Visitor's Guide to Historic Bridge Park
Located in Calhoun County, Michigan, southeast of Battle Creek, the park is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Entry to the park is free of charge. The Living History Demonstration takes place at Historic Bridge Park every year on the last Saturday of June, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Directions to the Park
From I-94, going either direction, take Exit 104 which is 11 Mile Road. Turn left from the off ramp to proceed south on 11 Mile Road. Turn right onto F Drive North. Turn left onto Wattles Road and left again at the Historic Bridge Park sign.
Park Grounds Map
The map below outlines the approximate layout of the park.
Historic Truss Bridges Guide
133rd Avenue Bridge
| Bridge Type: Half-hip Pratt pony truss with pinned connections. |
| Construction Date: 1897 |
| Builder: Michigan Bridge Company |
| Length: 64 Feet / 19.5 Meters |
| Original Crossing: Rabbit River in Allegan County, MI |
| Notes: First bridge to be erected in the park. A good example of a once-common truss type that is gradually becoming rare. |
20 Mile Road Bridge
| Bridge Type: Pratt pony truss with riveted connections. |
| Construction Date: 1907 |
| Builder: Unknown |
| Length: 70 Feet / 21 Meters |
| Original Crossing: St. Joseph River in Calhoun County, MI |
| Notes: Riveted connections on a Pratt truss are uncommon in Michigan. |
Gale Road Bridge
| Bridge Type: Pratt through truss with pinned connections. |
| Construction Date: 1897 |
| Builder: Unknown |
| Length: 122 Feet / 37 Meters |
| Original Crossing: Grand River in Ingham County, MI |
| Notes: This is the last remaining Pratt through truss highway bridge in Michigan that is skewed. |
Bauer Road Bridge
| Bridge Type: Pratt through truss with pinned connections. |
| Construction Date: 1880 |
| Builder: Penn Bridge Company |
| Length: 90 Feet / 27 Meters |
| Original Crossing: Looking Glass River in Clinton County, MI |
| Notes: This is one of the oldest truss bridges in Michigan. |
