Rockville IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rockville, Indiana.
1. Bridgeton Covered Bridge
HISTORIC PHOTOGENIC LANDMARK
The Bridgeton Covered Bridge is a 245-foot structure that stands as one of the most photographed covered bridges in the entire Midwest. Visitors can walk through this historic bridge while enjoying the picturesque surroundings that make it a popular destination for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. The bridge exemplifies the classic wooden covered bridge architecture that has made Parke County famous as the 'Covered Bridge Capital of the World.'
2. Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area surrounds Cecil M Harden Lake (Raccoon Lake), a 2,060-acre federal flood control reservoir offering extensive recreational opportunities. This popular destination provides excellent facilities for camping, boating, and fishing enthusiasts visiting western Indiana. Visitors can enjoy serene paddle experiences on the lake, with options to rent kayaks, paddle boards, pontoon boats, or jet skis for a day of water adventure.
3. Billie Creek Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Billie Creek Village offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century rural Indiana life with its collection of historic buildings and demonstrations. The village features authentically restored structures including a schoolhouse, church, homes, and workshops that showcase early American craftsmanship and lifestyle. Visitors can experience living history through seasonal events, craft demonstrations, and guided tours that bring the past vividly to life.
4. Narrows Bridge
SCENIC HISTORIC CROSSING
The Narrows Bridge stands as one of Parke County's treasured covered bridges, offering visitors a glimpse into historic transportation infrastructure. This picturesque wooden structure spans a scenic waterway, providing both historical interest and beautiful photo opportunities for tourists exploring the area. The bridge is part of the county's famous covered bridge routes, making it an essential stop for those following the designated driving tours through the countryside.
5. Neet Covered Bridge
HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD LANDMARK
The Neet Covered Bridge combines historic architecture with battlefield significance, making it a unique attraction in the Rockville area. This well-preserved covered bridge exemplifies the engineering and craftsmanship that went into creating these enduring wooden structures throughout Parke County. Visitors can explore both the bridge itself and learn about its historical context within the region's development and conflicts.
6. Turkey Run State Park
RUGGED NATURAL WONDERLAND
Turkey Run State Park is one of Indiana's most visited natural areas, featuring spectacular sandstone ravines and lush forests that attract hikers throughout the year. Visitors can explore rugged trails that wind through hemlock, walnut, and oak trees, discovering hidden waterfalls and geological formations carved over millions of years. The park offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain for adventurous hikers and peaceful natural settings for those seeking to connect with Indiana's pristine wilderness.
7. Shades State Park
DRAMATIC GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Shades State Park showcases some of Indiana's most dramatic geological features with its deep sandstone ravines and pristine forested areas. Hiking enthusiasts can traverse somewhat rugged trails that lead to unique formations and peaceful streams cutting through ancient rock. The park's natural beauty reaches its peak in autumn when the surrounding forest transforms into a spectacular display of fall colors, creating postcard-worthy views at every turn.
8. Covered Bridge Art Association Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
The Covered Bridge Art Association Gallery showcases the creative talents of local and regional artists in a charming exhibition space in Rockville. Visitors can browse through an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and crafts that often draw inspiration from the area's covered bridges and natural landscapes. The gallery regularly hosts special events, demonstrations, and workshops that connect art enthusiasts with the rich cultural heritage of Parke County.
9. McAllister Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN CROSSING
The McAllister Covered Bridge represents another jewel in Parke County's crown as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World. This historic wooden structure showcases the engineering prowess and practical design that made covered bridges both functional and long-lasting in the 19th century. Visitors exploring the county's bridge routes often find this particular bridge offers excellent opportunities for photography and historical appreciation in a peaceful rural setting.
10. Old Jail Inn Parke County
UNIQUE HISTORIC LODGING
The Old Jail Inn Parke County offers one of the most unique accommodation experiences in Indiana, allowing guests to stay in converted jail cells from the historic county lockup. This unusual attraction combines lodging with history, featuring the adjacent Drunk Tank Winery where visitors can sample local wines in a setting filled with character and stories. The property serves as both a place to stay and a living museum that preserves an important piece of local history while providing modern comforts within its historic walls.
11. Sugar Creek
SCENIC PADDLING DESTINATION
Sugar Creek flows through Parke County offering serene paddling experiences beneath towering trees and alongside dramatic rock formations. Adventurers can rent kayaks or canoes to navigate this peaceful waterway that passes by several covered bridges and Turkey Run State Park. The creek is especially magical during evening paddles when visitors can enjoy spectacular views of starry skies far from city lights, creating unforgettable moments of natural beauty.
12. Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
RENOWNED AUTUMN CELEBRATION
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival stands as Indiana's largest festival, drawing visitors from across the country to celebrate the county's historic covered bridges each autumn. This ten-day event features guided tours of the bridges, along with hundreds of vendors selling crafts, antiques, and delicious local foods throughout the county. Festival-goers can experience the perfect combination of fall foliage, historical architecture, and small-town Midwestern hospitality during this signature annual event.
13. Rockville Town Square
CHARMING HISTORIC CENTER
Rockville Town Square captures the essence of small-town America with its historic courthouse and surrounding buildings that hearken back to an earlier era. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and historical markers while enjoying the authentic atmosphere of this well-preserved Midwestern community center. The square serves as both the geographical and cultural heart of the town, hosting various community events throughout the year and providing a glimpse into rural Indiana's traditional way of life.
14. Wheel House Donuts
BELOVED LOCAL BAKERY
Wheel House Donuts has become a must-visit culinary destination in Rockville, delighting visitors with freshly made pastries and coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. This charming bakery specializes in traditional and innovative donut creations that have earned it a devoted following among locals and tourists alike. Visitors often start their day of covered bridge exploration with a sweet treat from this popular establishment that embodies the friendly hospitality of small-town Indiana.
15. Thirty-Six Saloon
RUSTIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Thirty-Six Saloon offers visitors an authentic taste of local cuisine and culture in a rustic setting that celebrates the area's rural heritage. This popular restaurant and bar serves hearty American fare in a distinctive atmosphere filled with character and regional charm. Visitors appreciate both the quality of the food and the unique dining environment that makes this establishment a favorite gathering place for both locals and tourists exploring Parke County.