MANSFIELD VILLAGE - Parke County COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL - VISITORS GUIDE - Mansfield Indiana

Tiki Hut - More than a Convenience Store

You will find the Tiki Hut in Northern Parke County to be much more than just a convenience store! Located next to Raccoon Lake, this family owned store is loaded with camping and boating equipment galore. You won’t want to miss out on all their T-Shirts, many with a local flare to them. Or, have your own designed screen-printed! Don’t lose track of your tribe at the Covered Bridge Festival with matching T-shirts, or show your sports or school favorites! They also have sweatshirts and koozies for you to choose from!

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.

Recipes from Mrs. Beasley’s Kitchen

We are always excited for Autumn to arrive here at the orchard. As the temperatures drop, it is also a great time to dig out the “cool weather” recipes. Here are a few that we enjoy this time of year. Hope you enjoy them and come and see us soon!

— Debbie Beasley

Apple-Cinnamon Dutch Baby

1 large Gala apple, peeled and sliced

Indiana Zipline Tours - Thrill of a Lifetime

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!

2019 Parke County Festivals and Events

January 2019

25 - 27

Eagles in Flight Weekend — Turkey Run State Park (Marshall)

FEBRUARY  2019

23 - 24

Parke County Maple Fair (Countywide) — Headquarters: 4-H Fairgrounds (Rockville)

MARCH 2019

2 - 3

Parke County Maple Fair (Countywide) — Headquarters: 4-H Fairgrounds (Rockville)

2019 Covered Bridge Festival in Mansfield

Mansfield Village Celebrates The

Covered Bridge Festival

October 11-20 2019
8 am - 6 pm Daily

The Mansfield Village celebration of the Covered Bridge Festival is unlike anywhere else in the county. As hundreds of thousands of visitors gather in October every year in

Parke County, Indiana, the Mansfield Covered Bridge stands out as one of the most visited. Built in 1867, this bridge is 247 feet long and was built by J. J. Daniels to cross Big Raccoon Creek. It is an icon that continues to remind us of a simpler time.

Mansfield Village Beans & Cornbread Day

Last Blast of 2019 Summer Along the Banks of Big Raccoon Creek

Mansfield Village Beans & Cornbread Day

September 7, 2019

 The early autumn breezes along Big Raccoon Creek set the stage for this annual event full of family fun. Bring the whole family out to skip a stone over the creek, stroll the bridge or browse through the treasures at in Mansfield Village.

2019 Covered Bridges Calendar! ***NEW***

PARKE COUNTY'S COVERED BRIDGES 2019 CALENDAR

Beauty Built To Last...For GENERATIONS

Only $12.00 — Get Your Copy Here!

2018-2019 Parke County Guide™ Magazine

Download the 2018-2019 Parke County Guide™

(2018-2019 Available for Download HERE)

2018 Covered Bridge Festival in Mansfield

Mansfield Village Celebrates The

Covered Bridge Festival

October 12-21 2018
8 am - 6 pm Daily

The Mansfield Village celebration of the Covered Bridge Festival is unlike anywhere else in the county. As hundreds of thousands of visitors gather in October every year in

Parke County, Indiana, the Mansfield Covered Bridge stands out as one of the most visited. Built in 1867, this bridge is 247 feet long and was built by J. J. Daniels to cross Big Raccoon Creek. It is an icon that continues to remind us of a simpler time.

2019 Mansfield Village Mushroom Festival

Mushrooms!
        &
   Car Show!

April 27—28 2019 

There's fun for everyone in the family at the Mansfield Village Annual Mushroom Festival the weekend of April 27th, 2019.

Mushrooms will be sold throughout the day at the Mushroom Auction both Saturday and Sunday, with thousands of dollars changing hands from bidders and sellers from near and far. The Auction will be held at the Red barn.

Mansfield Village Beans & Cornbread Day

Last Blast of 2019 Summer Along the Banks of Big Raccoon Creek

Mansfield Village Beans & Cornbread Day

September 7, 2019

 The early autumn breezes along Big Raccoon Creek set the stage for this annual event full of family fun. Bring the whole family out to skip a stone over the creek, stroll the bridge or browse through the treasures at in Mansfield Village.

