I made the mistake of planning a visit to the Parke County Courthouse on the first day of the…read moreCovered Bridge Festival. There were crowds of people and tents were erected around the Square. But, there was an upside. The building was almost empty with no court and a clerk was there to let me into the courtroom. And the courtroom, THAT COURTROOM was magnificent with all original with late 1800's decor and furnishings. And it was immaculate as if it was cherished by the community. Original oak chairs, witness stand, judges bench and jury box stood as they have for over 140 years. The Second Empire/Mansard style courthouse was dedicated in 1881. The structure was designed by T. J. Tolan & Son, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The limestone building is ornate with columns, a balcony and clock tower. I entered through the basement which was filled with stacks of ancient surveyors books. The main level was dark with sparse lighting. Except for the courtroom, the interior is modest. Plaques honoring War heroes hung on the wall and a plaque indicated that the building was renovated 2001-2002. The standout features to me were the incredibly tall windows with original dark woodwork. There is a very old mural of President Lincoln at the top of the steps. The clerk that opened the courtroom was friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend a visit if you like architecture, history government or just being a Hoosier. Take a step back in time. There is parking around the Square. The original jail is now a bed and breakfast.

One of the most magnificent county courthouses I've seen, this could easily be a Capitol building…read moreif it were in Indianapolis! Parke County was formed in 1821 from land cut from Vigo County. The county seat is Rockville. Replacing an earlier two-story brick courthouse that had been built in 1832 (that itself was a replacement for a log courthouse), a new courthouse was designed by architects T.J. Nolan and his son Brentwood. This design incorporates Beaux Arts features with Second Empire design elements. The first floor features segmental-arched windows and the second story is more conventional arches with dormer windows. The building is topped with a three-story clock tower that has a dome of stone and iron. The interior is flush with fabulous doorways and a marble staircase. The Tolans also designed the Kosciusko County Courthouse in Warsaw, Delaware County Courthouse in Muncie and Whitley County's in Columbia City. [Review 1294 of 2024 - 171 in Indiana - 22317 overall]

The woman who was there at the time was very friendly and helpful. Provided us with everything we…read moreneeded. The signs on the route, however, need a little work. I don't know who is in charge of that, but there needs to be a sign at every intersection and some are so faded, they are hard to read. Since some are not on the colored routes, there should be signs to point to them or they will be missed. We had to backtrack several times. We needed up using their map, plus GPS to find the street names and even then it was a guessing game in some areas. We had fun, though.

Although the actual visitor center part of the former depot is small, it does have a lot of…read morebrochures and booklets about the county. The staff member working was friendly and helpful with a good base of knowledge about the attractions and their history. I was able to get several questions answered without having to read through the brochures to find answers. They have convenient parking next to the depot and signs pointing you in the direction of the different covered bridge trails which are given colors. These driving trails correspond to their Parke County map and if you follow the path in the right direction, you will see signs about where to turn on your route. I also liked their website and response times for inquiry too. Not the biggest Visitor Center I've visited in the state, but a place worth checking out before exploring the county on your own. Review #3146

Billie Creek Covered Bridge is the only covered bridge that is original to the Billie Creek…read moreVillage. The Burr Arch bridge was built by J. J. Daniels in 1895 over Williams Creek, just east of Rockville. The single lane bridge was open to traffic during our visit and we drove across. I love to hear the echo and feel the vibration when I drive across these old covered bridges. We crossed "at a walk" of course. The bridge is part of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. I like to visit the bridges off season when there are no crowds around.

