H o w c a n y o u n o t l o v e t h e b e a u t y a n d e n g i n e e r i n g t h a t g o e s i n t o

t h e s e a m a z i n g s t r u c t u r e s ? M a n i s t e e C o u n t y i s h o m e t o 3 v e h i c u l a r,

3 r a i l r o a d a n d 1 m a s s i v e p e d e s t r i a n b r i d g e a l o n g w i t h 2 h y d r o e l e c -

t r i c d a m s a n d 1 e g g - t a ke /s a l m o n h a r v e s t w e i r. I f y o u a r e a f a n o f

t h e s e b e a u t i f u l s t r u c t u r e s a n d a p p r e c i a t e t h e e n g i n e e r i n g , y o u a r e

s u r e t o e n j o y t h i s s e l f - g u i d e d t o u r t h r o u g h o u t M a n i s t e e C o u n t y.

A O N E D AYT R I P TO T H EB R I D G E S & D A M SO F M A N I S T E E C O U N T Y

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V I S I TMANISTEECOUNTY

East St

ManisteeLake

MAPLE STREET SWING BRIDGE: 1873THE FIRST IRON BRIDGE WITH A 160’ SPAN BUILT FOR A COST OF $18,000

SMITH STREET BRIDGE: 1894HAND OPERATED, DRUM BEARING SWING BRIDGE THAT EXISTEDPRIOR TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CURRENT MEMORIAL BRIDGE

MA N I S T E E C O U N T Y

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31

31

31

31

22

22

22

55

55

55

37

115

115

W. County Line Rd.

Quarterline Rd.

9 Mile Road

Coates Hwy.

High Bridge Rd.

13 Mile Rd.

N. Countyline Rd.

Healy Lake Rd.

Springdale Rd.

Thompsonville Rd. M

arilla Rd.

Lindy Rd.

Ness

en C

ity R

d.

Kurick Rd.

Seaman Rd.

Hoxeyville Rd.

Marilla Rd.

9 Mile Rd.

Map

le Rd

Cam

p Rd

Darr

Rd

Linke

Rd

Fox Farm Rd

Preuss Rd

Merkey Rd

River St.

Filer City Rd

Stronach RdStronach Rd

Old Stronach Rd

Steinberg Rd

Steinberg Rd

Pine Lake Rd

Guenthardt Rd

Becker Rd

Fire Tower RdSteinberg Rd

Koon Rd

E. Co. Line Rd

Red A

pple

Rd

N Custer Rd

9 Mile Bridge Rd

9 Mile Bridge Rd

W. 12 Mile Rd

Udell Hills Rd

Mad

ison

Rd

Pine Creek Rd

S. Claybank Rd

Pomeroy Rd

Glen Oaks Rd

King Rd

Skocelas Rd

Red Arrow Rd

Chicago Ave

N. Coates Hwy

Lagerquist Rd

Flarity Rd

Brewer Rd

Pole Rd

Johnson Rd

Milks Rd

Tannerville Rd

Farnsworth RdKerry Rd

Feldhak Rd

Lyman Rd

Schoedel Rd

Bar L

ake

Rd

Mille

r Rd

Piney Rd

Dontz RdKott Rd

Hill Rd

Crescent Beach Rd

8 Mile Rd

Balsam Rd

Elm Rd

Maidens RdMaidens Rd

Creamery Rd

Niemi Rd

Bigge Rd Bigge Rd

Lindroos Rd

Thompsonville Rd

Erdman Rd

11 MIle Rd11 MIle Rd

Potter Rd

Portage

Herk

elrat

h Rd

Point Dr.

