Missouri’s known for an abundance of unique things – from the largest roll of toilet paper to the largest fork in the world. Did you know that it is also home to one of the few Y-bridges in the United States? An historic landmark, the Galena Y Bridge is definitely worth a visit, and you can even cross over it (only on foot, though).

The Galena Y Bridge boasts a long, storied history.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
It begins in 1926 with the construction of the unique three-way bridge that passes over the James River.
Much of the material, such as gravel and sand, used to build the bridge came right from the James River itself.
Wikipedia/Rt66lt
The workers in the 1920s used wagons pulled by horses and mules, and spent a year building the bridge.
A "Y" design was chosen because of the position of the bridge between the river and a steep bluff.
Trip Advisor/Jim W.
This architectural design also made it easier for traffic to get on and off of the bridge.

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Because of the unique Y design, drivers who traveled to the east end of the bridge could then continue traveling either north or south.
Wikipedia/Rt66lt
Just to the south is the city of Branson.
Countless vehicles have traveled over the bridge.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The Galena Y Bridge was officially opened in 1927 and closed in 1986.
Once it closed to vehicle traffic, the Galena Y-Bridge transformed into a pedestrian bridge.
Trip Advisor/Jim W.
In 1991, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge is definitely an important part of the state's history
FourSquare/Alan C.
You can learn more about the city of Galena at the official website of Galena City Hall.

Have you ever crossed over this Y Bridge in Galena, Missouri? If so, what was your favorite part? Did you know that it was the tallest bridge in Missouri? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to nearby Branson, there is no better place to spend the night than the Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge.

Since we’re on the topic of bridges, have you ever visited the oldest covered bridge in Missouri? If not, plan a visit to Burfordville Covered Bridge.

If you’re still in the mood for more Show Me State adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Out and About in Missouri

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 09, 2023

Where can we find other beautiful bridges in Missouri?

  • The Paseo Bridge (also known as the ICON Bond Bridge) in Kansas City is one of the most beautiful structures in the area.
  • The Martin Luther King Bridge in St. Louis is a 4,000 foot cantilever truss bridge spanning across the Mississippi River.
  • The Windsor Harbor Road Bridge in Kimmswick is the oldest known wrought iron span in Missouri.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful bridges in Missouri.

Where can we find small towns in Missouri?

  • Higginsville in Lafayette County was once the site for the Missouri Confederate Soliders' Home.
  • Louisiana in Pike County was a successful shipping town and you’ll find many many large Antebellum homes that have stood the test of time.
  • Hollister in Taney County is the home of the Downing Street Historic District, modeled after Tudor style English villages.

Read on to learn more about some of the wonderful small towns in Missouri.

Where can we find museums in Missouri?

  • The Museum of Anthropology in Colombia showcases an array of items from human history including Native American artifacts.
  • The Missouri State Penitentiary Museum in Jefferson City has numerous exhibits related to prison life and also offers ghost tours.
  • The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis features an array of interesting relics including the Spirit of St. Louis airplane, flown across the Atlantic Ocean by Charles Lindbergh.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful museums in Missouri.

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Y Bridge, Galena, MO 65656, USA