The Moline Swinging Bridge Is The Oldest Of Its Kind In Kansas
By Clarisa|Published September 13, 2019
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Clarisa
Author
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
Have you ever crossed a swinging bridge that left you a little shaky on your feet, even if it wasn’t that high up? Thankfully we don’t have any mountains in Kansas where we could hang swinging bridges, but this one is shaky enough when you cross that you can still get a rush. Come explore the oldest swinging bridge in Kansas, hiding out in this small town.
There's a small town hiding out in southeast Kansas, about 1.5 hours southeast from Wichita. In this town is something old and historic, that you can see and feel for yourself!
Just a block west of the main street, you'll find it. Since 1904, this little hanging bridge has stretched over Wildcat Creek, letting pedestrians cross, even though today you can pass next to it with no issue.
According to local history, the bridge also sits along the Cherokee Trail, a path to the west that traveled from Arkansas to California as people sought gold starting with its discovery in a creek in 1850.
It was also used for emigrants and cattle drivers, but the original trail was blazed by members of the Cherokee tribe. Walking across this bridge is like walking with history.
If you ever find yourself traveling in the area, a stop by this swinging bridge should definitely be on your list. There's also a town cafe by the same name, if you find yourself feeling hungry on your travels. We've heard they serve a great homemade pie!
If you’re here in Moline to see the state’s oldest swinging bridge, we think you’d like to see a nearby town, Elk Falls. It’s one of the weirdest places in Kansas, and home to a bridge, waterfall, and an outhouse competition.
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