Maine can be a lot of things. It can be the hustle and bustle of a busy Portland summer night or it can be the quaint and reserved beauty of the rural country. Today we’re focusing on the latter. One feature that makes it so peaceful are the covered bridges dotting the landscape from north to south. While there are quite a few you can explore (see the bottom of this article for a link with more information) one of our favorites is Artist’s Bridge in Newry. Do you know how it got its name? You might be surprised once you’ve heard the REAL reason!

The 100-foot structure spanning the Sunday River in western Newry was built in 1872.
buonviaggio_12 / TripAdvisor
And it actually goes by two names - more formally, the Sunday River Bridge.
Chuck H / TripAdvisor
While many believe it got its informal name - Artist's Bridge - as a result of its beauty and photogenic nature, there's actually another reason.
Jessica M / TripAdvisor
One of the country's first impressionist painters, John Enneking, is said to be the reason for its notable name.
OldIrishCurmudgeon / TripAdvisor
Enneking was a Union soldier in the Civil War who was held as a prisoner of war. When the war came to a close and he was released, he moved to Boston and devoted himself to painting. He loved the landscapes of New England and especially adored Newry. He was often seen by the side of the bridge, painting it in all seasons. As people passed the bridge and saw the locally beloved painter studiously recreating the bridge, it came to be known as the "artist's bridge."
Today, as many people know, the bridge is captured in photos and paintings by professionals and amateurs alike.
Chuck H / TripAdvisor
While it's beautiful any time of year, we think right now amidst the changing leaves is the perfect time to see it!
Chuck H / TripAdvisor
Getting to the bridge is easy and can combined with a trip to Sunday River.
rs1970haj / TripAdvisor
First, head to western Newry. The bridge is next to to the crossing of the Sunday River near Sunday River Road. It's just northeast of the Sunday River Ski Resort.

As promised, click here to check out some more of Maine’s wonderful covered bridges.

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