If you're in the mood to see some changing leaves and ridiculously gorgeous scenes like something straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting, you ought to take a trip out to your nearest covered bridge (or maybe a road trip to ones a little further away). These seven covered bridges in Indiana are among our favorite suggestions for where to go to see the best autumn views in the state. When it comes to blending history and color, this is perfect. If you're a fan of road trips and vintage charm, visiting a covered bridge or two (or three, or ten - there are only 98 in the entire state, after all) is the perfect journey for this time of year. Here are some of the most beautiful covered bridges in Indiana:
1. Smith Covered Bridge
Built in 1877 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, this very historic and well-kept bridge is a sight to see any time of year but it is especially charming when the trees surrounding it change during fall. The bridge is also known as the Offutt Covered Bridge and spans 124 feet over Big Flat Rock Creek in southern Indiana. This is one of the most impressive covered bridges in Indiana. Visit the Indiana Memory website to learn more.
2. New Brownsville Covered Bridge
It took about four years in the mid-1800s to construct this massive, 182-foot-long bridge, which is more than 20 feet wide. It spans the East Fork of the White River in southern Indiana and is a wonderful place to capture excellent photos of the fall foliage this time of year. It's one of the most remarkable covered bridges in Southern Indiana. Visit the Indiana Memory website to learn more.
Take a look at this video by @americaslandscape:
3. Rush Creek Bridge
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this wonderful covered bridge was built in 1904. It is a classic, simple Hoosier covered bridge built in the single-span Burr Arch style. Visit the Parke County Indiana website to learn more.
4. Bridgeton Bridge
Another Burr Arch style bridge, this one is much bigger and was built in 1868 from sandstone blocks and wood. So, if you're searching for "covered bridges near me," make a stop at the Bridgeton Bridge. Though it was previously destroyed by a fire, the bridge was reconstructed in 2006. Visit the Bridgeton Indiana website to learn more.
Take a look at this video of a previous year's Bridgeton Bridge Festival by @parkecountyindiana3905:
5. Shieldstown Covered Bridge
Built in 1876 to cross the White River in northwest Indiana, this bridge rests on limestone and is more than 365 feet long. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 to keep it preserved. Visit the Jackson County Indiana website to learn more about this covered bridge.
6. Cox Ford Covered Bridge
This west-central Indiana bridge is lovely any time of year but autumn really makes for a gorgeous adventure you won't want to miss. Crossing the Sugar Creek, this classic covered bridge is 160 feet long and 16 feet wide with a height of 13 feet. It was built in 1913 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Visit the Parke County Indiana website to learn more.
Take a look at this video by @timelessaerialphotography.:
7. Bean Blossom Covered Bridge
This Southern Indiana bridge is quintessential to the charm that these sorts of vintage structures bring to the state. Built in 1880, it is known as the oldest covered bridge in Indiana, and it is definitely fun to see in the fall. Visit the Brown County Indiana website to learn more.
For more like this, check out this covered bridge loop trail in Indiana that is full of historic stops.
Where else do you enjoy looking at these charming covered bridges in Indiana? Share your favorites with us in the comments.
And if you plan on heading out on a road trip to see some of these beauties, check out our road trip essentials packing list before you go.
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