PARKE COUNTY GUIDE - Parke County COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL - VISITORS GUIDE - Rockville Indiana

2023 Covered Bridges Calendar! ***NEW***

PARKE COUNTY'S COVERED BRIDGES 2023 CALENDAR

Beauty Built To Last...For GENERATIONS

Only $12.00 — Get Your Copy Here!

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

October 14-23, 2022

Festival Headquarters on the Rockville Square: The foundation of the festival, the Rockville Square is where the Covered Bridge Festival began in 1957. Rockville hosts vendors of homemade/handmade items, primities, and antiques. Local non profits serve a variety of foods each day in their food shacks around the South side of the courthouse lawn. Two information booths on the square offer free covered bridge maps, directions and helpful information to plan your visit in Parke County. Find additional shopping around Rockville at antique stores, boutiques, and the local art gallery. The Historic Ritz theater offers several theatrical presentations during the festival.

Welcome to Northern Parke County

We invite you to come experience Northern Parke County where you can walk wooded wonderlands of virgin forests, marvel over magnificent sandstone ravines, descend canyons of untouched geological formations and experience a piece of Indiana that time has carefully molded and that has been left virtually untouched by the modern world. In Northern Parke County you can visit family farms, marvel at carefully constructed covered bridges of days gone by and travel back to a time when everything seemed much simpler and less hectic. Our restaurants will tempt you, our state park will lure you, our inns and resorts will call you and our businesses will invite you to shop where you can find everything from unique treasures to camping supplies. Come visit beautiful Northern Parke County!

Covered Bridge Festival Activities at Montezuma Indiana • October 8 - 17

Friday, October 8
• Country Store Open All Day
• Canal Tours from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Homemade Crullers, Roast Hog, and Bean Dinner
• Chair Caning, rope making, & more Demonstrations

Saturday, October 9
• 10 AM-4 PM Wabash & Erie Canal Car and Truck Show (contact Tammy Rees 317-965-4880 or Tammy_Rees@sbcglobal.net)
• Country Store Open All Day
• Canal Tours from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Homemade Crullers, Roast Hog, and Bean Dinner
• Chair Caning, rope making, & more Demonstrations

Sunday, October 10
• Country Store Open All Day
• Canal Tours from 10 AM to 4 PM
• Homemade Crullers, Roast Hog, and Bean Dinner
• Chair Caning, rope making, & more Demonstrations

Sugar Valley Spirits Distillery in Parke County

Sugar Valley Spirits is the first and only distillery in Parke County, and we’re proud to deliver a true, local product. We handcraft our spirits in Indiana, but our dream to create quality rum for our friends and family was born in the sun-soaked isles of the Florida Keys. Our premier product is a Caribbean style white rum, but new products, along with tasting and tours, will be unveiled as we expand. Pick up your bottle at UP THE CREEK 1165 N SR 47 Marshall, Indiana Turkey Run Distillery Parke County, IN 765-597-2355 — Sugarvalleyspirits.com

Sugar Valley Canoe Trips

Come paddle Scenic Sugar Creek with Sugar Valley Canoe Trips. From amazing bluffs and rock formations to historic covered bridges, Sugar Valley has been giving their customers the opportunity to enjoy this amazing stream since 1983. With access areas just above Narrows Covered Bridge and at Jackson Covered Bridge, Sugar Valley has now established a new access area downstream of Cox Ford Covered Bridge. Called Cox Ford Creekside, this amazing property offers their customers a much better experience with less congestion, a safer sandbank, no stairs and plenty of room to roam. This new access can be experienced on their 3 mile, 6 mile and 15 mile trips. Steer your course to Sugar Valley Canoe Trips.

Peaceful Waters Campground and The Old Goat Trading Post North of Rockville

After a full day of covered bridge shopping, Peaceful Waters Campground offers a relaxing way to unwind. Whether you like boating, fishing, or just enjoying fellowship time around a crackling fire watching the sky fill with stars, this campground offers it all.

Bloomin’ Barn Antiques in Bloomingdale

Just six miles North of Rockville, Indiana in Parke County, you will find the Bloomin’ Barn tucked away in wooded seclusion. You will notice the uniqueness of the Barn as you approach it down the winding lane just off US 41.

Pearson Sports - Popular for Sportsmen

The Parke County area’s abundant wildlife makes it a popular spot for sportsmen of all types for fishing, deer and turkey hunting. Duane Pearson, a native of Marshall and graduate of Turkey Run High School is the owner of Pearson Sports.

