Preble County: Covered Bridges and Nature Experiences

Eight preserved historic covered bridges give Preble County a distinctive focus. You can explore all eight bridges by car while taking in farmland, meadows, rolling hills, and valleys. The landscape around the bridges also includes prairies and wetlands—a contrast between architectural history and varied landscapes.

Bridges with a history of their own

From 1829 to 1896, 29 covered bridges were built in Preble County; eight remain. The Roberts Covered Bridge is Ohio’s oldest surviving covered bridge. It is also the oldest covered bridge in the United States with two lanes for vehicles. The Brubaker Covered Bridge dates from 1887 and is 88 feet long. Its sides were opened to give drivers better visibility. The Christman Covered Bridge tells a different story: it was built over Seven Mile Creek in 1895 and named after local landowner Solomon Christman.

The Hueston Woods Covered Bridge also has a distinctive design: it spans Four Mile Creek in Hueston Woods State Park for 108 feet and has covered walkways for pedestrians. The park lies in both Butler County and Preble County and surrounds 625-acre Acton Lake. Hiking, fishing, and canoeing are among the activities offered there.

Trails and natural areas

The Preble County Historical Society grounds have seven walking trails. Historic buildings there include an original 1860s farmhouse, an 1813 log cabin, a bank barn, and an 1855 smokehouse. The outdoor grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Allen & Adaline Garber Nature Center combines walking paths and the Sandpiper Wetland with another offering: tours of the farmhouse are available by reservation. Devils Backbone offers walking paths, creekside activities, and fossil hunting. At Rush Run Wildlife Area, 1,174 acres offer public hunting and fishing opportunities; the area also includes steep slopes in the Rush Run Creek valley. Woodland Trails Wildlife Area is a state wildlife area managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The nature destinations each have a different focus: Hueston Woods State Park offers hiking, fishing, and canoeing, while Rush Run offers public hunting and fishing opportunities. When choosing activities, you can weigh options such as lakeside recreation, walking paths, creekside activities, and other outdoor pursuits.

Culture, activities, and events

Preble Arts offers “Paint Your Own Pottery” sessions. Staff can help you choose glaze colors. G & J Kartway also has a long history: it started in 1958 as a one-seventh-mile dirt track and was paved in 1962. G & J Kartway is a WKA Master track.

Camden’s Black Walnut Festival takes place each year on the third weekend in October. It features more than 120 vendors; the number may vary from year to year. Check the dates for the relevant year if you’re planning your visit around the festival.

Local produce and flavors

The Eaton Early Bird Farmers Market offers fresh produce and baked goods. As seasonal details may vary, check the latest information before your visit. Olde Schoolhouse Vineyard & Winery offers more than 20 wines and has a tasting room. These offerings complement the historic and nature-focused experiences with local products and wine.

Getting here and planning your trip

Preble County is located along Interstate 70 and provides access to Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Richmond. When planning a hotel stay, you can start by deciding what you want your trip to focus on: exploring the bridges by car, spending time in natural areas, or timing your visit to coincide with a festival.

Discover more destinations: New Paris, West Alexandria and Eaton.

For the broader travel overview: Ohio.