Two bridges span Big Walnut Creek near each other, but their fates have diverged—one has been preserved, while the other awaits further repairs.
The McCloud Nature Park Bridge, originally built in 1913 in Pulaski County to cross the Big Monon Ditch, was closed to traffic in 1980. Scheduled for demolition, the bridge was dismantled and stored in 2006 for potential reuse. Thanks to efforts by bridge historian Dr. James L. Cooper, John T. Camden Construction, and Indiana Landmarks, it was restored in 2010 and now serves as a trail bridge at McCloud Nature Park.






In contrast, the nearby Barnard Bridge, constructed in 1915, closed in 2019 due to structural issues. It briefly reopened in 2021 after repairs were completed at a surprisingly low cost of $82,000, far below the original $1.5 million estimate. Unsurprisingly, the substandard repairs failed, and the bridge is once again closed to traffic.









