There’s A Covered Bridge Trail In Michigan And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of
Few sights are as classically charming as a rustic covered bridge. Whether you’re driving under the shade of one such bridge or simply admiring its quaint beauty from the outside, you’re sure to be delighted by the picturesque appearance of these beloved landmarks. We’re lucky to have a handful of covered bridges to visit. Follow this covered bridge trail in Michigan for a unique and charming road trip through the Mitten State.
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Prepare for pure Michigan adventure, because this is one road trip you won't wanna pass up.
Start your tour at this bridge near Lowell, which spans 100 feet and has been a local attraction since 1871. It's one of just four Michigan covered bridges that remains open to vehicle traffic. As a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, lovers of history will adore this bridge and its connection to local innovation. Find it at 13944 Covered Bridge Rd NE, Lowell, MI 49331.
Continue your tour in Ada with this bridge, which carries foot traffic from Bronson Street across the Thornapple River. The original bridge opened in 1867 and was destroyed in a fire during the 1970s, but this reconstruction is as charming as its predecessor. Find it at 7490 Thornapple River Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301.
This bridge near Centreville crosses the St. Joseph River and is the longest wooden covered bridge in Michigan. It’s a perfect place to stop for photos and admire the water below. Plus, there's a lot of history here... this bridge opened in 1887! Visit it at21959 Schweitzer Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
This iconic bridge in Frankenmuth has been a fixture in town since its construction in 1980. It’s a can’t-miss stop on your covered bridge tour. While this one is just barely shorter than the former stop on your bridge tour, it's of impressive size... and weighs 230 tons in total! Find it near Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734.
This bridge on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a lovely landmark within Sleeping Bear Dunes. Drive through it or stop the car for a quick photo. Rumor has it that it's especially gorgeous in the fall. Visit it at Pierce Stocking Scenic Dr, Empire, MI 49630.
Finish up your tour with a stop by Joshua’s Crossing in Benzie County for a look at this 90-foot wonder. It crosses a 20-foot-deep ravine and makes for a beautiful evening stroll. This is one of the more modern bridges on this list, dating back to only 1995, but it possesses old school charm that's perfectly picturesque. Look for it at 7700 Reynolds Rd, Lake Ann, MI 49650.
So, there you have it: the perfect route for visiting some of the state’s most fantastic covered bridges. Are you ready for the adventure to begin on this covered bridge trail in Michigan? Which of these pretty places is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
Can’t get enough of the scenic Michigan landscape? Take our waterfall road trip for more picture-perfect adventure.
Address: 13944 Covered Bridge Rd NE, Lowell, MI 49331, USA
Address: 7490 Thornapple River Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301, USA
Address: 21959 Schweitzer Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093, USA
Address: Covered Bridge Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA
Address: Pierce Stocking Scenic Dr, Empire, MI, USA
Address: 7700 Reynolds Rd, Lake Ann, MI 49650, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Covered Bridge Trail In Michigan
November 08, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What’s the most beautiful scenic drive in Michigan?
There are too many beautiful scenic drives in Michigan to mention, but there is one that’s amazingly underrated… US-2! Scenic overlooks, verdant forests, and sapphire-blue water can be found all around this pretty route.
What are the oldest covered bridges in Michigan?
The Whites Bridge in Keene Township originally was erected in 1869, but it was rebuilt in 2020. The Fallasburg Covered Bridge is still largely original, and it dates back to 1871. Wondering what the oldest covered bridge in the U.S. is? It’s the Hyde Hall Bridge over in New York!
What are the most unique historic landmarks in Michigan?
There are all sorts of interesting historic landmarks in Michigan! Detroit in particular is rich with interesting places to visit. The Grand Army of the Republic Building is particularly interesting, earning a reputation as Detroit’s very own castle.
