Bridgeton Milling Days

Bridgeton Milling Days is an annual festival held in Bridgeton, Indiana, celebrating the area's rich history centered around the oldest continually operating mill in the Midwest. The event takes place over two days, September 6-7, 2025, in the historic Bridgeton District, featuring the iconic 200-year-old Bridgeton Mill and its rebuilt covered bridge.

The festival highlights include live demonstrations of grinding flour and cornmeal using a traditional French buhr stone, showcasing the mill’s historic milling process. Visitors can sample the mill's organic grains and mixes and enjoy lunch with homemade bread, buns, and ice cream. Additionally, the event includes pioneer craft demonstrations and a chance to visit artisans in the Artisan's Barn.

The vibe of the event is nostalgic and community-centered, emphasizing small-town charm and Indiana’s milling heritage while providing a hands-on, educational experience for visitors. The event is family-friendly and accessible, with free admission and plenty of parking.

Typical activities and locations during Bridgeton Milling Days include:

• Live milling demonstrations at the Bridgeton Mill on Big Raccoon Creek.
• History tours of the mill, town, and the rebuilt historic covered bridge.
• Pioneer craft demonstrations and artisan booths located in the Artisan's Barn.
• Opportunities to purchase or sample products made from the mill’s organic grains.
• Food stalls offering homemade bread and ice cream.
• Historical talks about Bridgeton’s milling past and the significance of the covered bridge and surrounding district.

While no precise hourly schedule is publicly detailed, the event runs all day across both days, with milling demos, tours, and craft activities happening intermittently to engage visitors throughout.

The history of Bridgeton Milling Days is intertwined with the Bridgeton Mill itself. The mill dates back to the 1820s, originally built as a sawmill and then converted over time to serve as the grinding mill that remains operational today. The mill has survived fires and ownership changes, with a significant rebuild occurring in the 1850s. The mill and the historic covered bridge, both central to the event, symbolize Bridgeton’s milling legacy and pioneer roots.

In summary, Bridgeton Milling Days is a heritage festival that offers an immersive experience into Indiana’s milling history through live milling, crafts, food, and local tours in a quaint historic village setting. It is a celebration of tradition and community spirit centered on one of the Midwest’s oldest mills.