Black River Harbor Suspension Bridge

The Black River Foot Bridge in the Ottawa Natl Forest

It was built by a crew from the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939 so the North Country Scenic Trail could cross the Black River close to where it flows into Lake Superior.

 

There was a beautiful photo of the bridge at the Americinn Hotel where we stayed in Ironwood.  It was a drone shot taken in late autumn with the bridge and river surrounded by brilliantly colored leaves.

 

I wanted to see the bridge and see what kind of photos I might take.  It was the last stop of our morning which began at Copper Peak then followed the road down to Lake Superior with stops at two water falls.

 

I felt a slight sway and bounce on the bridge

 The bridge stretches 210-feet across the river. Signs at either end advise one person should cross at a time.  When I crossed I felt the bridge move gently up and down and a little side-to-side.

 A suspension bridge is the perfect approach in this setting with its elegant lines and it helps it endure a variety of weather conditions.

 The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was one of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal programs that put people to work during the Great Depression on infrastructure projects across the country.

 

Black River and Lake Superior from bridge center

According to the Living New Deal website 200 men worked on the bridge using trees nearby to build the bridge and boat docks.  Concrete was moved to the bridge anchors one wheelbarrow at a time until each had 44 tons.

 

It's a gorgeous area with wonderful looks at the big lake, up river and the hills on either side.  The river and surrounding country teem with wildlife, feature quiet walking paths, and spectacular views of water falls for several miles.

 

The bridge and surrounding park is also a prime public entry for the public to access Lake Superior.  If you are near Ironwood, it's worth the trip.

 

Boats can tie up along the boardwalk.

If you get here, you need to cross the bridge.

All photos by David Mossner, September 19, 2022