One of the covered bridges in Billie Creek Village, it is the only one that is still open to…read morevehicles. And even better, the clearance and capacity were sufficient to fit my Sprinter van. It is a single lane. A Burr Arch Truss that was built by prolific builder Joseph J. Daniels, this one was completed in 1895. It was originally part of the roadway that would become US 36 nearby. The Howard and Hollandsburg Bridges nearby did get saved. Despite being open to traffic, it is still in excellent condition and well worth a visit. I believe it's a "star" in the annual Covered Bridge Festival. [Review 1295 of 2024 - 172 in Indiana - 22318 overall]

The Beeson Covered Bridge was moved to Billie Creek Village in 1980. A plaque says that the Burr…read moreArch bridge was built in 1906 by Frankfort Construction Company. The bridge originally crossed Roaring Creek in Marshal Indiana. The bridge is only opened to pedestrian traffic. I walked the 120 year old bridge several times. Some of the side panels seem to be in disrepair. Festive string lights hang inside the bridge. The bridge is part of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, but I like visiting these bridge at other times to avoid the crowds. There is nearby free parking.

Originally crossing Roaring Creek, the Beeson Covered Bridge was moved to this location in December…read more1979. It is a single span Burr Arch covered bridge that was built in 1906 by the Frankfurt Construction Company, the only surviving bridge in Parke County that was built by a professional construction company. It is 55 feet long and has a clearance of 12 feet 6 inches. Only open to pedestrians at this time. And it's still in very good condition considering that it has survived TWO arsons. Gosh, people suck! It is one of the set pieces that is part of the Billie Creek Village. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Park County Covered Bridge Festival.

We had a heck of a time finding this little covered bridge. We drove around in circles before we…read moreasked someone at the campground. The Catlin Bridge is located near the southside of a golf course. There is parking and we walked down to see the bridge. It was a beautiful day and people were playing golf so I had to dodge a few balls. The Parke County Covered Bridge map and sign at the site told us that the 54' bridge was built in 1907 by Clark McDaniel and relocated to the golf course in 1961. The Burr Arch bridge is lovely but showing signs of age. It looks like the creek that may run under the bridge is dry. We talked to the manager of the golf course and he recommended a couple of his favorite spots in Parke County to visit and we did. (I love Midwest hospitality.)

This Single Span Burr Arch Truss was put up by Clark McDaniel in 1907 to carry the…read moreRockville-Rosedale Road across Sunderland Creek north of Catlin. In 1961, it was moved to the Rockville Golf Course, where it now crosses Bill Diddle Creek. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, it is #13 on the Parke County Covered Bridge Map. It can be viewed from the north end of the club's parking lot.

I'm on a quest to visit all the covered bridges in Indiana. Covered bridges connect us with the…read morepast. The Leatherwood Station Covered Bridge was built by the famous Indiana bridge builder, J. A. Britton in 1899. The Burr Arch bridge originally crossed Leatherwood Creek at Leatherwood Station, Indiana. The bridge was moved to Billie Creek Village, where it stands today and is open to traffic (sometimes). I've walked across several of Britton's bridges now, and they seem familiar to me. Britton built approximately 40 bridges in Indiana during his lifetime. This 72' bridge is in exceptional condition. The bridge is part of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, but I prefer to visit off season to avoid the crowds. There is free parking at Billie Creek Village. There are three covered bridges at the site, each with its own story. Interesting side fact, leatherwood is a tree with a pliable bark that was used by indigenous people and early settlers to make rope and other useful materials. I assume that there are leatherwood trees along Leatherwood Creek.

This is one of three covered bridges inside Billie Creek Village. J.A. Britton put up this Single…read moreSpan Burr Arch Truss design in 1899 to span Leatherwood Creek at the Leatherwood train station. The bridge was moved to its current location over Williams Creek in 1981. Also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this is #25 on the Parke County Covered Bridge Map.

