The historic Bridgeton Mill, which has operated since 1823 in Parke County, is for sale with an asking price of $3.5 million.
Owner Mike Roe said running the mill has gotten too tiring as he’s aged, since it requires heavy lifting and long hours. But he said it was a hard decision.
“I love it, I really enjoy it,” Roe said. “It's a wonderful, wonderful place, a wonderful adventure, but I just can't do it anymore. Just wore out.”
Roe and his wife Karen bought the damaged mill in 1995 for $240,000 and repaired it. Since then, Roe said the mill has become a tourist destination, particularly during October’s Covered Bridge Festival. The 10-day festival draws millions to the county and is considered the largest festival in the state. He said the list price reflects this and the mill’s history.
Roe said the visitors were his favorite part of owning the mill. He hopes new owners will carry on the mill’s legacy, worrying that change could harm Bridgeton tourism.
”I've had some people talk about a restaurant and different things, and I just, I dread that happening,” he said. “It's become what it should have been”
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