Spend The Day Exploring These Three Swinging Bridges In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published December 06, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Whether it’s a covered bridge or a swinging bridge, there’s something quite charming about the bridges of Illinois. If you’re looking for something different to do one day, consider a trip to Pontiac, which has three swinging bridges! Let’s take a look at these incredible swinging bridges in Illinois.
Located in Livingston County, Pontiac is home to the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, a historic downtown, and Chautauqua Park, among other attractions. Both Illinois' Historic Route 66 and the Vermilion River run through the city.
Some of the most fascinating attractions in Pontiac happen to be the city's three swinging bridges that span the Vermilion River. And you can walk across all three!
Leading from Humiston-Riverside Park to Division Street, this bridge offers scenic river views. You can sit on one of the nearby benches to admire the bridge and the surrounding park if you wish!
Chautauqua Park is home to a second swinging bridge that leads to Play Park. It was built in 1926 as an easy way for people to cross the river to get from one side of the city to the other.
The third and oldest bridge can be found at Play Park and leads to Riverside Drive. It was built in 1898 by the Joliet Bridge Company so that workers could get to their jobs at the shoe factories on the other side of the river. This historic swinging bridge is supported by cables and spans 190 feet.
Aside from the incredible construction of these charming swinging bridges, the views from each one are quite lovely. Take your time as you stroll across and appreciate the beauty around you.
Have you visited these swinging bridges in Illinois? Let us know if you have in the comments along with your favorite bridge in the state. To learn more about the swinging bridges, head to the Visit Pontiac website. You can view a map of the bridges here.
