Parke County is located in extreme western Indiana, just north of Terre Haute on the Illinois border. It's famously the home of Turkey Run State Park, but several picturesque covered bridges over a cluster of creeks also punctuate the county's bucolic setting. The bridges' close proximity to one another, in fact, make them perfect for a short Indiana day trip. Here are five, for example, that lie within 21 miles of each other, and we can reach them all in less than 45 minutes of driving time. I can't think of a better way to spend a day on the road in the Hoosier State.
Visit 5 Historic Covered Bridges on This Indiana Day Trip
1. Rockville, Indiana
Small Towns⬩Rockville, IN
We're going to start our road trip in the charming town of Rockville, Indiana, which is the seat of Parke County, where you'll find the handful of beautiful covered bridges that we will be visiting on our day trip itinerary. It's the perfect spot to set up a home base for exploring the county, with much to offer visitors in the way of dining options, shopping, and history.
2. Crooks Covered Bridge – Parke County, Indiana
Sights & Landmarks⬩Indiana
The first bridge on our journey is also the oldest we'll visit. Crooks Covered Bridge was built over Little Raccoon Creek in 1856 in rural Parke County, not far from Rockville. For an unknown reason, it was moved from its original location—likely due to a change in the course of the creek or abandonment of the road—and rebuilt in 1864 or later. Today, you can still drive across the 132-foot span, but if you ask me, it's more fascinating to get out and nose around on foot.
3. McAllister’s Covered Bridge – Adams, Indiana
Sights & Landmarks⬩Adams, IN
The next covered bridge on our adventure is located downstream from Crooks Bridge and also spans Little Raccoon Creek. McAllister's Bridge was originally constructed in 1914, but it was rebuilt in 1977, a year before it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The span is 144 feet, and it is still drivable.
4. Neet Covered Bridge – Adams, Indiana
Sights & Landmarks⬩Adams, IN
The 144-foot Neet Covered Bridge is our final bridge spanning Little Rock Creek. It was built in 1904 and stands as it was constructed—although a troop of Boy Scouts did repaint the span in 1989. It is no longer open to vehicle traffic, so you'll have to leave your vehicle to get up close and personal with this bridge. It's a good opportunity to stretch your legs before we make the drive to our penultimate stop.
5. Roseville Covered Bridge – Rosedale, Indiana
Sights & Landmarks⬩Rosedale, IN
Roseville Covered Bridge comes in at a whopping 263 feet, which is the longest bridge on this day trip—and quite long for a covered bridge, overall. It was built in 1910 and spans Big Raccoon Creek near the town of Rosedale, Indiana.
Parke County, Indiana
6. Harry Evans Covered Bridge – Rosedale, Indiana
Sights & Landmarks⬩Rosedale, IN
Our final stop is a 65-foot span over Rock Run Creek. Harry Evans Covered Bridge may be the shortest on the itinerary, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for with charm. Built in 1908, this historic bridge is still open to vehicle traffic.
If you follow the itinerary as described, you'll travel a one-way distance of 21 miles and finish up near the town of Rosedale. For those who like to travel in the morning, this presents a perfect opportunity to have breakfast in Rockville, then stop for lunch in Rosedale after your covered bridge adventure. If you're still craving a little more to do, Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is just a few minutes southeast of Rosedale.
Are there any bridges you think belong on this itinerary? We'd love to hear all about your favorite covered bridges in Indiana.
