Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SHOALS – Seeing the endless potential for recreation on the White River, a Shoals couple is bringing riverside camping and canoe/kayak rentals to Martin County. If all goes well, the business could be offering river trips just in time for the Shoals Catfish Festival, which kicks off July 3.
Audrey and Chad Gibson purchased the old Star Milling Co., a historic structure built in 1858, and have plans to develop it in two phases.
Named Star Mill Gathering Place, Phase 1 includes two riverside campsites with full electric, water, and sewer hookups located on the river’s edge. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available for individuals and groups, with multiple launch and pick-up locations along the East Fork of the White River.
Audrey Gibson said Star Mill will offer a variety of trips ranging just south of Williams Dam all the way to scenic Hindostan Falls.
“We’re so excited to bring something fresh and meaningful to Shoals, not just for locals, but to help welcome visitors to experience all this beautiful area has to offer,” she said.
Phase 2 will launch in 2026. Audrey said it will include a restored event space, food & drink offerings, and a local mercantile featuring unique goods from across Indiana.
“It will be a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to gather, celebrate, and connect – all grounded in the rustic charm and timeless story of the Star Mill,” she said.
Spurring development in Shoals
The Gibsons are Martin County natives and became interested in becoming more involved in their town’s future after the partial collapse of the historic Nu-Tap building, which was being restored for new development on Shoals’ Main Street.
“We’re both deeply involved in our hometown, and the desire to do something meaningful – to contribute in a lasting way – kept pulling at us,” Chad said. “I’ve always had a passion for history and old buildings, and Audrey has long admired the old brick structure at 117 Water Street. At the time, we didn’t even know who owned it or that it might be for sale. Then, by chance, Audrey happened to be in a meeting where it was mentioned that the owner might be open to selling.”
Audrey contacted the owner to check out the property.
“Very few people had stepped inside the building over the past 25 years. But as soon as we walked in, we were absolutely floored by its beauty – the original timbers, the raw brick, the soul of the space. It was clear that Mr. Lengacher’s preservation efforts in the 1990s had played a vital role in saving this remarkable structure,” Chad said.
The Gibsons view Star Mill Gathering Place as a long-term investment that will unfold in phases.
“Our decision to take on this project is rooted in our belief in Shoals. It’s our home. We’re raising our three children here. We want to see it grow, evolve, and thrive. We see the potential in this building – not just as a restoration project, but as a gathering place,” he said. “A place that brings people together, sparks ideas, supports small businesses, and adds to the momentum of positive change in our community.”
The Gibsons have worked with Cody and Michelle Roush, owners of White River Marine in Shoals, to tap into their knowledge of the river. The Roushes were invaluable, Chad said, in guiding them on purchasing kayaks and canoes suitable for adventure seekers and casual paddlers.
Adding riverside campsites was a natural fit for the property and will expose more people to the beauty of the East Fork of the White River.
“By tying these elements together – history, nature, recreation, and community – we’re working to create a space that honors the past while building toward a vibrant future,” Chad said. “Our hope is that it becomes a place where both locals and visitors feel connected, inspired, and proud to be part of Shoals’ story.”
Star Milling Co. history
Wilson Chenoweth was the founder of the Star Milling Co. In her research of the property, Audrey said she learned the mill developed innovations to increase mill production. John T. Wilder was a millwright who adapted the mill’s water wheel to steam power to overcome unpredictable river levels. Wilder would later serve as a general in the Union Army alongside fellow Hoosier Eli Lilly, pharmacist and founder of Eli Lilly & Co.
“The more I learn, the more I feel connected to the rich heritage of this place,” Audrey said. “Our goal is to honor that legacy while breathing new life into the property through thoughtfully developed, community-centered business ventures.”
Canoes and kayaks were delivered to the property last week and the Gibsons are optimistic they will begin river trips this week. Shoals is home to several unique attractions such as the Bluffs of Beaver Bend, Hindostan Falls, the famed Jug Rock and Tank Springs.