He’s owned his shop for thirty-six years. Pearson Sports began in 1985 and in 1995 he moved to a new spacious location. Pearson Sports offers a full line of firearms, ammunition and accessories, including black powder, muzzle loader items, reloading supplies and bait and tackle. You can also purchase hunting and fishing licenses at the store.

Swarey’s Variety Store Near Marshall

Among the backroads of beautiful Parke County you will spot a horse-drawn buggy or two and an Amish shop every now and then.

Hurricane Hill Botanicals

Open your mind to the wonderful world of essential oils, natural healing and to natural products that do not contain unpronounceable ingredients! That is what Steve and Doris Brucken of Marshall, Indiana offer through Hurricane Hill Botanicals.

The Marshall Arch in Marshall Indiana

The Marshall Arch is the first work of Carroll O. Beeson, who, in the 55 years to follow, would be responsible for over 300 architectural projects in west central Indiana. The arch was constructed as a result of the local businessmen challenging the young architectural student to design something to enhance the town’s appearance.

Wilkins Mill Guesthouse in Bloomingdale

For a perfect getaway in Covered Bridge Country, Wilkins Mill Guesthouse is the answer! The Main Cabin at Wilkins Mill was built in 1828 and also included a livery stable and post office at the then thriving community. In 1853 George Wilkins purchased the mill and operated it until the 1900’s.

Welcome to Central Parke County

Ready for a leisurely getaway? We invite you to come and spend some time in Central Parke County. You can tour covered bridges, stroll around quaint town squares, visit an art gallery, wonderful meals, delicious wines and inviting inns.

2020 Featured Artist: Lynne Dunnavant

I was born and raised in Rockville, Indiana and was always very interested in art and enjoyed it in school. I went to work full time after graduation and started a family which didn’t leave much time for painting.

I’m self-taught and started painting full time when I retired in 2018. I paint with oil and watercolor. I love the rural landscapes, old barns and bridges, and anything unusual or old and antique looking. I love flowers too! I sell my original paintings and prints on my website and also exhibit them in central Indiana and Illinois art galleries. Note cards of my work are for sale at the gallery in Rockville or on my Facebook page.

Covered Bridge Campground in Rockville

Brian Williams owns and operates the Covered Bridge Campground. He has 73 sites, a shower house and public restroom. Come join us for some fun during the festival or just for a family friendly weekend!

You can view our pictures on Facebook or at www.coveredbridgecampground.com

Wheel House Donuts - Roll On In

Welcome to the Wheel House, home of custommade cake donuts! You pick the icing and the toppings, and we custom-make the donut just the way you want it.

Located in the heart of Covered Bridge country, what was once a home is now a charmingly renovated coffee shop, family-owned and operated. Looking for something to satisfy your craving for a delicious pastry? At Wheel House, we take our donutmaking seriously. Fresh-made every morning, stop in to experience the culture of a big city coffeehouse with friendly, down-home hospitality.

Maple Fair Festival & Syrup Recepies

• Visit Maple Syrup Camps
• Tour our 31 Covered Bridges
• Dine on Sausage & Pancakes
• Browse through Unique Shops
• Stay in a local Inn, Motel or Bed & Breakfast

MAPLE FACTS

• A maple tree is usually at least 30 years old and 12 inches in diameter before it is tapped

• Each tap will yield an average of 10 gallons of sap per season; that yields about one quart of syrup

Amoré Pizza King in Rockville Indiana

Amoré Pizza King, Rockville’s oldest restaurant still in business, has been feeding Parke County residents and visitors delicious, special recipe Italian cuisine and pizza since 1972. You will find classic thin crust pizza prepared on cornmeal and baked in a slate oven with more toppings per square inch than other pizzas around. Or, enjoy a ciabotta bread and dipping oil, an order of breadsticks, strombolis and other sandwiches, salad, a fine selection of beer and fine wine and more, all while listening to the sounds of Frank and Dean!

Antiques On York in Rockville Indiana

You will find Antiques on York a great place to take some time off from hiking Turkey Run State Park trails, or fighting the crowds during Covered Bridge Festival time. You just might end up finding a few vintage or antique treasures to take home. This corner shop located behind the Thirty Six Saloon in downtown Rockville has a wide variety of small furniture, ceramics, jewelry, dish and glass ware, antiques, primitives, re-purposed items, signage, and much more all located in its one-level, 4500 square foot mall at 100 West York Street. Inventory changes constantly so you never know just what treasures you will find! Check them out on Facebook and on the Web.

