The 2006 reconstruction project utilized 1868-era plans to ensure the replacement bridge was a faithful replica of the original.
The original bridge was one of the few in Indiana to feature a pedestrian walkway separate from the vehicular path.
Bridgeton hosts the annual Bridgeton Covered Bridge Festival, which draws thousands of visitors to the site each October.
The bridge is located next to the historic 1878 Bridgeton Mill, which is one of the oldest operating grist mills in the state.
The structure is built primarily from white oak and yellow poplar timber.
The Bridgeton Covered Bridge is a historic Burr Arch truss bridge spanning Big Raccoon Creek in Parke County, Indiana. Originally constructed in 1868, the structure serves as a centerpiece for the village of Bridgeton. It was reconstructed in 2006 following an arson fire that destroyed the original span in 2005. The current bridge is an authentic recreation built using traditional timber framing techniques. It measures 267 feet in length and features a distinctive red exterior. The bridge is part of the extensive Parke County Covered Bridge network, which claims the highest concentration of such structures in Indiana. It remains open to pedestrian traffic, allowing visitors to walk through the interior timber framing.
The grassy riverbank on the north side of the bridge offers an unobstructed view of the entire span and the adjacent waterfall.
Visit the adjacent Bridgeton Mill to see local grains being ground using vintage water-powered equipment.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the ground around the bridge can be uneven or muddy near the creek banks.
Combine your trip with a driving tour of the other Parke County covered bridges to see the varied architectural styles.
Do not attempt to drive through the bridge if signage prohibits it, as the structure is primarily for pedestrian access and local traffic; do not climb on the timber supports.
The area experiences high traffic during the October Covered Bridge Festival; the bridge remains open year-round for exterior viewing.
