Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Lake Co. #28 Crown Point

Originally built in Rush County, it
is now a Lake County bridge.
8/4/2011      dwm photo

Several Indiana Covered Bridges were moved from one place to another.  Many kept their shape, if not their purpose, and a one or two were turned into sheds.

The Crown Point Bridge sits in the Lake County Fairgrounds where it spans a small drainage ditch.

Crown Point's mayor bought the bridge for $25 and moved it from Rush County.

Rush County is doing OK with covered bridges; six remain in the east-central section of Indiana.

Built in 1878 over the Flat Rock River near Milroy, Indiana; it has spent the last 80 years as an attraction for fair-goers and tourists.

It is currently being renovated so it can handle vehicle traffic again.  During the fair it will primarily serve walkers, but it will be nice for visitors at other times to get a covered bridge experience.

Now it crosses a ditch, it was
built over the Flat Rock River.  (dwm)

Lake County is in Indiana's northwest corner, a long way from the next closest bridge.  I suppose that's why the mayor wanted one.

The timing for our visit happened during their fair.  Thankfully, the gatekeeper allowed us to see and photograph the bridge without buying tickets.

It is a pretty bridge, helped by large trees nearby and intricate woodwork at each end.

Inside the Crown Point bridge.  (dwm)

The old Shelhorn Bridge was sold to make way for a new highway in 1933.

There are several names for this covered bridge.  In my search, I was looking for the Fairgrounds Bridge.  It is better known as the Crown Point Bridge.

In its original territory it was apparently known as either the Shelhorn or Milroy Bridge.

For Covered Bridge enthusiasts in the Chicago area this is a good place to begin your Indiana Covered Bridge journey.

Lake County
Internet image

With a little planning, use Crown Point as a jumping off point, then take in the bridges to the south and east which are still a day's drive from the big city.

Crown Point Covered Bridge
Built:  1878  over Flat Rock River near Milroy in Rush County, Indiana
Style:  Burr Arch
Length:  85 feet over a small ditch in the Lake County Fairgrounds
It was purchased from Rush County for $25 by the Crown Point mayor in 1933.