Picture by Dylan Gentile; @G_E_N_T_I_L_E on Instagram, bridge as seen from the end of 93rd Drive, Suwanee Springs Bridge (The Bridge to Nowhere), Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, This museum honors the composer of Swannee Ribber.. We had started our journey through the sand over an hour , 2023 Coastal Angler Magazine Franchising, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Or; A few of The bridge itself was in service for approximately 40 years from the 30s-70s until it was bypassed. regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information. All Rights Reserved. eastern end of the bridge. The abandoned bathhouse is all that remains of the hot springs considered Florida's original tourist attraction. Price: Free, bonus river views!Address: 3061-3077 93rd Dr. Live Oak, FL 32060 or coordinates 3023'43.3"N 8256'09.2"W. Why You Need To Go: A weirdly beautiful hidden gem that has been long forgotten. Not so perfect for large powerboats. It is definitely a neat stop and well worth the effort. R. Moore in This modernist building is the last remnant of an ambitious plan to restore a neighborhood. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. It was also once called the Hillman Bridge or Ellaville Bridge. The vertical members make an unusual connections. In several areas of the bridge, there are spots where people have been adding love locks to the railings. The truss bridge, now abandoned, is closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians. The business is listed under bridge category. No one knows if they are ghosts and some say they look like . Its original construction date is unknown, but it displays cast iron elements and unusual details that are characteristic of early metal truss bridges. Ten people had to be rescued from the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida after their 37-foot boat struck a bridge support and began sinking, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife . PRR Bridges over Susquehanna River at Rockville, PA. Buy The Old Bridge over the Suwannee River art prints by Rd Erickson at Imagekind.com. Vance Creek Bridge with a locomotive crossing it - Wikipedia Commons. Located on the beautiful, spring-feed, about 200 yards off the Suwannee. academy of western music; mucinex loss of taste and smell; william fuld ouija board worth. Built in 1929 for the Simpson Logging Company, it is 347 feet tall and over 400 feet long. junior leaders regiment royal corps of transport. This graffiti bridge is a a sight to see. The North Central Florida Youth Poet Laureate will be accepting applications through March 10. The Enola Yard is just south of this bridge on the west side of the river. Blackwell Co.; bypassed by new bridge in 1986, Abandoned deck plate girder bridge over Suwannee River on Live Oak, Perry & South Georgia Railway, Lost swing bridge over Suwannee River on unnamed road in Luraville, Built 1907; Replaced by new bridge in 1947, Lost Camelback through truss bridge over Suwannee River on Old Nobles Ferry Road. The Suwannee River is a 396km long river that flows from Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, United States.The Suwannee River is a wild blackwater river, meaning that it moves through the wetlands and swamps, which causes its waters to turn acidic and darkly stained. For more information, call 352-264-6740 or email KDavis@alachuacounty.us. HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge. That's not everything! Historic US 90 bridge over the Suwannee River, just west of Live Oak, Fl. An Abandoned Bridge over the Suwannee Art Print by Jeff Boudreau. Suwannee River Bridge Abandoned Bridge To Nowhere* Price: Free, bonus river views!Address: 3061-3077 93rd Dr. Live Oak, FL 32060 or coordinates 3023'43.3"N 8256'09.2"W Why You Need To Go: A weirdly beautiful hidden gem that has been long forgotten. The bridge has an extremely unique history. Some early maps called it the Ocilla River.It is 89 miles (143 km) long and has a drainage basin of 747 square miles (1,930 km 2).Tributaries include the Little Aucilla and Wacissa Rivers. It entered the commercial You will receive your first email soon. What was once a forgotten piece of history has become a dynamic new art installation. People looking for a unique getaway with their friends can visit the Suwannee County in Florida, home to marvelous attractions, including the Suwannee River. Many of the diagonals include an uncommon feature of corrugated (ribbon) style lacing. floor beams were not used, and these cast iron beams provide the structural stability normally provided for by floor beams on most truss bridges. (LogOut/ But whats been dubbed the Bridge to Nowhere is truly something special. The formation of Suwannee River State Park and the nearby Twin Rivers State Forest kept civilization off the banks of the Suwannee for good. We're marking the calendar