Shannon’s Sugar Rush Custom Desserts

Located on the East side of the Square in Rockville you’ll find all sorts of goodies that will give you a sugar buzz‚ at Shannon’s Sugar Rush. Come on in for all your sweet needs‚a cold treat with Velvet Ice Cream in many different flavors, a cupcake, a draft root beer, a cup of coffee or all sorts of baked treats to eat there or to take home. You will find a variety of goodies for sale like cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, strudels, root beer floats, muffins, breakfast breads, pies, of course delicious ice cream, speciality coffees and much more! If you need something for a special occasion, Shannon’s Sugar Rush is here to help you, too. Her cakes are as delicious as they are beautiful!

Urban Farmchic, Distinctive Shopping

Located at 102 South Market Street in downtown Rockville, Urban Farmchic offers a distinctive shopping experience. The design talents of Rachel Engel, a licensed designer, are highlighted throughout the county meets urban style shop. The shop features an awe-inspiring collection of vintage, salvage, handmades, and boutique clothing.

Neva’s Antiques & Collectibles

If you are looking for something from the past, an unusual item of the modern day or an antique of unique style--the place to look is Neva’s Store on the north side of the square in Rockville. It’s the most complete compilation of eclectic wares around. From locally hand-crafted pottery, jewelry, clothing and needlework to handcrafted furniture in primitive, country and the fabulously popular shabby chic styles to antiques and collectibles and more, you will find the most distinct collection at Neva’s located at 120 W Ohio Street, on the north side of the square in Rockville.

Country Home Furniture & Crafts

There’s a new store in town that you won’t want to miss. Country Home Furniture & Crafts opened its doors in September just in time for the Covered Bridge Festival!

The Vintage Beehive in Rockville Indiana

After 27 years of being away from Rockville, native April Mason returned to open Rockville’s newest store, The Vintage Beehive which is located just across from The Ritz off the Southwest corner of the downtown Square. Wanting to sell honey, April had fallen in love with the idea of having her own store and so the The Vintage Beehive was born!

Vintage Relics Antiques, Rockville Square

Vintage Relics Antiques is a new store on the historic square in Rockville and right in the heart of Parke County—a perfect place for Annettra Newlin to open the store she has dreamed of for a long time.

Although the purchase of the store at 117 Jefferson Street was an “impulse” buy, it has ended up the perfect spot for her to display antique and vintage furniture, primitives, all sorts of home decor and maybe even some architectural salvage from time to time for her customers’ pleasure —inventory changes daily!

Chelsea’s General Store & Pickin’ Post

Owner of Chelsea’s General Store & Pickin’ Post, Chelsea Wyatt, is “itchin’ to do some pickin’ ”—Bluegrass music picking that is— at her new store on the square in downtown Rockville, Indiana at 113 South Jefferson Street.

Welcome to Southern Parke County

Welcome to Southern Parke County, the home of fun and festivals! — there’s one for every season from Mushroom time to Christmastime. Come see this region decked out in the delicate blooms of redbud and dogwood in the spring, the vivid greens of summer, the vibrant hues the fall brings or in the soft, pristine snow cover of winter. Southern Parke County is also home to two working grain mills, lots of good fishing places, winding country roads, more of those beautiful bridges, quaint inns, shops galore and savory fare. We know you’ll be enchanted with all the local splendor of this region!

Bridgeton Country Christmas

By Celia Case

Bridgeton will be hosting its annual Country Christmas celebration starting Black Friday! Join us for two big weekends: Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 4-6, 2020. Hours are Fridays & Saturdays 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. 

Shops will be open and full of gifts. The 1878 Barn, Collom’s General Store and the Artisans Barn at the Mill will be open with vendors. Some Covered Bridge Festival vendors will be present and there will be new ones as well!

The Bridgeton Mill - Family Owned

By Mike Rowe

Two thousand lb. massive stones that are over 200 years old gently grind wheat into flour and corn into meal at Indiana’s oldest continuing operating grist mill. The Bridgeton Mill is set with the backdrop of a National Historic District and next door to one of Parke County’s famous Covered Bridges. Twenty-seven other buildings, along with the Mill, make up the quaint town of Bridgeton, Indiana.

