The state of Michigan’s covered bridges have a unique history spanning more than 150 years.
American historian Eric Sloane said, "At one time covered bridges were as much a part of any journey as [are] today's traffic signals."
In the years following the Industrial Revolution, many covered bridges were constructed across Michigan. This was done for good reason.
From Michigan Home and Lifestyle:
Exposed to sun, wind, rain and snow, the timber roads needed protection, or some type of covering so they would last. The engineers of the day, called bridge wrights, invented and patented innovative truss designs still in use today.
The cover was typically designed like a residential roof and made up mostly of wood.
Covered bridges had to accommodate traffic from freight trains, wagons, horses, donkeys, and even oxen.
There are only three covered bridges that remain open to vehicle traffic in the state.
White’s Covered Bridge of Belding is the first. White’s is the oldest Michigan-made covered bridge still active, dating back to 1867.
Ionia County’s historical span stretches 120 feet over the Flat River.
Five miles southwest of Belding, you will find the Fallasburg Covered Bridge .
The Fallasburg spans 100 feet passing through Bridge Park into charming Fallasburg Village.
The Vergennes Township pass premiered a short time after the Civil War ended, in 1871.
An old sign above reads, “$5 Fine For Riding or Driving on This Bridge Faster Than a Walk.”
Thomas W. Langley was an early settler in the community of Centreville.
St. Joseph County is home to the Langley Bridge named in his honor.
The Langley was built in 1887 , and has quite a history of its own.hmdb
The 282-foot long crossing is Michigan's longest covered bridge.MO
At 16 feet high and 19 feet wide, it rests right above the St. Joseph River.
The Three Rivers treasure just underwent $3.2 million in renovations and reopened earlier this year.
A number of others continue to operate around the state.
Bowens Mills in Delton is another bridge based on a mid-19th century design.
Bowens Mills Bridge is a copy of an 1864 original on the former Grist Mill grounds.
The remodel would debut in 1982, including a 17-foot water wheel from that time.
Ada Bridge dates all the way back to 1867, and traverses the Thornapple River.
The Kent County structure has suffered several serious calamities in recent times.
The Ada’s roof caved in as a result of heavy snow in the 1970s.
Once the bridge was reconstructed, tragedy would strike again. A fire would later leave the Ada in ruins.
The town wouldn't let it fall by the wayside , and a 125-foot replica was rebuilt in its place.
No vehicles are allowed to cross the bridge that links Ada to Leonard Park.
About 15 miles north of Big Rapids is the White Pine Trail Covered Bridge in Reed City.
White Pine Trail can be traced to the late nineteenth century, first opening in 1880.
The 151-foot plank passing over Hersey River was originally a railroad trestle -- a vestige of the historic Grand Rapids and Indiana Railway.MHal
The very oldest covered bridge standing in our state was actually not made here.
Joshua Ackley and Daniel Clouse built the Ackley Covered Bridge in 1832, across Wheeling Creek in southwestern Pennsylvania.
It was scheduled to be torn down in 1937, but Henry Ford bought it and moved it to Greenfield Village.
Frankenmuth favorite Holz-Brucke Bridge is modeled after the nineteenth century classics.
Holz-Brucke extends 239 feet across the Cass River. The bridge has been a Bavarian Inn attraction since 1980.
The Saginaw County colossus checks in at a whopping 230 tons.
Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge of Empire sits by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The Leelanau County link has a designated area where people can pull off and take pictures to capture the moment.
Fisher’s Bridge crosses the Chippewa River at Deerfield Nature Center near Mt. Pleasant.
The Isabella County connector is a well-traveled path.
The Chippewa River is a popular place for an array of outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing and cross-country skiing.
Most of these historic landmarks are merely a short drive away. With the vibrant colors of autumn in Michigan as a backdrop, now is the time to see them.