run into ideas and dreamers talking about art, intimacy, change, growth, and being downright silly.

 
Hoosier National Forest

Natural Surroundings

With trails throughout our 29 acre property and access to the Lost River itself, you’ll be blissfully enveloped in everything mama nature has to offer here

 

Adventure

Like, a lot of adventures. For reals. We’re surrounded by caves, hills, rivers, lakes, and people who want to CHECK. STUFF. OUT.

Learn Cool Skills

 
Chickens

Chicken Care

Carpentry

Carpentry

Lumberjacking

Lumberjacking

Building

Building

Crafts

Crafts

 

Guests can join us with our daily tasks, and learn cool new things to take home

Cooking

Cooking

 

What Our Guests Are Saying

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“Can’t say enough wonderful things about this place. The staff here are super cool, and like the best friends you wish you could have from college. I recharged so completely in every-way. I came back to celebrate my birthday, and the family meal and celebration was among the happiest memories of my life.”

“Real conversations, real people, real living. The woods setting is amazing. I felt physically different as soon as I got to the place. The outdoor showers were really amazing, the food was great - but it was really all about the people. I made connections I’ll keep and nurture for a lifetime. Thank you Lost River!”

“Hotels are so isolating, so the Lost River was a welcome change. I loved this stay. Found it on AirBnB and booked spontaneously. It was among the best decisions of my life. I feel reset now by my experience, and ready to go out and live my best life. I’ll be back Lost River, as soon as I am able :-)”

 

Working to inspire everyone who passes through Lost River Hostel to improve themselves and improve the world around them

 

Learn more about our hostel, our philosophy and what we’re up to

So who typically stays here?

 
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Seekers.

Are you seeking a space to slow down and look inward for a minute?

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Wanderers.

“I’ve never left the county” is something you won’t hear here. That’s not how we roll.

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Community builders.

Can’t we all just get along?! Yes? Yes. Yeah. We think so too.

 

What are you waiting for?

Get Involved

Come stay a while! We offer hands-on ‘build your own vision’ hostel management internships, and live-in volunteer staff positions on a rotating basis. We give full room, board and pay a travel stipend. Become one of us, and discover yourself

 

Donate.

We’re a 501c3 nonprofit - help us grow!

 
 

Merch.

LRH branded shirts, travel gear, stationery, and more. Moustache not included.

Imagine.

Tons of awesome stuff to do in the area!

Ready to Book Your Stay?

We’re creating the ecohostel of the future - an alternative living community that creates a place where we can move away from mindless labor toward a mindful life. Come stay a day (or more). :-)