Ada Covered Bridge

The Ada Covered Bridge is a covered wooden structure spanning 125 feet across the Thornapple River in Ada Township. The bridge features wooden side walls, a gabled roof design, and uses a Brown truss framework to support its span.

William Holmes built this bridge in 1867 after Michigan state authorities authorized local borrowing for river crossing projects. A roof collapse and fire in 1979 led to its complete reconstruction with modern materials.

The bridge is named after its location on the Thornapple River and serves as a focal point for local walking routes in the area. It represents a tangible link to the engineering traditions that settlers brought to Michigan's rural communities.

This bridge serves as a pedestrian crossing over the Thornapple River, linking both banks near where the stream meets the Grand River. The structure can be visited on foot or by bicycle throughout the year.

Local farmers devised a method of securing the structure by placing heavy stones on its deck to prevent water damage during seasonal floods. This practical technique reveals how communities protected their infrastructure against nature.

Location: Ada Township

Official opening: 1867

GPS coordinates: 42.95250,-85.48630

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:04