Indiana has quite an interesting honor to its name, especially if you’re a fan of old and unique historic places. For instance, there are nearly 100 covered bridges (98, to be exact) in the Hoosier State. Once upon a time, this number was significantly higher, being somewhere between 400 and 500. Unfortunately, history and time always take their toll, and usually, things like covered bridges just don’t last.

Many of the Parke County covered bridges have stood the test of time. Therefore, if you’re wondering, “Where can I find covered bridges near me,” how about embarking upon a short day trip to admire them? For your convenience, we went ahead and created a blueprint of some of the most beautiful covered bridges in Indiana. So, read on to learn more about what you’ll explore on this fun outing.

Parke County, Indiana, is quite literally famous for being the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World." To get started on your adventure, take a look at our Parke County covered bridges map which will take you to some highlights in this part of Indiana.
Google Maps
1. Cox Ford Covered Bridge
8203 Cox Ford Rd, Bloomingdale, IN 47832,
Michael Johnson/Google Local
We'll begin our tour of Parke County covered bridges at the Cox Ford Covered Bridge. This historical structure was built in 1913 by Joseph A. Britton and resides over Sugar Creek on the western edge of Turkey Run State Park. Interestingly, it was built from arches used on the Armiesburg Covered Bridge, which had been washed out earlier that year in the flood of 1913. It's a burr arch truss bridge that spans 176 feet in length.
2. Beeson Covered Bridge
Beeson Covered Bridge, 65 Billie Creek Road, Rockville, IN 47872, USA
David Whitworth/Google Local
Just a few short minutes up the road is our second stop along your tour of Indiana covered bridges - the Beeson Covered Bridge. Once upon a time, this bridge crossed Roaring Creek on County Road 216 in Washington Township, but in 1979, it was moved to its current location in Billie Creek Village. It was built in 1906 and is considerably smaller than the Cox Ford Covered Bridge, coming in at just 55 feet in length. It was originally going to be called the Marshall Covered Bridge, but there was already another nearby that had this name - so it was simply named after the local Beeson family instead.

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3. Crooks Covered Bridge
Crooks Covered Bridge, 3005 Crooks Bridge Rd, Rockville, IN 47872, USA
Mark Deweese/Google Local
Our third stop is at the old Crooks Covered Bridge. This stop on the Parke County covered bridges map crosses over Little Raccoon Creek and was built in 1855/56 by a man named Henry Wolf. It was moved from its original location at some point in or around 1863, though the exact reason for this is unknown. It is an impressive 154 feet in length, and to this day, it's open to traffic.
4. McAllisters Covered Bridge
McAllisters Covered Bridge, Rockville, IN 47872, USA
Kevin Ennis/Google Local
Our fourth stop on this road trip of covered bridges in Indiana is the famed McAllisters Covered Bridge. This historical structure was built by Joseph A. Britton and his son in 1914. It's 144 feet long and absolutely beautiful, expertly crafted from local wood and appreciated by residents for well over a century now. Like all of these old bridges, McAllister Covered Bridge is quite the sight to behold - which earned it its place on this delightful day trip.
5. Neet Covered Bridge
Neet Covered Bridge, Rockville, IN 47872, USA
Rachel Newquist/Google Local
The old Neet Covered Bridge was built in 1904 directly over Little Raccoon Creek. It is 144 feet long, expertly constructed, and has been a staple of life in Parke County since its inception in the early 20th century. This gorgeous Indiana covered bridge is only open to foot traffic. Therefore, we recommend that you plan accordingly.
6. Conley’s Ford Covered Bridge
Conley's Ford Covered Bridge, County Rd 550, Rockville, IN 47872, USA
Tana Ward/Google Local
Last, but certainly not least, is the longest bridge of the day: Conley’s Ford Covered Bridge. This special Indiana covered bridge spans an impressive 212 feet in length. This one crosses over Big Raccoon Creek and is still open to traffic, so you may cross in your car. As with all the bridges on this journey, be sure to bring a camera - it's outrageously photogenic, and we can't get enough of it.

There you have it: a fascinating, scenic day trip to six of the most intriguing covered bridges in Indiana. You now know that the next time you’re in Indiana and wondering, “Where to find covered bridges near me,” head to Parke County.

To help you have a memorable experience, feel free to also check out our ultimate road trip packing list. In this valuable resource, you’ll find useful tips and tricks that’ll help you have a wonderful outing. If you’d to explore more, take a look at our top road trips in Indiana too.

 

 

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Exploring Indiana

Marla S. | August 30, 2023

What are some popular road trips in Indiana?

In addition to exploring Parke County covered bridges, here are some popular road trips in Indiana:

  • A Small Towns Road Trip: Since about 11 hours of travel are involved in this road trip that goes through eight towns, we recommend making a weekend out of this adventure.
  • One Tank of Gas Road Trip: If you're looking for an affordable and fun way to spend the day, follow this route to waterfalls and much more.
  • Road Trip Through Perfection: When you can't decide where you want to go, we suggest this adventure that'll take you to an array of spots in Indiana.
  • An Abandoned Places In Indiana Road Trip: The next time you and your family are looking for a thrill, follow this route to some spooky and eerie spots in Indiana.

 

What are some of the best small towns to visit in Indiana?

Here are some of the best small towns to visit in Indiana:

  • Stinesville: This tiny town has a population of around 200 residents and is based in Monroe County.
  • Spurgeon: Like Stinesville, there's an average of 200 people who live in the charming Indiana town.
  • Pine Village; You'll feel like you've been transported into another world when you drive into this town that was built in 1951.
  • Shamrock Lakes: There are six lakes in this small town that was named after the clover.

 

For more ideas of what to do when you're in the Hoosier State, take a look at these best places to visit in Indiana.

 

 

 

 

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