Model T Covered Bridge Tour

About the Event

Step back in time with the Model T Covered Bridge Tour, a delightful five-day celebration of automotive history and rural charm hosted at the Parke County Fairgrounds in Rockville, Indiana, from September 26 to 30, 2026. Model T enthusiasts from across the country gather with their lovingly restored Ford Model Ts—those iconic black, gray, blue, green, and maroon classics—to embark on scenic drives showcasing Parke County's world-famous covered bridges and vibrant Amish communities. What makes this event truly special is the sense of camaraderie among owners, who share stories of their vehicles' adventures while traversing gravel roads, rolling farmlands, and forested paths that feel untouched by modern hustle. Imagine the gentle purr of early 20th-century engines, the crunch of tires on country lanes, and the thrill of crossing historic bridges that whisper tales from a bygone era. Attendees rave about the warm, friendly vibe—perfect for history buffs, car lovers, and anyone craving an authentic taste of Americana that transports you to a simpler time. ## The Surrounding Area
Nestled in the heart of Parke County, often called Indiana's "Covered Bridge Capital," Rockville offers a peaceful retreat amid stunning fall foliage, with harvest fields glowing golden and trees hinting at autumn splendor. This rural gem is home to over 30 preserved covered bridges, the most in the U.S., each a architectural marvel from the 1800s built to shield wooden spans from harsh weather. Beyond the fairgrounds, explore nearby attractions like round barns, grist mills, distilleries, and saddle shops that dot the landscape. The Amish community adds a layer of timeless appeal with their quaint stores and homemade goods. Dining options abound, from hearty farm-fresh meals at local spots to optional Amish dinners featuring family-style feasts. Rockville itself charms with cozy motels, bed-and-breakfasts like Bubble Gum B&B, and easy access to essentials—making it an ideal base for visitors seeking a blend of history, nature, and Hoosier hospitality that feels worlds away from city life. ## Activities & Attractions
This tour brims with hands-on fun tailored for Model T fans and sightseers alike. Daily scenic drives from Saturday through Wednesday wind through Parke County's covered bridges, Amish businesses, and picturesque routes with detailed maps noting rest stops, filling stations, and eateries—think bumping along gravel roads in open-air tourers, speedsters, or pickups, feeling the breeze and soaking in native forests and rock outcroppings. Registration kicks off Friday all day and Saturday morning, setting the stage for fellowship. Don't miss the outdoor swap meet on Saturday, where enthusiasts trade parts and memorabilia, followed by a refreshing ice cream social under the stars. Optional Amish dinners on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings (limited to 24 guests per night) offer intimate, delicious home-cooked meals at an extra cost. A highlight is visiting the Wallace Garage Model T Museum, a treasure trove of restored Fords and artifacts. Spectators can watch the colorful convoy of brass-fitted relics and chat with owners sharing tales of 10-gallon gas tanks, gravity-fed engines, and off-road-worthy high axles. It's all about connection, preservation, and the joy of these durable machines that get 15-16 miles per gallon. ## Schedule & Logistics
The tour unfolds over five immersive days: Registration opens Friday, September 26, all day, continuing Saturday morning at the Parke County Fairgrounds (1472 N U.S. 41, north of Rockville). Tours depart daily from Saturday, September 27, through Wednesday, September 30, with each day featuring a unique route through bridges and countryside—start times flexible to accommodate the group's pace. Key evening highlights include the Saturday swap meet and ice cream social, plus optional Amish dinners Friday, Monday, and Tuesday (book early). The fairgrounds provide primitive camping with a clean bathhouse, ample trailer parking, and plenty of space for day visitors. Motels and B&Bs are a short Model T drive away. Admission requires a registration fee—around $80 per car for two people, $15 per additional rider—covering tour expenses and Saturday's ice cream; register by mid-August for the best spots. Roads are mostly low-traffic country paths (some gravel), so come prepared for a bumpy, authentic ride. All Model T licensed drivers welcome! ## History & Heritage
Hosted annually by the West Central Indiana Model T'ers Chapter of the Model T Ford Club of America, this cherished event was the brainchild of dedicated organizers like Brian and Valerie Jordan and Todd and Kem Johnson, drawing participants from as far as Arizona, Iowa, and Florida. Rooted in preserving Indiana's industrial legacy and Parke County's bridge heritage, it pairs the Ford Model T—Henry Ford's everyman's car that by 1924 made half the world's vehicles— with the county's 19th-century spans. Past tours, like the 2020 edition with 58 cars, have captured hearts by evoking a "transcendence of time," as one owner put it, imagining these bridges carrying similar vehicles a century ago. Grown from a local gathering into a national draw, it coincides with autumn's beauty just before the larger Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, fostering community pride and keeping alive stories of brass fittings, wartime adaptations, and resilient engines that outlasted pandemics. It's more than a tour—it's a living tribute to innovation and rural roots that strengthens Parke County's identity as a haven for history lovers.