Illinois Covered Bridges - Lake of the Woods

The Sangamon River flows under the bridge. 5/13/2018 (dwm)

As one of the smart and good-looking people who check in every Thursday for a covered bridge blog, you know I strongly prefer to just include authentic, vintage structures.

There are exceptions: if it is new and faithful replica of the original bridge, I'm interested in the story.  Second, if it is a cool looking bridge, I'm interested.  Third, it's my blog so if I want to make an additional exception, why not?

The Lake of the Woods Covered Bridge is a replica of Pepperel Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Originally an authentic replica, in
1996 the wood deck was replaced and
walkway widened.  5/13/18 (dwm)

It was designed by German Gurfinkel, an instructor of Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois to connect the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve which was divided by the Sangamon River.

The Preserve is near Mahomet, Illinois and unlike the Red Covered Bridge - this bridge was just a few miles off our route on Interstate 74.

There is a steel deck that carries traffic, which loses some authenticity, but it is still cool.

Windows and walk are an attraction
at the park.  5/13/18  dwm

The Pepperel Bridge in Boston dates back before the Revolutionary War where women dressed as men defended it from the British.  Different versions of the bridge handled commerce through the decades until it couldn't handle the traffic anymore.  A new one was built in 1963.

In Mahomet, the Lake of the Woods Preserve comprises 900 acres along the Sangamon River.  There is a museum, botanical garden, and lake - which was hosting a lot of anglers the morning of our visit looking to catch a fish or two.

Wider than old bridges, this
can handle two-way traffic.
5/13/2018  dwm photo

There were no echoes, ghosts, or shadows of bridge history around the Lake of the Woods, but it does boost one's imagination.

The river valley is a nice location for the bridge.  I believe there were other rivers in Champaign County where covered bridges previously stood.

Lake of the Woods stands for them now.

Lake of the Woods Bridge Facts

Built:  1965

Style:  Steel stringer deck with faux Wood Pratt Through Truss

Length: 140 feet over the Sangamon River, near Mahomet, IL

There are more bridges - click this link to see more than 100 more!