These 7 Beautiful Covered Bridges In Michigan Will Remind You Of A Simpler Time
By Serena Maria Daniels|Updated on August 30, 2023(Originally published September 22, 2021)
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Serena Maria Daniels
Author
Serena Maria Daniels is an award-winning freelance journalist in Detroit, by way of Chicago, by way of the West Coast. She writes about Michigan for OIYS. Serena enjoys learning about language and culture and taking road trips with her beagle Ralph.
There’s something so nostalgic about a covered bridge. It takes us back in time to when life wasn’t so fast paced, when we could slow down and appreciate fine craftsmanship. Among the many historic places in Michigan, covered bridges are some of the simplest yet most beautiful. Lucky for those of us who reside in the Great Lakes State, we’ve still got some of these covered bridges to appreciate. Some of these covered bridges near Detroit are now only open to foot traffic. Others are new and were designed to capture that old-timey feeling. Still others have been beautifully restored and maintain their original use. Have a look at some of the most marvelous covered bridges in Michigan.
Once you've reached this all-wood, 230-ton bridge, you know you've reached Frankenmuth's small town charm. Known as the Holz-Brucke Wooden Bridge, this lovely structure crosses the serene Cass River.
Built around 1867, this bridge closed to automobiles in 1930. It was later renovated for foot traffic in 1941. Today, it offers a calm and charming way to cross the Thornapple River in Ada - can you imagine a lovelier scene?
Just north of Lowell, this bridge was originally constructed around 1840, but steps were taken to preserve it in 1905, 1945, and 1994. Located within the aptly named Fallasburg Park, the bridge spans the Flat River and proudly maintains a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
This beauty was actually built in 1832 in West Finley, PA, and crossed Wheeling Creek. It has since been relocated and sits at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. If you've never visited this lovely living history museum before, you'll surely want to stop by and immerse yourself in its many charms -- including Ackley Covered Bridge. Don't forget to bring your camera along on this timeless adventure in Michigan.
Constructed in 1887, Langley is actually the longest covered bridge in Michigan. Its vibrant red exterior makes it nearly impossible to miss as it stretches across the St. Joseph River. History buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike will appreciate the chance to cross here.
6. Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge
Covered Bridge, Pierce Stocking Scenic Dr, Empire, MI 49630, USA
This is among the more charming features of the picturesque Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which winds through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Whether you drive through in the midst of fall foliage or during the dog days of summer, you'll be charmed by this manmade structure tucked away among endless natural splendor. It's easy to see why Pierce Stocking remains atop the list of top scenic drives in Michigan, and its bridge adds an extra dash of whimsy.
7. White's Covered Bridge
Whites Covered Bridge, 1612-1636 Whites Bridge Rd, Belding, MI 48809, USA
White's was originally among three Brown truss covered bridges still in existence in Michigan (the others are the aforementioned Ada and Fallasburg bridges). This style of construction refers to the diagonal compression beams that hold the bridge up. While the original 1869 structure was destroyed by a fire in 2013, a full replica was completed in the spring of 2020.
Aren’t you glad that you can stop googling “covered bridges near me” and get on the road? Makes you want to take a road trip right now and get a closer look at these places, huh? Tell us – do you have a favorite covered bridge in Michigan that’s not on this list? We’re always eager to hear from you, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or recommend another one of your favorite things to do in Michigan by filling out our nomination form.
Searching for even more enchanting places in Michigan to explore? Read our article about stunning castles in Michigan. And for more fun things to do in Michigan, you can cruise through the Airbnb Experiences pages for some one-of-a-kind adventures.
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