The Red Raccoon Lifestyle Boutique

The Red Raccoon is a unique, one of a kind retail store with TWO brick & mortar locations, plus a mobile boutique! Our main location is located on US HWY 36, just east of Raccoon Lake SRA, with our second location, Rubies, being located on the North side of the courthouse square in Rockville. Our mobile boutique, is just that, mobile! Call one of the brick and mortars to find where the mobile boutique will be at next! The three locations offer an overall combined 6,000 square feet of boutique clothing, accessories, home décor, and even a little bit of gardening for you. Mike and Jamie Baird, along with their children Jennafer, Jessica, & Billy opened The Red Raccoon on April 1, 2014 with the other two locations to follow in 2016 and 2018.

Raccoon Lakeside Lodge Open Year Round

Need a fishing get-away? A vacation? A peaceful hideaway? You’ll find Raccoon Lakeside Lodge in Parke County a relaxing place with lakeside furnished apartments and suites, a fishing dock, water-skiing, hiking, Jacuzzis, swimming, beaching, grilling, porch swinging and more! 

Just imagine sitting outside and enjoying the patio, grilling a meal or having a picnic on the deck. Relax in a porch swing and enjoy the lakeside view. All the lodges’ housing units are situated within close proximity to a 20 X 40 outdoor pool or enjoy the 200 ft. sea wall deck at the lake front where you’ll find a very popular fishing pier. Ten floating docks are available as well as rental deck pontoon boats.

Grandmas Lakeside Cafe East of Rockville

Grandmas Lakeside Café is located just east of Rockville, at the corner of Walker Ramp road and 10585 E US HWY 36 at Walker Ramp Road. Look for their Red Wagon on top of the hill! You will want to visit this peaceful Café for great home cooked meals with a full menu. You will find daily lunch and dinner specials and you can dine-in or call ahead for carry-out. Grandmas Lakeside Café also serves pizza and hot, toasted sandwiches.

Midwest Window Co. Rockville Indiana

Along the Parke County byways and highways you will find numerous wonderful Amish businesses. One of those is Midwest Windows located right off of Highway 36 just west of the SR 59 and SR 36 Junction. Dave Kanagy, owner of Midwest Windows, has been in business for 20 years, after first locating and establishing his business in Ferndale, Indiana. He then moved to the huge location right off of Highway 36.

Hills & Bridges - Cycling Parke County

There’s no better way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Parke County than from the seat of your own bicycle. Rolling hills, rippling streams and our famous Covered Bridges make this the ideal place to explore on a bicycle. The 1883 Railroad Depot and Tourist Center, (three blocks east of the Rockville Square on Highway 36) is the perfect place to begin your tour. Bicycling is great almost any time of the year in Parke County. Invite your friends and family to join you on a scenic comfortable ride to see our scenery and bridges.

Ditzler Orchard at Cherrywood Farm

Ditzler Orchard has been family owned and operated since 1970.
Here you can pick your own stawberries, cherries, blueberries and apples in season. Rather not pick them yourself? Then come shop our market! We’re open daily May through December, so stop in to see us!

Ski’s Truck & RV Sales

Love camping? We do too! Visit Ski’s Truck & RV Sales at our new location, just west of Raccoon Lake. Our RV Center and Outdoor Showroom is located at 9272 E. U.S. Highway 36, Rockville, IN 47872.

Fisher’s Discount, Bellmore Country Store

The Fisher family has operated a successful dairy farm in northeast Parke County since 1977. In 2011, Joseph and Salome Fisher opened a small discount grocery store in their garage, three miles west of Lake Waveland. 

The local demand was so strong for discount groceries that they opened a new, larger store on a separate drive from the dairy barn. This new store featured an eight door cooler and four door freezer. The store became so popular that it was again expanded in 2018 with much more shelf space, a twelve door cooler, eight door freezer and an additional walk-in cooler.

Since 1819, Historic Mansfield Roller Mill

Since 1819, the Mansfield Roller Mill has graced the banks of Big Raccoon Creek in the village that would become Mansfield, Indiana. The Mill was built of logs and used glacial stones quarried nearby to grind corn and wheat.

Indiana Zipline Tours Near Crawfordsville

For a thrill of a lifetime stop by Indiana Zipline Tours, nestled among a canopy of trees just outside of Crawfordsville and just minutes away from Turkey Run and Shades State Parks. We are Indiana’s longest zipline! Designed and built with nature in mind you’ll fly like a bird over a mile of zipline cable, ranging from 150’ to 2000’ and with no towers to climb! Our zipline tours consist of 8 ziplines, one swinging bridge, a few scenic walks and Indiana’s only suspended platforms in the trees!

