Bridges of Wisconsin

Red Mill Covered Bridge, Waupaca. 11/12/22

Years before I began collecting covered bridges with my camera, my wife and I stopped at the Red Mill near Waupaca.

There is a restaurant and gift shop along the Crystal River in an old mill. In 1970 new owners built a bridge and a Chapel on the grounds.

When we returned to Wisconsin and looked at lists of covered bridges in the state, I didn't notice this one or recall it. I certainly didn't remember it as a full-size bridge.

After the suggestion in October (2022) to check out the Waupaca bridge, it jogged my memory that maybe there was a second bridge worth shooting. It was my first stop on a quick one-hour visit to capture both.

The bridge uses a Towne Lattice thru truss/ dwm

The breakfast rush was over so there was plenty of room to park along the country road. I stopped in the shop to qualify as a customer, then headed down the stairs and path to the bridge.

Since the owners control property on both sides of the river, it's a perfect spot to visit and photo-friendly.

There is a short walking path around the Chapel and a lot of space to enjoy the peace, quiet, and beauty of the country setting.

A bridge near a grist mill built in 1855 makes sense historically, so despite this being a decorative bridge and a show-piece, it belongs in this tranquil location.

Red Mill Covered Bridge

Built: 1970

Style: Town Lattice through truss

Length: 40-feet over Crystal River