Billie Creek Village was a surprising hidden gem and a step back in history for us. I wanted to…read morevisit a couple covered bridges in Parke County and stumbled across this charming recreated 19th century village. There are three covered bridges in Billie Creek. One of the three bridges only accommodates foot traffic, while the other two are passable by car. Two of the bridges were relocated to the village from other parts of Parke County. The village itself is made up of about 20 historic buildings that have been relocated to the site. We were amazed that we could walk through the buildings and find period furnishings. I particularly like the information describing the history and inhabitants of the buildings. We saw two churches, a schoolhouse, log cabin and doctor's office. The school house contains its original furnishings and many books. The original modest home of Indiana's 10th governor, Joseph A. Wright, is on the site, complete with law books and a spinning wheel. We bought cookies at the Gaebler's Cafe, which also serves coffee and sandwiches. You can buy sodas and candy at the General Store. Behind the barn are Billy goats. There is a Civil War era house on the grounds, also. Restrooms are available and clean. Parking is free. Not all the buildings are wheelchair accessible, but several are. Billie Creek is a great place to bring kids to learn about early settlements in Indiana. Admission is free, but they do ask for donations to help with maintenance. Wear good walking shoes. I think they have vendors and other activities at the village during the Covered Bridge Festival.

One of the first things I noticed when I began traveling to Putnam County regularly during my…read morefather's illness and after his death was that Rockville, Indiana is not actually far from Putnam County. While Rockville is mostly known for the Covered Bridge Festival, it's also home to Billie Creek Village. Billie Creek is smack dab in Parke County. It takes its name from the nearby Williams Creek. It's a 70-acre history museum and park with around 38 historical buildings/structures and an abundance of antiques and such. Buildings are mostly mid-19th century to early 20th century. The 1913 Schoolhouse is considered a highlight. You'll likely think of a place like Conner Prairie when you visit, though truthfully I thought more of a place like Chesterfield (minus the alternative spirituality focus). There are three covered bridges (all on the National Register of Historic Places) Billie Creek has an interesting history. It has closed at least a couple times due to financial issues. It was purchased in 2022 and is currently free to visit the buildings (though there are events that do have a price and there's a general store and a cafe in the Gaebler building now). I will note that you can visit from 8am-4pm daily, however, the cafe is 6am-2pm. Buildings include an 1830s cabin, the general store, a village bank (was a 19th century post-office), a blacksmith shop, Burr Mill, Chataqua Pavilion, a doctor's office, Governor Wright Home, a maple syrup camp, refreshment stand (built in 1911), St. Joseph's Catholic Church (built in 1886), Union Baptist Church, and quite a bit more. There are events throughout the year - the website has been redeveloped (I submitted the new link) and is quite nicely done with the schedule. Is accessibility perfect? Definitely not. These are historic buildings and accessibility simply isn't always workable. However, it's better than expected. This is also a more casual experience. Don't go expecting all the scenes and scenarios and cosplay that you'll find at Conner Prairie - this is a historic village that for me is more relaxing, more immersive, and pretty amazing to experience in Rockville (which is, in itself, a beautiful area). If you're visiting the area, Billie Creek is a great stop along with the area's covered bridges and Raccoon Lake not too far away. For kids on summer vacation, this is definitely worth a stop!

Fewer people... but same great food...! Nice selection of…read morevendors and crafts.. Trees haven't fully changed colors yet.

Nostalgic for some, but a skip if you value quality craftsmanship…read more We drove two hours to attend the Bridgeton portion of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, arriving right at noon to an enormous, already-packed parking lot. Having attended in the past, I knew to expect a bustling event, but the quality of the festival merchandise seems to have shifted significantly downward. If you are looking for refined, high-quality artisan goods or curated home decor, this is not the venue. The vast majority of the booths feature mass-market, low-tier crafts and yard items. While the festival clearly still draws massive crowds who enjoy the tradition, the shopping experience was a total miss for anyone with elevated tastes. Food is another factor to keep in mind. I did enjoy a sandwich from one of my favorite pulled-pork vendors, but at $15, prices are steep--reportedly due to the sharp increase in vendor space fees. If you do go, I highly recommend seeking out the smaller, independent ice cream stands rather than simply joining the longest line on the street; you'll often find better hospitality. Ultimately, if you are going purely for deep-fried food and a crowded, traditional fall spectacle, you might enjoy it. But if you are traveling out of your way hoping for a sophisticated shopping experience, save your time, energy, and gas money.