Exploring Michigan’s Historical Covered And Wooden Bridges
March 23rd, 2011
The oldest covered bridge in Michigan, built in 1887, is White’s Covered Bridge. This bridge is located in Ionia County and spans the Flat River. It is 12- foot long bridge made out of hand cut lumber held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails.
The longest covered bridge in Michigan is 282 feet long called the Langley Bridge. However, it is 1000 feet shorter than the longest covered bridge in the world located at New Brunswick, Canada. The Langley Bridge is located near Centreville, Michigan. It was constructed in 1887 and crosses the Saint Joseph River.
The state also has one of the few covered bridges that connect two countries. It is located at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It serves as the northern terminus of Interstate 75. The bridge is also unusual in that it is a double arch span on the United States side while the Canadian side is a single arch span. This bridge is 2.8 miles long across the Saint Mary’s River. Each year in June a walk of unity is held on this bridge.
Covered bridges are very popular tourist’s attractions. These three bridges are some of the most popular in the state of Michigan.