Michigan Covered Bridges - Ada

The Ada Covered Bridge.  4/28/2018  dwm photo

Outside the state of Indiana, there aren't as many covered bridges to photograph.

Wisconsin and Minnesota have only one historic bridge.

Michigan has six as best I can tell.  I don't want to include pedestrian bridges in the mix or covered bridges built in the last fifty years.

Just like most rules, there are exceptions.

In Ada, Michigan the covered bridge is a replica of the original 1867 bridge.  The original restored bridge was damaged by heavy snow in 1979 and then later destroyed by fire.  Members of the community with the help of the local Amway Corporation rebuilt it again.

The Ada Bridge uses the
Brown Truss System.  (dwm)

Last spring we were in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area to attend the bridal shower of our son's fiance.  That was my wife's department, I was along for the ride.  During the shower it was time to hunt bridges.

You can find two bridges near Grand Rapids.  It used to be three, but an arson fire destroyed one.  Hopefully it will be restored.

The Ada bridge looks beautiful.  The faded side boards create an authentic appearance in the historic downtown.

The Sun over Ada.
4/28/18  dwm

Back in 1867, the Michigan legislature approved $3,000 to build bridges around Ada.

Thornapple River is prone to flooding.  As a solution, area farmers would haul wagons of rock on to the bridge during high water to hold the bridge in place.  It's a local legend included on the State Historical Marker, true or not, it's a good story.

Today it sits quietly in a city park ready for dog walkers, bike riders, and pedestrians.  It is a century and a half removed from its hey-day.  While it isn't the first version, it looks the part and is worth a look.

Ada Bridge. (dwm)

Ada Covered Bridge

Location: East of Grand Rapids in Ada

Built:  1867, restored in 1941 after leaving service in 1930. Destroyed by fire and then re-built in 1979.

Length:  125 feet over the Thornapple River

Style:  Josiah Brown Truss

You can read about more than 100 covered bridges here.