Bridgeton
A mill & bridge from long ago
The Bridgeton Covered Bridge sits above Big Raccoon Creek as it spills over into a millpond and near the three story Bridgeton Mill, established in 1823 and rebuilt in 1870, the oldest continually operating rolling mill in the Midwest.
Both are part of the village of Bridgeton, with its 27 buildings that are on the National Registry of Historic Places, including a country store, post office, a millinery shop as well as a barbershop and a restaurant.
Though much of the year the 19th century village is closed, during such festivals as the annual Covered Bridge Festival held each fall, the Bridgeton once again teems with life.
But the mill is open from April to November and the former home of the mill owners, built in 1878 and now a gift shop, opens its doors on weekends through summer and open during the area’s many festivals. Other stops during festival time include the1822 log cabin, the oldest in Parke County and now a gift shop.
No matter when you come, be sure to bring your camera as the 245-foot Bridgeton Bridge is one of the most photographed of the Midwest’s covered bridges.