Bloomingdale IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bloomingdale, Indiana.
1. Narrows Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
The Narrows Covered Bridge is a must-see historical attraction in Bloomingdale, offering visitors a glimpse into Indiana's architectural past. Spanning across Sugar Creek, this picturesque wooden bridge invites photographers and history enthusiasts alike to explore its charming structure. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty while experiencing a piece of authentic Indiana heritage.
2. Cox Ford Recreation Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Cox Ford Recreation Park provides an excellent outdoor experience for nature lovers visiting Bloomingdale. The park features scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, and access to Sugar Creek for water activities such as fishing and canoeing. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can spend a full day enjoying the natural beauty and recreational facilities available at this peaceful park.
3. Jungle Park
HISTORIC RACING VENUE
Jungle Park is a fascinating abandoned race track with rich motorsports history located near Bloomingdale. Once a thriving racing venue from the 1920s to 1960s, visitors can now explore the remains of this historic site that hosted some of America's earliest auto races. Today, history and motorsport enthusiasts can walk among the overgrown structures and imagine the roaring engines that once filled this unique attraction.
4. Old Goat Trading Post
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOP
The Old Goat Trading Post offers a charming shopping experience with a variety of unique items and local crafts in Bloomingdale. Visitors can browse through antiques, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs that capture the spirit of rural Indiana. The friendly atmosphere and diverse merchandise make this trading post a delightful stop for travelers looking to bring home something special.
5. Turkey Run State Park
NATURAL CANYON WONDERLAND
Turkey Run State Park is a stunning natural attraction near Bloomingdale featuring deep sandstone ravines, lush forests, and miles of hiking trails. The park's unique geological formations include canyons, waterfalls, and rock features that have been carved by Sugar Creek over thousands of years. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, fishing, and camping while experiencing some of Indiana's most impressive natural landscapes.
6. Billie Creek Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Billie Creek Village is a captivating living history museum near Bloomingdale that transports visitors back to 19th-century rural Indiana. The village features authentic historic buildings including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and covered bridges that have been preserved to showcase pioneer life. Visitors can experience demonstrations of traditional crafts and farming techniques while exploring this immersive glimpse into Indiana's past.
7. 1883 Train Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The 1883 Train Depot is a well-preserved historical attraction showcasing the importance of railways in developing rural Indiana. Located in Rockville near Bloomingdale, this authentic Victorian-era train station has been restored to its original glory with period furnishings and exhibits. Visitors can step back in time to experience the golden age of rail travel while learning about local transportation history.
8. Antiques On York
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
Antiques On York offers a delightful shopping experience for collectors and casual browsers alike near Bloomingdale. The shop features an extensive collection of vintage items, furniture, collectibles, and unique home décor pieces with something for every taste and budget. Visitors can spend hours hunting for treasures while chatting with knowledgeable staff about the stories behind these pieces of history.
9. William Hill Polygonal Barn
UNIQUE HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE
The William Hill Polygonal Barn is a distinctive architectural landmark in Bloomingdale that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This unusual multi-sided barn represents a unique style of agricultural construction that was once popular in the Midwest during the late 19th century. Visitors can admire the impressive structure from the exterior and appreciate this well-preserved example of Indiana's rural heritage.
10. Shades State Park
RUGGED NATURAL BEAUTY
Shades State Park is a scenic natural area featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs, peaceful streams, and dense forests near Bloomingdale. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging routes that lead to stunning overlooks and unique rock formations. The park offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, photography, picnicking, and camping in one of Indiana's most pristine natural environments.
11. Friends' Bloomingdale Academy
HISTORIC QUAKER SCHOOL
The Friends' Bloomingdale Academy site represents an important educational institution that operated from 1846 to 1916 in Bloomingdale. This Quaker school played a significant role in the educational development of the region during a formative period in Indiana's history. Visitors interested in educational history and Quaker heritage can explore the location where generations of students once studied.
12. Bridgeton Covered Bridge
ICONIC HISTORIC SPAN
The Bridgeton Covered Bridge is a magnificent historic structure spanning Big Raccoon Creek not far from Bloomingdale. This restored covered bridge, originally built in 1868 and rebuilt after a fire in 2005, stands as one of the most photographed landmarks in Parke County, known as the 'Covered Bridge Capital of the World.' Visitors can walk through this impressive wooden bridge and explore the adjacent historic mill and charming village shops.
13. Rockville Covered Bridge Festival
CELEBRATED ANNUAL EVENT
The Rockville Covered Bridge Festival is a beloved annual celebration that draws thousands of visitors to Parke County near Bloomingdale each October. This 10-day festival features guided tours of the county's 31 historic covered bridges, along with hundreds of vendors selling crafts, antiques, and delicious food. Visitors can experience authentic small-town Midwest culture through entertainment, demonstrations, and the warm hospitality that makes this one of Indiana's largest festivals.
14. Crawfordsville Aquatic Center
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
The Crawfordsville Aquatic Center provides a refreshing recreational experience for visitors to the region around Bloomingdale. The facility features multiple swimming pools, water slides, and splash areas that offer fun for all ages, especially during hot summer months. Families can enjoy a full day of water activities in a safe, well-maintained environment with amenities designed for both relaxation and excitement.
15. Sugar Creek Canoe Trips
SCENIC WATER ADVENTURES
Sugar Creek Canoe Trips offers exciting water adventures on one of Indiana's most scenic waterways flowing near Bloomingdale. Paddlers can choose from various route lengths as they navigate past stunning limestone cliffs, under covered bridges, and through the peaceful forests of Parke County. The well-organized canoe and kayak rental service provides all necessary equipment for visitors to create memorable outdoor experiences in this beautiful natural setting.