Taylor Huff

June 17, 2025

Tulip Trestle – Indiana’s Hidden Railroad Marvel

Explore the Tulip Trestle in Greene County—an epic 1906 railroad bridge and hidden gem for history buffs, train lovers, and offbeat travelers.

Hidden Gems
Travel

Tulip Trestle, hidden in Greene County, Indiana, is a towering testament to early 20th-century engineering. Also called the Tulip Viaduct, it is a great hidden gem for people who like to explore off-the-beaten-path marvels. 

A FEAT OF ENGINEERING 

Completed in December 1906, the Tulip Trestle stretches 2,307 feet across the Richland Creek Valley, reaching a height of 157 feet at its tallest point. At the time it was built, it was the longest railroad trestle in the United States and the third-longest of its kind globally. Supported by 18 steel towers, the bridge was constructed using around 2,700 tons of steel and was primarily built by Italian immigrant laborers who were paid up to 30 cents an hour—a commendable wage for that era.

The trestle was originally constructed by the Indianapolis Southern Railway, which later became part of the Illinois Central Railroad. Its primary purpose was to transport coal from Greene County mines to larger cities like Chicago. Passenger trains once traversed the viaduct, but passenger service was discontinued in 1948.​​

A PART OF INDIANA’S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

Beyond its structural significance, the Tulip Trestle stands as a symbol of Indiana's rich industrial heritage. It represents the ingenuity of the early 1900s, reflecting the era's advancements in engineering and transportation. The bridge's enduring presence continues to captivate visitors, offering a tangible connection to the past and a striking example of human achievement harmoniously integrated into nature.

STILL ACTIVE TODAY 

Located near the small unincorporated towns of Solsberry and Tulip, the Tulip Trestle remains an active part of the Indiana Railroad's network, carrying freight trains across its expanse. While the bridge itself is not accessible to pedestrians due to safety concerns, you can still enjoy impressive views from an observation deck constructed by Greene County Tourism. This vantage point offers panoramic views of the trestle and the surrounding valley, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.​

The area around the trestle is a beautiful landscape, with country roads winding through forests and farmlands. The journey to the trestle is part of the experience, offering glimpses of Indiana's natural beauty and charm.​

Whether you're a history enthusiast, love photography, or traveler seeking unique landmarks, the Tulip Trestle offers a compelling destination that offers a chance to appreciate the feats of the past.

Tulip Trestle, hidden in Greene County, Indiana, is a towering testament to early 20th-century engineering. Also called the Tulip Viaduct, it is a great hidden gem for people who like to explore off-the-beaten-path marvels. 

A FEAT OF ENGINEERING 

Completed in December 1906, the Tulip Trestle stretches 2,307 feet across the Richland Creek Valley, reaching a height of 157 feet at its tallest point. At the time it was built, it was the longest railroad trestle in the United States and the third-longest of its kind globally. Supported by 18 steel towers, the bridge was constructed using around 2,700 tons of steel and was primarily built by Italian immigrant laborers who were paid up to 30 cents an hour—a commendable wage for that era.

The trestle was originally constructed by the Indianapolis Southern Railway, which later became part of the Illinois Central Railroad. Its primary purpose was to transport coal from Greene County mines to larger cities like Chicago. Passenger trains once traversed the viaduct, but passenger service was discontinued in 1948.​​

A PART OF INDIANA’S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

Beyond its structural significance, the Tulip Trestle stands as a symbol of Indiana's rich industrial heritage. It represents the ingenuity of the early 1900s, reflecting the era's advancements in engineering and transportation. The bridge's enduring presence continues to captivate visitors, offering a tangible connection to the past and a striking example of human achievement harmoniously integrated into nature.

STILL ACTIVE TODAY 

Located near the small unincorporated towns of Solsberry and Tulip, the Tulip Trestle remains an active part of the Indiana Railroad's network, carrying freight trains across its expanse. While the bridge itself is not accessible to pedestrians due to safety concerns, you can still enjoy impressive views from an observation deck constructed by Greene County Tourism. This vantage point offers panoramic views of the trestle and the surrounding valley, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.​

The area around the trestle is a beautiful landscape, with country roads winding through forests and farmlands. The journey to the trestle is part of the experience, offering glimpses of Indiana's natural beauty and charm.​

Whether you're a history enthusiast, love photography, or traveler seeking unique landmarks, the Tulip Trestle offers a compelling destination that offers a chance to appreciate the feats of the past.