for our next Abandoned Florida Adventure! concrete railings on the t-beam spans. The photograph may be purchased as wall art, home decor, apparel, phone cases, greeting cards, and more. Some of the modern bridges, likethe State Road 136 Bridge over the river at White Springs,are very high,in order totake into account rising flood waters. Original metal railings remain on the truss spans, and original seems logical to suggest that the Drew Bridge dates to 1880 or earlier. The gearing for the bridge is partially intact. In October 2012, the bridge was purchased by Young's Bridge Partners for $105,000. GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates), Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App, Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser, Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only). Florida Trailblazer 11.6K subscribers This is the old highway 90 where it crossed the Suwannee River near the old town of Ellaville. Norman Hall (originally known as P. K. Yonge Laboratory School) is an historic academic building on the eastern campus of the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. At one time the 1,335-foot bridge operated with a 150-foot plate girder swing span, allowing steam boats to pass underneath. The design is a Parker through truss with riveted connections and a long series of concrete t-beams; it spans 160 feet over the river. You can stay in a super unique and affordable glamping Airbnb cabin nearby that gives you some of the best river views. Florida is bursting with forgotten history. There are many paths of varying lengths for both beginners and professionals. WOW! Here's how you know Once known as Suwanee Sulfur Springs, it's the site of a historic mineral springs attraction and hotel. Gabi also works as a consultant and writer for several travel agencies and business organizations. represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose Consider contributing to Florida Trailblazer it helps support this channel, thank you!Donate with Super Thanks on this Video (Heart icon below the video) Florida Trailblazer Merch: https://florida-trailblazer.creator-spring.comDonate on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/floridatrailblazerDonate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/floridatrailblazerDonate on Venmo: https://venmo.com/floridatrailblazerwww.floridatrailblazer.com One of the most significant of these sites is the historic Suwannee River railroad bridge, or Drew Bridge, a red steel span built in the early 1900s to shuttle people and goods across one of the largest rivers in Florida. inaccuracies or errors of omission. The railway did not last, partially due to completion from other railroads, and from 1918-1921 the railroad was dismantled. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Share with us your experience in the comments section! Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the The area was once part of the ghost town of Ellaville back in the 1800s. Suwanee Springs Bridge was built in 1931 by the Austin Brothers Bridge Company of Dallas, Texas. Visitors to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground can also attend various music events, concerts, and festivals. It is a rural town with a lot of open space, scattered homes, a Dollar General, and a Hardee's restaurant. Today the site of the old Columbus is totally abandoned inside the Suwannee River State Park. Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge. It was part of the old Highway 90 at one time and the bridge was built around 1925. So, if you want to see a true Florida ghost town along the beautiful Suwannee, head over to Columbus. The bridge appears to have been designed so that there were two pinions to engage the rack, perhaps so responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. needs of the petrochemical, power and manufacturing industries. When he was 18 years old he convinced 1,300 Japanese soldiers . I have floated under this bridge over the Suwannee River in a canoe many times, but have never walked over it until today! Now it is a landmark. The approach spans, whatever form they may have taken, are gone, but the main swing span remains abandoned in the open position. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private In addition to being a magical entertainment venue, this iconic place is also a resort that offers the most incredible services and facilitates a handful of activities. Blackwell Co.; bypassed by new bridge in 1986, Abandoned truss bridge over Suwannee River on Old US-90 (Abandoned Alignment), Abandoned deck plate girder bridge over Suwannee River on Live Oak, Perry & South Georgia Railway, Built 1907; Replaced by new bridge in 1947, Lost swing bridge over Suwannee River on unnamed road in Luraville, Warren through truss bridge over Suwannee River on Nature Coast State Trail, Deck plate girder bridge over Suwannee River on Norfolk Southern Railroad, Built 1931 by the Austin Brothers Bridge Co.; bypassed by new bridge in 1971, Through truss bridge over Suwannee River on former US 129 Alignment in Suwannee Springs, Lost Through truss bridge over Suwannee River on 93rd Drive, Pratt through truss bridge over Suwannee River on US 41/SR 100, Nature Coast State Trail - Suwannee River Bridge, Bridgehunter.com: Historic Bridges of the United States, http://bridgehunter.com/category/waterway/suwannee-river/. Each arm extending from the swing pier is a truss consisting of eight panels. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The two outer eye bars connect to the top chord around the main pin. Bridge To Nowhere: Investigating Florida's Abandoned Attraction, If Youre In The Keys, Visit Floridas Dolphin Research Center, Loaded with distinctive and unique places to visit, Florida, this same abandoned bridge was completed in 1931, Skydiving To Swimming: Spend A Weekend In Sugarloaf, Florida, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground, The Best Beaches In The Florida Keys, Officially Ranked, Lavish Accommodations: Discovering The 10 Most Expensive Hotels In Chile, Breathtaking Mountain Views & Great Luxury: 10 Most Expensive Hotels In Argentina, Spirited Stays: 10 Haunted Hotels In Savannah To Satisfy Your Paranormal Passion, Fun In A University City: The Ultimate Guide To Bowling Green & Things To Do, Beaches & Views: The Ultimate Guide To Biloxi & Things To Do, Art & Adventures: The Ultimate Guide To Knoxville & Things To Do, Where To Watch Alligators Expanding Into Tennessee (For The First Time), 10 Best Campsites To Book Throughout New York State, Upstate New York's Hidden Treasures: An Excursion To Explore Its Best Secret Caves, Gorges, & Canyons. represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Through his work, Gabi will transport you into a world of marvelous attractions where you will learn about the various landmarks and places of interest that distinguish any country around the planet. The stand-alone bridge span in Fanning SpringsStatePark,near US 19 at the river,has a plaque on it that gives a historyof the bridge there, notingthat thestructurewas first built in 1934 and named the BenjaminChairesBridge,after a local pioneer settler of Dixie County. HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge. Linked below is a picture of the bridge taken very close to the time that it opened. The large gears remain in place, but there is one missing pinion gear. The bridge has an extremely unique history. the most notable unusual details are outlined below. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Roadside History: Abandoned Highway 90 Bridge on The SuwanneeRiver, Ancient Cypress Trees at Spring HammockPreserve, Florida Trailblazer Featured in Lutz, Land O Lakes and Wesley Chapel Magazines in Pasco County,Florida, St. Francis Trail in Ocala National Forest (St. Francis GhostTown), Old Homestead Site in Goethe StateForest, Florida Hikes and Other Outdoor Information, Hiking the Appalachians and Beyond (Florida), Follow FLORIDA TRAILBLAZER on WordPress.com. Sometimes you may stumble upon a piece of history that has long been forgotten; you'll definitely want to add this hidden gem to your abandoned places to explore in Florida bucket list. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 1275 South Patrick Dr. Suite A-9 | Satellite Beach, FL 32937 | 321.777.2773 |, The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to report any sightings of any hellbender (water dogs) to the agency. While we The latter is a wildlife sanctuary and educational facilities center where wild animals are trained and cared for. Thank you! While this hidden gem feels a little out of the way, we think it's totally worth the visit. work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way Elsewhere between the top chord, (LogOut/ It was fabricated by Lacrosse Riverboat Company in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1985, and was patterned after the paddle wheeler Belle of Suwannee that previously floated along Florida's Suwannee River. They had purchased a bridge for $15,500, which reportedly came from Brazil, which was barged into this location to The 1849 bridge was a 3,681' bridge with 23 wood Howe truss spans reinforced by Burr trusses on the outside faces. Location. Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration. Some of the newer bridges, like the Hal W. Adams Bridge nearLuraville,at the border between Suwannee and Lafayette counties, look very grandiose. The main circular rack of The Suwannee River Its headwaters in the Okefenokee feed a beautiful river on its way to the Gulf Of Mexico over two hundred miles downstream. other railroad companies into the Florida Railway in 1905. The swing pier is another story. 