Cheboygan Bascule Bridge

The Cheboygan Bascule Bridge is a lift bridge featuring three steel girder spans, with the central lifting section spanning about 70 feet (21 meters) across the Cheboygan River. It carries traffic along US Highway 23 while allowing boat passage underneath.

It was built in 1940 to replace an older swing bridge that dated to 1877. This was the final bascule bridge constructed in Michigan before World War II began.

The bridge serves as a familiar landmark for locals and visitors, showing how the town connects its land and water communities. You see people stop and watch whenever it lifts to let boats pass through.

Warning lights and gates signal drivers and pedestrians when the bridge is about to lift. It helps to notice these signals if you are in the area, so you can plan to cross before the lift happens or wait accordingly.

Its construction required complex engineering to handle both highway traffic on US Route 23 and river vessel navigation at the same time. This dual purpose made the design notably challenging for when it was built.

Location: Cheboygan

Official opening: December 1940

GPS coordinates: 45.64590,-84.47280

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44