Deep sandstone canyons, covered bridges, and mills that process grain: Parke combines outdoor experiences with a tangible history of the region. In Turkey Run State Park, hiking trails wind through canyons and old-growth forests, while offering views of Sugar Creek. The Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin is also in the park. It commemorates the founder of the Indiana State Park System.
Canyons, Water, and Starry Skies
Shades State Park offers a distinctive experience: sandstone cliffs provide views of Sugar Creek, with numerous shaded canyons in between. The park is also known for having one of Indiana’s darkest skies and hosts astronomy events, including star parties. Dates may vary. Those looking for a more challenging hike can take a moderate-to-strenuous trail from Devil’s Punchbowl to Silver Cascade Falls. It runs through a creek bed in a canyon; conditions or closures may change after rain.
Water also shapes the landscape at Cecil M. Harden Lake. Old-growth forests and large rock outcroppings line the upper reaches of Big Raccoon Creek. The lake was created when the creek was dammed for flood control. Here, natural features sit alongside an intervention designed to regulate water. If you’d rather be on the water, Sugar Valley offers canoe trips through Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park. The trips pass beneath two covered bridges and a suspension bridge; five different trip lengths are available. The season and water conditions affect whether trips can run.
Covered Bridges and Regional History
Parke County has 31 historic covered bridges and promotes itself as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” These bridges are showcased at the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. Rockville is the festival’s official headquarters. The festival also features arts and crafts, food, wood-carving demonstrations, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the Historic Ritz Theater. The theater shows current movies and live stage productions year-round.
Individual bridges give the history specific dates and places: Narrows Covered Bridge was built in 1882 and stands beside the Lusk Mill site on the east side of Turkey Run State Park. Beeson Covered Bridge was moved to its current location in Billie Creek Village on US 36 in 1979. The Rockville Chautauqua Pavilion was built in 1913 using wooden bridge-building techniques and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Montezuma is also part of the canal’s history: it was Parke County’s most important port on the Wabash & Erie Canal.
A few more details help with getting around: Crooks Covered Bridge is five miles southeast of Rockville and is part of the “Red Route.” Cox Ford Covered Bridge is east of US 41, north of Indiana 47, and west of Turkey Run State Park. In Billie Creek Village, alongside three covered bridges, you’ll find a historic schoolhouse, two churches, and Governor Albert Wright’s residence. Historic buildings, handcrafted items, and locally made goods are also available; traditional craft demonstrations and festival food are especially associated with the festival.
Mills, Local Experiences, and Active Outings
At the Historic Mansfield Roller Mill, a mill dating from the 1880s shows how steam power was used to grind grain into flour. A water turbine installed in 1886 is operational, and much of the original water-powered equipment is still in use. Bridgeton Mill combines a working grist mill with a covered bridge and waterfall. Fresh, stone-ground flour has been produced there for more than 150 years. Visitors can watch the mill in operation and sample freshly ground whole-grain flour. Bridgeton Mill is open daily from April to November; check that it is open before you travel.
There are different ways to stay active: Rockville Lake Park has nature trails, wildlife viewing, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Rockville Lake also has a 125-foot-long, wheelchair-accessible pier. By contrast, Parke County Golf Course in Rockville is a 9-hole, par-35 course; from the back tees, it measures 3,073 yards. These details help distinguish golf from disc golf as separate activities. Turkey Run State Park also offers guided horseback rides on miles of bridle trails; reservations are made through the Saddle Barn.
Discover more destinations: Rockville, Rush County, Greene County, Marshall County, Jackson, Gibson County, Boone County, Adams County.
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