The Croswell Swinging Bridge is a bit of a rare breed. It’s not the only swinging bridge in Michigan, but it’s one of only three left in the state, and these unusual bridges pretty scarce in the rest of North America.
Back in 1905, the Michigan Sugar Company supplied the materials for this bridge. They built it to stretch 139 feet across the Black River, all so their factory workers could get to work without getting their feet wet.
Nowadays, that old bridge is still doing its job, swingin’ and swayin’ and carryin’ folks across the river every day. Some folks call it Michigan’s Scariest Bridge, but it’s just a bit of good-natured terror for the young’uns. On one end of the bridge, there’s a sign that says, “Be Good To Your Mother-in-law.” That’s advice we can all get behind.
Come the second weekend in August, they throw a shindig to celebrate the bridge, complete with cardboard boat races right under it.
If you’re looking for somethin’ extra, in that very same park, a disc golf course is hidden away among the pines. So, next time you’re in the area, make sure to pay a visit to this swinging piece of history and maybe toss a disc or two while you’re at it.
