Crossing This 152-Year-Old Bridge In Iowa Is Like Walking Through History

Crossing an old-fashioned bridge is an interesting experience, whether you're walking, driving, or riding. It can be a little intimidating as you look down at the water below - but more often than not, it's beautiful and peaceful. It's impossible not to think about all the people who took this path before and what this bridge has seen over the decades. There's a bridge like that in the laid-back John G. Bergfield Recreation Area in Dubuque, and it might not look like much - but this bridge has been carrying traffic for longer than anyone on this planet has been alive. What's more, this historic bridge in Iowa hasn't even always been in this location! The Dunleith and Dubuque Bridge is a little side-attraction in this park, but it has an amazing story, and you can walk it for yourself and step right into history

Dubuque is a bustling city, full of things to do and see - but this might be one of its best-kept secrets.

The John G. Bergfield Recreation Area is an urban park filled with natural beauty and fishing opportunities, along with a playground and picnic area.

As you explore, you might see a small bridge. It doesn't look like much - but it has an amazing story.

Dating back to 1872, it was initially part of a seven-span bridge across the entire Mississippi River. It was one of the first permanent bridges over the mighty river.

The bridge would eventually be replaced, and it was moved to White Water Creek for a time, until it reached the end of its service life. It would have been decommissioned, but the city of Dubuque took the bridge and rehabilitated it.

Today it stands in the Bergfield Recreation Area, its original construction still intact but with a new and stable wood deck. Visitors can take a quick stroll on it - right into history.

Have you walked the Dunleith and Dubuque Bridge? What did you think of this historic bridge in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can read up on the full history of the bridge on the official City of Dubuque website, and if you're in the city for the day, make sure to visit two more historic attractions - Dubuque's famous aquarium and funicular.

Looking to find some more historic spots in Iowa off the beaten path? Make sure to subscribe to AllTrails + to make it easier to navigate those hidden paths.