Sometimes, all it takes to visit the past is to cross a river. Wisconsin has a small but precious collection of covered bridges and they transport visitors to a time of horses and buggies. These old bridges are timeless and beautiful and a worthy target for an adventure. All you need to a tank of gas and the desire to experience something extraordinary. Here are three bridges you can visit on a driving tour of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. In addition to exploring Waupaca Covered Bridge, you’ll also experience the other famous covered bridges in Wisconsin.

This tour is a great excuse to drive into the beauty of Northwestern Wisconsin, especially if you’re launching an adventure from the Green Bay or Fox Valley area
Google
To visit all three of these covered bridges will take a little under five hours and cover 277 miles.
1. Waupaca Covered Bridge
Google / Red Mill Gift Shop, Coffee Shop, Ice Cream Parlor & Widding Chapel
The first stop on this road trip is located in Waupaca, pop. 6,000, the county seat of Waupaca County. The town itself makes for an incredible day trip destination in Wisconsin, plus it's home to our first beautiful covered bridge.
The river here drew European settlers in the 1840s and today a bridge will remind you of pioneer times.
Covered Bridge Road, Covered Bridge Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA
Google / Greg Mcdonald
The bridge is located just west of the city. While the bridge looks very old, it was built in 1976, a good replica of early covered bridges.

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2. Smith Rapids Covered Bridge
Google / Kebn Nagel
The second stop on this tour can be found between Minocqua and Park Falls, in the heart of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Like the Waupaca bridge, this structure is newer than it looks. It was built in 1991.
Chequamegon or Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, Smith Rapids Rd, Park Falls, WI 54552, USA
Google / Braden Hartzheim
The bridge is stunning – it’s worth pulling over to get some photos. Learn more about visiting this stunning covered bridge in Wisconsin.
3. Horton Covered Bridge (Amnicon Falls State Park)
Google / Luke Towne
The final stop on our covered bridge tour is in one of Wisconsin’s most picturesque state parks. Amnicon Falls State Park is located south of Superior and it’s filled with waterfalls and rapids. Truly, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this little-known state park in Wisconsin.
One of the park’s top attractions is the 55-foot bridge that spans the river at the Lower Falls.
Amnicon Falls State Park, 4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874, USA
Google / Was Nearly
It was built in 1897 or 1898 and it originally was an open highway bridge. It was moved to the park in 1930 and the roof was added in 1939. Take a closer look at all the natural wonders that you'll find at Amnicon Falls State Park when you watch the brief footage below:

Once you’ve explored Wisconsin’s scenic covered bridges, here are some beautiful backroads drives you might want to explore. And, speaking of road trips, don’t forget to check out our ultimate road trip essentials packing list!

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covered bridges in Wisconsin

Beth C. | August 30, 2023

How many covered bridges are there in Wisconsin?

Whether you're fascinated by the architecture or researching "covered bridges near me" in Wisconsin, you're likely curious: just how many covered bridges are there in Wisconsin? As of 2023, there are 5 covered bridges in Wisconsin, which include:

  • Cedarburg Covered Bridge in Ozaukee County
  • Red Mill Covered Bridge (Waupaca Covered Bridge) in Waupaca County
  • Smith Rapids Covered Bridge in Price County
  • Springwater Volunteer Covered Bridge in Waushara County
  • Stonefield Village Covered Bridge in Grant County

 

Of all of the above covered bridges, the oldest is the Cedarburg Covered Bridge, which was built in 1876. The second-oldest covered bridge in Wisconsin is the Stonefield Village Covered Bridge, which was built in 1962.

What are the best family-friendly destinations in Wisconsin?

If you're planning to travel with the kiddos around Wisconsin, you'll be pleased to hear that there's a lot to discover! Below you'll find a list of some of our favorite family-friendly destinations in Wisconsin:

  • Blue Harbor Resort - Sheboygan
  • Lake Lawn Resort - Delavan
  • Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark - Lake Geneva
  • The Osthoff Resort - Elkhart Lake
  • Vista Royalle Campground - Bancroft
  • Pine View Campground - Sparta
  • Plymouth Rock Campground - Plymouth
  • Stoney Creek Resort - Osseo
  • Sunrise Lodge - Land O'Lake
  • Hickory Hills Campground - Edgerton

 

Learn more about exploring these family-friendly destinations in Wisconsin.

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