Staats Mill Covered Bridge: A Unique Bridge Park In West Virginia

Bridge parks. We definitely have some of those in West Virginia. In fact, a bridge park is one of the things we’re famous for. And it’s not just any bridge park. It’s a National Park that’s a bridge park! But just because the New River Gorge National Park is our most famous bridge park doesn’t mean its our only bridge park. There are picturesque bridges at Babcock State Park. And then there are covered bridge parks, like the one that’s home to Staats Mill Covered Bridge in Jackson County, West Virginia.

1887. That's the year the Staats Mill Covered Bridge, also known as Tug Fork Covered Bridge, was built.

This 100-foot wooden covered bridge cost the Jackson County Court $1,788.35 to build (that's like $55,917.96 in today's money!), and it was built across the Tug Fork of Big Mill Creek near Ripley, West Virginia -- right next to prominent citizen Enoch Staats' water-powered mill and general store, a community hub.

This historic covered bridge served the area well for years, but it was relocated to its current location, Cedar Lakes (an FFA-FHA State Camp and Conference Center) in 1983.

Now, it serves pedestrian traffic on the camp grounds, and it sits adjacent to a playground and historic pioneer village.

Come stroll through this beautiful bridge, admire the historic Long-truss architecture, and then enjoy perusing the rest of the grounds of this park-like Cedar Lakes setting, grounds that include a historic schoolhouse, a playground and park, beautiful views, and more!

Have you ever been to visit Cedar Lakes near Ripley, West Virginia? Did you know that it housed the Staats Mill Covered Bridge?

And while you’re this close, definitely don’t miss the chance to explore the rest of the area around Ripley, West Virginia as well. There’s more to it than just the Staats Mill Covered Bridge Park at Cedar Lakes, as scenic and historic as that is!

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Staats Mill Covered Bridge, Cedar Lakes Dr, Ripley, WV 25271, USA

Take A Journey Through This One-Of-A-Kind Bridge Park In West Virginia

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