13 Mile Rd

Steffens Rd

St. Pierre RdSt. Pierre Rd

Erdman Rd

Taylor Rd

Joyfield

Putne

y

Taylor Rd

Letteau Rd

Churchill Rd

Butwell Rd

Swanson Rd

Norconk RdNorconk Rd

Beall Rd

13 Mile Rd 13 Mile Rd

Plagany Rd

Read Rd

Simpson Rd

Faylor Rd

Alkire Rd

Lumley Rd Lumley Rd

Nurmberger Rd

Moore Rd

Dzulbanek Rd

Glovers Lake Rd

Glovers Lake Rd

Keillo

r Rd

Glovers Lake Rd

Potter Rd

Anderson Rd

Ziehm Rd

Big 4 Rd

Chief Rd

Jouppi Rd

Horseshoe Creek Rd

Anderson Rd

Griffith Rd

Lenz Rd

Puustinen Rd

Wilson Rd

River Rd

River Rd

Kettner Rd

Collins Rd

Tompke Rd

Milarch Rd

River Rd

Dickson Rd

Swihart Rd

Keith Rd

Clements Rd

Brethren Hwy

Seaman Rd

N. Baker Rd

N. Tippy Dam Rd

Tower Line Rd

Snyder Rd

Bosschem Rd

Laverne Rd

Husier Rd

Moss Rd

Warfield Rd

Warfield Rd

Peterson Creek Rd

StronachDam Rd

Old House Rd

Dilling Rd

Cedar Creek RdS. M

ichiga

n Rd

Hors

esho

eBe

nd R

d

Huff

Rd

W. 34 1/2 RdUppe

r Rive

r Rd

Arquil Creek Rd.

Slagle Creek RdCottage Creek Rd

W. 33 Rd

W. 26 Rd

Hodenpyle Rd

Beers Rd

Hulls Rd

Benton Rd

Valencourt Rd

Rice Rd

Yates Rd

Litzen Rd

Erwin RdErwin Rd

Erwin Rd

Uppe

r Rive

r Rd.

Wiitala Rd

SweetsRavine Rd

N.Hodenpyle Dam Rd

No. 1 Rd

Milarch Rd

Gear Rd

Lakeview Rd

Big 4 Rd

Litzen Rd

Viaduct Rd

PineLake

Pine RiverDornerLake

RoundLake

Bear Creek

Bear

Cre

ek

TippyDamPond

ClaybankLake

Big Manistee River

Big

Man

iste

e R

iver

ManisteeLake

Bar Lake

Little Manistee River

Chief Lake

DicksonLake

ClarenceLake

LakeSalma

Portage LakeLa

keM

ichi

gan

Bear Lake

ArcadiaLake

GloversLake

CopemishDam Pond

HealyLake

LakeEmma

HodenpyleDam Pond

LemonLake

GordonsLake

Dublin

Wellston

Eastlake

Kaleva

Marilla

Copemish

Brethren

Bear Lake

Arcadia

Thompsonville

Onekama

Manistee

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NORTHCOAST NORTH

WOODS

RIVER COUNTRYMANISTEEAREA

RIVERCOUNTRY

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It’s the fourth bridge that has been constructed crossing the Manistee River at Maple Street. The Maple Street Bridge is a double leafe electric bascule bridge and was constructed in 1962 replacing two iron swing bridges and a

S W I N G B R I D G EGPS: 44.251572, -86.317858

This Swing Bridge services the Marquette Rail system across the Manistee River. This plate girder swing bridge is a rare structure type in Michigan, and is one of the few remaining functional bridges in the state. Watching one of the 600’+ Great Lakes shipping liners navigate this tight opening is a sight to see. The bridge is still in good working order today and is an intersection point for the area’s industrial rail freight and shipping.

If you are gazing out to view the Swing Bridge, you are probably standing atop the 2nd attraction on the tour, the Memorial Bridge.

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M A N I S T E E R I V E RT R A I N B R I D G EGPS: 44.248344, -86.323673

The Manistee River Train Bridge is a classic truss bridge used for years to transport pedes-trians and freight across rivers and gorges. This bridge, perhaps not unique to the untrained eye, has many unique architectural details such as the dropped bottom truss chord and unusual detailing on the bridges struts. The best location to view this bridge is from the parking area in the Instalaunch Campground area.

Continue North on US-31 to the M-55 intersection and proceed east to Eastlake

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M E M O R I A L B R I D G EGPS: 44.250327, -86.319124

wooden swing bridge. The first bridge was constructed on this site in 1866, and has been a lifeline between north and south Manistee ever since. One of the most unique charac-teristics about this bridge is the single massive roller bearing for the approach and spans. Even though this bridge lacks the same architectural characteristics of the Memorial Bridge just up the river, it is still a unique bridge with a unique and interesting history.

Cross the Maple Street Bridge and make your way to US-31 North. Traveling approximate-ly 3 miles down US-31, you will reach the Instalaunch Cabins and Campground. Turn-ing into this area, you will be able to view the Manistee River Train Bridge, the next stop on the self-guided tour.

M A P L E S T R E E T B R I D G EGPS: 44.248344, -86.323673

Constructed in 1933, the Memorial Bridge is the second bridge constructed connecting the north and south sides of Manistee. Its double leafe electric bascule construction was cutting edge during its construction and is known throughout the state as one of the most exten-sively decorated bascule bridges in Michigan.