2018 Parke County Festivals and Events

January 2018

26 - 28

Eagles in Flight Weekend — Turkey Run State Park (Marshall)

FEBRUARY  2018

24 - 25

Parke County Maple Fair (Countywide) — Headquarters: 4-H Fairgrounds (Rockville)

MARCH 2018

3 - 4

Parke County Maple Fair (Countywide) — Headquarters: 4-H Fairgrounds (Rockville)

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.

Montezuma Indiana — Calendar of Events

• Annual Zoom Town 5K Covered Bridge Run/Walk Third Saturday of May Registration 7:00 AM. Race Time 7:45 AM

• “Montezuma Independence Day Celebration” held on July 4. Parade Line up at 5:15 PM Parade at 6:00 PM. Fireworks at Dusk

Covered Bridge Festival At Montezuma

Montezuma - Western Gateway to Parke County

Covered Bridge Festival Activities at Montezuma

 
First Friday

• Canal Tours and Railroad Bridge Shuttles All Day

• Country Store

• Homemade Crullers, Roast Hog, and Bean Dinner

• Chair Caning, Rope Making, & more Demonstrations

Up The Creek Boat-iqué at Turkey Run

Up The Creek Boat-iqué

Steer your course to Up the Creek Boat-ique’ and be delighted at the unique décor, great food and, best of all, an attitude from a different latitude. Started in 2000 as a small campstore and convenience store, Up the Creek has evolved into a restaurant well known for its great and varied menu.

Turkey Hill Farm Antiques & Uniques

I didn’t know my grandmothers, but I like to think they would have lived in a home just like Karen and John Stutler’s Turkey Hill Farm Antiques and Uniques. Located down a gravel lane surrounded by fields, 1⁄4 mile south off US 47 on Marshall Road, this gem is easy to find.

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

After a full day of covered bridge shopping, Peaceful Waters Campground offers you a relaxing way to spend your free time. Whether you like boating, fishing in a stocked pond, or just enjoying each others fellowship around a crackling fire watching the night stars, this campground offers it all. And if you are still ready to “shop till you drop”, you’ll find plenty of opportunity right here with quality artists’ wares from which to choose.

Bloomin’ Barn Antiques North Of Rockville

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.

On your visit to the Barn you will meet the owner Greg Bryant. Greg has been in the antique business since 1969. He opened his first shop behind his parents house in Bloomingdale. This is how the name Bloomin’ Barn originated.

Pearson Sports in Marshall Indiana

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-two years. Pearson Sports began in 1985 and in 1995 he moved to a new spacious location.

Clements Canoes Outdoor Center

During the Wisconsinan glaciation period, glaciers were sitting right on Central Indiana. With the melting of the glaciers, very unique topography was created including large hills and sandstone bluffs. In the 1800’s settlers started their journey West. With this movement, towns and mills were created along what is now known as Sugar Creek.

Clements Canoes Outdoor Center has been offering the finest in outdoor recreation on Sugar Creek since 1960. Only 15-miles south of Crawfordsville, Clements Canoes Outdoor Center is located at Deer’s Mill Covered Bridge next to Shades State Park. Experience the natural beauty and inspiration of historic Sugar Creek as you paddle a canoe, fish from a kayak, or just float in a tube. Whether you seek the thrill of a whitewater trip, a scenic trip complete with deep canyons and covered bridges, a leisure trip with time to picnic and play, or an adventurous overnight trip.

Swarey’s Variety Store in Marshall Indiana

 
Among the backroads of beautiful Parke County you will spot a horse-drawn buggy or two and an Amish shop every now and then. One shop you especially won’t want to miss is sitting among a pristine farm and beautiful gardens in rural Marshall, Indiana called Swarey’s Variety Store.

2018 Parke County Maple Syrup Festival

Come see the sugar camps in operation and smell the sweet fragrance of maple syrup at the Parke County Maple Syrup Festival, February 24 & 25 and March 3 & 4, 2018.

Today maple syrup is done differently from the old way, but the process is the same—the sap is boiled down to produce one of the finest treats to come from a tree—pure maple syrup.

Under The Arch Restaurant in Marshall

Located in historic Marshall, Indiana, home of the Marshall Arch, a family set out to transform a former Massey Harris tractor implement store, The Marshall Hardware and later a print shop into their dream of a family restaurant. The building has been remodeled and a state of the art kitchen was added. Much of the original building was kept as was. Throughout the dining room hanging above the black, red and white gingham checked tables are lights made from maple syrup buckets and old mason jars. These were all made by owner Marc Myers. Handmade booths are located on one side of the restaurant to give that cozy feeling. Many family heirlooms and woodworking talents are displayed throughout the restaurant. There is even the original Marshall Hardware sign hanging on one wall. All of the remodeling was completed by Marc and Larry Myers, a talented woodturner. In the kitchen the other two owners Susan, who is Marc’s wife and Lori Brown who is Susan’s sister operate with many years of experience in the food industry. The two of them create many delicious items which are on their menu.

