We have traveled all over the great state of Iowa and we’ve noticed a trend. We have stumbled upon some outstanding bridges! From monstrous interstate high traffic achievements to small historical rural bridges that seem to be found in the most random places you can think of. Every road trip could use a bridge or two. (Click the links below the pictures to see the original blog post these bridges are featured in)
One of our most enjoyable time on the Mississippi River was June in Lansing, Iowa.
In the town park of Fertile, Iowa is one of the most picturesque scenes anywhere on the Winnebago River.
Our latest trip to Spencer had this beautiful bridge welcoming us in to town and will see thousands of bikes during RAGBRAI this year!We made the trip to Charles City for our annual Scouting RAGBRAI series and enjoyed their iconic cable stayed bridge over the Cedar River.Our recent search for Iowa’s best sandwich brought us to the banks of the Skunk River and the tiny Henry County town of Oakland Mills.You can’t get out of Madison County without seeing one of their many covered bridges. This one sits proudly in Winterset’s City Park. City Park includes much more than bridges- you can enjoy activities from bocce ball to a great hedge maze to a legendary view.Sunset in Ottumwa. Also known as The City of Bridges. Also home to a legion of authentic taquerias!A burger at the Corner kitchen with one of the best views in the Quad Cities with the Rock Island Centennial Bridge in the background. One of the best places in Iowa for Fourth of July weekend!
Sabula
Sabula
One of our most viewed posts of all time! Sabula is Iowa’s only island city and has some iconic bridges to go with it.
Lovers Leap Swinging Bridge! This stretches across a large gully in a densely wooded area of Columbus Junction. This town is also home to one of the best authentic Burmese restaurants anywhere!
Just a few miles from the unincorporated town of Avery and the county seat of Albia is Hickory Grove Cemetery. Just down the road from its old gates is another slice of history. One of Iowa’s few remaining wooden plank bridges still open to everyday traffic.
Giza and Monroe County may be 1000’s of miles apart, but the connection is there thanks to an early 20th century Iowan who’s imagination brought legend to this rural graveyard.
In rural Monroe County you’ll find the Great Pyramids of Iowa! To get to them, from Albia, you must cross this wooden plank bridge decorated with its own mysterious memorials.
The Iconic Lion Cculptures welcome visitors to the historic Cedar Rapids neighborhood known as the Czech Village. Break off from St. Pat’s day and join them for St. Joe’s day!The common extra touch on the bridges of Montrose. Between Keokuk and Fort Madison and home to one of Iowa’s best sports bars.
Through the dense woods we stumbled on what we were looking for. The old Saulsbury Bridge. Now serving as a tool of discovery and imagination for Team Goodvin and anyone else loves areas like this. The Cedar River was down on this day and that allowed us to explore under the bridge and along the sandbars. Tell what else you need to fill up your day!
Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den State Park-Muscatine
Connecting Betonsport to Vernon is an old railroad bridge turned into a walking bridge.
The old bridge across the swift running Des Moines River between the small towns of Vernon and Betonsport in the Villages of Van Buren. One of Iowa’s most scenic drives!
The old Sutliff plank bridge that you can stroll across and have a great meal on it’s picnic tables from nearby Baxa’s. Have a couple cold ones too!
Watching the traffic go by on the river. The huge barges get up close to their observers as they inch along through the lock. In Keokuk, IA.
Historic Keokuk! Watch the barges go by and tour its Mississippi River banks all day long. One of Team Goodvin’s favorite places to visit!
We love to travel all of Iowa and we know there’s never a bridge too far to conqueror. Let us know the bridge your community has and we’ll do our best to cross it.
I enjoy the toll bridge over the Mississippi River at Fort Madison, Iowa. What a treat to experience driving across when a train rumbles under you on this double-decked bridge. To add to the glorious experience, it is also a swing bridge for the barges to go under. If a barge is coming a loud horn blows and a stop light turns red as an arm swings down to stop traffic. If you are going over the bridge from the Illinois side, you can look into the yard of the oldest state prison west of the Mississippi. (Recently closed)
I enjoy the toll bridge over the Mississippi River at Fort Madison, Iowa. What a treat to experience driving across when a train rumbles under you on this double-decked bridge. To add to the glorious experience, it is also a swing bridge for the barges to go under. If a barge is coming a loud horn blows and a stop light turns red as an arm swings down to stop traffic. If you are going over the bridge from the Illinois side, you can look into the yard of the oldest state prison west of the Mississippi. (Recently closed)