Lover's Leap Swinging Bridge

Abby Brown:

When you have a problem, the best thing to do is to get creative and come up with a solution. Even if that solution needs to be adjusted as time goes by.

This is Lover's Leap Bridge in Louisa County,  some people call it "the swinging bridge." This is actually the fourth version of this bridge. The first bridge was built to solve a problem. The problem was getting people,  and sometimes even animals, across this wide ravine without having to go around it. So it was basically a sidewalk from one street to another. The first three bridges either collapsed or had to be torn down and rebuilt,  but this version, built in 1922 by an Iowa engineer, is holding strong,  even though it has seen some improvements over the years. Columbus Junction, where the swinging bridge is located is right where two rivers meet which makes the landscape very steep and hilly. As they have for a long time the people who live here walk across the suspension bridge on their way to work or to school, it's just part of their daily routine. But this unique bridge also brings visitors from across the country, and even the world, to check it out! And it is definitely a rare sight to see in Iowa. And in case you're wondering, yeah, it does swing, it just takes a little bit of effort!  And it's a long way down to the bottom of this wooded ravine, so it is definitely an adventure to cross the swinging bridge.

Every county in Iowa has an innovative story to tell. Thanks for discovering Louisa County with me.