Parke County Covered Bridge Festival – Billie Creek

The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival at Billie Creek Village is a 10-day annual event held from October 10 to October 19, 2025, in Rockville, Adams Township, Parke County, Indiana. It takes place on the picturesque grounds of Billie Creek Village, a 70-acre open-air living history museum renowned for its three historic covered bridges and many turn-of-the-century buildings.

Area and Atmosphere:
Billie Creek Village is located just off U.S. Highway 36, near downtown Rockville, in an area known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World" due to Parke County having 31 covered bridges. The village features three covered bridges on the National Register of Historic Places—Beeson Bridge, Billie Creek Bridge, and Leatherwood Station Bridge—all Burr Arch designs built between 1895 and 1906. Surrounding the bridges are historic structures such as a schoolhouse (1913), churches, an 1830s log cabin, and the Governor Albert Wright home, creating a nostalgic, heritage-rich environment. The vibe is family-friendly, quaint, and steeped in local history, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy scenic photography, heritage appreciation, and community festivals.

Festival Activities:

• Exploring Historic Buildings: Visitors can tour preserved buildings showcasing early 20th-century rural life.
• Craft Demonstrations: Traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, candle making, broom making, and woodwork are demonstrated live, allowing guests to observe period skills.
• Shopping: The Billie Creek General Store and craft vendors sell unique, locally made goods reflecting the area's heritage.
• Festival Foods: Food stalls and a cafe offer a variety of festival foods.
• Wagon Rides: Complimentary wagon rides connect Billie Creek Village with downtown Rockville, facilitating easy access to additional shops and dining.
• Evening Haunted Hayrides: For a seasonal thrill, haunted hayrides provide spooky entertainment after dark.
• Paranormal Investigations and Special Events: Outside the festival dates, events like paranormal investigations and private weddings occur, contributing to village restoration.

Rough Schedule and Locations:
While a detailed schedule for 2025 is not explicitly listed, typical festival events at Billie Creek Village likely run throughout the day at different historic sites:

• Covered bridges and outdoor grounds explorations during daylight hours.
• Scheduled craft demonstrations at dedicated craft buildings or under tents.
• Festival food and shopping available from morning to evening near the general store and vendor areas.
• Wagon rides scheduled intermittently between Billie Creek Village and downtown Rockville.
• Haunted hayrides operate during the evenings, starting near the village or adjacent parking areas.

History and Founding:
Billie Creek Village was founded in 1969 by Parke County residents aiming to preserve and showcase the region's rich heritage, notably its covered bridges and rural architecture. It houses historic buildings ranging from the 1830s through the early 1900s. The village faced closure and decline in the early 2010s but was revived under new ownership focused on restoration and diversification of events to ensure sustainability. Today, it hosts this prominent covered bridge festival along with other cultural and private events.

Billie Creek Village combines historical preservation, cultural activities, and festive entertainment, making the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival a rich, immersive experience celebrating Indiana’s unique covered bridge heritage and rural past. The site is handicapped accessible and offers parking for a fee, with no additional entrance fee during the festival. Contact is available via phone (765-569-5226) or online through their website and social media for specific event updates.