American Legion Memorial Bridge

The American Legion Memorial Bridge is a concrete arch bridge spanning the Boardman River and connecting South Cass Street in Traverse City, Michigan. It features a barrel-vaulted elliptical arch design with concrete parapets and decorative urn-shaped spindles along its approaches.

Engineer Daniel B. Luten designed this reinforced concrete structure in 1929, with construction firms Aldrich & Cook and Jerome Wilhelm completing it in 1930. The bridge was named after the American Legion, an organization involved in its establishment.

The bridge received its name from the American Legion organization, with dedication plaques installed during construction to mark their involvement in its establishment.

The bridge is accessible and easy to navigate on foot, with wide pathways allowing visitors to observe the decorative details and river views. Walking or cycling across gives you time to appreciate the craftsmanship of the concrete construction and the surrounding landscape.

A major renovation in 2021 substantially renewed the structure while retaining key historical features. The project added new decorative pedestrian railings to improve safety standards while maintaining the original aesthetic quality.

Location: Traverse City

Inception: 1930

Architects: Daniel B. Luten

Official opening: 1930

GPS coordinates: 44.76139,-85.62083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41