Carmel Live

About

This Hamilton County park on the White River is home to the only covered bridge left in the county. The 260-foot Howe truss bridge carries people on foot over the river, with views of the water and a chance to spot wildlife.

The park covers 126 acres, with a playground, picnic tables, fishing, a canoe launch and a nature trail. A paved trail links to the White River Greenway, so you can walk or ride south through Forest Park to downtown Noblesville or to Morse Park and Beach.

History

The first bridge at Potter's Ford was commissioned in 1860 and named for landowner William Potter. County commissioners voted for this bridge in 1870. Josiah Durfee built it, and it was finished in 1871. It carried traffic for 100 years and took new roofing, siding, beams and flooring along the way. The county closed it to traffic in 1971 and leased it to the parks department. It joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, and it was restored and rededicated when the park opened in 1999.

In August 2026 the White River set a flood record, cresting at 24.6 feet in Noblesville and beating the 23.8-foot mark from 1913. The bridge stayed standing but closed to the public until it was checked.

When to go

The park is open dawn to dusk. The Potter's Bridge Fall Festival, with live music, more than 100 art and craft booths, food and kids' activities, took place October 3, 2026. The county lists the 2027 date as still to be decided.

Check today's hours →

Good to know

The bridge was cleared for people on foot before the 2026 festival, when crossings were limited to 250 people at a time. The county also planned a contracted inspection around October 2026, and no result is posted, so call the parks office if the bridge is the reason for your trip.

Price

The county's page for the park lists no entry fee. The 2026 fall festival was free to attend.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation. They can change, so check before you go.

Something wrong? Tell us