Wooden Wonders
Three historic covered bridges – and a new canopy walk – are especially stunning in autumn
Built out of necessity throughout the 19th century, covered bridges allowed farmers and country residents to cross rivers and streams which separated rural areas from urban centers. It was widely believed that when building or repairing these structures, it was easier to climb on the rooftops and replace shingles than it was to battle the currents while repairing floorboards and walls `from the water.
Today, Michigan’s covered bridges are recognized as symbols of history, romance, and nostalgia. In the Grand Rapids area, three rustic and historically recognized covered bridges are popular stops on fall color tours.
Ada Bridge
Once known as the Bradfield Bridge, after early businessman Edward Bradfield, the 125-foot-long Ada Bridge first opened on July 7, 1867.
The ever-changing waters of the Thornapple River wreaked havoc on the bridge, and flooding in 1904 and 1905 nearly wiped out the wooden structure. It is said farmers would line up wagons loaded with stones onto the bridge to hold it in place. There were also times when the sideboards were removed, allowing the water to flow through the bridge instead of dislodging it from its foundation.
Closed to automobile traffic in 1930, the Ada Bridge saw a series of restorations over the decades, including in 1979 when heavy snow collapsed the roof. Shortly after the repairs were completed, arsonists set fire to the centennial structure, leaving nothing but charred ruins. Ada locals rallied to rebuild their beloved pedestrian bridge, which today connects the vibrant village — with all its shops and eateries — to Leonard Park, which features a softball field, riverside deck, a walking/bike path, and restrooms.
For an additional glimpse at Ada’s past, look for the red house at 7504 Thornapple River Drive SE , across the road from the park. This was where Edward Bradfield lived and operated his mill, where farmers would gather to sell their crops. The small red window to the right side of the front door was where he would issue payments.
Fallasburg Bridge
New York brothers John W. and Silas Fallas arrived in eastern Kent County in the 1830s and quickly set out to establish a village along the Flat River. The community still bears their name: Fallasburg.
Several of the early structures remain in this quaint historical village, including John’s house, the 1867 one room school and the 100-foot-long covered bridge, constructed in 1871 for $1,500 to replace the 1840 bridge which had been destroyed by spring flooding and ice jams.
The bridge’s original wooden abutments were replaced with concrete ones in the early 1900s and major repairs were completed in 1945 and 1994, but what stands today is an authentic piece of history. At 153 years old, it is now the oldest covered bridge in Michigan and one of the few still open to automobile traffic. Drivers should heed the posted warning of a “$5 fine for riding or driving on this bridge faster than a walk.”
Fallasburg Bridge is just one of the many unique sites within the 324-acre Fallasburg County Park. First established in 1928, this park features five picnic areas, historic ball fields (once home to the Fallasburg Cubs), playgrounds, a disc golf course and a 1930s-era shelter house perfect for small group gatherings. The Fallasburg Historical Society periodically opens its buildings to the public for tours. The North Country National Scenic Trail – with headquarters in nearby Lowell – stretches for 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota, including a segment which passes through Fallasburg Park.
White’s Bridge
The first bridge at White’s Crossing, which spans the Flat River in Ionia County’s Keene Township, was a floating log/corduroy style unit. In November 1845, the highway commissioners of Keene and Otisco townships “let the job of building a bridge across Flat River at the Cutler place to Ambrose Spencer for $79 ($3,000 today).” This first primitive bridge was later destroyed by a spring ice jam, much like other bridges in the area.
Rev. Levi T. White built the second bridge in 1856 for $250 and, ever since, the bridges here have been named for him. The second bridge was also lost to ice in the spring of 1869.
Residents of nearby Smyrna then decided it was time to erect a more substantial structure. The next White’s Bridge was completed in just 84 days — using man, ox, and horsepower — for a cost of $1,000 due in 1870, and another $700 paid the year after. However, when it was discovered that the floor of the 116.5-foot bridge had been planked with secondhand lumber riddled with auger holes, the townspeople deducted $25 from the first installment.
For 144 years, the third bridge at White’s Crossing, and the second named White’s Bridge, stood proudly, and welcomed thousands of vehicles to cross its threshold. Then, on July 7, 2013, the entire bridge was engulfed in flames at the hands of an arsonist. In a flash, Michigan’s oldest original construction covered bridge was gone (that title now belongs to Fallasburg). Three years later, approval was granted to rebuild a replica bridge. It took seven years and more than $600,000 from various financial grants, funds, and foundations to complete the process; the newest White’s Bridge opened in 2020.
Those who want to view White’s and Fallasburg bridges from the water can experience a 2.5-mile leisurely paddle between the two along the scenic Flat River.
Elevated Bridge
For a different kind of bridge experience, head to Tipton in Lenawee County, near the state line, to explore one of Michigan’s lesser-known gems.
Last summer, the 755-acre Hidden Lake Gardens – which is owned and operated by Michigan State University – opened its $1.25 million Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk. It’s constructed of southern yellow pine and pressure-treated lumber that’s meant to meld with the secluded woodland landscape and allow visitors, including families with kids in strollers or wagons, to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
The canopy walk, which towers 65 feet above the ground at its highest peak, stretches 726 feet, and encompasses two spans of a 374-foot suspension bridge. At every step along the way, visitors experience a 360-degree bird’s eye view of unique topography including a deep glacial kettle, a variety of wildlife.
“You will love the fall vibes,” says Jessica Goodrich, marketing and publicity coordinator for the property. “Our fall color is spectacular and you would not believe the number of people who visit from near and far simply to experience the fall foliage.”
A large, covered “outdoor classroom” located near the entrance to the bridge to be utilized as a waiting area, as only 10 people per span are permitted to cross at one time. This gathering space is also used for things like bird watching, outdoor yoga classes and other educational offerings. Other features of the Hidden Lake Gardens include a conservatory, bonsai tree collection, 12 miles of hiking trails and Visitor Center, with a library, auditorium, meeting area, and gift shop.
The entrance to the canopy walk is about a half mile from the visitors center parking lot and one-third of a mile from the trailhead parking lot. Paths that lead to the canopy walk are a combination of paved, gravel, and woodchipped surfaces, and may include uphill walks and occasional steep inclines. Access is free with admission to Hidden Lake Gardens, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, from April to October, and, weather permitting, November to March (excluding five major holidays).
Reprinted from the fall 2024 issue of Michigan BLUE magazine.