Bridges Worth Visiting in the U.S.

If you are looking for a unique vacation idea, consider visiting the most beautiful bridges in the United States. You will find many unique bridges to visit from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the northern border to the southern one. Many have been used for a long time and have historic significance.

The Royal Gorge Bridge

The Royal Gorge Bridge is located near Cañon City, Colorado, standing high above the Arkansas River. It was constructed in 1929 and cost $350,000 to complete. Each worker earned about $0.50 an hour to install the 1,292 wooden planks that make up this bridge. The Royal Gorge Bridge is 18 feet wide and 1,260 feet long. It that was the highest suspension bridge in the world from 1929 to 2001 and now holds the title of America’s highest suspension bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883, and it was the first fixed crossing of the East River. When it opened, it connected Brooklyn to New York City as Brooklyn did not become part of New York City until 1898. John A. Roebling designed this bridge, but he was not able to see construction begin after an accident at the site caused doctors to amputate his toes. He passed away from that injury a few weeks later. His son, Washington, took over the project, but he was hurt in another accident and became bedridden. When it opened, this bridge was the longest suspension bridge globally, but it was surpassed in 1903 by the nearby Williamsburg Bridge. To prove that the bridge was safe, P.T. Barnum took 21 elephants across it in 1884.

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most iconic bridges in the U.S. is San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. From 1937 when it opened to 1964, the 1.7-mile long bridge was the longest main suspension bridge globally. Thankfully, a safety net was eventually put under the bridge during its construction after 18 men fell from their perilous perches while constructing it. Before the bridge’s completion, the United States Navy declared that it had to be painted blue and yellow, but after the steel arrived, it was primed international orange. The Navy and the architect decided that these colors made it highly visible.

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, New York, was constructed after a previous bridge collapsed. The Rainbow bridge opened in 1941 and provides panoramic views of the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. It is 1,450 feet long and it is 202 feet above the Niagara River. You can cross by biking, walking or driving.

Hogback Covered Bridge

If you have watched the movie The Bridges of Madison County, you have seen the Hogback Covered Bridge. With its’ picturesque beauty, you will want to see this bridge near Winterset, Iowa, for yourself. It was constructed in 1884 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster and is one of the few covered bridges in the county that is still in its original location. This bridge takes its name from the Hogback ridge at the west end of the valley where it’s located.

There are many beautiful bridges in the United States. Start planning your trip to see them.