The Stomach-Dropping Suspended Bridge Walk You Can Only Find In Texas

Whether you find the fact that wooden planks are the only thing separating you from the watery depths below exhilarating or terrifying, this suspension bridge in Waco is worth a visit. Are your palms sweating yet? If not, they will be after seeing these pictures.

This bridge isn't for the faint of heart. It hangs over the Brazos River and spans 475 feet.

Opened in 1870, it was the first major suspension bridge in Texas. Waco was located on the iconic Chisholm Trail, and businessmen knew a bridge was necessary to support growing commerce.

In 1913, reconstruction took place, including improving the quality of the steel and adding trusses to accommodate heavier loads.

Up until 1971, the bridge was open to vehicle and cattle traffic as well as pedestrian. Today, it's open to foot traffic only and is extremely safe to cross.

The bridge serves as a central hub of sorts where people gather for special events such as July 4 fireworks.

It separates two parks: Indian Spring Park on the southwest side of the river and Doris D. Miller on the northeast side.

Indian Spring Park is actually the origin of Waco - the Huaco Indians settled near an icy cold spring on the riverbank.

Although the thought of crossing a bridge with only wooden planks separating you from the water below might be daunting, I wouldn't knock it 'till you try it. Families love to explore the bridge and spend the rest of the day at the park.

If you want a mild thrill and a major dose of history, check out the Waco Suspension Bridge sometime. It's worth the sweaty palms, I promise.

The closest address to the bridge is 400 Austin Ave, Waco, Texas 76704, which is Doris D. Miller Park.

Have you ever been to the Waco Suspension Bridge? Are there any other heart-stopping swinging bridges in Texas?

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Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing. Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.