Wilkins Mill Guesthouse in Bloomingdale

The Main Cabin

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. Today, Wilkins Mill has something for everyone. Just five minutes from Turkey Run State Park, The Main Cabin sleeps 2-12 guests. The open, lofttype sleeping space that was originally the general store invites friendly conversation and fun. Visitors can enjoy a roaring fire at an indoor fireplace or outside around a fire pit. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, phone, years round heat/AC, a screened porch with a view of the 102’ long 1906 Wilkins Mill covered bridge, a modern bath with shower and whirlpool, satellite, TV, DVD player and more.

Welcome to Central Parke County [MAP]

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. Or spend some time at a campground and enjoy the natural beauty that is Central Parke County. Antique by day and relax by night. With all Central Parke County offers, we know you’ll want to stay for a while!

Rockville: More Than Just Our County Seat

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 square alive and very well, offering so much for our residents and visitors.

2017 Featured Artist: Peggy Underwood

“Mansfield Mill in Winter” by Peggy Underwood

This year the Covered Bridge Art Association is raffling off an oil painting by artist Peggy Underwood for this years scholarship fundraiser. The work “Mansfield Mill in Winter” is a beautiful work that captures the beauty of winter at the mill after a fresh blanket of snow falls.

Covered Bridge Campground in Rockville

Covered Bridge Campground

Brian Williams, Amanda and David Gregg own and operate the Covered Bridge Campground. We have 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.

Timeless ‘n Classic Antique Mall, Rockville

Jill and Bill Dixon

Jill and Bill Dixon are the quintessential fun loving, friendly, knowledgeable and downright folksy owners of Parke County’s largest antique venue. The couple have been collecting antiques and vintage items since the early days of their marriage. Jill has been a lifelong Covered Bridge Festival crafter along with her mother, Millie Warnick, an early member of the Covered Bridge Art Gallery who was instrumental in bringing the Mansfield area into the festival mode.

The Story Of How The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival™ Began In 1957

How the Parke County
Covered Bridge Festival™ Began 

by Kelsey Canfield

Back in 1957, the town of Rockville was like most other small towns around. With a population of 2,500 or so, it had a quaint hometown feel. A peacefulness that would soon be changing in the Fall of each year due to the Covered Bridge Festival.

Eagles in Flight Weekend Jan 26-28, 2018

Join us January 26th-28th, 2018 at Turkey Run State Park where the Eagles in Flight Weekend will occur at both the Inn and Nature Center. Discover nests, an overnight roost & hunting grounds as we explore the habitats of bald eagles. Enjoy live eagle, hawk, and owl programs! Admission for the weekend is $15 for ages 13 and up, and $10 for ages 4-12.Children under age 4 get in free. Regular park entrance fees will apply: $7 for in-state and $9 for outof- state vehicles. Use group code EAGL17 to make inn room reservations at 1-877- 563-4371 or IndianaInns.com.

Old Jail Inn and the Drunk Tank Winery

The Old Jail Inn Parke County started in 2009, with the purchase of an 1879 flat steel, riveted door and frame in the basement of the abandoned jail. The door lead to the original Drunk Tank. The jail was transformed by Debra Olson in four months. It was a labor of love once the idea was conceived. The old jail is a destination getaway, with nine private cells turned into suites and guest rooms.

Neva’s Antiques & Collectibles in Rockville

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.

Heirloom Traders Association — (HTA)

Whatcha Got? Is it antique, vintage, or collectible? Antique - 100+ year old items; Vintage - items ranging from 40 to 99 years old; Collectible - anything one decides to collect (age doesn’t matter).

As Parke County’s Covered Bridge Capital has grown from only a few antique shops to more than a dozen, a collective group of shops and vendors has emerged to decipher “whatcha got?”. Formed in the winter of 2016, they are the Heirloom Traders Association (HTA).

Twilight Dairy Just West of Rockville

Twilight Dairy is the home of a small herd of contented, grass-fed cows who produce the rich raw milk we use to process our yogurt and cheese.

