Covered Bridges and Their Construction
The Forsythe Covered Bridge was built in 1888 and is 186 feet long; it is a single-span wooden covered bridge with Burr arch trusses. The Smith Covered Bridge was built in 1877 and also has one span with Burr arch trusses. It is located on the western edge of Rushville. The Offutt Bridge is also a single-span bridge built with Burr arch trusses. It was built in 1884 and is located northwest of Rushville. The construction years of 1877, 1884, and 1888 place the three bridges in chronological relation to one another; their shared construction type connects the structures despite their different locations.
Riverside Park on the Flatrock River
Riverside Park is in downtown Rushville; the Flatrock River forms its southern boundary. Walking paths and an 18-hole disc golf course offer different ways to enjoy the park. Overlook Gateway includes a sculpture garden, a splash pad, and an accessible walking path. The splash pad operates seasonally. The park has a boat and kayak launch on the south bank of the Flatrock River, near the Main Street Bridge. Park facilities may change. Check the latest information about park conditions and the launch before your visit.
Riverside Park Amphitheater hosts six free concerts each year. Since programming may change, it is a good idea to check the dates of individual events in advance. This makes it possible to combine a concert with the park’s other offerings, without limiting your visit to a single activity.
Local History, Architecture, and Culture
At the Rush County Historical Society’s Gowdy House Museum, visitors can learn about and explore the history of Rush County. The Hackleman Cabin offers another example of a historic building style: this log cabin, built in 1808, uses horizontal log construction.
Memorial Gymnasium brings together a precise building history and local basketball history. It was built in 1925–1926; the first basketball game there, against Greensburg, was held on February 5, 1926. The gymnasium is the third-oldest venue still regularly used for high school basketball. Wendell Willkie, who died in 1944, is buried at East Hill Cemetery in Rushville.
The iconic Princess Theatre is also part of Rushville’s cultural history and has a history spanning more than 100 years. You can take information about current programs and upcoming events into account when planning your visit. The Rush County Independent Chautauqua Association was founded in 1909. Its events included lectures, short plays, readings, singing, instrumental music, and comedies. In Rushville’s historic downtown, the Rushville Bicentennial Mural brightens the city center and welcomes visitors.
Markets, Events, and Local Offerings
The Rushville Farmers Market offers locally grown produce, baked goods, and handmade items on Saturdays from May through September. Since dates and hours are seasonal, check the specific details before your visit. Fish Moon Brewing Company is a craft brewery and brewpub in historic downtown Rushville.
The racetrack at the Rush County Fairgrounds hosts events every evening during fair week, as well as a few other events throughout the year. Riverside Park Amphitheater hosts six free concerts each year. Programs and dates may change, so it is worth checking the event calendars if you are planning your visit around them. Waggener Community Pool in Rushville offers swimming lessons. The pool operates seasonally, and registration details may change; check the latest information if you are planning to take a class.
Explore more destinations: Rushville, Bartholomew County, Huntington County, Carroll County, Steuben County, Whitley County, Marion, Elkhart.
For the broader travel overview: Indiana.
