menu search

Posted in Indiana Attractions, Sights & Landmarks September 18, 2018 by Elizabeth Crozier

The Untold Story Of This Historic Old Bridge In Indiana Is A Little-Known Legend

There’s a little-known architectural wonder hiding in northwest Indiana that may have once been a part of something else. This historic old bridge is rumored to have been built from bits and pieces of other structures, and you’ll never believe what they’re from.

This riverside wonder is a great place for boating and hiking, but you’ll want to know the story behind the bridge before you go. Scroll on to learn all about it.

Near the towns of Kouts and Wheatfield is an unincorporated area known as Dunn's Bridge. It lies along the Kankakee River, which is 133 miles long and begins in Illinois.

Named for this incredible structure, the area lies in Porter and Jasper Counties. The bridge was likely built in 1985 by P.E. Lane of Chicago, and it even has a sister bridge in Illinois.

Rumor has it that this historic old bridge was made with pieces of architecture from one of the World Fairs. Some believe it is part of the first ever Ferris Wheel that premiered at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Known as a metal braced ribbed through arch bridge, it is seven panels in length, 180 feet long, and much more unique and interesting than most new bridges being built today.

The bridge was restored in 2003, after which is was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This honor means the bridge is worthy of being preserved by the U.S. government.

Dunn's Bridge is a great place to access the river and launch your boat. You'll find nature trails and incredible views all around this three-acre area.

For more like this, check out these five trails in Indiana that lead to some incredible pieces of history.

Have you ever visited this historic old bridge? If so, we’d love to hear about your adventures below in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Elizabeth Crozier

An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.