5 Out-Of-This-World Walks In South Dakota That Lead To Fairytale Foot Bridges

Defined as being “a structure built to span physical obstacles without closing the way underneath such as a body of water, valley, or road,” bridges are some of the most magnificent of structures, which – lucky for us South Dakotans – are scattered all over the state! If you have an interest in history, photography, or just crossing pretty bridges, stay tuned, as you are going to love these these 5 South Dakota fairytale foot bridges:

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Famous for being the longest pedestrian walkway connecting two states in America, the Meridian Highway Bridge was originally dedicated in 1924 and connects Yankton with Cedar County, Nebraska. In addition to being an impressive piece of architecture, this Missouri National Recreational River-gem also offers a great workout, as it spans an impressive .6 miles each way.

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Do you think that .6 miles each way is a long bridge? Think again, as South Dakota's Platte-Winner Bridge significantly ups the ante! Built in 1966 (prior to the interstate system), Platte-Winner runs a whopping 5,655 feet, making it just over a mile and a great place to go whether you are looking for a perfect fall walk or for scenic views as far as the eye can see!

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Sitting pretty over the mighty Missouri, Chamberlain is a National Register of Historic Places inductee that connects Chamberlain and Oacoma via the Missouri River! While Chamberlain may not be a footbridge in the traditional sense (like Meridian and Platte-Winner), we could not help but add it to our list for both its uniqueness and because it measures one mile long.

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For a more traditional footbridge with a history as unique as the small bridge itself, check out Devil's Gulch! While the old bridge may not seem to be of anything significant, it is anything but, as legend states that the one and only Jesse James leapt off the 18-foot-tall bridge during an escape from law enforcement. (Whether or not this really happened is up for debate, but it makes for one hell of a story!)

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Just down the road from Devil's Gulch is what is quite possibly one of the prettiest crossings in SoDak: the picturesque Palisades Bridge! Built in 1908, Palisades is a pin-connected Pratt truss bridge that is 119 feet long and 16 feet wide, making for a quick and easy stroll on a clear and sunny day.

For other little-known bridges, click on You’ll Want To Cross These 10 Amazing Bridges In South Dakota.