Here at OnlyInYourState, we’re big fans of urban exploration and places that are currently being reclaimed by nature. Indiana has plenty of those to check out, and it’s not just buildings and homes being reclaimed around here, either – with at least 18,000 bridges (seriously) all over the Hoosier State, there’s a good handful of them that are now forgotten to time, allowed to decay and mostly ignored. One such bridge is a classic bridge to nowhere in Indiana that goes by at least a few names, but it’s most commonly referred to as the “Aqueduct Bridge.”

This rusting monument to history is also called the Coffey Bridge and Clay County Bridge #182.

Indiana State Department of Natural Resources/BridgeHunter Its original span was built in 1880 by the Cleveland Bridge and Iron Company. A second portion was added to it in 1920 by the Vincennes Bridge Company.

In its original iteration, it wasn’t terribly long - just 60 feet.

Robert Stephenson/BridgeHunter The update in the ’20s, however, tacked on an additional 42 feet, making the Aqueduct Bridge a span of 102 feet long.

This bride is 16.5 feet wide, and to call it “impassable” is a bit of an understatement.

Robert Stephenson/BridgeHunter Attempting to climb into this bridge would be extremely dangerous; please, don’t attempt to do so. This bride is easily accessible on all sides, so you should be able to explore it safely without physically getting on it.

What is it about these old, abandoned structures being taken back by nature that seems to spark the imaginations of literally everyone who happens upon them?

Mike Daffron/BridgeHunter We’re not sure, but we do love to speculate. It’s fun to come up with a history of your own - was it was a hideout for outlaws back in the day? Perhaps it was the meeting site of a coven of witches? Or maybe the local children say this spot is haunted, just because it looks, well, like it would be.

…of course, you could imagine just about anything you wanted to.

Nyttend/Wikimedia These kinds of places are the perfect spark to ignite a creative blaze. If you’ve never seen or explored anything like it, why not start with Aqueduct Bridge?

You can find the bridge on Towpath Road in Clay County.

Mike Daffron/BridgeHunter It spans Birch Creek and its coordinates in decimal degrees are +39.32643, -87.17951. Be sure to plan accordingly; wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and, preferably, jeans - the area is severely overgrown and you don’t want to pick up ticks (or injure your toes).

For the technical details about Aqueduct Bridge, be sure to check out the official BridgeHunter page.

Indiana State Department of Natural Resources/BridgeHunter

Its original span was built in 1880 by the Cleveland Bridge and Iron Company. A second portion was added to it in 1920 by the Vincennes Bridge Company.

Robert Stephenson/BridgeHunter

The update in the ’20s, however, tacked on an additional 42 feet, making the Aqueduct Bridge a span of 102 feet long.

Attempting to climb into this bridge would be extremely dangerous; please, don’t attempt to do so. This bride is easily accessible on all sides, so you should be able to explore it safely without physically getting on it.

Mike Daffron/BridgeHunter

We’re not sure, but we do love to speculate. It’s fun to come up with a history of your own - was it was a hideout for outlaws back in the day? Perhaps it was the meeting site of a coven of witches? Or maybe the local children say this spot is haunted, just because it looks, well, like it would be.

Nyttend/Wikimedia

These kinds of places are the perfect spark to ignite a creative blaze. If you’ve never seen or explored anything like it, why not start with Aqueduct Bridge?

It spans Birch Creek and its coordinates in decimal degrees are +39.32643, -87.17951. Be sure to plan accordingly; wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes and, preferably, jeans - the area is severely overgrown and you don’t want to pick up ticks (or injure your toes).

Indiana is host to plenty more abandoned and decaying places and things! If you liked this bridge, you’ll love exploring the abandoned town of Barbersville.

 

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Address: Clay County, IN, USA