The bridge recently underwent substantial rehabilitation to preserve the ornate art deco elements that make this bridge one of the most spectacular in Michigan.

Continuing west along River Street, you will enjoy the historic architecture of downtown Manistee on your way to the second bridge in Manistee. If you want to explore the bridges in greater detail, you can make your way to the riverfront where you can walk the Riverwalk along all of Downtown Manistee.

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Road. Take Eastlake Road all the way into the Village of Stronach. Here you will turn East on Stronach Road where you will see the railroad crossing. Approximately 500’ down the tracks (Southeast) you will come across the Stronach Railroad Bridge.

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S TA R TBegin your Bridges and Dams tour in the heart of downtown Manistee at the Swing Bridge - which can be viewed from the second location on the Memorial Bridge - which is the US31/Big Manistee River crossing.

MA N I S T E E C O U NT Y

V I S I TMANISTEECOUNTY

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L I T T L E M A N I S T E E W E I R

The Little Manistee Weir is an egg-take and salmon harvest facility which is operated by the Fisheries Division-Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The weir is used to block fish on the Little Manistee River in the spring and fall of the year. Steelhead eggs are taken in the spring and Chinook Salmon eggs are taken in the fall at the Little Manistee weir. The eggs taken at the weir are sent to State Fish Hatcheries where they are raised and stocked all over Michigan. Eggs are also supplied to several other states. This is a frequent drop-in location for kayakers and paddlers looking to venture out on the Little Manistee River. The little Manistee River Weir is also an Explore the Shores site, and more information is available online at VisitManisteeCounty.com.

Since you are deep in the heart of the Manistee National Forest, we recommend backtracking out to Stronach Road where you will continue East to M-55. Turn East, and head for the Pine River Crossing and Cooley Bridge, one of the most spectacular iron bridge structures in Michigan.

The Mortimer E. Cooley Bridge is one of the few “high-level bridges” in Michigan. It is one of Michigan's more rare truss bridge types with its ornate v-lacing and lattice framework. Many people will cross this bridge unaware of the substructure below the road. It really is worth your time to get out of the car and check it out. The quality of this bridge is so high, that local and state officials created a boardwalk and pathway to the underside of the bridge so visitors could admire the engineering from the river level. This is a must see attraction if you are drawn to engineering marvels.

The Cooley Bridge was originally constructed in 1934 by the Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company and underwent major rehabilitation to preserve the structure in 1989.

GPS: 44.197245, -86.197513

The Manistee River Train Bridge is a classic truss bridge used for years to transport pedes-trians and freight across rivers and gorges. This bridge, perhaps not unique to the untrained eye, has many unique architectural details such as the dropped bottom truss chord and unusual detailing on the bridges struts. The best location to view this bridge is from the parking area in the Instalaunch Campground area.

Continue North on US-31 to the M-55 intersection and proceed east to Eastlake

S T R O N A C H R A I L B R I D G E 5

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C O O L E Y B R I D G EGPS: 44.222940, -85.904557

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Constructed in 1887, the Stronach Rail Bridge is one of the oldest bridges still in service. Its main span is 124 feet and is frequently used by CSX Rail. The bridge’s classic lines highlight a typical v-lacing bridge structure, however, a unique feature are the wooden abutments that are still intact to this day.

Continue down Stronach Road until you reach Old Stronach Road. Proceed East towards the Little Manistee River Weir.

Completed in 1918, Tippy Dam (known as Junction Hydro when it was built) was named after Charles W. Tippy, a board of directors chair for Consumers Power. Tippy is Consumers Energy’s second largest hydro dam, producing up to 20,000 kilowatts and providing electricity to approximately 6,500 customers. Tippy Dam was known for its innovation and design when built, but today, most of the people you will find around Tippy are not there for a tour. They are there fishing the very popular “tailwaters” (the water immediately flowing from the dam) trying to land that large Salmon or Steelhead. Tippy’s backwaters, almost twice the size of Hodenpyl’s, is home to many outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, boating, and camping along the shores.

The best place to view the dam is on the northern side, where there is a boat launch area, kayak portage and parking area. This area is also frequently visited by fishermen during peak river fishing seasons.