The cows are milked twice daily and that fresh from the cow milk is the base of the tasty cheese and yogurt that we process here on the farm.

Roll on in for Wheel House Donuts

Craig Waugh and Valerie Vezey grew up in small-town Canada. Desperate to get away from the cold, they moved to Indiana twenty years ago. Recently retired and with a son still in high school in Carmel, Ind, they entered into a new partnership resulting in Wheel House Donuts.

Roots Market at Covered Bridge Festival

An event within an event is coming to The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival this year!

Roots Market is making its debut this season during the first weekend of the festival at Beechwood Park one block south of the intersection of Routes 36 & 41.

The Yellow Umbrella, Downtown Rockville

The Yellow Umbrella, on the East side of the Square in Rockville, invites you in for a hand-crafted espresso drink and fresh-made breakfast and lunch. Friday and Saturday nights stop in for a multicourse dinner prepared by two trained chefs. Owners, Sarah and Brandon Blake have called Rockville home since 2013 and have been together as a couple for 14 years. They both graduated from culinary art school in 2015 as certified chefs and made one of their dreams come true by recently purchasing the former Jailhouse Cafe and making it their own restaurant. They offer free delivery in town. There is also out-of-town delivery for a small fee.

Country Meets Urban at Urban Farmchic

Located 4.3 miles west of downtown Rockville, IN, Urban Farmchic, located at 4220 W Hwy 36 offers a distinctive shopping experience. The design talents of Rachel Engel, a licensed designer, are highlighted throughout the “country meets urban” style shop. The shop features an awe-inspiring collection of vintage, salvage, handmades, and boutique clothing.

Bubble Gum Bed & Breakfast in Rockville

Indulge in the Elegance and grace of this 1909 historic victorian bed and breakfast. It sits on the edge of downtown Rockville in the heart of covered bridge country. In August of 2007 this bed and breakfast began with the rooms Hope, Faith and Love with fluffy queen beds, TV with free WIFI in every room and a large shared bath with all essentials provided.

Mansfield Village Beans & Cornbread Day

Last Blast of 2018 Summer Along the Banks of Big Raccoon Creek

Mansfield Village Beans & Cornbread Day

September 8, 2018

 The early autumn breezes along Big Raccoon Creek set the stage for this annual event full of family fun. Bring the whole family out to skip a stone over the creek, stroll the bridge or browse through the treasures at in Mansfield Village.

2018 Covered Bridge Festival in Mansfield

Mansfield Village Celebrates The

Covered Bridge Festival

October 12-21 2018
8 am - 6 pm Daily

The Mansfield Village celebration of the Covered Bridge Festival is unlike anywhere else in the county. As hundreds of thousands of visitors gather in October every year in

Parke County, Indiana, the Mansfield Covered Bridge stands out as one of the most visited. Built in 1867, this bridge is 247 feet long and was built by J. J. Daniels to cross Big Raccoon Creek. It is an icon that continues to remind us of a simpler time.

Welcome to Southern Parke County [MAP]

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 Mountain Man Rendezvous 2018

Nothing beats cabin fever like springtime in Parke County, and you won’t want to miss the Bridgeton Mountain Man Rendezvous April 28-29, 2018. This living history event offers a taste of authentic early 1800s living in a beautiful historic setting.

The Bridgeton Mill in Bridgeton Indiana

“Gnarly” and the small mill building at the Indiana State Fair.

Mike and Karen Jean Roe purchased an old water-powered mill in Parke county, Indiana 22 years ago. It was in deplorable shape and many folks considered it an eyesore.

Ditzler Orchard at Cherrywood Farm

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

Collom’s General Store in Bridgeton

 

Bridgeton’s heritage is preserved in the bridge, the mill and its buildings. You will enjoy your visit of the past in this historic old mill town. — Photo: Pat McCarter

Dan and Kathy Collom, as the owners of Collom’s General Store in Bridgeton, Indiana, would like to invite you to stop in and visit.

Rosedale Strawberry Festival — June 1-3

Rosedale’s Strawberry Festival takes place the first full weekend in June and it claims the title as home to the best homemade shortcakes in Indiana! This family oriented three day festival is shock full of fun, good food, games, shopping, activities for old and young alike and, of course, it is full of strawberries! We are known for delectable homemade strawberry shortcake with heaps of strawberries and ice cream and real whipped cream that melts in your mouth. It’s a summertime treat you won’t want to miss.