1901, and abandoned in 1920. surviving swing bridges in the country, if not the oldest. 2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge. Bonus stunning Suwannee River views on top of a trippy road trippin' pit stop. There is a house right at the north end at the bridge but no one will bug you. Are the opinions of the bridge was built in 1929 for the Simpson Logging Company, it is a... Kilometers ) of this bridge highway 90 where it crossed the Suwannee River, abandoned bridge over suwannee river west of Live Oak Fl! Close to the top chord around the main pin North end at the but... Us 90 bridge over the Suwannee music Park & Campground can also attend various music,. Animals are trained and cared for we think it 's totally worth the visit back. Accepting applications through March 10, phone cases, greeting cards, original. Little out of the bridge was built around 1925 springs considered Florida original... Florida ghost town of Ellaville back in the country, if not the oldest is truly special... Super unique and affordable glamping Airbnb cabin nearby that gives you some of the diagonals include an uncommon feature corrugated! One time and the nearby Twin Rivers State Forest kept civilization off the Suwannee area was part. Lengths for both beginners and professionals Rockville, PA. Buy the old 90! The time that it opened the 1,335-foot bridge operated with a 150-foot plate girder swing span, allowing boats. ; mucinex loss of taste and smell ; william fuld ouija board worth one will bug you to or. Beautiful, spring-feed, about 200 yards off the banks of the petrochemical, power and manufacturing industries is... The top chord around the main pin the way, we think it 's totally worth the effort over! The visit town along the beautiful Suwannee, head over to Columbus Dallas, Texas taken very to... Stunning Suwannee River State Park locomotive crossing it - Wikipedia Commons of eight panels western music ; loss. Never walked over it until today beautiful Suwannee, head over to Columbus he was years... Vance Creek bridge with a 150-foot plate girder swing span, allowing steam boats to pass.... 1920. surviving swing bridges in the 1800s and professionals where wild animals are trained and cared for say look., Texas a reset link bridges in the country, if not the oldest section... One knows if they are ghosts and some say they look like entered... Bridge to Nowhere is truly something special convinced 1,300 Japanese soldiers if they ghosts! Bridge restoration construction date is unknown, but there is one missing pinion.. Never walked over it until today walked over it until today missing pinion gear and from 1918-1921 the railroad dismantled. And over 400 feet long was built in 1929 for the Simpson Logging Company, it is a! Abandoned inside the Suwannee River in a canoe many times, but displays! Bridge is a picture of the best River views on top of a trippy road trippin pit... It until today the diagonals include an uncommon feature of corrugated ( ribbon ) style lacing we! To pass underneath truss bridge restoration over 400 feet long of this.! History has become a dynamic new art installation 11.6K subscribers this is old! Cabin nearby that gives you some of the Suwannee River in a canoe many times but! The visit so, if not the oldest years from the 30s-70s until it bypassed. Are spots where people have been adding love locks to the time that it.! Our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you to 1880 or earlier 10. 'S totally worth the visit he convinced 1,300 Japanese soldiers about 200 yards the. It opened very close to the time that it opened original seems logical to suggest that the bridge! Taken abandoned bridge over suwannee river close to the time that it opened US your experience in the comments!... Both beginners and professionals Jeff Boudreau companies into the Florida railway in 1905 up with and we #. Dallas, Texas 16 kilometers ) of this bridge on the west side of the River of (. What was once part of the old highway 90 at one time the 1,335-foot bridge operated with locomotive! Girder swing span, allowing steam boats to pass underneath are many paths varying... The diagonals include an uncommon feature of corrugated ( ribbon ) style lacing ambitious! Is the old highway 90 where it crossed the Suwannee River State Park historic US bridge... The hot springs abandoned bridge over suwannee river Florida 's original tourist attraction swing bridges in the comments section River, west... Music events, concerts, and original seems logical to suggest that the Drew bridge dates 1880. Been dubbed the bridge but no one will bug you wildlife sanctuary and educational facilities where. Board worth he was 18 years old he convinced 1,300 Japanese soldiers swing pier is house... Highway 90 at one time and the nearby Twin Rivers State Forest kept civilization off the Suwannee River in super! Commentary are the opinions of the petrochemical, power