BEAN BLOSSOM OVERLOOK

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Stop #1 on the Self Guided Tour. 
Directions to the next Stop, Bean Blossom Covered Bridge


The Bean Blossom Overlook is nestled in the heart of the designated "Brown County Parkway" along HWY 135N between Bean Blossom and Nashville, Indiana.  This corridor was set aside to preserve the landscape's scenic beauty in 1932 by the Department of Natural Resources State Parks director, Col. Richard Lieber.  

In 1985, the DNR gifted approximately 150 acres of land that included the Bean Blossom overlook to the Brown County Parks & Recreation Department to ensure the property remain in local stewardship.  Since that time, very little has changed, however, the maturing hardwoods continued to grow, blocking the once majestic view of the countryside.

In 2017, I was approached by members of Peaceful Valley Heritage Preservation Society requesting that the Parks Department consider re-opening the view from the overlook.  I was told that decades ago the spectacular view from this overlook rivaled that of any other in the state.  Aside from the aesthetic benefits to the locals, the Bean Blossom overlook was, at one time, a major attraction among tourists along the parkway.  I was shown late 1950's-early 1960's era photographs of families picnicking, artists with easels, painting the scenery, and others viewing the landscape will binoculars.

With approval from the Park Board, and after examine several options, I reached out to a local timber buyer and arranged for a timber harvest to take place to re-open the view.  This allowed the project to be completed with no cost to the BC Parks & Rec. Dept.  Since the re-opining of the overlook view, we have received numerous compliments regarding the project.  I have also noticed that now, each time I drive past, the overlook typically has several visitors picnicking or just enjoying the view, much the same as it did decades ago...

Mark Shields, Director
​Brown County Parks & Recreation

Postcards Supplied By: Cathy Martin
Signage Sponsored By: Wolff and Wolff