ABOUT OLD JAIL INN
The Old Jail Inn, also known as the original Parke County Sheriff's office and jail served the county from 1879 to 1998. It was also the residence for the sheriff and his family. The Italianate building is a brick typical of the late 19th century with a porch that was added in later years. Behind the jail is the boiler house that was something of a forerunner in the technology of the times because it used hot water heat that heated not only the sheriff's office and jail but was piped underground through a tunnel to heat the courthouse as well. The jail, courthouse and boiler room were designed by the same architect from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Thomas J. Tolan and Son. The boiler house was the site of the last hanging in Parke County, Earl Stout, 1888.
On December 23, 2009 Debra Olson sighted a round top steel door just inside the basement of the jail. Interested in using the door and two matching windows for a pending new home construction, she ventured just two blocks to find the owner of the building. PCI was lead by Kathy Hartridwr, and 20 minutes later she wrote a check for the steel, and made plans to remove after the out of state check cleared the bank! Returned 4 days later and Kathy informed her the door, windows and the building were hers! Leaving confused, shocked and overwhelmed
On April 26th of 2021, Troy Riggs and Patty Hawley purchased the Jail and Winery. The rest of their story to continue…
The Old Jail Inn is a destination spot in a county with three state parks, a large biker bar and the most covered bridges in one county in the world. People have come from around the world to stay in jail. The Drunk Tank Winery is the only wine tasting bar in the county and proudly has its very own Old Jail Inn Red Wine made and bottled by Huber Winery in Borden Indiana.
During their stay, guests are encouraged to use the original jail clothes and uniforms to dress up and take pictures. We encourage groups to take over the entire Inn, so they can move around freely and enjoy the entire jail experience. The jail comfortably sleeps 18 people, but has the option to accommodate more with newly expanded sleeping options.
The story of the Old Jail has been reported in many newspapers across the world. National magazines and tv shows such as Midwest Living, Bagger World Magazine and HGTV have published articles and shows on the Old Jail Inn.
Our motto from day one has been: come as strangers, leave as friends!
ABOUT THE DRUNK TANK
Just below the historic Old Jail Inn is the Drunk Tank Winery. A small eclectic place to gather with friends and family and enjoy a non traditional, unusual and entertaining wine tasting. You pick your taste- dry or sweet! We teach you how to taste wine and laugh at yourself while enjoying the education.
The Drunk Tank’s success comes from the “ interactive wine tastings”.
