Irish Bend Covered Bridge

Irish Bend Covered Bridge is a wooden structure that crosses Oak Creek on the Oregon State University campus. The bridge uses traditional timber framing methods that were typical of how engineers built similar crossings in the region during that era.

Built in 1954 near Monroe, the structure was moved to the university campus in 1989 after the community gathered funds for the relocation. This move marked an important moment when the region saved its history by giving it a new home.

The bridge connects the region's farming past with university life, showing how the community valued preserving its heritage. Walking across it, visitors see examples of traditional timber construction methods that were standard in rural Oregon.

The structure sits between 35th and 53rd Streets on campus and forms part of a walking route through the university's research farm area. You can explore the grounds and encounter the bridge while discovering the surrounding landscape.

The structure received recognition on the historic register twice: first in 1979 and again in 2013 following its relocation to campus. This double listing is uncommon and reflects how seriously the community took preserving this part of its past.

Location: Benton County

Inception: 1954

GPS coordinates: 44.56650,-123.30100

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41