Cross A Giant Half-Mile Bridge With Awesome Views On The High Trestle Trail In Iowa
By Kim Magaraci|Published June 21, 2020
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Kim Magaraci
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Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Iowa is full of impressive architectural wonders, and some of the most creative people have built masterpieces here in the Hawkeye State. If you’re looking to track down the most famous bridge in Iowa, head to the small town of Madrid and check out the gorgeous High Trestle Trail Bridge as it crosses the Des Moines River.
You'll find the High Trestle Trail follows an old Union Pacific Railroad route from Ankeny to Woodward. This rail-trail runs for 25 miles, and there are trailheads in many nearby small towns.
The original High Trestle bridge was built in 1913, and crossed the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward. Construction began in the early 2000s, with 20 miles of trail open by 2008.
The last part of the trail to open was the new High Trestle Trail Bridge, in 2011. The original deck was removed, but the original piers (called Iowa's Stonehenge) remain over the river.
The most famous bridge in Iowa was built to commemorate the history of mining in the area. Looking down the bridge itself is supposed to be reminiscent of looking down a mine shaft.
This sprawling, impressive bridge is 13 stories high and half a mile long. Many people bike it as part of a longer High Trestle Trail adventure, but it's also an amazing footbridge for a quick stroll.
The views of the Des Moines River valley from the middle of the bridge stretch on for a far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can see straight to the horizon!
It's no surprise that this beautiful bridge was been recognized around the world. In 2015, the BBC placed it on a list of the 8 most amazing footbridges on Earth.
When you visit, be sure to stick around after sunset. Crossing the bridge at night is a surreal experience, thanks to lights that illuminate the bridge well into the evening.
