Wooden Wonders

Built out of necessity throughout the 19th century, covered bridges allowed farmers and country residents to cross rivers and streams that separated rural areas from urban centers. It was widely believed that when building or repairing these structures, it was easier to climb on the rooftops and replace shingles than it was to battle the currents while repairing floorboards and walls from the water.

Today, Michigan’s covered bridges are recognized as symbols of history, romance, and nostalgia. In the Grand Rapids area, three rustic and historically recognized covered bridges are popular stops on fall color tours.

Ada Bridge

Once known as the Bradfield Bridge, after early businessman Edward Bradfield, the 125-foot-long Ada Bridge opened on July 7, 1867.

The ever-changing waters of the Thornapple River wreaked havoc on the bridge, and flooding in 1904 and 1905 nearly wiped out the wooden structure. It is said farmers would line wagons loaded with stones onto the bridge to hold it in place. There were also times when the sideboards were removed, allowing the water to flow through the bridge instead of dislodging it from its foundation.

Closed to automobile traffic in 1930, the Ada Bridge saw a series of restorations over the decades, including in 1979 when heavy snow collapsed the roof. Shortly after those major repairs were completed, arsonists set fire to the centennial structure, leaving nothing but charred ruins. Ada locals rallied to rebuild their beloved pedestrian bridge, which today connects the vibrant village — with all its shops and eateries — to Leonard Park, which is home to a softball field, a riverside deck, a walking/bike path, and restrooms.

For an additional glimpse at Ada’s past, look for the red house at 7504 Thornapple River Drive SE, across the road from the park. This was where Edward Bradfield lived and operated his mill, and farmers would gather to sell their crops. The small red window to the right side of the front door was where he would issue payments.

Fallasburg Bridge

New York brothers John W. and Silas Fallas arrived in eastern Kent County in the 1830s and quickly set out to establish a village along the Flat River. The community still bears their name: Fallasburg.

Several of the early structures remain in this quaint historical village, including John’s house, the 1867 one-room school, and a 100-foot-long covered bridge, constructed in 1871 for $1,500 to replace an 1840 bridge that had been destroyed by spring flooding and ice jams.

The bridge’s original wooden abutments were replaced with concrete ones in the early 1900s and major repairs were completed in 1945 and 1994, but what stands today is an authentic piece of history. At 153 years old, it’s the oldest covered bridge in Michigan and one of the few still open to automobile traffic. Drivers should heed the posted warning of a “$5 fine for riding or driving on this bridge faster than a walk.”

Fallasburg Bridge is just one of the many unique sites within the 324-acre Fallasburg County Park. First established in 1928, this park features five picnic areas, historic ball fields (once home to the Fallasburg Cubs), playgrounds, a disc golf course, and a 1930s-era shelter house that’s perfect for small group gatherings. The Fallasburg Historical Society periodically opens its buildings to the public for tours. The North Country National Scenic Trail, with headquarters in nearby Lowell, stretches for 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota, and a segment of the trail passes through Fallasburg Park.

White’s Bridge

The first bridge at White’s Crossing, which spans the Flat River in Ionia County’s Keene Township, was a floating log/corduroy-style unit. In November 1845, the highway commissioners of Keene and Otisco townships “let the job of building a bridge across Flat River at the Cutler place to Ambrose Spencer for $79 ($3,000 today).” This first primitive bridge was later destroyed by a spring ice jam, much like other bridges in the area.

Rev. Levi T. White built the second bridge in 1856 for $250 and, ever since, the bridges here have been named for him. The second bridge was also lost to ice in the spring of 1869.

Residents of nearby Smyrna then decided it was time to erect a more substantial structure. The second White’s Bridge was completed in just 84 days — using man, ox, and horsepower — for a cost of $1,000, which was due in 1870, and another $700 that was paid the year after. However, when it was discovered that the floor of the 116.5-foot bridge had been planked with secondhand lumber riddled with auger holes, the townspeople deducted $25 from the first installment.

For 144 years, the third bridge at White’s Crossing, and the second named White’s Bridge, stood proudly, and thousands of vehicles crossed its threshold. Then, on July 7, 2013, the entire structure was engulfed in flames at the hands of an arsonist. In a flash, Michigan’s oldest original construction covered bridge was gone (that title now belongs to Fallasburg). Three years later, approval was granted to rebuild a replica bridge. It took seven years and more than $600,000 raised from various financial grants, funds, and foundations to complete the process; the newest White’s Bridge opened in 2020.

Those who want to view White’s and Fallasburg bridges from the water can experience a 2.5-mile leisurely paddle between the two along the scenic Flat River.

Elevated Bridge

For a different kind of bridge experience, head to Tipton in Lenawee County, near the  state line, to explore one of Michigan’s lesser-known gems.

Last summer, the 755-acre Hidden Lake Gardens — which is owned and operated by Michigan State University — opened its $1.25 million Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk. It’s constructed of southern yellow pine and pressure-treated lumber that’s meant to meld with the secluded woodland landscape and allow visitors, including families with kids in strollers or wagons, to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

The canopy walk, which towers 65 feet above the ground at its highest peak, stretches 726 feet, and encompasses two spans of a 374-foot suspension bridge. At every step along the way, visitors experience a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of picturesque topography, including a deep glacial kettle and a variety of wildlife.

“You’ll love the fall vibes,” says Jessica Goodrich, marketing and publicity coordinator for the property. “Our fall color is spectacular, and you wouldn’t believe the number of people who visit from near and far simply to experience the fall foliage.”

A large, covered “outdoor classroom” located near the entrance to the bridge is utilized as a waiting area, as only 10 people per span are permitted to cross at one time. This gathering space is also used for activities such as birdwatching, outdoor yoga classes, and educational programs. Other features of the Hidden Lake Gardens include a conservatory, bonsai tree collection, 12 miles of hiking trails, a visitor center with a library, an auditorium, a meeting area, and a gift shop.

The entrance to the canopy walk is about a half mile from the visitors center parking lot and one-third of a mile from the trailhead parking lot. Paths that lead to the canopy walk are a combination of paved, gravel, and wood-chipped surfaces. Access is free with admission to Hidden Lake Gardens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, from April to October, and, weather-permitting, from November to March (excluding five major holidays).

Plan it!

All three covered bridges are listed as Michigan State Historic Sites. Ada and Fallasburg also are listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

Michigan Covered Bridges
facebook.com/micoveredbridges

Hidden Lake Gardens
ipf.msu.edu/hidden-lake-gardens