Dine on a Covered Bridge – A Parke County Experience

Dine on a Covered Bridge – A Parke County Experience is a unique dining and cultural event held in Parke County, Indiana, where participants enjoy a caterered, sit-down meal on one of the county's 31 historic covered bridges. The event includes live musical entertainment and offers an opportunity to savor the beautiful rural scenery of Parke County while traveling to the dining destination.

The 2025 event takes place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with the exact dining location in Parke County, near Rockville, Indiana, to be determined. Admission is charged, and the event is handicapped accessible. Proceeds from the event support the restoration and preservation of Parke County's historic covered bridges, managed by the Parke County Incorporated Charitable Trust.

About the Setting and Surrounding Area

Parke County, famous for its 31 historic covered bridges, is celebrated for its scenic beauty, especially along rural roads flanked by lush forest and farmland. The covered bridges are iconic structures, many dating back to the 19th century, treasured for their craftsmanship and historical value. Rockville is the county seat, serving as a hub for visitors.

The vibe of the event is elegant yet rustic, combining the charm of local history with the pleasure of dining outdoors in a serene, natural setting. Guests are enveloped by the peaceful countryside atmosphere and the historical ambiance of the covered bridge, complemented by live music that enhances the experience.

Activities and Event Experience

• Sit-down Catered Meal: Guests are served a carefully planned meal at their assigned covered bridge. The dining experience is designed to be leisurely and enjoyable, emphasizing local flavors.
• Live Musical Entertainment: Music performers accompany the dinner, providing engaging and relaxing live music to complement the meal.
• Scenic Travel: Participants typically travel from the event gathering point to the dining bridge location, enjoying the beauty of Parke County’s countryside, which is famous for autumn foliage but also appealing in spring.

Typical Schedule

While the exact schedule may vary each year, the event often follows this structure:

• Arrival and check-in at the designated starting point in Parke County.
• Transportation or guided travel to the covered bridge selected for dining.
• Seating and welcome remarks.
• Catered multi-course meal served at the bridge.
• Live music performances throughout the meal.
• Post-Dining social time or optional short strolls near the bridge area.
• Event concludes with transportation back or self-guided departures.

History and Founding

Dine on a Covered Bridge was created as a fundraising and preservation effort by the Parke County Incorporated Charitable Trust to support the maintenance of the county's covered bridges, which are historical artifacts requiring ongoing care. The event has grown in popularity due to its unique concept and the charm of Parke County's covered bridges. It is part of the broader appreciation of the county's heritage, which also includes the larger Parke County Covered Bridge Festival held in October.

This event captures the heritage, scenic beauty, and community spirit of Parke County by merging historic preservation with cultural and culinary tourism, making it a distinctive and memorable experience. The event usually sells out early, reflecting strong demand from visitors seeking extraordinary and historic dining experiences.