Mansfield Village Bar & Grill

Mansfield Village Bar & Grill is a popular tourist destination and was awarded 2019 Parke County Business of the Year. Known for their famous pork tenderloin and Philippine foods, the Bar & Grill is open every weekend, year around. Charming Mansfield Village creates the perfect setting for a relaxed atmosphere while taking in the Creekside views and historic landmarks.

Vintage Blooms Unique Gifts in Brazil

Between the creek and the corn field in rural Clay County, located on a 15 acre property, lies VINTAGE BLOOMS. It is a family owned intimate gift shop that offers lovingly picked unique finds for every occasion. 

You will find baby gifts, jewelry, candles, stationary, greeting cards, a small selection of vintage items, prints from Indiana Artists, specialty teas and spices, home decor and a variety of other gift items as well as party and special event supplies.

Raccoon State Recreation Area

Providing access to wildlife and a fun environment for the whole family, Raccoon Lake Recreation Area offers opportunities to find the perfect fishing spot, go boating, ski and swim. While hiking the five scenic trails, you’ll experience a wide assortment of habitats including mature hardwood forests, open meadows, a beautiful shoreline and many small ponds.

Rustic Country Charm, East of Rockville

Tabitha McGowan is the new owner of the former Country Folks Farmers Market, west of Bainbridge on Highway 36 at U.S. 231. Tabitha and her husband have property in Parke County that he uses for hunting and they noticed the popular little market on their trips to the area. The store seemed like a good investment toward their retirement and 2020 became their first year as store owners.

2021 Covered Bridges Calendar! ***NEW***

PARKE COUNTY'S COVERED BRIDGES 2021 CALENDAR

Beauty Built To Last...For GENERATIONS

Only $12.00 — Get Your Copy Here!

Greencastle Offset - Printing Services for Parke County & Nearby Indiana Counties

As our businesses take precautions for the #Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, please support local merchants during this difficult period.

Greencastle Offset Printing & Graphics serves the printing needs of Greencastle, Indiana, Putnam County, Indiana and nearby counties. We take great pride in our work and we have a talented design staff willing to assist you on your next project. — Call us today, 765-653-4026 or visit us at 20 South Jackson Street, Greencastle.

Rockville, The HEART of Parke County

The quaint, small town of Rockville is the place to be all four seasons of the year. Come visit us and find yourself renewed, refreshed, and revitalized no matter the time of the year. Our “neck of the woods” is flourishing largely due to the efforts of MainStreet Rockville. You will find our town alive and doing well, offering so much for our residents and visitors.

Welcome to Northern Parke County (MAP)

We invite you to come experience Northern Parke County where you can walk wooded wonderlands of virgin forests, marvel over magnificent sandstone ravines, descend canyons of untouched geological formations and experience a piece of Indiana that time has carefully molded and that has been left virtually untouched by the modern world.

Festival Activities at Montezuma, Indiana

Covered Bridge Festival Activities at Montezuma, Indiana

First Friday

• Country Store Open All Day
• Canal Tours from 10 AM to 4PM
• Homemade Crullers, Roast Hog, and Bean Dinner
• Chair Caning, rope making, & more Demonstrations

Sugar Valley Spirits Distillery, Parke County

Sugar Valley Spirits is the first and only distillery in Parke County, and we’re proud to deliver a true, local product. We handcraft our spirits in Indiana, but our dream to create quality rum for our friends and family was born in the sun-soaked isles of the Florida Keys. Our premier product is a Caribbean style white rum, but new products, along with tasting and tours, will be unveiled as we expand. Pick up your bottle at UP THE CREEK 1165 N SR 47 Marshall, Indiana Turkey Run Distillery Parke County, IN 765-597-2355 Sugarvalleyspirits.com

Up The Creek Boat-tiqué Near Turkey Run

Steer your course to Up the Creek Boat-ique and be delighted at the unique decor, great food and, best of all, an attitude from a different latitude! Up the Creek has evolved to a restaurant well known for its great and varied menu. Owned by the Lambermont family, who fell in love with Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys, you will get a taste of the “key life” in this business themed around Latitude 24! Treasures from their stays there decorate this unique restaurant.