Parke: Canyons, Waterfalls, and Covered Bridges

Canyons, forests, and trails

At Turkey Run State Park, hikes lead through deep sandstone canyons and old-growth forests, with scenic views of Sugar Creek. A cultural landmark in the park is the Colonel Richard Lieber Cabin, which commemorates the founder of the Indiana State Park System. Near the headwaters of Big Raccoon Creek at Cecil M. Harden Lake, pristine forests and large rock outcroppings line the water. The lake was created by damming Big Raccoon Creek for flood control.

Shades State Park offers a different experience: sandstone cliffs provide views of Sugar Creek, while numerous canyons offer shade. The park has one of Indiana’s darkest skies and hosts astronomical observation events, including star parties; dates may vary. For a more challenging hike, there is a moderate-to-difficult trail from Devil’s Punchbowl through a streambed in a canyon to Silver Cascade Falls. Trail conditions and closures may change after rain; check trail status before setting out.

Covered bridges and history

Parke County has 31 historic covered bridges and promotes itself as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World.” The bridges are located in different places: Beeson Covered Bridge was moved to its current location in Billie Creek Village on US 36 in 1979. Narrows Covered Bridge, built in 1882, stands next to the Lusk Mill site on the east side of Turkey Run State Park. Crooks Covered Bridge is five miles southeast of Rockville and is part of Parke County’s “Red Route.” The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival showcases the county’s historic bridges.

The area’s building history is also varied. Rockville Chautauqua Pavilion was built in 1913 using timber bridge-building techniques and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dennis Hall was built in 1860 as an addition to Western Manual Labor School; Quakers operated the school from 1846 to 1916. Montezuma was Parke County’s principal port on the Wabash & Erie Canal. In Rockville, the opera house has a history spanning two construction periods: the original Rockville Opera House was built in 1883, and the new building, constructed in 1912, had 700 seats.

Mills and local experiences

In Bridgeton, the mill, dam, and covered bridge form a working gristmill with a waterfall. For more than 150 years, Bridgeton Mill has produced fresh, stone-ground flour. Visitors can watch the mill in operation and sample freshly ground whole-wheat flour. The mill is open daily from April through November; check current visitor information before your visit.

Historic Mansfield Roller Mill dates back to the 1880s. Its water turbine, installed in 1886, is operational, and much of the original water-powered equipment is still in use. The state historic site is operated by Raccoon Lake Interpretive Services. Billie Creek Village has three covered bridges, a historic schoolhouse, two churches, and the residence of Governor Albert Wright. Offerings also include handmade crafts, locally made goods at Billie Creek General Store, traditional craft demonstrations, and festival food—especially during festival events.

Rockville is the official headquarters of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. Festival offerings include arts and crafts, food, woodcarving demonstrations, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and Historic Ritz Theater. The theater screens current movies year-round and hosts live stage productions. At the seasonal Parke County Maple Fair, pancakes with maple syrup and coarse pork sausage are served all day; maple products, handmade crafts, baked goods, jams, and jellies are also available.

Activities for different kinds of trips

Rockville Lake Park combines nature trails and wildlife viewing opportunities with an 18-hole disc golf course. There is also a 125-foot-long, wheelchair-accessible pier at Rockville Lake. Another activity is available at Parke County Golf Course in Rockville: the course has nine holes and a par of 35; from the back tees, it measures 3,073 yards. The range of options gives you concrete ways to decide whether you’d rather spend your stay enjoying the scenery, playing a round of disc golf, or visiting the golf course.

Discover more destinations: Rockville, St. Joseph, Indiana County, Delaware, Tipton County, Wells County, Carroll County, Spencer County.

For the main travel overview: Indiana.