Things to see and do during the second and third weeks of October during the Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, Indiana.
The Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana is well worth the visit. During the second and third weekends of October and the week between, thousands of vendors gather to set up their booths in a string of towns that stretches over about a hundred miles in Parke County, Indiana. People come to look at thirty-two old historical wood bridges, for which Parke County is famous, and to follow the trail of vendors from town to town.
Parke County is situated in West Central Indiana, a short drive from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Chicago or Detroit and draws more than a quarter million visitors. People arrive by car, tour bus, or train to enjoy the rolling hills and scenic beauty of the area at this time of year when the leaves are turning yellow and brilliant scarlet in a show that easily rivals New Hampshire and Maine. This area has been referred to as the Camelot of the Midwest.
The covered bridges of Parke County were built between 1856 and 1920, most of them built by three builders. Convenient color coded routes have been set up by the Tourist Department to help you find them.
On the Red Route, you will find the Brighton Covered Bridge, built in 1868, which is probably the most photographed and painted bridge in the Midwest because it sits over a waterfall. The barn red bridge and surrounding scenery has been featured on many a jig saw puzzle.
Next, you will see the Crooks Covered Bridge, built in 1856, the Neet Covered Bridge, circa 1904, and the McAlister Covered Bridge built in 1914 by J.A. Britton, who was 77 at the time.
J.P. VanFossen built the double span Roseville Covered Bridge in 1910 after the original bridge burnt. The fire was rumored to have been started by a couple of drunks who "burnt their bridges" on the way out of town after having been refused service at the local saloon.
The Harry Evans Covered Bridge near Coxville was another J.A. Britton bridge built in 1908. Britton also built the Zacke Cox Covered Bridge the same year.
On the Brown Route you will find the Phillips Covered Bridge built in 1909 and the older Sim Smith Covered Bridge. Built in 1883 by J. J. Daniels, this bridge is said to be haunted. Melcher Covered Bridge, also built by J. J. Daniels in 1896 has been known by many names. However it is referred to most often as the Klondyke Bridge.
Mecca Covered Bridge, another Daniels bridge built in 1873 is used for community celebrations such as Covered Bridge Festival Dances, Easter Sunrise Services and Christmas caroling.
There are three other color coded routes you can follow to view these magnificent pieces of history in Parke County.
If bridges aren't your particular cup of tea, perhaps you will enjoy the endless displays of unique Arts and Craft Vendors, antiques, junk and treasures. Literally thousands of vendors flock to this area for a ten day shopping and selling spree that lines the corridors along the routes to the bridges.
Just a short drive from Terre Haute to Brazil then north on Hwy 59, the largest market is found in Mansfield, Indiana. This giant flea market has thousands of vendors clustered around the old Mansfield Grist Mill (which is still working) and other historic buildings. By about 11:00am every square foot of space will be occupied by two feet shopping for goodies or sampling treats like emu or buffalo burgers.
In Rockville, Indiana you can visit a huge circus tent set up on the village green. Then, hop on a wood wagon pulled by a team of horses or huge farm tractor for a free ride down to the historic Billie Creek Village.
Here the vendors are all dressed in costumes of the period. You will find a restored historic village with stores filled with the merchandise of the times such as homemade candles, brooms, handmade quilts, and rootbeer. There is a genuine country mercantile and a live herb garden and apothecary. Children love the antique horse carousel and both adults and children gather round the story tellers and bluegrass bands.
You can visit a real blacksmith shop, check out farm animals and a tame buffalo, or attend a real tent gospel revival meeting. Homespun crafts abound as only vendors who are the actual artist of the items offered for sale are allowed. Three of the historic covered bridges are on the grounds.
Next door to the Billie Creek Village Grounds is a modern motel with 31 rooms. In downtown Bridgeton, there is a wonderful old Victorian house that sleeps eight called the Bridgeton Guest House. You can rent the entire house for $145.00 per night plus tax.
A short drive from this area you will find two beautiful State Parks: Turkey Run and Raccoon State Parks. Camp spaces are generous, wildlife abounds, peaceful lakes and creeks surround the area. There are nature trails for hiking, boat ramps, bath houses, and picnic areas. If you want to stay in these parks during the festival, you need to make a reservation many months in advance because during the festival they will fill up fast.
If camping isn't your style, Turkey Run also offers a modern motel with 80 rooms that range in price from $49 to $79.00.
The Motel Forrest on US Hwy 41 near Rockville offers 17 rooms priced at a reasonable $29 to $59.00 and is within walking distance of a laundry and a short drive to golfing, the beach or tennis.
The Parke Bridge Motel in Rockville is interesting, with each room decorated in a different Parke County theme. Quaint bed and breakfast establishments abound in this area, offering meals and a family atmosphere along with a room and sometimes private and sometimes shared bathroom.
The people of Indiana seem friendly and are always glad to greet a visitor and make you feel right at home. So, if you want to take a drive to see the fall colors changing, if I may, I suggest Parke County Indiana is the place to go!
