Parke County, Indiana Is The Covered Bridge Capital Of The World And Here Are Our Top 6 Favorites
There’s something strangely magical and almost fairy-tale-esque about an old, covered bridge, isn’t there? Think about it: there are plenty of amazing paintings and postcards decorated with the image of a gorgeous, well-kept covered bridge – and did you know that Indiana is actually home to what many folks consider the “covered bridge capital” of the world? It’s true! Hidden in beautiful Parke County are 31 incredible, historic covered bridges, all of which come with their own stories and histories. Check out six of our favorite covered bridges in Indiana – you might even want to make a day trip out of it!
Beeson Covered Bridge was originally built in 1906 over Big Raccoon Creek, and in 1979, it was moved to its current place as a guardian over Williams Creek instead. Bridges are moved for many different reasons, but ultimately, we think it's still the same wonderful ol' bridge, even if it's not in its original place nowadays. Beeson Covered Bridge is one of the most-photographed bridges in the Hoosier State, earning its place here on this list.
Beeson Covered Bridge, 65 Billie Creek Road, Rockville, IN 47872, USA
Neet Covered Bridge was built in 1904 over Little Raccoon Creek. You'll find it about six miles southeast of downtown Rockville on Bridgeton Road. Like many covered bridges, Neet is painted a brilliant red, and we love the contrast in color between the red bridge and the green foliage during the warmer months. Craving more? Do this awesome covered bridges of Indiana road trip and scratch that itch.
Alright, so, this one's a little funny. Though it's technically in Carbon, Mansfield Covered Bridge is most often attributed to, well, the town of Mansfield. It's quite close to town - so close that there isn't much of a difference. It was built in 1867 over Big Raccoon Creek and can be found near the old mill. Be sure to explore Mansfield while you're here, too; it's one of the best small towns in Indiana you're sure to love.
Mansfield Bridge, 6564 Martin Rd, Carbon, IN 47837, USA
Big Raccoon Creek was evidently a force of nature that required multiple crossing points, as Mecca Covered Bridge is also built right over it. It was finished in 1873 in Mecca, a town that's home to a delightful covered bridge festival in Indiana that every Hoosier needs to attend at least once.
North of West Union is the West Union Bridge. Built in 1876 (over Sugar Creek this time), this bridge is a popular destination during autumn, when the colors surrounding the structure are totally ablaze. Like the others, this bridge is also a brilliant crimson, and photos are most certainly encouraged.
West Union Bridge, 6135 Tow Path Rd, Montezuma, IN 47862, USA
Finally, we reach the youngest bridge on our list: Bridgeton Bridge, which is located in - you guessed it - Bridgeton. It was built in 2006, which makes it positively modern; we're just glad they didn't ask the internet to name it. If they had, we'd have probably ended up with a covered bridge named Bridgey McBridgeface - but maybe that would have been kind of fun anyway.
Bridgeton Bridge, 8132 Bridgeton Rd, Bridgeton, IN 47836, USA
There you have it: six of the most beautiful, fascinating, and beloved covered bridges in Indiana, all grouped together for your visiting convenience! Which bridges in Indiana are your favorites? Let us know!
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Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
