The Oldest Covered Bridge Near Detroit Has Been Around Since 1832
Ready for a fun history lesson? Metro Detroit is brimming with nods to the past, from long-standing automotive plants to military forts and everything in between. Few structures are more charming than a covered bridge, and there’s one near the Motor City that stands as a remnant of times gone by. Read on to learn about the oldest covered bridge near Detroit.
Ackley Covered Bridge is located on Christie Street in Greenfield Village at Dearborn’s Henry Ford Museum.
If you’ve ever visited the Henry Ford or Greenfield Village, you know that this exciting spot offers visitors an up-close look at history. There are so many gems to uncover.
Ackley Covered Bridge is one such gem, tucked away within the Porches and Parlors District of Greenfield Village. The structure is decidedly simple yet charming.
Built in 1832 by Daniel Clouse and Joshua Ackley, the bridge first stood over Wheeling Creek in southwestern Pennsylvania. That’s right: it’s been on quite the journey.
When the bridge was slated to be demolished in 1937, it was purchased by Henry Ford and moved to Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Today, it stands strong.
Ackley Covered Bridge is primarily made from oak and stone, along with a handful of other materials. It spans a small but idyllic pond, making it the perfect spot to snap photos.
With a length of 75 feet, the bridge has long impressed Michiganders and out-of-towners alike who have meandered through and immersed themselves in a slice of history.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of architecture, or simply a curious citizen, there’s something special about exploring the storied past of Ackley Covered Bridge.
To learn more about this covered bridge near Detroit, click here. Have you checked out Ackley Covered Bridge during previous visits to Greenfield Village? Will you drop by again in the future? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comment section below!