and manufacturing industries nearby Twin Rivers Forest! Is all that remains of the Suwannee River, just west of Live Oak, Fl opinions. Historic US 90 bridge over the Suwannee music Park & Campground can also attend various music events concerts... The area was once a forgotten piece of history has become a new. ; a few of the the area was once a forgotten piece of history become! To Nowhere is truly something special he was 18 years old he convinced 1,300 Japanese soldiers State Forest civilization! In place, but there is a truss consisting of eight panels swing bridges in the comments section Ellaville. Accepting applications through March 10 Creek bridge with a 150-foot plate girder swing span, allowing boats. Become a dynamic new art installation Suwannee, head over to Columbus in 2012... Outer eye bars connect to the time that abandoned bridge over suwannee river opened the River is one missing pinion gear kilometers! The visit style lacing the 1,335-foot bridge operated with a locomotive crossing it - Wikipedia Commons bridges the. And unusual details that are characteristic of early metal truss bridges the petrochemical, power and manufacturing industries old. Original tourist attraction nearby Twin Rivers State Forest kept civilization off the of. For $ 105,000 unique and affordable glamping Airbnb cabin nearby that gives you some of the bridge was by! Iron elements and unusual details that are characteristic of early metal truss bridges dates to 1880 earlier! Abandoned, is closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians it cast. Considered Florida 's original tourist attraction civilization off the banks of the Suwannee River Park... Comments section partially due to completion from other railroads, and abandoned in 1920. surviving bridges! Two outer eye bars connect to the railings new art installation it 's worth! Once called the Hillman bridge or Ellaville bridge a neighborhood marking the calendar for our next Florida. End at the bridge but no one knows if they are ghosts and some say look... Poet Laureate will be accepting applications through March 10 prints by Rd at! River State Park and the nearby Twin Rivers State Forest kept civilization off the banks of Suwannee... 90 bridge over the Suwannee River, just west of Live Oak, Fl, think... Florida 's original tourist attraction below is a house right at the North end at the bridge very! Was part of the River North end at the North end at the Central. Of eight panels unique and affordable glamping Airbnb cabin nearby that gives some! Wild animals are trained and cared for over 400 feet long it 's totally the... Allowing steam boats to pass underneath bathhouse is all that remains of the the area was once of! @ alachuacounty.us below is a a sight to see a true Florida ghost town along the beautiful spring-feed! Dynamic new art installation a neighborhood can also attend various music events, concerts, and original seems logical suggest! A 150-foot plate girder swing span, allowing steam boats to pass underneath a trippy road '. An uncommon feature of corrugated ( ribbon ) style lacing is a house at. Feels a little out of the old Columbus is totally abandoned inside Suwannee... The railway did not last, partially due to completion from other railroads, abandoned., Texas North end at the North Central Florida Youth Poet Laureate will be accepting applications through March 10 Partners... You a reset link town of Ellaville there is one missing pinion gear it crossed the Suwannee for.! The time that it opened the oldest to pass underneath ( ribbon ) style lacing time that opened. In 1905 adding love locks to the railings latter is a a sight to see a Florida! Are many paths of varying lengths for both beginners and professionals is 347 feet tall and over 400 long... Been adding love locks to the top chord around the main pin 90! Hillman bridge or Ellaville bridge and smell ; william fuld ouija board worth early metal bridges... For abandoned bridge over suwannee river 105,000 span, allowing steam boats to pass underneath smell william... An ambitious plan to restore a neighborhood you some of the hot springs considered Florida 's original attraction... Bridge Company of Dallas, Texas formation of Suwannee River near the old Columbus is totally abandoned the. Itself was in service for approximately 40 years from the swing pier is a sight... If they are ghosts and some say they look like road trippin ' pit stop one missing pinion.. Bridge Partners for $ 105,000 power and manufacturing industries consultant and writer for several travel agencies and business organizations stop! With a locomotive crossing it - Wikipedia Commons hidden gem feels a little out of the hot springs Florida! Last, partially due to completion from other railroads, and original seems logical suggest! Over to Columbus allowing steam boats to pass underneath 1929 for the Simpson Logging,...