Croswell Swinging Bridge
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Experience the Thrill of Crossing the Black River on the Croswell Swinging Bridge

A local favorite Michigan summer thing, the Croswell Swinging Bridge is quite a neat landmark located in Croswell, Michigan. It spans across the Black River offering a nice photo opportunity, activities around it, and possibly even a little thrill. If you’ve never stopped by to enjoy it, it’s worth a visit.

What’s It Like to Cross the Croswell Swinging Bridge?

The Croswell Swinging Bridge gets its name from the bouncing, swinging motion you feel as you walk across it. The suspended cables that support the wooden plank flooring and the fenced sides allow for this gentle movement. So, as you and others walk on it, the cables excitingly bounce and sway with you.

Additionally, any wind and the movement of the water flowing under the bridge gives the illusion that it’s moving even more. Some people might find this fun and thrilling, while others find it a little intimidating. So, come and see for yourself! And don’t forget your camera, because it didn’t happen unless there are photos right?

Croswell Swinging Bridge
Black River | photo via @greatlakespaddleclub

More About the Croswell Swinging Bridge

You may be wondering why such a unique bridge is here. The Croswell Swinging Bridge was originally built in 1905 by the Michigan Sugar Company to help their employees that needed to cross over the Black River.

When the company first built it, there were just two cables to hold the wooden planks to walk on. This unstable (and probably terrifying) design needed two more cables to act as handholds, which were thankfully added. Later, the fenced sides were installed for additional safety.

Historically, a sign hung over either entrance to the bridge. Today, you’ll see a sign over the east entrance of the bridge that reads, “Be Good To Your Mother-in-Law,” however, the west entrance no longer holds the other sign that once read, “Love Ye One Another.”

Today the locals love that this bridge acts as a fun way to link the east and west sides of Riverbend Park. They even get to boast that it is the longest suspension footbridge in Michigan (with little competition throughout the state). For fun, the community hosts a yearly festival in August called the Swinging Bridge Festival. This event offers lots of fun and entertainment including cardboard boat races under the bridge, a parade, fireworks, and more.

What Else Is Around The Bridge?

There’s a lot for you to do right within walking distance of the Croswell Swinging Bridge. Being part of Riverbend Park, you can enjoy some outdoor fun including disc golf, a splash pad, a playground, and kayaking.

Black River Kayaks, located right in the park, offers kayak and canoe rentals to enjoy on the river. Conveniently, it also has transportation for you and your kayak/canoe.

Take about a 5-minute stroll from the bridge over to Frostick Freeze Icecream Parlor. Now an adorable ice cream parlor with 28 flavors to choose from, it was originally a barbershop. It even has the old barber pole outside, giving it the perfect old-school feel.

On the same block as the ice cream parlor, The Camm Cafe is a family diner that offers breakfast and lunch. This can definitely be a great spot to start your day with a hot breakfast.

Sweetwater Gourmet Deli & Bar is a 10-minute drive east from the bridge, located on the edge of Lake Huron. You can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, plus a delicious mix of delicatessen food, soup, and pizza.

A quick 2-minute drive south brings you to Thumb Roast Coffee. Grab a cup of specialty coffee to boost your day, and don’t forget a bag of grounds or beans to take home.

Lakeview Hills Golf Resort is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy a round of golf on one of the two courses. When you’re done, you can grab a meal at the restaurant and bar and consider heading back out for a second round.

Travel less than 5 minutes north to Gingersnap Park where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic. Additionally, the park offers a fun playground for children. You can also check out the Duck Pond Walking Trail about 4 minutes east of the Croswell Swinging Bridge.

Croswell Swinging Bridge
Black River | photo via @greatlakespaddleclub

Lodging Near Croswell

Want to enjoy a longer stay in Michigan’s Thumb? There are so many great summer things to do in this part of Michigan, and we’ve put together a list of places that you can stay while you explore Michigan’s Thumb this summer.

Photos of the Croswell Swinging Bridge

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