Arts & Culture
Explore the arts and culture in Parke County, Indiana.
31 Covered Bridges
Primarily a rural county with an excellent quality of life, Parke County is home to state parks, reservoirs and recreation areas, in addition to the scenic covered bridges that have made tourism its major industry.
With a total of 31 covered bridges, Parke County is known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World". The Covered Bridge Festival, Indiana's largest festival, is a countywide festival that starts the 2nd Friday in October. The county also hosts several other festivals throughout the year including the Maple Syrup Festival in late February and early March. The county seat of Rockville is a historic district that can be viewed through a walking tour. Maps are available at our office, the tourism bureau and most merchants around the downtown square.
Billie Creek Village
E US Highway 36 Rockville, IN 47872
Billie Creek Village is a relocated historic 1900s village offering the enjoyment to walk back in time. Village opens May 23. Village is open every Saturday & Sunday from 10am-6pm. In addition to blacksmith, candle shop, baker and general store, there is also a potter, furniture maker and soap maker all open!!
Click below to visit their facebook page for information on upcoming events.
Covered Bridge Art Gallery
124 W Ohio St Rockville, IN 47872
765-569-9422
Enjoy all types of framed art work, jewelry, baskets, pottery, and photography by over 30 Parke County artists. Bridges, barns, landscapes and floral are popular subjects. Visit our website to learn more about the Gallery, the artists and to see their work. Open daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. Closed On Tuesdays.
Historic Bridgeton
Main St Bridgeton, IN 47836
765-548-0106
Bridgeton is home to the oldest continuously operating mill west of the Allegheny Mountains. The mill overlooks Indiana's most famous covered bridge and waterfall. Just a few yards away from the mill, The 1878 House, originally the Miller's home, is now a monument to the early pioneers of this Midwestern community. Enjoy the quaint Victorian architecture of the house. The house is a gift shop run by Blanche Case for over 25 years, and is ready to provide its customers with unique gifts, antiques and handcrafted merchandise.
If you enjoy shopping, then you'll enjoy this authentic mill town. Some shops are opened only for the Covered Bridge Festival but the beauty and charm of this old mill town brings pleasure to all visitors every day of the year. A few shops are open year round and others are opened weekends during the summer!
Historic Ritz Theater
201 W Ohio St Rockville, IN 47872
765-569-7529
Come see the best show in town at the awesome place for family entertainment. The Ritz Theater celebrated its' 100th birthday in 2012. The theater is operated by the Parke Players. Movies show weekly on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. In addition, several live musical acts and dramas are held throughout the year. Visit their website for information on current movies and events.
Parke County Historical Society Museum
503 W Ohio St Rockville, IN 47872
765-569-2223
The purpose of the Parke County Historical Society is to preserve the history of Parke County, Indiana. Today the Parke County Historical Society has 175 members. The building was originally built as a seminary. The building has also been used as an armory during the Civil War, a school for black children, a gas station, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
The museum is open from April 1st thru the end of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. The museum hours are: Wednesday – Saturday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Sunday: By Appointment - Call (765) 569-2223 or (765) 569-1103 to schedule an appointment.