fbpx
Skip to main content
Putnam Pursuit, Putnam County, Indiana

PUTNAM PURSUIT

AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SERIES

Become a certified Putnam County Outdoor Explorer! Putnam Pursuit guides you to 26 very different venues around the county, focusing on art, history and outdoor recreation. Three distinct Quests make up the Pursuit – the Covered Bridge Quest, Nature Park Quest and Mural Quest. Each leads to at least six locations unique to Putnam County. Challenge yourself to all in a single weekend, or complete them independently over time. Then submit your results to us. There is no time limit and no order of completion.

Take a photo at each location, then submit the photos via email, social media or by bringing your photos into the Visitors Center and showing us in person!

Finding your own way is part of the fun! No directions or addresses are provided. Finding each location and blazing your own path makes each Quest your own…but we are always here if you get stuck or have questions. You can email us directly at:

[email protected]

Each completed Quest earns you a sticker to help track your progress. Completing all three Quests earns you an official Putnam Pursuit vinyl decal to display on your car, laptop or water bottle! Complete all three Quests and be eligible to purchase a Putnam Pursuit t-shirt. Wear yours proudly to highlight your achievement and support of outdoor recreation in Putnam County.

Below are some clues to get you started:

WHAT IS PUTNAM PURSUIT?

Putnam Pursuit is an Outdoor Adventure Series where residents and visitors travel around the county taking photos (selfies) at different locations. The three quests have been designed to cover every corner of the county and highlight the local beauty of the area.

HOW DO I BEGIN MY QUEST?

To start your adventure, you need “the map.” Download the brochure from this webpage and print it, or stop by the Visitors Center. Our address is:

12 West Washington Street, Greencastle, IN 46135

IN WHAT ORDER DO I COMPLETE THE QUESTS?

There is no specific order to complete the Quests. Explore them all at once, over the course of several trips, and in whatever order you choose. Creating your own path is part of the adventure! There also are no directions or addresses provided. Use your research skills, make it an adventure, and navigate the county to find dozens of fun and interesting locales.

WHEN CAN I VISIT THE LOCATIONS?

None of the locations involved in Putnam Pursuit are inside or on private property. With that being said, all of the listed locations can safely and easily be visited from dawn to dusk.

HOW DO I SUBMIT COMPLETED QUESTS?

The simple answer is, by email, social media, or by visiting us at:

12 West Washington Street, Greencastle, IN 46135

You can find additional information about submitting your photos at the bottom of this page or by clicking the “Submit Your Quests” button below.

HOW DO I TRACK MY PROGRESS?

On the back panel of the Putnam Pursuit brochure is a series of three “logos” that represent each Quest. As you complete these pursuits, you’ll be given a colored sticker to place over the top of those emblems. Once you’re finished, hold onto the completed brochure as a memento.

WHAT IS THE FINAL PRIZE?

The real prize is seeing all of the amazing public art, nature preserves and historic bridges but, in addition, you’ll receive a high-quality Putnam Pursuit vinyl decal to display on your vehicle, laptop, refrigerator, water bottle, anywhere you like. As an added bonus, after you complete all three Quests, you’re eligible to purchase a Putnam Pursuit t-shirt that supports the Putnam Parks & Pathways organization and all outdoor recreation efforts in the county, while also showing your friends and family that you’re up to the challenge!

Putnam Pursuit - Putnam County, Indiana
Putnam Pursuit - Putnam County, Indiana
Putnam Pursuit - Putnam County, Indiana

COVERED BRIDGE QUEST

Nine historic covered bridges comprise the Covered Bridge Quest. Travel the length of the county and experience these century-old structures. Click on each of the covered bridges below for information about the bridge and tips for your quest.

BAKER’S CAMP COVERED BRIDGE

Located on the same road the entrance to Hall Woods Nature Preserve can be found on.

CORNSTALK COVERED BRIDGE

Private property surrounds this covered bridge. Please be cautious when parking and viewing in this area.

DICK HUFFMAN COVERED BRIDGE

Parking can be found on the east side of the bridge near the field.

DUNBAR COVERED BRIDGE

Though this bridge is closed to traffic, you can park on the southeast side and take wonderful photos.

EDNA COLLINGS COVERED BRIDGE

Potentially haunted, Edna Collings Covered Bridge has a unique history.

HOUCK COVERED BRIDGE

The only by-passed bridge in the county, park on the west side and explore the area on foot.

OAKALLA COVERED BRIDGE

Recently closed to traffic, you can park on either the north or south side of the bridge depending on how you get there.

PINE BLUFF COVERED BRIDGE

A gravel road leads to this covered bridge. Drive slowly and park on the east side.

ROLLING STONE COVERED BRIDGE

Similar to Pine Bluff Covered Bridge, drive slowly on the gravel roads and park on the east side.

NATURE PARK QUEST

The Nature Park Quest takes adventurers on a journey to six of the most popular outdoor locations in the county. Put on your hiking shoes and explore the trail systems while you’re there.

CAMP FRIEND

Park in the front gravel lot and walk around the closed gate to access the trails.

DEER CREEK FISH & WILDLIFE AREA

There are multiple entrances from a number of roadways throughout the county.

DEPAUW NATURE PARK

This retired limestone quarry has signage and information at the north entrance.

FERN CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE

An out-and-back trail to a retired sandstone quarry ledge. You can still find remnants of the quarry operation along the path.

FORTUNE WOODS NATURE PRESERVE

Take your photo at the entrance to the Tall Timber Trail in the Big Walnut Nature Preserve.

HALL WOODS NATURE PRESERVE

A quick teardrop trail that is roughly 1.5 miles long and includes a historic cabin.

MURAL QUEST

Eleven public, outdoor murals dot the landscape, including the “Silo Mural,” the largest in Indiana.

200 YEARS

Along the east edge of the Courthouse Square in downtown Greencastle, a celebration of the city’s bicentennial.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Located on the west-facing side of the Visitors Center, the Putnam Parks & Pathways HQ.

CATARACT FALLS

The only mural south of Interstate-70 and a good reason to visit downtown Cloverdale.

COMTEMPLATIVE COLORS

This is the second largest in the county and yet another found in downtown Greencastle.

GOOD LUCK CHARM

Maybe the toughest mural to find. If you have been to the annual Roachdale Rib & Blues Festival, you should have no problem.

GREENCASTLE BLOSSOMS

Located just off the Courthouse Square, this downtown Greencastle mural is on the north side of a building that has been a flower shop for more than a century.

IMAGINATION IS DESTINATION

With a playground nearby, this mural speaks to the artist’s childhood in Putnam County.

SILO MURAL

Parking can be tricky to view the largest mural in the State of Indiana. Our suggestion is to use the McClure Gas Station lot south of the mural.

SPIRIT OF ROACHDALE

Possibly one of the oldest murals in the county, local artist Holly Sims completed this work nearly a decade ago.

STARLIGHT BARN QUILTS

Tucked away on the backside of a local business, the Putnam County Public Library offers free parking right across the street.

SUNSET IN FARMLAND

We encourage you to get lunch at Backwoods BBQ before or after you take your photo.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTS

Before you submit your entry, be sure to have your photos ready. A selfie or photograph of one member of your group is required for each location of the Quest. Preferably, there will be a sign or signifying marker in the background of the photo. Again, there is no specific order in which the Quests must be completed, and there is no timeframe for completion. 

There are three primary ways you can submit completed Quests:

  1. Bring your photos to the Putnam Parks & Pathways office, located at 12 West Washington Street in downtown Greencastle.
  2. Tag our social media account @PutnamParks or use the #PutnamPursuit.
  3. Send an email to [email protected] with your photos attached.