You may also reach Tippy Dam from the south via Tippy Dam Road off of M-55, however, no vehicles or pedestrians are allowed to cross the Dam, therefore, to easily continue to the next attractions on the list, we recommend viewing Tippy Dam from the northern side.

To reach the final pair of destinations on this tour, continue East on Coates Highway to Marilla Road. Turn North and continue until you reach Beers Road. Turn East on Beers Road and continue until you reach Hodenpyl Dam Road. Hodenpyl Dam Road will take you to the parking and portage area on the north side of the dam (the best side to view the dam).

T I P P Y D A MGPS: 44.259917, -85.942671

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H O D E N P Y L D A MGPS: 44.364065, -85.820260

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Completed in 1925, Hodenpyl Dam is part of Consumers Energy’s network of 13 hydroelectric dams in Northern Lower Michigan. Hodenpyl Dam was named after Anton G. Hodenpyl, one of the found-ers of what was then Consumers Power. It produces up to 17,000 kilowatts (about 48 million kilowatt-hours per year), enough electricity to serve the annual power needs of 5,000 Michigan households. When Hodenpyl Dam was created, it flooded an area known as “Fletcher Valley” which is now known as Hodenpyl Dam Pond. The pond is approximately 8.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The Federal Electric Regulatory Commission mandated that the land surrounding the pond be used for outdoor recreation. Today many boating and watersports enthusiasts frequent the area throughout the summer months. It is a fantastic area to spend the day with your boat and a group of friends, relaxing on the water.

Road. Take Eastlake Road all the way into the Village of Stronach. Here you will turn East on Stronach Road where you will see the railroad crossing. Approximately 500’ down the tracks (Southeast) you will come across the Stronach Railroad Bridge.

GPS: 44.210028, -86.267776

While High Bridge is no longer at this specific location, a marker

H I G H B R I D G EGPS: 44.267207, -86.014130

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denotes the are where the former structure once stood. High Bridge was contructed in 1889 for the Chicago and West Michigan Railway. At the time of its construction, it was the highest rail bridge in all of Michigan. By the early 1910s, the bridge was owned by the Pere Marquette Railroad and went from Grand Rapids to Traverse City. It was later acquired by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. In the late 1940s a different route was established and the structure was dissesembled in the fall of 1955.

Just to the north and west of the dam, you will find the “Little Mac” pedestrian foot bridge that spans the Big Manistee River and connects the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail loop. You can hike down the footpath from the dam to get here, or drive to Upper River Road, just off of Hodenpyl Dam Road and park in the parking area and walk down to the bridge.

MA N I S T E E C O U NT Y

V I S I TMANISTEECOUNTY

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L I T T L E M A C F O OT B R I D G EGPS: 44.365589, -85.826606

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Completed in 1925, Hodenpyl Dam is part of Consumers Energy’s network of 13 hydroelectric dams in Northern Lower Michigan. Hodenpyl Dam was named after Anton G. Hodenpyl, one of the found-ers of what was then Consumers Power. It produces up to 17,000 kilowatts (about 48 million kilowatt-hours per year), enough electricity to serve the annual power needs of 5,000 Michigan households. When Hodenpyl Dam was created, it flooded an area known as “Fletcher Valley” which is now known as Hodenpyl Dam Pond. The pond is approximately 8.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. The Federal Electric Regulatory Commission mandated that the land surrounding the pond be used for outdoor recreation. Today many boating and watersports enthusiasts frequent the area throughout the summer months. It is a fantastic area to spend the day with your boat and a group of friends, relaxing on the water.

Part of the 11-mile trail project to create the Manistee River Trail in 1992, the Suspension Bridge, or “Little Mac” Foot Bridge is a 245’ pedestrian foot bridge completed in 1996. It is the largest wooden suspension bridge in the lower peninsula.

Just to the north and west of the dam, you will find the “Little Mac” pedestrian foot bridge that spans the Big Manistee River and connects the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail loop. You can hike down the footpath from the dam to get here, or drive to Upper River Road, just off of Hodenpyl Dam Road and park in the parking area and walk down to the bridge.

HIGH BRIDGE: 1890sHIGH BRIDGE WAS A CRITICAL BRIDGE FOR THE RAILROAD OPERATIONSIN THE REGION AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY - Courtesy of Manistee Co. Historical Museum

COOLEY BRIDGE AS IT LOOKS TODAY

LITTLE MAC FOOT BRIDGE CROSSING THE BIG MANISTEE RIVER

MA N I S T E E C O U NT Y