Tulip Trestle, hidden in Greene County, Indiana, is a towering testament to early 20th-century engineering. Also called the Tulip Viaduct, it is a great hidden gem for people who like to explore off-the-beaten-path marvels. 

A FEAT OF ENGINEERING 

Completed in December 1906, the Tulip Trestle stretches 2,307 feet across the Richland Creek Valley, reaching a height of 157 feet at its tallest point. At the time it was built, it was the longest railroad trestle in the United States and the third-longest of its kind globally. Supported by 18 steel towers, the bridge was constructed using around 2,700 tons of steel and was primarily built by Italian immigrant laborers who were paid up to 30 cents an hour—a commendable wage for that era.

The trestle was originally constructed by the Indianapolis Southern Railway, which later became part of the Illinois Central Railroad. Its primary purpose was to transport coal from Greene County mines to larger cities like Chicago. Passenger trains once traversed the viaduct, but passenger service was discontinued in 1948.​​

A PART OF INDIANA’S INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

Beyond its structural significance, the Tulip Trestle stands as a symbol of Indiana's rich industrial heritage. It represents the ingenuity of the early 1900s, reflecting the era's advancements in engineering and transportation. The bridge's enduring presence continues to captivate visitors, offering a tangible connection to the past and a striking example of human achievement harmoniously integrated into nature.

STILL ACTIVE TODAY 

Located near the small unincorporated towns of Solsberry and Tulip, the Tulip Trestle remains an active part of the Indiana Railroad's network, carrying freight trains across its expanse. While the bridge itself is not accessible to pedestrians due to safety concerns, you can still enjoy impressive views from an observation deck constructed by Greene County Tourism. This vantage point offers panoramic views of the trestle and the surrounding valley, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.​

The area around the trestle is a beautiful landscape, with country roads winding through forests and farmlands. The journey to the trestle is part of the experience, offering glimpses of Indiana's natural beauty and charm.​

Whether you're a history enthusiast, love photography, or traveler seeking unique landmarks, the Tulip Trestle offers a compelling destination that offers a chance to appreciate the feats of the past.

Written By:

Carson Whiteman

Written By:

Taylor Huff

Taylor Huff

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Khamis Fine Jewelers

Hidden Gems in Indiana are powered by Khamis Fine Jewelers, a trusted name in fine jewelry for the last 30 years in Indianapolis. At Khamis Fine Jewelers, they search the world for hidden gems — stones with character, pieces with soul. Whether it's a rare sapphire, custom design, or diamond with a story, your perfect piece is waiting to be discovered.

Hidden Gems Sponsor

Khamis Fine Jewelers

Hidden Gems in Indiana are powered by Khamis Fine Jewelers, a trusted name in fine jewelry for the last 30 years in Indianapolis. At Khamis Fine Jewelers, they search the world for hidden gems — stones with character, pieces with soul. Whether it's a rare sapphire, custom design, or diamond with a story, your perfect piece is waiting to be discovered.

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Explore Indiana effortlessly with Get Indiana, your trusted resource for all things Hoosier. Join us on a journey through the diverse and vibrant life of Indiana, delivering a rich and dynamic reading experience.

Discover the heart of the Hoosier State with Get Indiana, your go-to source for everything Indiana. Dive into a wide range of topics, from local events and hidden gems to business, travel, food, and more. At Get Indiana, we bring you reliable, comprehensive, and engaging articles that keep you connected to the pulse of our state. Enjoy fresh perspectives on community stories, insightful features, and in-depth guides, all crafted with a commitment to accuracy and local pride.

Explore Indiana effortlessly with Get Indiana, your trusted resource for all things Hoosier. Join us on a journey through the diverse and vibrant life of Indiana, delivering a rich and dynamic reading experience.

Discover the heart of the Hoosier State with Get Indiana, your go-to source for everything Indiana. Dive into a wide range of topics, from local events and hidden gems to business, travel, food, and more. At Get Indiana, we bring you reliable, comprehensive, and engaging articles that keep you connected to the pulse of our state. Enjoy fresh perspectives on community stories, insightful features, and in-depth guides, all crafted with a commitment to accuracy and local pride.

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