Madison County’s six covered bridges got all the ink and lured romantics (and Clint Eastwood) to Iowa — but there are 31 of them scattered about this patch of Indiana near Terre Haute. You won’t find many counties in the region as purely rural and unslick as this one, not even in Indiana. The hunt for the bridges by car — or by bike, or by picnic — truly is a journey to another time. Enjoy.
Population: 17,150
Location: Western Indiana, about 180 miles southeast of the Loop
Recommended for: Families, history buffs, nature fans, sentimentalists
When to go: Good-weather seasons
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THE TRIBUNE’S 7 REASONS TO GO
1. THE COVERED BRIDGES
Find a map in Rockville and meander along the country lanes in search of favorites. Locating most is easy, but some are a challenge — like a scavenger hunt. www.parkecounty.com/attractions/covered(underscore)bridges.asp
2. BRIDGETON GRIST MILL
Alongside the especially beautiful Bridgeton Bridge (rebuilt after a 2005 fire), the lovingly restored and functioning building dates to 1870, its predecessors to 1823. www.bridgetonmill.com
3. BILLIE CREEK VILLAGE AND INN
As close to a “touristy” attraction as there is here, it nonetheless is an attractive representation of a late 19th/early 20th Century farmstead and pioneer village. www.billiecreek.org
4. COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL
For a week or so each October, this placid county turns itself into an almost non-ending flea market, drawing as many as 2 million visitors. www.parkecounty.com/events
5. MANSFIELD
The village has its own mill (dating from the 1820s) and covered bridge and piggybacks its sprawling festival/flea-market with the county one (same dates).
6. PARKE COUNTY GOLF COURSE
A nice little course notable for the Catlin Covered Bridge (1907) off the first fairway. You’re not supposed to hit through the bridge — but you wouldn’t be the first. www.thegolfcourses.net/golfcourses/IN/ 5200.htm
7. TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
A lovely nature preserve near Marshall with ample bits of civilization, including an inn and golf course. www.turkeyrunstatepark.com
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Midwest online
For more on Parke County–and 30 other top Midwestern attractions in our Web guide to weekend getaways–go to chicagotribune.com/midwest
