Indiana is known for many things, including its basketball heritage, the Indy 500, and its cornfields. But did you know that Indiana is also home to many charming and historic covered bridges? Exploring these structures can be a fun and unique way to experience Indiana’s history and natural beauty. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the most notable covered bridges in the state.
What are Covered Bridges?
A covered bridge is a timber-truss bridge that is enclosed at least partially by a roof and siding, providing shelter from the weather. In the past, these bridges were built to help protect the wooden structural elements of the bridge from decay, and to make them last longer. Today, covered bridges are appreciated for their beauty and historic significance.
Indiana’s Covered Bridges
Indiana has a rich history of covered bridges, and once had over 500 of them throughout the state. Unfortunately, many of these bridges have been destroyed due to natural disasters, neglect, or modernization. However, there are still many historic covered bridges that have been preserved for visitors to admire.
Parke County
Parke County, located in western Indiana, is known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World" and is home to 31 historic covered bridges. The county’s covered bridge festival, held annually in October, is the largest of its kind in the world, and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Some of the most notable covered bridges in Parke County include:
- Bridgeton Covered Bridge: Built in 1868, this bridge spans the Little Raccoon Creek and is one of the most photographed covered bridges in the country.
- Crooks Covered Bridge: Also known as the "Fruitdale Covered Bridge", this bridge was built in 1856 and is the oldest remaining covered bridge in Indiana.
- Mecca Covered Bridge: Built in 1873, this bridge spans the Big Raccoon Creek and is one of the few covered bridges in Indiana that you can drive through.
Other Covered Bridges in Indiana
Outside of Parke County, there are still many historic covered bridges to visit in Indiana. Here are a few notable examples:
- Henry County (Beeson Covered Bridge): Built in 1906, this bridge spans the west fork of the White River and is one of the last covered bridges in the eastern part of the state.
- Madison County (Johnston Covered Bridge): Made famous by the book and movie "Bridges of Madison County", this bridge was built in 1919 and spans the west fork of the White River.
- Rush County (Moscow Covered Bridge): Built in 1886, this bridge spans the Big Flatrock River and is the only covered bridge in Indiana with a steel frame.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re interested in exploring Indiana’s covered bridges, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, many of the historic bridges are located in rural areas, so plan on doing some driving. Second, some of the bridges are open to vehicle traffic, while others are only accessible by foot. Check the specific bridge’s website or local tourist information for availability and accessibility. Lastly, be sure to respect the bridges and any posted rules–these historic structures are fragile and must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Indiana’s covered bridges offer a unique glimpse into the past, and are a fun and scenic way to explore Indiana’s rural beauty. With so many bridges to choose from, there’s sure to be a covered bridge that piques your interest and gives you a new appreciation for Indiana’s history.