Mecca IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mecca, Indiana.
1. Mecca Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN STRUCTURE
The Mecca Covered Bridge, built in 1872, stands as an enduring symbol of Indiana's rich heritage over Big Raccoon Creek. Visitors can walk through this well-preserved wooden structure and admire its rustic charm and historical significance. The bridge is especially popular during the annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival when it becomes a centerpiece for local crafts and cultural celebrations.
2. Mecca One-Room Schoolhouse
PRESERVED EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE
The Mecca One-Room Schoolhouse, originally built in 1874 and relocated in 1966, offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century rural education. Recently restored in 2021, the schoolhouse preserves its historical charm and educational artifacts. Located near the Mecca Covered Bridge, it provides an authentic window into the past educational practices of rural Indiana.
3. Mecca Tavern
COUNTY'S OLDEST OPERATING TAVERN
The Mecca Tavern, Parke County's oldest operating tavern, sits just a quarter-mile west of the town's covered bridge area. Famous for its breaded tenderloin sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and pretzels, the tavern has recently added chicken livers and gizzards to its menu offerings. Visitors can enjoy the local flavors while challenging friends to a game on the tavern's shuffleboard.
4. TJ Haase Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
TJ Haase Winery offers visitors a delightful wine tasting experience in the heart of rural Indiana. The winery features a selection of locally produced wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region. Guests can enjoy tastings in a relaxed countryside setting that perfectly complements the rustic charm of Parke County.
5. Covered Bridge Art Association Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS
The Covered Bridge Art Association Gallery showcases the talents of local artists from throughout Parke County and surrounding areas. Visitors can browse through a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, pottery, and other artistic creations that often draw inspiration from the region's natural beauty and covered bridges. The gallery serves as a cultural hub that connects tourists with the artistic heritage of rural Indiana.
6. Antiques On York
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Antiques On York offers treasure hunters a chance to discover unique vintage items and collectibles in a charming setting. The shop features a wide array of antiques ranging from furniture and housewares to toys and memorabilia from bygone eras. Visitors can spend hours browsing through the carefully curated collection that reflects the rich historical tapestry of the region.
7. Billie Creek Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Billie Creek Village is a living history museum that transports visitors back to 19th-century rural Indiana through preserved buildings and interactive exhibits. The village features authentic structures including a covered bridge, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and various homes that have been furnished with period-appropriate items. Visitors can experience demonstrations of traditional crafts and farming techniques during special events throughout the year.
8. Turkey Run State Park
NATURAL SANDSTONE CANYONS
Turkey Run State Park offers some of Indiana's most dramatic landscapes with its deep sandstone ravines, hemlock groves, and clear flowing streams. Hikers can explore over 11 miles of trails that range from easy walks to challenging routes through narrow canyons and along suspension bridges. The park's nature center provides educational exhibits about local geology, wildlife, and the history of the area.
9. Bridgeton Mill
HISTORIC WORKING GRISTMILL
The Bridgeton Mill, established in 1823, stands as Indiana's oldest continuously operating gristmill and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional grain processing methods. Adjacent to the iconic Bridgeton Covered Bridge, this working mill continues to produce stone-ground flour and cornmeal using water power. Visitors can purchase mill products, explore the multi-story structure, and learn about the mill's historical significance to the local community.
10. Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR WATER RECREATION
Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area encompasses Cecil M. Harden Lake, offering 2,060 acres of water surface for boating, fishing, and swimming. The recreation area features extensive shoreline with beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails that wind through wooded hills and open spaces. Anglers can try their luck catching bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie throughout the year.
11. Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
CELEBRATED ANNUAL EVENT
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, centered in Rockville but extending to communities like Mecca, has grown into Indiana's largest festival celebrating the county's 31 historic covered bridges. Each October, the ten-day event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoy arts, crafts, food vendors, and guided tours of the bridges. Communities throughout Parke County, including Mecca, participate with their own mini-festivals showcasing local culture and heritage.
12. Arabian Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
The Arabian Cemetery sits on a hill south of the former Phillips (Arabian) Covered Bridge, offering a glimpse into the area's early settlement history. This historic burial ground contains graves dating back to Parke County's pioneering days, with many headstones bearing the names of the area's founding families. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history can explore the peaceful grounds while reflecting on the lives of those who helped establish the community.
13. Mansfield Roller Mill
PRESERVED INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
The Mansfield Roller Mill, a restored 1880s flour mill, showcases the evolution of milling technology from water power to steam and modern methods. The four-story structure houses original equipment including roller mills, sifters, and grain cleaners that demonstrate the complete milling process. Visitors can tour this National Register of Historic Places site to understand the important role mills played in rural Indiana communities.
14. Rockville Lake Park
SERENE RECREATIONAL AREA
Rockville Lake Park offers a tranquil setting centered around a 106-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and waterside relaxation. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths that allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of western Indiana. Local anglers frequent the lake for its populations of bass, bluegill, and catfish, with rental boats available for those without their own watercraft.
15. The Thirty-Six Saloon
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Thirty-Six Saloon offers a quintessential rustic dining experience in a building adorned with authentic western and motorcycle memorabilia. Known for its generous portions of steaks, burgers, and barbecue, this popular restaurant attracts both locals and tourists exploring Parke County's covered bridges. The establishment frequently hosts live music events, particularly during weekends and festival seasons, adding entertainment to its food and beverage offerings.