Portland Mills Covered Bridge

Portland Mills Covered Bridge is a wooden road crossing that spans Little Raccoon Creek with a gabled roof structure and enclosed sides. The bridge displays the craftsmanship and building methods used in mid-19th century rural infrastructure.

Henry Wolf built this structure in 1856 using a specialized arch truss design common in that era. The bridge was moved from its original creek location in 1961 to replace another structure that had been destroyed.

The structure represents a period of American transportation engineering when covered bridges protected wooden trusses from weather deterioration across rural waterways.

The bridge sits at the intersection of two rural roads and is accessible to vehicle traffic. The surrounding area holds several historical markers that may interest visitors exploring the region.

This structure was not always at this location: it was physically moved from another creek in 1961. The relocation saved a historic crossing from being lost and gave the bridge a second life in a new setting.

Location: Parke County

Inception: 1856

GPS coordinates: 39.86074,-87.08879

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:46