While the Mackinac Bridge rightfully claims the title of Michigan’s longest suspension bridge for vehicular traffic, a lesser-known but equally significant structure holds the record for the state’s longest foot suspension bridge: the charming crossing in Croswell. Situated in the base of the Thumb, approximately thirty miles north of Port Huron, the town of Croswell lies along the banks of the Black River, the site of this unique pedestrian span. This 139-foot-long suspension bridge was erected in 1905 by the Michigan Sugar Company with the practical purpose of facilitating the safe passage of its workers across the Black River.
The original design of the bridge was rather rudimentary, consisting of only two supporting cables for the wooden planks and, surprisingly, no handrails for balance. Traversing such a structure must have been a precarious undertaking, and one can easily imagine the potential for missteps and an unexpected plunge into the river below. Adding a touch of local character, signs were installed at each end of the bridge. On the west side, a sign humorously advised, “Be good to your Mother In Law,” while the east side offered a more sentimental message: “Love Ye One Another.” These signs likely served as a gentle deterrent to prevent playful or mischievous individuals from swinging the bridge.
Recognizing the inherent instability of the original design, two additional cables were added a few years after its construction, providing much-needed handholds for pedestrians. In 2006, the bridge underwent a significant restoration project that included the replacement of all 135 planks, ensuring its safety and allowing visitors to continue enjoying this historic footbridge. It is a fun and weird experiance crossing the bridge as it sways and bounces. I think everyone should cross it at least once.
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